It's warming up

 A heatwave is expected over the next few days, with temperatures expected to peak in the low 30's on Monday.

Both 30% and I enjoy the warm weather, but it is no fun for the dogs. Both Whiffler and Hobson currently have quite long coats. It is, therefore, time for them to be clipped.

A couple of #5FC (6.3mm) blades* were ordered a couple of days ago, and were due to arrive today. In the meantime, I set to trimming Whiffler's topknot and ears. It seems that the students at the grooming school have opted to style Whiffler with a luxuriant topknot and ears.  These have developed tangles and knots over recent weeks and it is time for some serious pruning.

I spent this morning attending to his coiffure with anti-tangle spray, a comb and hairdressing scissors. After much faffing around, I am reasonably pleased with the result.  Although, I have to admit that, as long as the scissors are close at hand, there is always a tendency to just tidy up a minor imperfection.

Phil the postie arrived with perfect timing, and the #5 blades were unpacked and put to work.

Over the next couple of hours, Whiffler's coat was shorn right back. We took several breaks to allow him to rest, and for me to vacuum up the clippings.

At the end of the day, he looks quite respectable, and I just need to tidy up his rear feet to finish off the job.

As I mentioned yesterday, Whiffler is about to celebrate his eleventh birthday, and it is apparent that he now a senior citizen. The Grooming School have advised that he copes with grooming sessions well, but I have my suspicions that there is an element of self-interest involved.

He has a very calm nature and is, therefore, an ideal candidate for an inexperienced student. Today I noticed how quickly he became fatigued. It is definitely time he was retired and groomed at his own pace at home.

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* #7FC blades cut the coat to 3.1mm, which is probably a little short when we consider when they are next scheduled to be clipped.