Cotton Methuselah, our ancient miniature poodle, had his summer buzzcut and bath at home this week. Why? Well, let’s just say his first grooming trip after we adopted him seven years ago didn’t go great—already 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. He’s missing teeth, was born with a cleft front paw, and is deaf and blind—honestly, 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, I’d try my own clippers. For free. Let’s just say the groomer was right—and deserved every extra penny. Cotton now alternates between a buzzcut and “kitchen mop chic.” But as long as he’s comfy, happy, and loved, that’s all that matters to me.
I still like free things. That’s why I’m so excited to share today’s lead story with y’all. 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, I’m so glad you’re here.
