A volunteer brought the dogs to us and I was unprepared for what I saw. There were seven Shih-Tzus ranging in age from about six months to a year and a half. They were starving, covered in urine and feces, and severely matted. The stench was overwhelming. Each dog was bathed, shaved and bathed again, followed by nail trimming, ear cleaning and tidying whatever hair was left. The shaving was difficult and tedious, I'd never before worked on such pitiful pups. What was most surprising was their wonderful dispositions. They were sweet and lovable throughout the long process, as if they knew their luck had changed. It quickly became obvious that they had never known potty training back to the tub with the clean ones! In the end, seven Shih-Tzus moved on to new homes and brighter futures. We were exhausted, but in that good way, when you know you did the right thing.

Groomer: Jan I'Aboni
Location: Creature Comforts, S. Portland, ME