Service Dogs are not all fun (pics too)

I have heard so many times form people in the public and online comment on how lucky I am to be able to bring Sheena everywhere I go and how they wish they could bring their pet with them everywhere. Many people think it is all fun and easy to bring a Service Dog out into public. But they don't see the other side of things. They don't see the hard work it is to keep the gear clean and ready, to keep the dog completely spotless and so on even when you are not feeling good. Take today for example. We had to go and get our taxes done today so this morning I had to give Sheena a bath. Here is the problem. I have been really sick and weak for the past two weeks. So bathing a big White Shepherd, brushing her several times as she dries, clipping her claws and the fur on her pads, cleaning her teeth, ears and so forth was NOT an easy matter. Took me over 3 hours to get it all done just to be able to leave the house for a 30 minute appointment. By the time all was done and ready I was in so much pain and so exhausted I did not want to go anywhere. I just wanted to crawl into bed and sleep.

I love Sheena and I see her as my lifeline to the world outside but having her is not all fun. I would never change the fact that I have her but if I could wake up one day and suddenly not have my disability and be able to leave her at home I would in a heart beat. I just wanted to be able to share with you all the other side of the coin and that when you see a service dog team it is not always as simple a matter as throwing a vest or harness on and walking out the door. Tons of work went into being able to leave the house. Sorry for the depressing post. I am just having a really bad day sick wise.

But on a brighter note doesn't Sheena look great after all that hard work?

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...pphpauplCk.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...pphpHjlOvv.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...pphpSYzp8s.jpg

Nicole

She is wonderful!! Woofderful.. lollllllllll.. :D

Sheena is a gorgeous dog!! Even if she was covered i mud, she would be drop dead gorgeous! But you did a fantastic Job, even though you realy didnt want to! Job well done!!!:D

She is beautiful. But, try doing all of that grooming to 4 dogs every week. ;)

Great post Nichole! This is another side of the coin that too many people are not aware of and should be. Sheena looks great!

Thanks so much everyone.

critter crazy: trust me if you had seen Sheena covered in mud after a 2 hour frolick in a pond you might not think the same way. On that day she was still my wonderful girl but was completely gross. lol

Kfamr - NO THANK YOU. lol Doing all this grooming once a week(sometimes more if I am going to a grocery store or restraunt) on one dog is plenty for me. I am so glad we only do this to Luca once every 6 weeks or so.

applesmom - Thanks. That is why I wanted to post it. I didn't add the hard part of getting our toddler ready as well. Sometimes it is more work to get Sheena ready to go out then it is our toddler. lol
Nicole

Wow! That is eye opening. I guess I never thought about all that.
Well, Sheena is a beautiful girl! :D
And I'm sorry you're not feeling well.

I must say, she does look rather marvalous! :D

She is absolutely beautiful!! You did a great job with her :)

She is absolutely gorgeous - just don't let her outside to find mud to roll in!
Sending hugs and kisses to you and your spun-sugar girl!

Indeedy! Absolutely beautiful! :D

Sheena looks stunning. Elvis and Tinny's (BCs) Uncle is an assistance dog to his human Mum and does a wonderful job, so i know how much work is put into these amazing animals ;).

Astro (Assistance dog) far right, with Tinny in the middle and Elvis on the left...

She's gorgeous! I think I'd have to call the mobile groomer if it took three hours to groom my dog! Yikes! I would be frustrated and tired, too! I think I've only given Finn three complete baths in his entire three years! :) I love my low maintenance doggie.

Nicole- I know washing a big dog is hard work, but this is what I use and it makes the washing alot easier. The sprayer does a good job and makes rinsing a piece of cake. Here is the link for the sprayer.
Also- someone told me they use a shop vac- in the reverse side of the hose, to blow the water off. It WORKS! One day I hope to have a real metro dryer, but its on one of those wish lists that never seems to go anywhere.. lol. http://www.petsmart.com/global/produ...N=2026059&Ne=2

Nicole,Sheena is beautiful. :) Hope you Feel better soon.