November 23, 2018

White Dog tried hard not to smile. "I would call it resourceful, momma," she said.

The charitable Little White Dog of My Heart was responding to my question about the "good momma-ness" of my action with Bailey.

Bai hopped up on the bed and stretched out along my side. When she does that she reaches from my head to past my knees in length; Bailey weighs 55 lbs. Her nails were becoming talon-like (an issue since she likes to demand attention by standing full weight on my barefeet).

In a flash of opportunistic insight, I wrapped my arm around her midriff and hooked my thumb around her collar. "How about we trim your nails," I asked.

Steve grabbed the tools from the drawer as I rubbed her belly and cuddled Bailey who basked in the extra love. Did I mention that Bailey is NOT a fan of grooming? I tightened my hold as Steve touched the Dremel to her first foot and wrapped her to employ the strength and leverage of my body. Uncooperative Sibes CAN put up a pretty good protest. Since this was spontaneous I was flying without the usual 1/2 cup of treats we normally use as a bribe.

By the third footie, Miss B was trying to buck and managed to move on leg into a position where she could push against me. I was losing my hold.

Desperately I looked around for a treat or distraction. For a nanosecond I debated the morality of what I was thinking then pushed aside the ethical issue in favor of getting the job done. I reached over to the nightstand and grabbed my used tissue.

Tissues are the ultimate delight in the Book of Bailey. She stopped struggling and looked in disbelief. "Was I going to GIVE her a Kleenex?" her eyes glowed. "Oh my dog, YES!"

And that is how Steve was able to finish the pawdicure.