UPDATE 12/23/02 on the Montana Collies

Statement by AWCA President Jean Levitt

*Permission to crosspost*

A great deal of interest has been exhibited regarding the grooming of the animals in Shelby.  Understandably, the sight of members of our beautiful regal collie breed in such disgraceful contaminated condition has angered and saddened the entire collie community.  I have asked the captain of the AWCA professional grooming team, Rev Oakes, to describe for you the grooming process used to bring dignity to these animals.

When the professional groomers embarked on the task of grooming the Montana collies, we scarcely knew what to expect – just that these would be challenging even for professionals, and that these dogs must not be shaved during a Montana winter.  Besides the groomers’ own equipment, generous vendors lent portable tubs, a high-powered dryer and power shampooers for our use.  Shelby SAR donated the use of their building, where we converted two sizable restrooms with shower stalls into grooming areas.  Dawn Siefert and Ed Krectzfeld, our primary liaisons in Shelby, were very warm and helpful in every way, making our stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

While SAR shuttled dogs back and forth from Camp Collie, groomers went to work on the dogs. “The Method” was a work in progress, as we learned which of the products and techniques were more successful and efficient than others for these coats.  By the time we did Blue and some of the other dogs in worst condition, we had settled on a process we liked.  First we soaked the worst areas of the dog’s coat in a heavy conditioner, and let the dog rest for a while to let the conditioner work.  Then, in the tub, a two-groomer team, often assisted by a collie-hugger, shampooed with a mild shampoo designed for matted coats.  We rinsed with a very weak saline solution, conditioned again and let sit for 20 minutes.  Finally we shampooed again, rinsed with a very light vinegar rinse, and conditioned lightly before drying, sometimes adding a light dematting solution to the conditioner.  The power shampooers and very high-velocity dryer were the key to removing the mats, as the liquid products cleansed and lubricated them.  “Tub time” including drying ranged from about 45 minutes to 3.5 hours, depending on the dog.  Once dried, with abdomen and pads clipped and feathering shortened, very few needed further dematting before brushout.

While it was very gratifying to see an apparently wrecked coat return to glowing beauty, and to know the dogs were clean and comfortable at last, our greatest rewards were bestowed by the dogs themselves.  They came in more or less anxious, often bowed and dragging – and immediately after they were groomed their entire attitude changed.  Some became BMOC stud-muffins, some became silly, brainless adolescents, and some just cuddled their toys luxuriously, sprawled blissfully with legs in the air, or watched us with dancing eyes.  We kept them overnight, showering them with attention and treats, walks and play, then sadly saw them off on their return “home.”  Our final bonus came in visiting them before we left, when most vied to give kisses and love-nibbles.  It hurt unbelievably to leave them.

We shall return!  After a holiday break requested by SAR, a team of professional groomers will return to Shelby early in January to complete the work.  Most of the rough males, the most difficult dogs, have been groomed, as well as a few others – some females, smooths, the terrier and the tiny shelties.  While fewer than half the dogs are groomed, most of the rest are much easier to groom so it will take less time to finish the work.  We’re looking forward to our “dessert” – the puppies!

 

Thanks, Rev, for giving some insight into this process!

Calmly,

Jean Levitt, President AWCA

Lisa King, AWCA Director AWCA Rescue

Officers and Members of AWCA