By admin 
Lottie arrived at our Carson/Gardena ACC with a severely matted coat. After grooming, she seemed like a distinct canine and was adopted and is now a dearly liked member of the Kneisel household. They reported: “We have now now had her a bit over a 12 months, and might’t thanks sufficient for all you probably did to present her this new life with us. We all know your job will be tough. We hope this can encourage you and make you’re feeling extraordinarily appreciated, as a result of YOU ARE!”
For a few years, the canine cared for by DACC have benefited from the Grooming Provides Hope program. This program, funded by the Los Angeles County Animal Care Basis, pays for skilled groomers to return to the animal care facilities and groom the matted, soiled canine which have discovered their solution to our facilities. It is without doubt one of the most life-affirming applications we’ve got, and I’m thrilled that it’s now increasing attributable to a beneficiant grant to rent two full-time animal groomers for the subsequent 12 months!
Grooming our canine is not only about making them look good; it’s about bettering their well being, growing their probabilities of adoption, and serving to them regain confidence. Typically, canine arrive after months and even years of neglect to their coat, ears, and nails. We have now seen canine so matted that they’ll’t stroll or flip their heads freely. Generally their nails have overgrown to the extent that they puncture the paw and trigger open wounds. I as soon as witnessed one in every of our veterinarians performing an amputation surgical procedure on a canine’s leg as a result of the mats have been so extreme that they’d minimize off all blood provide to the leg way back, and it was now a useless appendage.
Canine may additionally have much less extreme, however equally troubling pores and skin circumstances reminiscent of open sores, infections, and flea and tick infestations. These circumstances are painful and make the canine really feel boring and depressed. They don’t wish to interact with potential adopters, lessening their probabilities of being chosen to affix a brand new residence. However, after a shower they really feel like totally different canine and their personalities sparkle as a lot as their shiny, clear coats! A canine that used to cover behind its kennel now leaps on the entrance of it to have interaction with individuals strolling by. The transformation is phenomenal.
The grooming course of additionally builds belief with frightened canine, who’re nervous of their new setting. Spending a few hours with a caring groomer reveals them that the individuals on the care middle are reliable and compassionate, additionally growing their willingness to have interaction with potential adopters.
Lottie after her grooming session.
A well-groomed canine is not only more healthy and extra snug—they’re additionally extra more likely to be adopted. When potential adopters go to our care facilities, the looks of the canine can play a big position of their choice. Canine with shiny coats, clear ears, and trimmed nails seem extra cared for and approachable. A easy grooming session can remodel a grimy, smelly, unkempt canine right into a loving, adoptable companion. For long-haired or curly-haired breeds, grooming also can showcase their distinctive options. A canine with an untamed coat could also be neglected, however as soon as groomed, their true character and wonder can shine by means of.
If a canine hasn’t had a shower previous to its spay/neuter surgical procedure, the brand new proprietor can’t bathe it for 10 days as a result of the incision website can not get moist whereas it heals. Subsequently, adopters have the disagreeable expertise of coping with the odor of an unclean canine till the incision has healed. We wish to make the adoption expertise as constructive as doable for the sort individuals who come to a care middle for his or her subsequent member of the family. Sending them residence with a clear canine is a good way to assist that aim and get their relationship off to a great begin.
Grooming helps canine acclimate to being touched and dealt with, making the transition into a brand new residence smoother. Canine who’re accustomed to grooming are simpler for his or her future households to take care of, decreasing stress for each the canine and the brand new proprietor. Grooming additionally instills constructive behaviors within the canine, reminiscent of endurance and cooperation, that are key to a profitable adoption. We additionally be taught extra concerning the canine’s character throughout the grooming periods, which we share with their new households.
Animal care facilities with clear, well-groomed canine current a extra inviting ambiance for guests and potential adopters. It additionally boosts the morale of care middle employees and volunteers, who take satisfaction in realizing the animals they take care of feel and appear their finest.
Grooming our canine is greater than a superficial process—it’s an act of compassion that nurtures their bodily and emotional well-being. By taking the time to groom these canine we present them the care, love, and a spotlight they deserve. Every grooming session represents a step nearer to a brand new life, a endlessly residence, and a future full of affection.
Please assist us increase Grooming Provides Hope! Donating to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Basis’s Grooming Provides Hope Program will guarantee we will proceed and develop this necessary program. We are actually funded for 2 full-time groomers for one 12 months, however we’ve got seven animal care facilities and the necessity shall be ongoing into the longer term, so there may be nonetheless a fantastic want for extra monetary assist. You possibly can donate right here: https://lacountyanimals.org/give/.
See a few of our wonderful earlier than and after photos at: https://lacountyanimals.org/providers/grooming-gives-hope/
Marcia Mayeda
You possibly can subscribe to Marcia’s weblog right here: https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/directors_blog/
The Los Angeles County Animal Care Basis is a nonprofit 501(c)3 charity that raises cash to assist DACC in its mission of saving animals and conserving pets and households collectively. Study extra at www.lacountyanimals.org.