08/19/2026
Yesterday, I took Maeve for her very first big summer blowout. This is that story.
First off, Duncan's Pawfect Day Spaw couldn’t have done a better job despite the circumstances, and I deeply appreciate their willingness to go on this wild adventure with us.
Second, Maeve will almost certainly never be professionally groomed again.
Water has never been an issue for my fluffy monster, but an unexpected step up can completely derail a day's plans. Unfortunately, the bath spa sat four steps off the ground. This required two small-framed women to grab Maeve's front paws, then her back paws, and hoist her massive frame into the tub.
Thinking the hard part was over, I turned to sit down.
That’s when Maeve launched into her finest humpback whale impression, breaching the edge of the tub and slamming back-first into the groomer. The impact knocked them both straight to the floor.
I would have called it right then and there, but the groomer was made of sturdier stuff. We pressed on.
Two and a half hours later, Maeve emerged brushed, blow-dried, and thoroughly on her way.
She trotted out to the truck looking like a million bucks, completely oblivious to the chaos left in her wake. As for me, I tipped the groomer heavily, apologized profusely, and quietly swore to stick to the garden hose at home from here on out.
