Rub-a-dub-dub, one-Husky-in-the-tub!

We have begun the official spring bath days, full-well knowing that the rainy season has arrived in this area. But, we have to start somewhere, right? So, Gibson was the first candidate. We are very fortunate that we have a terrific groomer. He used to work for our vet and that is how he was recommended to us. We previously took our Sibes to get their grooming done out-of-house, but with our groomer—ready for this??? He does house calls – how cool is that??? He knows my “kids” and just how to handle each one. With Gib, we always keep an extra eye on him afterwards to be sure the excitement and stress of a bath doesn’t bring on any seizures. Gibson is my epileptic (diagnosed a year ago) and he currently weighs in at 107 pounds. (I think that may be some sort of world record weight for a Siberian Husky.)  His seizures are controlled by meds, and since then, he has gained 13 pounds. I have placed him on a special diet, and our vet has given him a thumbs-up as being healthy and muscular, but I am still working on getting him down a few pounds as he has one physical attribute that his younger siblings, thankfully, do not have—short legs. In my opinion, he has the shortest legs for a Husky, and with his large size, I worry about the future strain to his legs. To help his joints, he is on a vitamin regimen, and has a very nice egg-foam bed in the winter and he gets the cooler bed in the summer, which also helps combat the mere fact that he is always warm. He is after all, a Sibe, and a “wooly” to boot! As a matter of fact, when outside, he likes to lie on his back spread-eagle, belly to the heavens, cooling himself off. He especially likes the rain (in the absence of his favorite thing – snow) sprinkling on his belly. When in this position, he always has this silly “ahhhhh” smile on his face. It’s quite amusing to witness! That said, he had his bath, and has been groomed, and his belly fur trimmed. My clean handsome prince is very proud of his looks, and he is now ready for the arrival of this week's predicted warmer weather. As for the other Sibes, well, we all know the continuing saga of the “Mud Monster” and his side-kick, so I’ll be waiting a few weeks before having them get bathed. In the meantime, I’m enjoying one clean Sibe…provided he stays out of his younger brother’s mud pools!