Spa Day for Ladysmith

It is high summer, and time for Spa Day for Ladysmith!

Most of my life, bath-time for me was a jump in the creek

or a couple of buckets of water, warmed in the sun. I would go, as if to the gallows, when mom brought out my pink towel and said it was that time. I always stood and endured it – water poured over me, soaped up, rinsed. Then mom shouts “go, dog, go!” and I run like the wind. I know better than to roll, but I stop and shake hard a few times, returning to her for a dry-off.

But this week it was spa day for Ladysmith!

I don’t like to be away from my people, but I am OK with visiting Red Rover for the day. Now they have quite a place there! Dogs are chauffeured in or arrive in their own cars, in the morning. They stay and play, have lessons, run an agility course – why there are all sorts of things to do, and of course many come to be groomed; here is a furry border collie waiting for his turn –

I am a simple cowdog who does not care for crowds, and prefer to stay home. I don’t need to go for doggie daycare or lessons.

However, I did get the royal treatment, if you like a bath. Sarah is very kind and gentle with these old bones. First, I got a good tub bath, much more relaxing than mom’s bucket of water out in the yard!

She rinsed me real good, and I was patted gently to dry . Then came the blow dry – VERY LOUD but all the old hair comes out without tugging and pulling with a brush.

I believe the blower is much like being caught in a tornado but it sure gets rid of the old hair – at least all that I haven’t already left on the couch and rugs at home. My ears are covered for this to muffle the VERY LOUD blower.

Sarah also checked over my skin for anything wrong – of course I have a few lumps and bumps, but nothing new.

Then I was combed gently all over to make sure there are no tangles left, and I came out positively silky.

Sarah trims my nails, clips the long hair from my feet, cleaned out my ears. This all happens on a table where I could look out the window at a pasture of cows – what great entertainment for a cowdog!

There were some other dogs around, too, watching how the beautiful Heeler on the table was transformed into – well, an even more beautiful Heeler. One who probably smelled better, too.

It was a long day, made longer by the delay mom and dad had getting back to pick me up, but I felt so light and airy, and was happy to show off my beautiful blues and fluffy coat when they arrived. Sarah even suggested I visit a little more often, because it easier on my old joints to have a quicker, shorted grooming session.

I could feel the wind blowing right to my skin, through my light, clean coat. Every dog who loves the wind while riding in their truck, should get a bath first and see how great that feels!

I am happy to be home again, to survey my world from the porch,

and to sleep in my own bed.

I was even glad to see my cats – sort of.

And everyone admires my new soft and silky look – I think I get more petting because my people love the feel of this fur!

But for the dogs who need a daily place to stay, Red Rover sure beats home alone. Some dogs stay there for days when their people have to be gone, too. I think it is a little vacation for them; there is a lot for dogs to do there, and many people who love to play with them. I bet if you were traveling in my neck of the woods, Red Rover would be the place to stay. A big thanks to Sarah and the Red Rover crew for my Spa Day!

Check out all they do here: https://redroverboarding.com/services