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Couple's Shock As Their Dog Gets Extreme Makeover At Groomers

Couple's Shock As Their Dog Gets Extreme Makeover At Groomers

Just a bit off the top, please.

Michael Minay

Michael Minay

An extreme makeover is something that is left to members of the public on This Morning, or unsuspecting families on Changing Rooms, NOT your beloved pet dog who you sent to the groomers for a quick trim.

Dash, the Samoyed dog, from Rawtenstall, Lancashire, was taken to Happy Dog Groomers by his owner, Louise Thompson, along with another family canine for a standard wash and cut.

But when Dash was handed back, there was quite a bit of a shock. He'd been shaved all over.

After dropping him off, Louise received a voicemail from the grooming parlour to say that Dash's fur was matted and needed to be 'shaved short'.

Louise, who has used Happy Dogs for three years, was prepared to see her dog with a few short patches of fur, but she did not expect to find him practically bald. His long white coat was no more.

Credit: Manchester Evening News

She told the Manchester Evening News: "When I went back to collect my dogs at lunchtime I couldn't believe my eyes, I almost didn't recognise Dash, I was horrified and lost for words. I collected my dogs, put them in the car, and cried feeling like I had let him down by allowing someone to do this to him."

The Samoyed breed have a double layer coat that insulates them from the heat and cold.

"I understand Dash can be hard to brush as he's a big softy and cries whilst he's been brushed but that's just Dash," she added. "At the very least, I should have been fully consulted and had all the potential implications explained to me."

Louise added that she has since been consulted that Dash's coat may never grow back fully, and that, for now, he'll have to kept out of the sun unless lotion is applied.

The Thompsons have received a refund (around £50-£60) but say that does not cover the cost of a coat or lotion to protect their new hairless pup.

David, Louise's husband, said: "Dash seems in shock, he's very timid. It's like he's naked. With the summer approaching it's going to be really difficult for him to go for walks.

"It's upsetting to see him like that, he's lost a lot of confidence, he's half the size he was before."

Despite being shaved from head-to-toe, Dash may still have an unconditional love for his owners. Last year, a report was published that said dogs may be pre-conditioned to crave human companionship.

After an extensive research programme, testing 437 lab-raised beagles, scientists at Linkoping University in Sweden concluded that dogs may be genetically inclined to love humans.

As three treats were given to the dogs, in various bowls, the last lid on the final meal wouldn't move. Dogs instantly looked to humans for help, leading the scientists to draw their conclusions.

Credit: Manchester Evening News

The grooming salon owner, Richard Coop, said that he informed the couple that Dash would have to be shaved due to the heavy-matting of his coat.

"I wouldn't shave any dog off unless the owner wanted me to shave it, unless it was the kindest thing to do for the dog," he said.

"In this instance, when I was brushing Dash's knots out, he was whimpering on the table and it was hurting him. The matted fur was pulling on his skin."

He alleges that Louise had spoken to him after the initial voicemail, saying 'okay chuck' and he prepared her saying that he'll look very different.

Richard, a former RSPCA worker, said that he was aware that the breed of dog shouldn't be shaved except when duly necessary, but claimed he was 'not left with much choice.'

It seems that talking about doing various things with dogs, whether grooming or walking them, can get you into all sorts of bother. Even Peter Kay's Car Share highlighted this issue...

Dash is now back at home, overlooking the Pennines, with his two loving owners.

Featured Image Credit: Manchester Evening News

Topics: Dog