Cotton Methuselah, our ancient miniature poodle, had his summer buzzcut and bath at home this week. Why? Well, letās just say his first grooming trip after we adopted him seven years ago didnāt go greatāalready a senior dog at the time, the groomer said Cotton hated everything about it.
I say this with all the proud pet parent love in the world, but Cotton differs a bit from how you might expect his breed to look. Heās missing teeth, was born with a cleft front paw, and is deaf and blindāhonestly, my dude looks like the walking poster child of a humane society donation commercial.
We took him in for a classic poodle cut. He came back shaved bald and at a cost triple the quote. I figured next time, Iād try my own clippers. For free. Letās just say the groomer was rightāand deserved every extra penny. Cotton now alternates between a buzzcut and “kitchen mop chic.” But as long as heās comfy, happy, and loved, thatās all that matters to me.
I still like free things. Thatās why Iām so excited to share todayās lead story with yāall. Aila Boyd wrote about the Culture Pass, which gives access to Virginia attractions at no cost. Leave your clippers at home, enjoy your adventure, and remember, Iām so glad youāre here.