The best way out of fear is to test it.
I had my new puppy for about 6 months before moving to another state. She had fluffy puppy hair and because I saw her every day, I didn’t really think anything of it. I did buy a pair of clippers and cut her hair a couple times. I didn’t think about it much.
In my new neighborhood, there was a lot of doggies and owners. We met quite a few of them at the park nearby. Some were friendly, others spoke with their actions. I was paying attention to every detail around this time. I noticed that many people we met (to let the dogs sniff each other), would always ask about Nena. Then they would ask what breed she was, how old she was, then ask about the groomer.
After one time in particular, I thought, ‘what is this obsession with the groomer? Is this some kind of code? What is at the groomer?’ I became a better listener during this time because I was now aware and knew what was about to come out of their mouth. The groomer. The groomer again.
The next round was, ‘I couldn’t get into the groomer, because of covid. My appointment was cancelled.’ This happened to multiple people. I took a mental note to reflect on. This was a bit of time after what I believed covid to be over, sounds suspicious. All the groomers are cancelling…
I was a little defensive. I said to them privately, ‘She is a dog! She is not required to look good for you, or anyone. It’s bad enough we have to put up with these charades, now our dogs have to look good too!’
The people noticed when I shaved her. ‘Oh, someone got a haircut!’
‘Yes, I gave her a haircut,’ proud of myself, ‘We missed a couple spots.’
‘Yes…I can see that.’
I let them bring up the groomer and just kept on clipping her hair myself… Time passed. I moved to a different neighborhood. They were also into groomers. One of them tried to trick me into going to the groomer and invited to take Nena to the groomer. Also, this was a really nice gift. Okay, fine. *
Photo: Nena after getting groomed.
She came back, looking awesome. Super cute. Obvious difference in a professional haircut, which I already knew.
A little more time passed. I was looking over my photo gallery of Nena pictures from present to past, when I suddenly saw something shocking. Time shapes us. I pulled a picture from the neighborhood grooming enforcers. I burst out laughing.
With time, even I could see it.
Nena was an absolute fluff ball back then. I just loved her as is, completely.
No conspiracy, just a bit of hair peer pressure.
Control comes in many ways. She is a doodle, so like other dogs shed, she grows hair that needs to be brushed very often or it will get matted.
Photo left: exact time when the conspiracy started. Photo right: same time period, after I gave her a haircut. 😂
*(Now I am different. I would not let anyone take my dog anywhere, ever.
Thank you for offering though.🥹)