In the 38 years that I have been grooming, I have seen and groomed almost everything one can imagine. Many have been challenges, but none as much as Moxi. She is a one and a half year old Kerry Blue terrier. Her owner called me on a Tuesday and asked if I would be able to fit a Kerry in for grooming that week. She further informed me that the dog was entered in the show that up coming weekend. I really didn't have room, but after considerable begging (on the owners part) I agreed to groom her on that Friday so she would be fresh for the show. Of course, my mistake was thinking she couldn't be in too bad of shape because, after all, she was a show dog. Wrong! She had 7 months growth of coat, matted to the skin in areas, hay, straw and various other twigs were entangled in the coat from the horse pasture! You could have grown potatoes in her ears with the amount of dirt I found (no infection thank goodness). Here eyes were so full of eye matter that I doubt she could see very well. My first thought was, there is no way I can get this dog in shape for the next days show! All I would promise the owner is that I would try my best and that I was not giving any guarantees that she would be able to be shown the next day. After spending a total of 6 hours (two bathes and tons of conditioner, complete hand drying, 3 hours dematting, and 2 hours finishing work), Moxi was ready to go home and rest! I have to give the little girl credit, she was a perfect angel throughout the process. Wondering if she went to the show? Yes she did, and she won the points on the first day! Her owner keeps her brushed now and I see her for a full groom every 5 weeks. She's actually happy to walk through the door of the shop now!