Owner’s Perspective

Do you know what it’s like to be the villain of your dog’s existence? The perpetrator of such heinous acts that even a belly rub won’t appease? Well, now I do. It all started with the most well-intentioned of actions. On this particular Sunday, I decided my dog, Dexter, needed a trim. He’d been swimming a lot with the summer heat, and his hair was getting so shaggy it retained water for days.

Here’s where I went wrong. Dog groomers are booked months in advance these days, and in my fit of reckless ambition, I thought, “How hard can it be? I have scissors. I have a comb. And boy, do I have confidence!” (This should be the part where you shake your head at my simple, naive mindset.) My motives were pure: I wanted Dexter to be comfortable, to stop resembling a woodland creature, and perhaps to regain access to our furniture.

Dexter had other ideas. The moment I tried to trim him and he saw me approach with scissors — well, his excitement dropped faster than my credit score. His normally perky tail curled under, his ears dropped, and he gave me the look. If you’ve ever accidentally stepped on your dog’s paw, you know the look. Pure, heart-wrenching accusation.

Dramatically, he slinked off, scrambling his bulky form onto the couch for protection, and glared at me. That look could basically communicate, “You’re cutting me out of your life.” My trusty scissors suddenly felt like daggers. The guilt was real and immediate.

A Tale According to Dexter

Let me lay it out for you nice and clear. The owner must be out of her MIND. I’m Dexter. I’m a beautiful, shaggy beast, and my flowing mane is everything. It’s my STATEMENT. She just… she just wouldn’t GET it.

Here I was, living my best Sunday life, sunning in the lounge, waiting for our afternoon jaunt in the garden. She looked at me, and I saw a glint in her eye — danger, danger! But foolish as I am, I simply wagged my tail, blissfully unaware of the BETRAYAL lurking around the corner.

Then out came the SCISSORS. My own human, in her audacity, came at me like a suburban Edward Scissorhands. She said, “Trust me, Dexter. This will be fun!” Fun!? This was more hurtful than the time she gave the cat my favorite chew toy. INSTANT BETRAYAL. I felt my dignity evaporate with each snip.

Calling upon my inner husky, I fled the scene of the crime, dignified, tail tucked beneath me. I perched on my couch and gave her the stare of the betrayed. When will my human restore my dignity?

How Peace Was Restored

At the sight of my tail-tucking, dignity-stripped fur companion, I knew I had to make this right. The clippers were put back to the safety of the drawer, and I picked up my phone. The heroes who would restore peace to my household? The folks at The Hungry Puppy. A quick visit to their website, a few clicks, and I was on my way to redemption: I’d ordered the FURminator deshedding tool. Dexter had always enjoyed being brushed, and with this tool, we could manage his coat without the scissors of disgrace.

The moment the FURminator arrived, Dexter’s demeanor made a complete switch. The scent of the new package, the crinkle of the box… his tail started wagging like he was auditioning for a metronome role.

When I ran the FURminator over him gently, he melted into it. Happily sprawled on the living room rug, his eyes closed, tail thumping rhythmically. After an hour of grooming and what seemed like enough fur to stuff a small mattress, Dexter looked up at me, his eyes bright and full of forgiveness. He had his dignity back, and without the matting, he was a much cooler and happier pooch.

Crisis averted. Fear of scissors defeated. Dog no longer hates me (and I’ve probably extended my furry stylists’ holiday fund).

Check out The Hungry Puppy for all your fur-trimming and grooming needs. Let’s face it, we’re all just trying to avoid being disowned by our pets.

• 🐕 The FURminator — for hours of harmlessly bonding with your pet
• 🏪 In-store shopping — Bring your pup for the full experience
• 💚 Lots of love — We get it. We’re dog people too.