Got a little added insight on this topic this morning, Leslie. I went by a new groomer, which is much closer to my house, to investigate on the cost of having Honey and Lilly bathed, etc. (so I can take their picture for my Christmas cards ) Anyway, I was very impressed. It's called The Shaggy Dog, and was very clean, quiet, etc. She gave me a tour. They had spacious runs for the dogs while they are there. She said she would charge between $25-$30 per Golden Retriever and that included bathing, drying, combing, clipping nails, shaving around paw pads (that's never been done ), cleaning ears, and one more that I forgot to mention to Pam in an earlier email, expressing the anal glands! My last groomer charged I think $20, but everything was extra over and above the bath and drying.

So, Honey and Lilly are scheduled for next Wednesday morning at 8. We'll see how it goes. I simply can't bathe them at home in the wintertime. I don't have a good setup, besides, it will be worth it with all they are going to do!