Getting groomed

While Gabriel relaxes from his little adventure, let me give you a little update.

In my previous post I mentioned that Gabriel had matted hair on his chest and that he was going to the vet.  Well, not really the vet, the groomer, but he is located in the vet's office.

That visit happened this morning.  First order of business was getting Gabriel in a cat carrier.  It’s a good thing mom has two carriers, because the first one was too small (or Gabriel too big).

Off they went in a cab and some 45 minutes later they were back.  They following is what I overheard mom telling Dieter.

Gabriel complained about this kind of treatment all the way to the vet’s office.  He made himself heard on the way to the elevators; he babbled non-stop in the car; and he continued his protest in the vet’s office.  There were a few dogs in the vet's office and they instantly stopped barking when they heard Gabriel's litany.

Since he had an appointment he didn’t have to wait.  Mom explained what needed to be done and one of the technicians whisked him away.

Ten minutes later the technician was back, informing mom that Gabriel’s nails were very long and if she could trim them.  The okay was given.  As long as he was there, might as well make the most of it.

When Gabriel was delivered back to the reception area, the technician informed mom that Gabriel had been as good as gold.  Apparently the technician’s helper had scooped him up in her arms and from there on Gabriel didn’t care what happened to him.  He didn’t bit or scratch, he didn’t even complain, he just lay back and let the knots be shaved from his fur.

When Gabe was home again, he got some treats.  Well, we all got some, but I think he got a few extra.

The cost of this little adventure ... $16,61.

A bad hair day

As you can see Gabriel is in a bad mood.  From what I hear he's going to the vet.  Not to worry, his not sick or injured, he’s going to the vet because of his hair.  It’s a bit matted.

Mom tried to shave him herself, but that didn’t work at all.  This morning was actually the second time she attempted to do this.  The first time she tried to do so in the kitchen and all was fine until she switched on the shaver.  Gabriel got a fright, ran like the wind and went into hiding.

Mom proceeded to consult some of her cat friends, who all told her the same thing: take the cat in the bathroom, have someone hold him by the scruff of his neck and then quickly do the shaving.  It sounds simple enough, doesn’t it?  Yeah right.

Like I said, this morning mom gave it another shot.  She took Gabriel in the bathroom and Dieter went along to hold him.  Seconds after I heard the shaver being switched on WWIII broke out. 

Gabriel left the bathroom first (in a bit of a hurry I might add), followed by mom and Dieter.  They agreed right there and then that taking Gabriel to the vet might be a better idea.

Even though I have no personal experience in this matter, I do know that the pros have a way of handling pets.  They do this sort of thing every day, so they know what they’re doing, and this in turn puts us pets more at ease. 

It makes sense I suppose.  Humans go to the baker for bread; consult a plumber for a leaky pipe; and go to a stylist when they need a haircut; so why where it comes to pet care do they think themselves qualified to handle the job themselves?