In my quest to curb unnecessary spending, I am now a dog barber. My King Charles Cavaliers, Mr. Big and Mr. Small are not pleased. I cut my own bangs (sort of) and have yet to hear any unkind comments about my ‘Pippi Longstocking’ hairstyle.

Understand that my two dogs are “purebreds” (for what it’s worth) and usually sport a ‘long haired shag’ (in human terms), not sure what the cut is called in dog ‘up-do’ language.  Not wanting to offend any Cavalier breeders  (a picky bunch that seem to lurk everywhere), I simply used my own bathroom scissors (used on my husband for stray long hairs) as opposed to electric shears. Electric shears raise the possibility of a ‘ravaged by a wolverine’ look, not a style I want my dogs to sport. I once cut my son’s hair (he was too small to protest),  he looked like he recently left a car wash-on foot.

I happily clipped away until my husband entered the kitchen. “I’m sorry Mr. Small, I had no idea what your mother was up to.” Mr. Small looked up at my husband with what can only be described as a pleading look. “Get me out of here dad, it’s winter and mom is cutting off my warm coat.” 

“Shawn he  looks like he has been in a fight with a wolverine.” Craig says in a rather annoyed tone. Perhaps there is some merit to this statement, however I dare not admit this to my annoyed spouse. Funny but true.

I ignore him and continue my ‘grooming,’ happily aware that I am saving us at least sixty dollars.

Craig holds Mr. Smally as instructed so that I can admire my handiwork. Good heavens, my darling dog is sporting a hair-skirt! Somehow I missed part of his hind quarters leaving his back end partially sheared.  Not a good look for a small  King Charles Cavalier Spaniel.

Mr. Small slinks away following his grooming as his brother Mr. Big continues to hoover the floor for leftover dinner.

Mr. Small sporting his 'hair-skirt'.

Unable to catch Mr. Small to repair his hair-skirt, I located Mr. Big enjoying his favorite activity. Apparently my children taught Mr. Big a new trick ‘dishwasher diving’.

Mr. Big in the dishwasher.

I have yet to find the humor in Mr. Big’s trick.