The arrival of L A POOCH's mobile dog grooming vehicle elicits a frantic surge of energy and converts a somewhat docile dog into an absolute 'crackerdog'. The towel in his mouth is one of
Thank you to especially to Bronwyn and Steve for your personal care of my two Golden Retrievers. Both Toby and Lexi have been transformed back to their golden glory, and look utterly cuddleable (my new word :) ).
I write this post with absolute pleasure and thanks to a deserved team.
As most of my readers will know, I have always done my own dogs' grooming. It's been over 20 years since I last saw the inside of a dog-grooming salon. Washing my two Golden retrievers, however, has recently become an increasingly more difficult task. I battle with the enormous task of bathing them. They are generally very easy dogs, but to groom them properly takes me a whole morning, after which I am left with a sore and tender back. As a result, Toby and Lexi have had their bath delayed, and it's been months since their last one. We have all settled for a simple afternoon brush on the lawn. But things were becoming desperate and I simply had to make a plan.
Well, I gave Bronwyn (from LA POOCH) a call. The friendly voice on the other side of the phone assured me immediately and a date was set - today! It is one of the best decisions I have made for my animals.
Bronwyn and her assistant, Steve, arrived promptly at the pre-arranged time. Her mobile van is kitted out with the latest in dog-grooming equipment and she has personally spent time in the USA becoming fully trained. She introduced herself to me and explained her services. We hit it off immediately. Steve set about connecting the water and the electricity, while Bronwyn went out of her way to greet Toby and Lexi. It was a tail-wagging affair of note! Both pooches were enthralled with the strange vehicle parked in our driveway. Visitors are always enthusiastically welcomed into our home, and the pooches went about reading the news on the vehicle. This was their first (ever) professional grooming session. They were allowed to jump into the back of the van and inspect the interior. I must admit, it is lovely - kitted out very professionally with the added benefit of HOT-WATER- facilities. We were all impressed.
The pooches were given a biscuit each while Bronwyn patiently and understandingly answered all my questions. Toby was first in the queue followed by Lexi about an hour later. Bronwyn and Steve did a thorough job while I popped my head in occasionally. They took extra care with the comfort of both my dogs who emerged sparkling and happy. No cages! No stress!
Total satisfaction!
Not only that, but Toby and Lexi both received individual towels for their patronage...thank you so much!
This is a new business but I am sure that they will make great inroads into a much-needed market.
Congratulations Bronwyn! I really wish you all success in this venture. Your calling to our animals deserves to flourish.
LA POOCH receives a whopping 10/10 from me! Well done!
If you are located in the Johannesburg area, please give them a call:
While cleaning up my computer, I found a little 'story' I'd written in 2011.
Thought you may enjoy it.
WHAT'S IN THE SLIPPER?
(by Caryl Moll)
“No!” she shouts.
I look up in surprise.
“No!” she repeats, looking at me sternly. “Give that back to
me!”
The slipper, I wonder? You
want the slipper? I open my mouth
and drop it to the floor. I’ve spent the
whole night absorbing its interesting secrets, but now she wants it back.
“Look what you’ve done, Toby! Now what am I supposed to do?” I recoil in surprise at the tone of her voice. She looms over me and reaches down to pick up
my special booty. Her expression is one of unguarded fury.“This was my Christmas present!” she bellows. “This cost the
Boss a fortune! How must I explain this
to him? Damn Dog!”
Huh?
She looks away. I’m
obviously in disfavour. What have I done
wrong?
You see, this was the most interesting treasure in the house.
During the dark hours, while she slept, I unearthed it. Retrieved it.
Took it to my bed – to unravel its yards and yards of inviting and
riveting stories; yummy, absorbing information;
answers that were just waiting to be revealed. Like the onions she so enjoys peeling…
“Read them, Maxmom!
Read them!” my eyes urge. She has no idea of the information she holds in
her hand.
She ignores me and places the one slipper on the table –
high up and away from me. Her face is turned
away and her mood - dark. She’s not
happy. I thought I was doing her a favour. Did she even know that it told the secret of the pesky bird
which landed in our garden? Did she even
know that it revealed what she had eaten yesterday, where she had wandered and
what she had felt? Her entire life history was in my jaw. Her emotions – trust, fear, love, dreams – all
bundled up in one package. I want to
know everything about her but now my text book has been removed.
I walk up behind her and sit at her heels. She turns and glares at me.
“Can I have the other
one perhaps?” I ask tentatively.
She shrugs her shoulders and goes off to make her tea.
After a hectic number of weeks, my hubby and I were desperately searching to book a short get-away - a place where we could relax, rewind and be treated royally. After searching numerous places at a reasonable cost we were finally recommended to this little lodge - a small gemstone among "Dinner, bed and breakfast" establishments.
Mvuradona is situated inside the Private reserve of Marloth park (approximately 5-6 hours drive along the N4 from Johannesburg to Komatipoort). We elected, however, to take the road less traveled along the picturesque route through Barberton to Malelane. We weren't disappointed - the scenery was stunning!
Mvuradona Safari Lodge, in Marloth Park, is managed by a small group of exceptionally friendly and helpful staff. "Dumi" was there to welcome us on our arrival. Our three-night-stay was very comfortable indeed as well as relaxed. The staff took extra care to cater for our unplanned request to entertain two extra people on our last evening.
During the day, one is left to one's own devices, so you can simply relax by the pool, read a book, or take a trip into Kruger National Park itself. The choice is yours. An honesty bar is available at all times as well as self-service tea and coffee.
This little lodge, with six guest rooms is immaculately spotless and welcoming. It is important to point out that Mvuradona's 'Safari' aspect is outsourced to other service providers who can take you into Kruger for various excursions. Be aware, however, that small wild animals do indeed roam freely in Marloth and you are likely to come across warthog, impala, kudu, bushbuck, mongoose, zebra and ostrich around the lodge. Big, dangerous animals, however, are kept at bay by the fences, although some occasionally pop by to visit. It is best to remain alert at all times.
Our rooms were exceptionally comfortable and welcoming and we were treated to sumptuous,possibly over-generous meals on the deck while being entertained by a constant chorus of beautiful birds.
Since wild animals do occasionally find their way into the reserve, guests are encouraged to stay indoors at night. During the day, however, one is free to walk along the lengthy paths in the reserve and along the fence.
It is wonderfully tranquil and restful - a little Eden, where one can restore one's soul.
I have prepared a short video/montage by way of review as well as my sincere thanks to the management and staff of this gemstone lodge.
What a wonderful escape from city life. We have returned to Johannesburg, refreshed and restored.
Sending lotsaluv
NOTE:
We did indeed spend a whole day in Kruger National Park.
My blogpost about this will follow in due course.
Summer is such a beautiful time of the year in our city. After the heavy rains in Johannesburg, the foliage in our neighbourhood is green and lush. Hundreds of different birds invade the various gardens. Their variety is mesmerizing. A simple little bird feeder provides endless entertainment.
I invite you to grab a 'cuppa' with me, sit on my patio and take in God's amazing creation.
Hello there to all my blogging friends around the world
It's been a while since I put up a blog post. (sigh) Life has been busy in this part of the world and with the ease of Facebook and other social media, I must admit that I have greatly neglected this blog.
Anyway, I hope that 2015 will be a blessed and fulfilling year for you all.
I thought I'd share some pictures of TOBY and LEXI having some summer-fun. We've had wonderful weather here in Johannesburg and the family often spend time outside. The dogs love our company...especially when we play their favourite game:
"Ball retrieving from the swimming pool."
Enjoy the pictures!
Below: TOBY's 'shake'
Toby's various diving styles:
Below: LEXI's turn
Toby again...
Lexi with the ball...
LEXI...
LEXI
LEXI
Below: TOBY in full flight...
LEXI doesn't mind her face under water...
Dogs in the water-feature...
Below: LEXI
Below: An unusual dive (TOBY)
Below: LEXI's 'shake'
Sending all our love (and lots of licks) to our blogging-buddies around the world:
