The Dog Wash

It all happened because my 2 fur people were overdue with their haircuts. Our lovely groomer had double booked herself and so we had to reschedule, another 4 weeks later. As they are standard poodles it is not an easy feat to give them as bath, especially not if you are trying to do this in your bathtub. A little easier in the summer with a garden hose but not in January.

By now they are starting to get a bit smelly and definitely dirty. Their elegant tiny feet have turned into floppy paws with lots of hair and make a big mess every time they get wet, muddy, or sandy which of course happens daily. Either due to the rain or the countless puddles, creeks, and beaches. The younger one can’t walk past any body of water without jumping right into it or racing through every mucky pool he can find. A true retriever!

Did you know that poodles are actual hunting dogs like golden retrievers and that they are related to water dogs? That explains a lot! And although these two don’t “look” dirty, they are! It becomes very obvious when you meet a golden doodle or any other light coloured dog. In the black version it just doesn’t show.

So I had heard about this dog washing station in Esquimalt. A “do it yourself place” and I decided to check it out. Fully automated and we had so much fun. Actually I had the fun! My dogs were not so sure.

You walk in and you can either purchase 12 minutes for 12 dollars or a multi dog wash card for $60.00 which gives you 6 washes, so basically 1 wash will cost you $10.00. There is also the option of purchasing additional time which I needed for my big dogs. You have to make sure though you add additional time right when it runs out or you loose the coins you feed the machine which happened to me with dog number two.

There are detailed instructions how to secure the dog and which program to use. Optional flea shampoo, conditioning rinse, blow drying, all done while your dog is secured in the stall.

I washed the older one, Luke, first and he was very cooperative. He put a suffering look on but I had a blast. I was talking to them calmly, humming and singing the whole time as if I was in the shower myself. Luckily we were all alone in there and I totally loved the intense experience. I was probably just as wet when we left as the dogs as they still weren’t completely dry.

Luke shook himself quite a few times after the bath was over which really helped the drying process.

Then it was time to switch and it was Yoda’s turn. Of course he was a bit intimidated as he had watched the whole procedure already. And although he absolutely loves water having a shower was different.

Conveniently if you forget to bring treats you can by some there as well. We got dehydrated beef lung puffs which was definitely worth the procedure for them I think. And I walked out with 2 clean, slightly wet dogs that turned into fluffy, soft coated, gorgeous poodles in no time. It didn’t last too long but it was so worth it.

Took them for a nice walk in the forest after and a nice bone later at home. Two very tired puppies!