Dogawash Home Care

01/12/2025

Thought this was an appropriate reminder when I spotted a DOGAWASH client on a community page this morning. I was able to reunite her with her parents and yes she’s booked in for her Christmas groom.

DOG IDENTIFICATION

Have you ever wondered what would happen if your dog got out or took off while you were out? If someone found them could you be contacted easily, think about it. Sure your dog might be microchipped but if it doesn’t have a collar you have to hope someone posts your dog on Lost and Found Pets Illawarra (best to join this page in advance in case) or take it to the vet to check the chip. Meanwhile you can be out all night looking because the vet was closed and the dog can’t be checked to the next day.

So what’s the answer. Naturally you need a good lock on your gate with a secure fence line and you actually remember to close the gate. Then make sure you have a tag with name and mobile number on the collar or purchase an embroiled collar on line (quite often this is the cheaper option overall). Finally, make sure you have a good photo to post on line if they do get out. Everything you do ensures the safety of your beloved family member. Just a landline is not good enough because if you don’t answer, not home, no answering machine you can’t me contacted. With mobiles you can be sent a simple sms advising your dog has been found.

Over the years I’ve purchased collars for of my four dogs from Custom Pet Collars. They take about two weeks to arrive but it gives me some peace of mind

24/11/2025

06/11/2025

Happy Oprah

31/10/2025

Oprah, sleeping beauty

27/10/2025

DOGAWASH REOPENS SATURDAY 6 DECEMBER, 2025

Dogawash and Oprah the cute and feisty Chihuahua return to work after six months off following my shoulder surgery. I’m going to be taking it easy as still having problems, it may be a few months or even two years before the problems clear up. Any of my big dogs or ‘obese’ dogs I’ll definitely need help from their parents, as it will be too much for me.

I’ll probably allow a bit of extra time to groom each dog as it’s been a big break and I’ll be getting use to all my new clippers as I was unable to get parts for the ones I was using . If ahead of schedule on day of grooms, I’ll message ahead

Another change will be I will be CASH ONLY so I can balance my money etc a lot quicker. I’ll let you know how much cash you need and ask you to bring correct amount. Some grooms will go up in line with the cost of living so that I can pay my bills.

Bookings are now being taken so message or call me and we will work out a time. Remember, as usual don’t call at night but early morning calls no problem

Christmas appointments are only available to DOGAWASH clients. Any new clients have to wait to after Christmas

12/10/2025

UPDATE

And back to the vet she went at 2.30 pm. Had been a bit off since vaccination and then threw up. Apparently like most medications they are updated to keep up with strains. She had an antihistamine shot and an anti nausea shot and will be sore and sorry for a couple of days. Her file has been noted for next vaccinations so they do it differently. As I said to her vet, three common medications that dogs have make her sick so we have to give her alternative meds.

VACCINATION DAY FOR OPRAH

Today was a total shock for Oprah! If she thinks she’s leaving the house she hides behind the lounge, something you can’t afford to do when she has a vet appointment. It was like a military operation.get up early wash hair, get dressed, have breakfast. Shoes next to dining table, harness, keys, wallet all on grooming table. Dare not go out to put garbage in bin. Don’t turn off tv, walk calmly over to her to grab her and catch her just as she takes off

Vet was so happy with her. Her breeder was originally going to breed from her but said too small and purchased another female chi. Well she is now 3.2 kg the average weight because early on the vet and I came to the conclusion she had irritable bowel syndrome so I’ve had her on a very restrictive diet and she has thrived. Aiming for her to drop maybe 200g but that’s it. As for her needle she was so good; I held her head lightly but she made no effort to bite Brett her vet

03/10/2025

Oprah on guard duty

01/10/2025

Hopefully when I get back to grooming at Christmas, all the dogs behave better than Oprah today. She would not stay still!

18/09/2025

RIP CAMBA

It’s with a sad a heart that Camba’s dad just broke the news to me that his beautiful boy had succumbed to mouth cancer and they had to let him go. CAMBA was an absolute gentleman to groom and bath.

He was probably around twelve years old and a mix of Jack Russell/Foxie and was adopted many years ago from Jack Russell Rescue. I first started grooming him in September 2023 and did my last one about a week before my shoulder surgery. His dad loved him so much, you could hear it in his voice and feel his emotions when he spoke about him. CAMBA will be missed and never forgotten.

07/09/2025

DOGAWASH TURNS 11 TODAY

Usually I celebrate Dogawash’s birthday by doing a birthday hamper draw but this year that’s a bit hard to do when I’ve been off work for three months with shoulder surgery. All going well I’ll be back to work at Christmas. My shoulder is not perfect but has come a long way with Physio and the sessions I exercise at the pool. Here are a few memories of past winners

15/08/2025

Oprah the croc hunter

13/08/2025

HYDROTHERAPY

So yesterday I had my first hydrotherapy session at my local heated pool with my physiotherapist to help strengthen my shoulder. I found it quite enjoyable and helpful. Most of the exercises were pretty straightforward, but sometimes I struggled with buoyancy as to get my balance. Some exercises we used a noodle or aquatic dumbbells, whilst others it was a series of exercises. Next week I’ll have another session before returning to normal physio sessions but I do plan to go back to pool on my own and practice some of these exercises