One of the most difficult grooming sessions that left with me some permanent scars

[@girlwiththedogs2]

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[@angeladerby2513]

You did a Phenomenal job with Duke. At the end it looks as if he was settling down and letting you do the rest. He probably figured out that you really meant him no harm, and was taking good care of him. You're absolutely right I think, in that he probably gets scared of all the other noises and hearing other dogs barking, may make him scared. I really appreciate All you do for the animals you work with. Hope you, your family and everyone here has a Happy Thanksgiving Day, a Safe Blessed and Wonderful evening ♥️🤗🦃👑🌹💐🌹👑🦃🤗♥️

[@galamillar]

I'd encourage you to tell your clients who need to be sedated to have the vet UP the dosage. It's been my experience over the years that vets routinely undermedicate their clients. It's totally ridiculous for this to occur and it's not necessary. He's totally acting like he's not sedated at all.

[@Boogie-Actual]

Oh god look at that chihuahua! How wonderful, you are just a magician with these critters. I was smoking a kool with my lawn flamingo on the right of me, just loving how careful you are. Pls stay wonderful. 🧔‍♀️

[@MargaretCutt-um8iq]

I was thinking the same. If not a higher dose, then a different med. That dog was no where near sedated.

[@kimberlym5988]

Poor brave little dude. He braved the kidnapping, the horrors of the giant's cave including: the buzzing things of doom, being suspended above a long drop, the cone of shame, the acid bath, the swords of pain and being confined in the cage of the hot tornado! I mean, that's probably a close imagining of how he perceives whole thing.

[@galenegia]

Great POV!😂😂😂

[@CarlaMWard-]

I could not help myself but laugh when he was in the harness all I could hear/think was he saying " help me Im being murdered"

[@purranormalpursuits]

😂😂😂😂 Right? I bet his family got to hear about his heroics when he got home!

[@thedirtprincess3293]

What a great retelling!!!😂

[@doberski6855]

HEY! You got the last part wrong! Vanessa charges extra for the 'Cage of the hot tornado'! 🤣👍 You made an absolutely brilliant and funny comment! 👏👏

[@horsewhisperer20394]

Vet here - I often recommend mobile groomers (and vets) to dogs which are fearful or anxious as they can do 1 dog at a time. The reality is that vet surgeries and groomers are often filled with scary things for some dogs like anxious, injured, fearful and aggressive dogs with lots of loud noises that can be very scary. Unfortunately, many groomers make mistakes, cut the wick which is very painful or simply don’t take the time to help the dog adjust and reduce stress levels as it’s more of a production line. Tip to Choose a Mobile Dog Groomer - explain all your dog’s triggers to the best of your knowledge and choose a mobile groomers/vet who is willing to use positive reinforcements, allow breaks/do a longer groom, and above all, is patient. When you see THE DOG YAWN in this video, that is a sign of the dog letting go of some anxiety and relaxing, which is building trust with the groomer and a good thing. Small steps. That said, there’s not too many Vanessa’s in this world, she has the best possible setup for difficult dogs and the Midas touch with grooming! Other groomers should watch her videos for tips and tricks for how to deal with difficult dogs.

[@jamiewilson9262]

Very kind & informative comment. I agree Vanessa is the best! Take care! ❤

[@Pixie_Barrow2024]

Only 58 likes and 1 reply? Let me fix that. You're right, Vanessa should be a must-watch course material for all groomers-in-training. I understand that most groomers aren't financially able to close down their shops for a groom when difficult dogs like Duke are booked in, but still, steps can and should be taken to ensure the best possible outcome for the dog, and clear communication between groomer and owner is essential. By the way, I love your channel.

[@KarolM1964]

Thank you for your comment! Great information😊

[@drfreud65]

They know her heart.

[@barbaramcmillan3835]

Agree with all above. I would only add that he did seem calmer when Vanessa was talking directly to him, maybe he didn't understand the conversation with the audience. I think he's adorable and probably also needs a cuddle. Great job under very trying circumstances.

[@aliyahsakeena]

his few tails wags after she cleared his eyes and asked him if that was better 😢😢 as a groomer, anxious doggos break my heart everytime. i wish i could explain to them that everythings gonna be ok

[@BoogEOogEWoogE]

I literally laughed after she'd clipped his eyes, and jokingly thought that she might want to save that for very last- as, now he can actually see where he's at -lol😉

[@Safiyyah-n4d]

he looked so much better

[@susans3320]

I think he figured it out at the end! I can relate. The not being able to explain it all to them BEFORE we do anything with them.

[@guardianeris]

At least when the nurse draws my blood or gives me a vaccine (I'm afraid of needles) I understand enough that it's for my own good and that nothing bad should happen and that helps me grit my teeth and bear with it, but imagine not having the ability to comprehend what is happening or even understand whatever that big scary stranger is trying to communicate with you about whatever scary thing is happening to you? Poor animals.

[@roguetheotter]

honestly though. and sometimes when you move too quickly and they cower.... i always wonder what they've been through that left them so traumatized.

[@gullinvarg]

In addition to the lower stress environment, I think the fact that you record your sessions is really helpful. You can show exactly how stressed the dog gets and what their problem areas are under ideal circumstances. It probably makes it easier to convince owners or dogs like this one that they really should have their dog knocked out for grooms.

[@dragonsrkool]

This video is a great example of what a wonderful groomer you are. This dog was extremely scared and by the end of the groom he was calm. I think you made the groom a positive experience for him. You really take the time to observe and understand the pets you are grooming and make them comfortable as possible without getting frustrated with them because they are afraid or don’t like grooming. You seem like a wonderful empathetic person and I love watching your videos ! Keep being you !

[@MessagesFromAurora]

the patience of a saint! i am definitely nowhere NEAR this level of relaxation in this type of situation

[@maryrosecarroll4558]

❤🇦🇺

[@abcarruthers2260]

So humble & never puts other groomers down, you’re a huge advocate for your profession 🫶🏽

[@plicketyplunk]

That is exactly what I have noticed.😊

[@karentexas]

I admire how you try to hold him in different positions to get to unreachable fur. His poor foot must have been in pain from his claw growing into the pad. You were so patient. He was very difficult. He is probably a very sweet guy when he's not so stressed.

[@cq9882]

Absolutely, it would hurt.

[@Malisgmaw]

If only someone could invent clippers & dryers with no loud sound or no sound, what a major difference it would make for these fearful dogs/cats. Great job as always! You amaze me!❤

[@crystalearhart293]

💯

[@tomhorsley6566]

Maybe an electronic happy hoodie with electronics from noise reduction headphones? Seems like it might be possible...

[@karentexas]

@@tomhorsley6566 OH my!!!😊 you made me smile. I am picturing this little dog with special dog sized blue and white noise reduction headphones sitting in an airplane seat. Scarf around his neck. Tray table down with a glass of sparkling water and bowl of treats. Holding his day planner. Inside it says going to Vanessa's spa for the full treatment. Your comment had my mind thinking. Thank you. 😁😁😁

[@laurabodycombe7998]

That is a really good idea.

[@MsCrickBG3]

As a human with fairly intense noise sensitivity, I vote for this too :P

[@lorimontcalm9086]

That dew claw must have been painful for him. Glad you got him done. He looks great. I'm positive his owner will be pleased.

[@Safiyyah-n4d]

yeh she said the pad was bleeding after she puller it out ouchey 😥

[@karenneill9109]

It must feel so much better to have that out!

[@appaloosa42]

He may even be less stressed next groom-especially by Vanessa!

[@rdelpino2490]

You're an awesome groomer! You were so kind to this poor pup. I adopted an 8 year old lab mix who completely freaked out when we tried to cut her nails. Even sedation didn't help. I finally started walking her on concrete streets which kept the nails under control. She was a complete sweetheart in every other way. She died at age 14 and I still miss her 5 years later.

[@runnerbean5858]

❤

[@penultimateh766]

That poor thing. At least he looks more comfortable now. You're a saint.

[@onerainiday]

She has the patience of Job.❤

[@Safiyyah-n4d]

i reckon a saint couldnt do a good job on doggies as vanessa can

[@teresabotkins4983]

I had a groomer treat me badly because my little terrier was so bad for grooming. She immediately jumped to the conclusion I'd hurt her in some way. No, the dog just absolutely would not tolerate having her feet touched in any way. I did everything as far as positive reinforcement to teach her not to fear having her feet touched and nothing worked. So I'm glad you brought that up.

[@suep9445]

I would add that in addition to some dogs just not liking the groom, or being anxious about it without having any actual negative history with grooming - that it can also simply be a sensory issue. Just as some people have sensory sensitivities (can't tolerate tags on clothing, struggles with louder noises, etc), dogs can have sensory sensitivities, too. I really appreciate Vanessa's patience with her customers and efforts to identify what the triggers are!

[@chocoholicallemand9096]

Agreed, and some have ticklish feet too.

[@emmysapphire2525]

Thank you for explaining because I have wondered why some of them react so severely to having their paws touched

[@ColoringKaria]

This. I’m a knitter and spinner and weaver and I don’t like strands of yarn or loose wool touching the top of hands and arms. It really creeps me out and makes me feel very agitated. 😢 don’t have any negative experiences with it I’m just not a fan.

[@ShadoeLandman]

Yeah, I’m Autistic and I can’t stand people touching me. Or feeling stuck in place or not in control.

[@Solitude11-11]

As a ND person who used to groom dogs, yes exactly this. I understood sensory issues, overwhelm, loss of control etc and would work with the dog in a way that helped this. Only ever one dog, I’d get to know them before grooming, do it in my home or sometimes theirs, almost no restraint, took my time with lots of breaks. I got all the groomer rejects 😂 Never had one I couldn’t do without them completely freaking. Vanessa is spot on about the average salon environment, I can’t cope with it myself even knowing what’s happening, must be hell for a dog.

[@GrainneDhub-ll6vw]

I'm really glad that Vanessa always emphases that fearful behaviour is not necessarily a result of negative or abusive experiences. There is definitely not a one to one correlation because dogs are not robots. The most abused dog I ever rescued and re-homed was an adolescent male Lab. I got him under circumstances that felt a little dodgy but sometimes things are that way in rescue. For every dog that would mature out over 40 pounds, I always had my vet x-ray their hips to see if they had hip dysplasia so I could include that info for the new owners (and screen for owners who would not let the dog get fat). When my vet saw his hip x-rays, she decided to x-ray his whole body. She counted over 40 fractures of different ages and stages of healing, most to his trunk, not his legs. He looked like he'd been hit by car but that would have all been fractures of the same age. This dog had been severely beaten many times over a long period of time (the oldest fractures were over a year old, the newest were about 2 weeks old). That explained the dodginess around where he came from--someone stole him and through word of mouth, trusted me to do right by this dog. Was her fearful? Nope. He was a typical bouncy, happy Lab who never met a stranger and just wanted to play. Wasn't afraid of men, wasn't afraid of women, wasn't afraid of teenagers or children or toddlers or babies or old people or any of the dozens of people I found to test him with. He did startle once when I turned around holding a half sized broom/dustpan combo thingie but when I gave him a minute to see what he'd do about it on his own, he came forward, sniffed it and then ignored it (it wasn't edible--he was a typical Lab, living perpetually 5 minutes away from death by starvation). It was kind of a strange looking thing and I'd had a few other rescues startle when they saw it. Or maybe he thought I was going to hit him with it. I don't know. All I know is that without any coaxing or help from me, he got himself over it. If he'd needed help, I would have given it to him but he didn't need it. Knowing that he'd been beaten, I tested him extensively. I didn't want a new owner to discover the hard way that he had triggers that I had not already discovered and disarmed. He want to a family with young kids, very busy, very outdoorsy and they adored him. He lived for another 11 years (until he was approximately 12 and a half years old) before developing osteosarcoma--a known risk in dogs that have suffered fractures. A comparison of those original x-rays my vet shot showed that the rumour started in one of the old fracture sites.

[@tinekejoldersma]

I am so thankful you groomed him. He is a sweetheart, in total panic. Sometimes sedation can cause panic, even in humans. The moment you massaged the shampoo in he trusted you. You saw his muscles relax. Thanks for being so kind to him.

[@trainer1158]

I noticed that, too. It seemed like he was enjoying the soapy massage and at that point must have felt so much better than when he arrived.

[@webster695]

Yes, I hate using mind-altering substances, prescribed or recreational, because that feeling of being out of control causes me anxiety. Some of us are just like that.

[@windwatcher11]

I loved how he let you scrub his eyes with your delicate, nimble little fingertips. He seemed beyond resigned to it, maybe somewhat enjoying that tickly massage!❤

[@GXREALT]

To be fair, If I had my nail growing into my skin i wouldnt want people touching my hands or feet either, especially with matting in tight areas. Just sounds painful or at the very least uncomfortable. His discomfort is prolly a multitude of being a dog + general discomfort and anxiety. It is what it is, you do a great job with these animals :]]

[@beejls]

It looked so long! Had to hurt.

[@NancyCarol-f8s]

Yeah, I don't understand why when he was sedated that his nail was not clipped then?

[@halfa_slice]

@@NancyCarol-f8s he was sedated the whole video! some forms of sedation simply make the animals more sluggish and mellow them out/lessen stress, but do not fully take them out like anesthesia does

[@SagebrushRambles]

@@NancyCarol-f8s Your question is confusing...he is sedated in the video and it got done during that time. The owners probably sedated him at home and didn't notice the nail or figured, rightly, that Vanessa would clip it.

[@honeybunch5765]

I had a maltese poodle who had the same. She was very calm when I removed it. She was a sweet little.

[@rls2348]

This really hurt my heart. He was the best boy he could be. Vanessa is so patient and always assessing her furry client and their wellbeing. He looked so sweet when done.

[@barbarawiddowson635]

I think by the end of the groom he was starting to trust you.That's what it looked like to me anyway and that dewclaw being removed from his pad must have helped. Thank you Vanessa and his owner for letting us see him. Lovely little lad.

[@citibear57]

Today's thriller is 'The Trouble With Duke'. The part of the Innocent Groomer is played by the ever-popular Canadian starlet, Vanessa, while Hurricane Duke is played by himself. Band-Aids is our Sponsor for this gripping drama. Remember, get Band Aids for all of your animal-induced injuries!

[@dopaminey9946]

😂😂

[@louisecampbell2628]

😂😂😂

[@helenemalenfant5435]

What a cute mop! But not a easy customer….thanks for giving these dogs a chance. I so appreciate your sensitivity and approach with these highly anxious dogs; as traumatized as he was, you did everything you could to minimize the stress. It was still hard to watch him be so distressed so I can only imagine it was ten times worse for you! And I so appreciate how you are so honest and fair, presenting a balanced picture e.g.: the challenges of grooming such a dog in a busy noisy environment with lots of other dogs.

[@drfreud65]

Can you imagine how much worse it would've been if he wasn't sedated? That, and that dew claw helped me feel better about his stress level. He needed this SO bad.

[@rheumaltz]

Would love to see videos of you grooming him once a month. Bet he would get better and better partly because of trust and partly because he knows you are not going to quit until the groom is done. Hopefully the owner learned a lot via this video to help with his future grooms.

[@simisocks8362]

Well done, for a extremely difficult groom, your patience knows no boundaries. At the end he was very calm and even let you touch his legs. Well bloody done 5 stars 🌟

[@pattyk734]

He really did calm down. He looks just wonderful. I think he needs you as the groomer because he needs consistency and you are so gentle and understanding.

[@MikeStrau]

So cute when he held still while you washed his face, with that one paw up 😊

[@janettetippetts7942]

You are so kind and patient with these puppers. Thank you for all you do.

[@16MedicRN]

That single paw up while you were washing his face just broke my heart 💔 Like he was saying, 'I'm trusting you to not hurt me' 🙏 Amazing, Vanessa, as always ❤

[@jilllightle553]

I had a Shih Tzu that was really hard to be groomed, I used to,think she had a bad experience, but I have heard since then that it is common for that breed to not like it. You did an amazing job with him and the compassion and care you showed him speaks volumes to your love of dogs.

[@AngieLea]

I love how vanessa doesnt speak badly of other groomers and why the dog is better with her than them.. My dog loves her groomer. Shes hates her paws being touched and can be anxious but she has one to one with her groomer. She is just like this baby. Hes adorable ❤❤❤

[@tammyjantzen9004]

Wow. You still ended up doing a great job! He looks beautiful!

[@SciFiGuy72]

You have to wonder, after such a better experience with you, if their next groom is any better. Despite his stress doing his paws, the fact that your reaction is so calming must have some impact.

[@runnerbean5858]

I remember Vanessa saying in one groom that while you have to remain calm and being sensitive to each dogs needs you also have to be firm with bad behaviour and let the dog know that you are in control. Vanessa is a master of firmness and fairness and I just love how she talks to them when they show aggression and addresses them as sir.

[@MimiCraigTT]

So hard for you…you are a blessing to all the dogs that come your way. 🙏🏻

[@SmileyBlue69]

While that was very uncomfortable to watch, in many ways it is these videos where so much more is learnt. While the fluffy tornadoes are a favourite, it's these tricky pups where most is understood and learnt. As many have said, your openness and honesty is what makes us keep coming back to see more. And other things .... but how you are with these fluffies is what makes this such an amazing channel. I don't have a dog, just "wild" foxes who I'm late in feeding because I got so caught up in watching this.

[@BoogEOogEWoogE]

I run into that problem on occasion, too - but, with wild birds and flying squirrels💙 ✌️-from Alaska

[@dopaminey9946]

Bless you!

[@jonathonsawyer9440]

This is usually how I feel at the dentist... I feel ya, little guy 🥰

[@SeanVplayer]

By the end of the groom you seemed to have gained some of his trust. My roommates have a little guy very much like Mr Duke, and after his grooms he always looks like he has just come home from a stay in Rehab. Mr. Duke ended up looking quite handsome.

[@vanelaguereja]

I love your videos, more so the difficult ones because that means someone is trying. Tks for all you do Vanessa

[@teddymuldoon1905]

Thank you very much Vanessa! He looks so clean and handsome now!! 👍👍

[@maryhoward1338]

Thank you for showing this groom,letting us see how frightened some dogs are. You were so patient and kind. He looked wonderful.

[@sharonhodkinson2011]

Finally, the grooming session I needed to see - the much moving dog. I have a mop head yorkie and a yorkie/shit-zu mix both of whom hate grooming and move around a lot. They don't seem to get as stressed as this dog but grooming often takes several sessions.

[@hollym73e]

This hits me on a personal level as a human and as a dog lover. People are too quick to dismiss, ignore, or mistreat other people AND pets who behave in a way that isn't seen as socially acceptable. The saying holds true that you never know what other people (or pets) are going through. "We" are often misunderstood, rather than just angry or mean. He was so calm at the end of the video, he just needed some patience. I have a 3lb chihuahua who screams bloody murder when you touch her nails and she's never been injured, she just doesn't like it. I'm glad you included this guy in a video for us all to see. Thank you for all that you do!

[@TheNanoRain]

9:56 "So, you're probably wondering how I got here..."

[@BoogEOogEWoogE]

👏🤣💦💦💦

[@jennieaddison7847]

Omg , the way he looked at the camera! I did feel sorry for him stressing out the way he did but he was in good hands with Vanessa.

[@Sarah29802]

He broke my heart!!! 😢 I wouldn’t have been able to continue! Thank you for taking care of him!!!

[@TheRustyTrike]

The hanging harness of defeat 😂😂

[@Safiyyah-n4d]

air prison🤣😆

[@brmam1385]

Not funny, just because of the dog’s level of extreme distress.

[@dot7107]

I have similar ish harness in my bedroom...

[@T.J.B.2.0]

Used for the trimming of da’feet.

[@philippal8666]

Harness of shame.

[@juliecunningham2282]

You were the perfect groomer for Duke xxx

[@Starseed3]

Omg you are a MIRACLE WORKER!!! He is PERFECT now!! ❤ And highly thankful to you-this Im positive of.

[@connlaoi]

Bless you for taking such good care of him.

[@sarahkelson8386]

I think you did an amazing job of keeping him as calm as possible.

[@descendantofsomeone]

You're both such troopers😢

[@dianesass9901]

I love your narration and explanation throughout the groom. Very educational. You're so compassionate. 😊

[@nomi151570]

This is such a good video to show people how difficult grooming a dog can be. Crying is stressful. Groomers are amazing. Especially you❤

[@nrgltwrkr2225]

This is why you do what you do it so well! Duke really needed you today, and by the end he seemed much more calm and relaxed, and it seemed as though you gained his trust. I bet if he comes again, and with your patience and professionalism, you would help him to recover from his past foot-trauma. But you know best for sure, if you think he would do better sedated for his grooms. So thankful that you are there for all the animals!

[@Gamerkat10]

It's amazing that she commented that by the end the sedation would be wearing OFF...but he was so much calmer. She made such strides she counteracted it. Pretty amazing.

[@scribbleknit]

What a beautiful job you did on a frightened dog! 100 gold stars for you both!

[@jenrenby]

Oh, my heart breaks for poor Duke. Seeing him so scared was indeed hard to watch. He's such a resilient guy. It was amazing he let you continue to groom him after the legs and paws.

[@Moona1966]

Poor little ol' man! He's just scared witless. Vanessa, you're the BEST at what you do! 🥰

[@Clarybird]

This is why its so important to take your dogs in as soon as possible for grooming. After they have their shots they should be taken in for puppy intros so they can get used to being touched and hearing all the sounds associated with grooming. Set them up for success

[@chickadeestevenson5440]

cats too! Get them used to the bath

[@b0nsaibabe]

Not rly in this case. She did say even w desensitization, she’s had some dogs just hate grooming as a whole from pup to adult. But with this guy in particular, he was pretty much fine but absolutely terrified when it came to his paws. More so hints to a very bad experience than just poor desensitization, like she said

[@Erikalikesunicorns]

@@b0nsaibabeyup! And considering rescues may never have been groomed before, so without knowing the story, we can’t assume it’s always the owner’s fault because of poor socialization.

[@KimmieSue.]

Seems like you're not listening. Some dogs are just anxious. I have a shih tzu mix who acts just like this. She's fearful and anxious in general and hates her feet to be touched. Since she was a baby, I've tried holding her feet just to get her used to it, and she's 7 now and still hates her feet being touched. She was taken for grooms from a pup also. Some dogs are just very anxious. I also have a Morkie who does just fine.

[@somebodyyoudontknow3980]

Some dogs are just worse than others with this kind of thing, even with desensitisation. I will say though that even if the dog is not taken in for grooming super regularly, you can still do things at home to get them used to it.

[@Starlightxxoo]

You’re such an angel, the amount of groomers who would have lost their patience and cool with a difficult dog like this is actually astounding. I’m so happy to see you stay calm and collected even in the face of such a high anxiety situation, for the both of you. ❤

[@auntie_wolf]

Considering how very scared he was, you managed well and the end result looked good x

[@christinewalker4641]

Bless you for the kindness and thoughtful ways you have with these animals

[@robbiepajak1412]

Great job! He seemed to become more trusting as you went along and he realized you wouldn't hurt him - I'm sure the owner was very pleased at how he looked 🙂🐾

[@Jaquableu]

You are awesome! Thank you for your patience and your kindness. The dog will remember this. Maybe if he got used to your kindness he might could get over his terror. Thank you for being you.

[@glynisbabbey4306]

He still went home looking great.

[@dianemilligan7370]

You are a very calm and efficient groomer. I think he grew to trust you and if he could come to you regularly, he would no longer be so stressed, even with his feet and nails. Great job!

[@brijac04]

If I was the owner I wouldnt be able to resist trimming his bangs regularly. Poor boys partially blind 😂

[@adelissahunsley]

I wouldn't be able to handle a full show cut or lack thereof but I wouldn't be able to resist doing the whole ponytail thing lol.

[@julie9785]

Vanessa,You are the perfect groomer to help Duke. Thank you.

[@christinegraham2579]

Thank you for being so patient with him & trying to do what his owner wanted.

[@joycestevens376]

He looks so, so great. He is cute. You did great Vanessa.

[@margaretmesacortez2421]

My boy Donut is stressed since his sister Munchkin passed away. He never was aggressive but now can’t go to a groomer. I don’t know how to handle it

[@jootan91]

animals can have their own emotional support animal, it's not just a human only thinggy.

[@Wolf_S]

Have you tried a mobile groomer perhaps?

[@brijac04]

My doggo was definitely depressed after his sister died. He started acting out at groomers and the vet, which was super out of character. Getting him another buddy was a tough decision but it really helped. At first he was annoyed with the new puppy but now they're best buds and all his out of character behavioral issues went away. Some dogs just don't adapt well to living without a canine companion.

[@TheKatarinaGiselle]

Have you ever tried grooming him, or does that stress him out too? Vanessa has some amazing at home grooming tutorials that might be helpful. I’m sorry that your boy is grieving. Would you ever consider adopting an older dog? Dogs tend to do well when they have a buddy. Just like humans, animals need companions and new friends help heal them and help them to process their grief and really help relieve stress and anxiety. Just an idea! I know it isn’t always an option, but if it is, you will know when you find the right dog! Also, talk to your vet about this issue and often times they can help assist with medicine to help reduce the stress before a grooming appointment.

[@Abcity92]

@@TheKatarinaGiselleVanessa said she does.

[@wendydix5534]

He finished up heaps better than I expected. Bless you for your patience ❤

[@debbywilkins2239]

Poor guy 😢 Heartbreaking to watch even though I know the groom is necessary. Thanks for helping him

[@JodiYeager]

I'm so sorry that groom was so hard for you both. Your compassion and care for that poor little guy was the only thing that got me through this one. This was a hard one to watch, but you did an excellent job and at the end I feel you both came to an understanding of the journey you took together. Bless you and bless the little guy too.

[@Andrea-73]

I felt so bad for Duke, poor baby. You did a great job with him, thanks Vanessa ❤

[@susycavaleiro1265]

WOW!! That was totally stressful as a viewer as well. Vanessa is one helluva brave gal. Poor pup. Very good effort Vanessa. 🫣🫣🫣👏👏

[@AnjiDuff]

Terrier and Tzu! Teeth tornado! You know it's coming as soon as you get near the feet and face. Wrigglers give you a time limit. At least he's good at telling you his limits. Good little dude. ❤

[@avivat3010]

What a sweetie! Duke looked quite good in the end and somewhat happy to be clean and shaved. Great job Vanessa! I think he heard you when you said he wouldn't have his legs done after the bath. He was really quite relaxed.

[@entercreativename]

My shih tzu boy when I was younger looked so much like this one, and also acted so similar during grooming. He was very independent and stubborn, and needed to do things his way on his terms. Our groomer at least said he was a good boy for her and that often he'd put on a "show" for us to try to manipulate us out of doing the things with him that we needed to do. He also was very stubborn about specific foods and treats, and had a very large vocal range of grumbles. So seeing this brings back all the memories of home baths, home nail trims, and attempts at home haircuts.

[@hey_its_heather]

bless his lil anxious heart 🥺 he was probably your happiest customer to get the heck out of there once you were done. he definitely did not enjoy it but he needed that so badly and even tho it was an extremely challenging groom you still took the time and patience to take care of his needs. the amount of respect you show to the critters you groom is truly amazing, need more people in animal care with that mind set + attitude 👏💯

[@angelawylie1297]

OMG this is exactly what my dog is like - thank you for all your advice!

[@billowen2475]

You are very patient with these dogs and cats. I am sure they are much less stressed with the time you spend getting to know them before the groom. Keep up the great work.

[@bertgeneray5954]

That was soooo satisfying. You did a great job keeping him calm.

[@margaretjamieson3604]

Hard to watch but he looked so much better and must have felt better too. Full of admiration for your work. 🐾💙

[@malka1762]

15 minutes in and oh man this is definitely one of those that's hard to watch, poor dude :( really hope either home grooming (if it's less stressful) or sedation at a vet are indeed an option.

[@rosemarygraham2815]

Poor Duke. Thanks for being so patient Vanessa.❤❤❤🙌🏻

[@natalysmith1027]

My heart was being torn apart from hearing him scream and whine. He was such a strong boy while was holding on while clearly whining. His chill second part of the groom made me want to praise and love and cuddle this little guy.❤

[@carolineindacityphx]

Aww. It's okay Duke. The difference before the shampoo and after the shampoo is amazing. He definitely trusted Vanessa by the end of the groom. ❤️ Left looking so much better 🥰 Vanessa is so knowledgeable and her expertise helps even the most terrified pup. ❤️

[@ksaraw]

You did such a brilliant job with him and you could see him start to trust you. It’s such a shame when they panic like that, my collie loathed her paws being touch, even when we did it.

[@Nutrimommy]

Poor guy! So blessed to have you to look after him! I admire that you are the perfect mix of determination and patience, calming and firm. I learn so much from videos such as these! Hard to watch, but it all needed doing, so I'm glad you did it. Well done!

[@SusanaLandry]

Poor baby! He is very traumatized and anxious, God bless you for your patience and love❤

[@JacquelineFinlay-gz4wl]

Vanessa you’re just wonderful, patient and so considerate of your furry friends. Duke must now feel like a king and his owner must have been thrilled to see him looking so good.

[@TheBachBabe]

Venessa, I am always so impressed by the level of skill and compassion you have for these sweet and spicy babies. You are awesome.

[@pennyhancock5197]

Bless his heart, I'm so glad you are calm and collected for this groom!

[@cherylsibson2529]

Duke, by the end of the session, I think he realized you were helping him, you told him upfront what you were going to do, and how you were going to touch him, you were honest and completely fair with Duke, and he appreciated that because he showed you his ability to be calm near the end of the session. Duke deserves calm atmosphere's and you gave the best you could. Good Boy Duke for trying with Venessa!

[@california3186]

That was amazing!!! He’s such a cute lil’ guy!!! I’m so glad he finally trusted you!!!

[@evilpompom]

The way he calmed down at the end though ❤ Such a sweet anxious boy 😊

[@elizabethturel78]

Duke came out looking great❣️

[@selkiefluff]

He doesn't even seem as scared as your regulars, he reacts as if he were in pain :( Poor doggie, you can tell he is a sweetheart otherwise.

[@9sheri9]

Poor little buddy, you were great with him, Vanessa!! Thank you for all that you do. 🫶💕

[@SusanZiegler]

It's amazing how much he calmed down during his bath - at least as far as we saw. He really seemed to grow to trust you!

[@Faerysong1]

He tried to be good, but he was scared. Bless his little heart. As someone who has a dog that Hates bathing, nails done, I understand completely. I'm 73 and Dude has just turned 3. He was a puppy just around 6-7 weeks old when he showed up at our house. My son was always the one to help me with him. When we took him to get his shots, and later to get him neutered, the vet said he was a Husky mix, I think with Beagle. He has a double coat but it's short so that's good for me. So he's very dramatic. Bless you for doing what you do.😊

[@GoBlueGirl78]

Poor guy, you’re so good with these tough cases, Vanessa. ❤