Saturday, July 6, 2013

Todd the Westie

I want to preface this post by saying that I'm not by nature someone who complains about customer service.  I usually don't send food back, and I don't enjoy embarrassing or battling someone over a service, unless I feel really strongly that it's warranted, and then I try very hard to 'stay calm.'  That said, in the two years that I've had Todd, he's only gone to one groomer and I've always been pleased. Which was why when "Irina" (who also grooms Charlie and the other dogs) had to cancel Todd's appointment because she had to go out of town, I was fine with that.
But then I decided Todd couldn't wait a couple of more weeks. So, even though we are in a serious seven year committed relationship with our groomer Irina, I made an appointment for Todd some where else. Yes, I was feeling a little bit guilty.  But I couldn't resist the temptation, especially when they told me it would only take them an hour, as opposed to leaving Todd there the entire day and it would be less expensive. They are also right next to my vets office, and where I buy dog food, and I can I just mention that the shop is also owned by the same person who ran the daycare Todd attended?  How could what seemed so right be wrong?
Well, I think it kind of did end up being wrong.  I am mostly happy with how Todd looks, but I really think he has a wee bit of a West Highland Terrier appearance now--I know, I know, I'm being too particular and I shouldn't be, but I'm obsessive compulsive about these things.  Todd's neck and parts of his face should have been shaved, and his beard, eyebrows and mustache should have been shaped into that square characteristic look of a Scottie, and it's not....I guess I just really like him to look like a Scottie, at least part of the time.  But obviously the groomer is like others that gets the two breeds mixed up.
Todd should have looked more like this:
See what I mean??  I noticed it right away, but not wanting to cause a stir I didn't complain when I picked Todd up.  But later I did write a 3-star review online which quickly got the attention of the owner, who has offered to 'touch up' the mistakes I feel were made. I responded back that I appreciated it, but that it wasn't necessary because Todd doesn't seem to notice that he doesn't look much like a Scottish Terrier.  Plus none of the dogs are making fun of him, and he was happy afterwards.
 I guess that's what really matters.

47 comments:

  1. Hi Kim, I get what your saying, but.....Todd would be a beauty if he were completely shaved. The last groomer I used, well, I actually walked in and took Sophie in the middle of her bath. Oh my, what an experience. We have cut her ourselves ever since because hubby won't let her go back to a groomer due to her experience there :(

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  2. I don't see the mistake, but I've never had a dog that required a groomer... ours are short haired. What did she do wrong if you don't mind me asking.

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  3. Poor Todd. A Scottie masquerading as a Westie . Shame ! Could have been worse. Our previous two were turned into Schnauzers by a groomer in Avignon. Thankfully, it all grows out.

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  4. Anyway you cut it, Todd is just too dang cute. Glad his sibs are fine with his new do. :) Happy Day Kim.

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  5. You are too funny, "Plus none of the dogs are making fun of him". I think Todd is adorable no matter what breed his is pretending to be.

    Cindy

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  6. The nice thing about hair/fur - it does grow out. I wouldn't have been too happy either. But, that's just me.

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  7. I changed groomers several times when I had my Sophie, an Airedale. Not because I was fussy about her cut, but a few of them left burn marks from their clippers. Argggh. We have very good groomers for our two dogs now and the dogs love going. It's not about the cut for me, it's about the care and professionalism.

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  8. You are right, they didnt shape him very well. I have Todd sister here in DC, and it takes about 3 hours at the groomer

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  9. I'm so sorry you were disappointed. He's still a cutie though and it will grow back. I'm glad you wrote a review!

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  10. He's still gorgeous. Hair will grow back. It's great that they responded so quickly to your feedback!

    Rubies mum xxx

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  11. Aww, poor little Todd coming out looking wrong...I prefer the 'splattered mud look' personally, lol.

    (oh and Kim, thanks for following my new blog - that was a bit of a bummer yesterday, but heyho)

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  12. That's the great thing about dogs, they really don't care. I read the previous post too and loved to see Cissy enjoying herself. And Wendy, oh, how fabulous that she is 16. That's very old for a large dog and of course it tells the story of how well you care for, and how much you love, your dogs. Congratulations on this anniversary. You are so great!

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  13. I can see why you were disappointed but just think of Toddie usually up to his knees in mud or having rolled in wet grass and maybe you won't be too bothered about it. Grows out fast and hopefully Irina will be back soon!

    Cheers,
    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  14. he's adorable no matter what. :)

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  15. We had the same thing with Miggs one time at the same place . We take her to Pet Smart to get the spa treatment and the first three times they did a great job , this time in April she had been done by another employee who didn't do a good job at all and complained about her not wanting her face done well for one we told her Miggs is fussy with other people around her face and two she is just nosey and wants to see what your doing . Well we did her bath and shaved her our selves a week ago as our Aunt had a pet shaver from her days of grooming and gave it to us Not one problem with her at all she was soo good . I guess some people just don't have what it takes to handle a dog in the grooming department ! I think Todd looks good . I would of figured by his shape and bone structure he was a cross of both Scottie and Westie ! I guess as long as he is cooler and happy that's what counts lol ! Lovely photos . Have a good day !

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  16. Well I still think he looks adorable

    Stop on by for a visit
    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

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  17. Love that last photo! Todd says, "grooming-schooming!"

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  18. I can understand your angst even though I think Todd looks too sweet for words. (I know nothing about what Scotties and Westies should look like in terms of their breed standards)
    Since I do all the Golden's grooming in our household, I don't get to battle with any groomers. Who does your Goldens?
    Anyway, thanks for 'keeping blogging' :) (You blogger's block blog post got me going again :) Thanks! )
    sending lotsaluv
    c

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  19. Well from our of view we know what he is, cause during the winter we look like little black bears, don't bug us, we will take Todd no matter how he cut!

    The Mad Scots and Trainee

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  20. Oh oh, Todd in cognetto.....he still looks adorable....but know what you mean.....Blessings Francine.

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  21. Ohhhh, I'd kiss that face even if he had a handlebar mustache....

    Kit

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  22. What a disappointment. SHE does like that woolly bear look when we get shaggy, but if SHE's paid for a scottie groom...that's what she wants. Maybe they thought scotties are black.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  23. i cannot tell a lie. i like the westie look! the other shaved style looks very close to a schnauzer to me! like a commenter said... he's adorable either way!

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  24. lol. I can tell from the photos that Todd is a happy boy, and is rather unfazed about the whole 'wrong' haircut thing. He's still awesome, smiling Todd. I can see what you mean though, when you say he looks a little Westie-ish. :) I can tell from the pics you posted here, but if i just saw Todd by himself, and not next to a Scottie, i wouldn't be able to tell. On the other hand, there was a time i, myself, went for a haircut at another hairdresser than my 'regular'.. but i won't talk about that... lol again.

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  25. Oh Kim, I feel ya on this one! I get Edgar groomed about 4 times a year, so he's pretty shaggy and unrecognizable as a Scottie to an untrained eye by the time he gets to the groomer. My favorite part is when he comes out looking like a jaunty little scot again! I'd be disappointed too!

    Edgar's mum (Katie)

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  26. I can't tell the difference between champagne and wine. Diet or regular, for the most part; and lots of other things. Sadly, I only know Todd is a Scottie because you tell me so.

    But I am just like you. I don't like to rock the boat either.
    And as you say, as long as Todd is happy, you probably did fine. Especially as it cost you less.

    *hugs* ♥ :-)

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  27. BOL - he doesn't quite look right, but, it is hair and mistakes grow back. Would it have been good to bring him back with a picture? Maybe they could learn for future Scotties?

    Sam

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  28. I do get what your saying Kim. Your regular groomer will be back and this will all be a thing of the past. The jokes on Todd, glad the other dogs chose not to take advantage of it ;)

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  30. Those of us who are familiar with the breed difference would notice the haircut, but I think the groomer did a nice job regardless.
    Oftentimes I would completely shave my Yorkies down, face and all, to some owners that's a HUGE faux pas. I was always happy just as long as the dog was :)
    Todd looks happy !
    ~Jo

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  31. It is so hard to find a groomer that is a perfect fit. Todd looks darling, no matter what :) Seriously a super cutie!

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  33. Golden LAUGHS! The gang didn't mind it. My dad groomed me when we were in HI. Just could not trust anyone. Hope Charlie's appt will be better. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  34. Todd looks happy, but I'm guessing you will appreciate Irina even more now!

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  35. Todd does look like a westie and not a scottie. Once I took JAzzi to a different groomer due to not being able to get into ours. The lady cut her like a schnauzer AAhhhhhhhh Needless to say we never went back there again and now ONLY go to our groomer. Lesson learned.

    wags
    Diana and Jazzi

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  36. Todd,, when we look at you-- well you always make us smile!
    love
    tweedles

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  37. Perhaps the groomer "googled" the wrong breed!!!...:)JP

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  38. Todd, you look just like your dear old Da, who obviously needs to be groomed!! He gets that round little "westie" face too!!

    I love you no matter what you look like - you're one of my "sweetie-wheaties"!!

    xo
    Lynn

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  39. No groomers here so I can't see the difference. Hey, it will grow out :)

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  40. Todd is handsome, no matter what!...and oh! those bunnies! The sweetest!

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  41. Your right - it's so hard. It seems nit-picky but it really isn't. You paid for a specific service and didn't get it. I don't think I'd want them to "touch him up" for fear it would get worse. You crack me up though, that he doesn't notice and the others aren't picking on him. :) Very cute.

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  42. You're very kind hearted Kim. :-) I bet your complaint was even nice. ;-)

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  43. You're very kind hearted Kim. :-) I bet your complaint was even nice. ;-)

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  44. We had one groomer who trimmed all the dogs to look like Schnauzers. I guess that was the only cut she knew.

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  45. For us girls, not many things are worse than a bag haircut, but Todd, like many guys, doesn't seem to mind at all :)

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  46. When we had our Golden I went through at least 5 groomers before I found one that I thought groomed him correctly. Sometimes he would come back and his paws wouldn't be trimmed, or his ears, or his tail would be hacked up. I could have bathed him myself, I needed the clipping.

    Of course Todd looks cute whatever his grooming.

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  47. I am not a detail person but I definitely see what you're talking about. But, you're right - Todd doesn't care. He's a happy guy, regardless of his haircut :)

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