This is Geordie, the original Bitey Dog. Geordie was my first pup, and I learned a lot about dog grooming from him. When I got Geordie, I was unfamiliar with Cairn haircuts, so I let him grow long and shaggy. This meant that I had to brush him pretty much every day. Later family got me a pair of clippers and insisted, “Trim that dog already!”. During his whole life I brushed Geordie and stripped his fur, trimmed his nails and brushed his teeth. I even trimmed the matted fur that developed between his pads when he walked in snow.

Not being able to take care of Toby makes me feel like a failure. Looking back on these photos, though, makes me think that I am not necessarily terrible at grooming – just understanding doggie mental health.

Hope you are having yet another perfect day in Heaven my beautiful boy.

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Tell your special someone you love them without saying a word. This novelty American Sign Language Alien Hand Pillow shows the ASL sign for “I Love You”. This would make a unique Christmas present for someone you care about.

ASL Alien Hand Pillow is available from my shop at L Bowman Studios.