Woof woof, fellow canines and curious humans! Jaxx here, reporting live from the freshly groomed, still-a-little-damp aftermath of my latest spa day at Mystical Pawprints Benoni. And let me tell you, this wasn’t just any grooming session. Oh no, this was a double-dog dare involving my new, slightly bewildered sidekick, Blacky!
You see, Blacky is a recent addition to the farm family – adopted from the Benoni SPCA last month – she’s a year-old sheepdog who’s still figuring out that sheep aren’t the only things in the world. She’s a good girl, a bit clumsy, and prone to looking utterly confused, which makes her excellent comedic relief.
Apparently, the SPCA named her Blacky and when her new mom, Lenie (the Fossil’s sister-in-law), tried to rename her BB (short for ‘Black Bitch’) she wouldn’t respond, so Blacky she is. We’re now a pack of four dogs on the farm, there’s me, Dusty (a sleek old greyhound), Layla (a cattle dog) and now Blacky who keeps Layla rounded up (it’s weird watching two dogs trying to herd each other). Sadly, my husky buddy, Shadow passed away a few months ago. RIP mate!
Our humans, Lenie and The Fossil (the two-legged creatures who provide food and belly rubs), decided it was time for Blacky to experience the full Pamper Paw-sibility, and naturally, I, the seasoned veteran, had to go along for moral support… and to hog the treats.
We arrived at Mystical Pawprints, and the moment Blacky saw the bubbles, her eyes went wide. I tried to communicate telepathically, “Don’t worry, little sister, it’s just water! And then they brush you! And sometimes there are treats!” But she just whimpered and tried to hide behind the groomer, Prichard’s, legs. Classic Blacky.
First up was me, the majestic Jaxx Husky. I strutted in, tail wagging, knowing the drill. The warm water, the sudsy massage… it’s actually quite nice, if you don’t mind the temporary indignity of being a wet mop. I even managed to sneak a few licks of the water when Prichard wasn’t looking. Hydration is key, people!
Then it was Blacky’s turn. Oh, the drama! She started with the “I’m a statue, you can’t move me” routine, followed by the “woe is me, I’m being drowned!” act. Prichard was so patient, coaxing her, telling her what a brave girl she was. Meanwhile, I was observing from my plush waiting spot, occasionally letting out a sympathetic sigh (which was really just me trying to get attention).
The blow-dryer was a whole new level of terror for Blacky. She looked like she’d seen a ghost riding a vacuum cleaner. I, of course, presented my fluffiest side for maximum drying efficiency, occasionally nudging Prichard’s hand for extra ear scratches. It’s tough being this handsome, you know.
By the end, though, even Blacky had to admit she felt pretty good, especially as she now had a brand new scarf adorning her neck. Posing for a photo shoot at the end, we were both so fluffy we practically floated! Prichard gave her an extra long ear rub, while Charmaine (the lady at reception) kept calling Blacky “her handsome sheepy-poo,” which she seemed to tolerate, mostly because Charmaine also had a treat in her hand.
The main header pic shows us looking all spiffy and clean with Prichard and Charmaine. The pic below was edited by the Fossil using AI and it regenerated the image showing Blacky as a completely different dog nearly my size – and changed my eye colour from blue to brown – how weird is that!).
Anyway, Mystical Pawprints always does an amazing job. My coat is shimmering, my paws are perfectly pedicured, and I smell like… well, not like a husky who just rolled in something questionable, which is a definite improvement. As for Blacky, she’s still a little shell-shocked, but smells delightful, and her fur is so soft I might just cuddle her later. (Don’t tell her I said that.)
So, if your humans are thinking of treating you to a spa day, give Mystical Pawprints a paw-some recommendation from me, Jaxx! Just be prepared for a bit of a damp adventure, especially if you bring a new friend along. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I hear the treat jar calling my name… and Blacky’s, too, if she can stop looking at her reflection in the water bowl.
Stay fluffy,
Jaxx (and a slightly bewildered Blacky)
