The dogs are washed and there is a pleasant scent of fresh damp dog in the house this evening. I washed Cookie first because though small and the easiest coat to clean, I knew she'd be hard to catch later. Pepper loves the continual banter about how pretty she is and how shiny she'll be and what a good girl she is - and offers kisses any time I get my cheek close. Zeke is now deaf, so he can't hear the talk, so I had to keep getting his attention and offering pats and kisses next to his ear. Maybe he can hear me a little bit if I tell him he's a good dog right into his ear canal.

I offered treats every time I finished washing someone (so I could grab the next collar for another bath) and they love to be bribed. I used to wash the dogs more often until the vet said they really don't need it. My pitbull would hop into the tub when I asked her to.