[Cirlonde]

Thanks so much, Nico! I'd rather have length and know what I'm getting into than be disappointed later!!

I have used one of the groomers that our vet recommended before on my last dog (a poodle) but I wasn't as concerned with how he looked...just wanted easy upkeep. To be honest...they'd probably have had to shave him bald before I'd have been upset. It was pretty much just the same length all over. I'm hoping the groomer will ask all the right questions to help me out!

As for grooming Chloe myself...I'd probably cut an ear off or something! She holds pretty still for brushing, but if she shakes or jerks, I'm not going to be damaging her with a small brush like I could with scissors. For a top knot...I'm just not sure. I'd like to be able to put a small bow in her hair from time to time, but it doesn't necessarily need to be a knot if that makes sense. I can usually get one to stay in now with her length, as long as I keep it small.

Regarding the glands, she was scooting quite a bit yesterday and the last time she did so (a little over a month ago) we took her to the vet and they did a worm test on her but she was clean. Vet said it was her glands and they fixed them, no more scooting. Sooooo...I just made the assumption that it must be the same problem again. How often do the glands need to be expressed? My poodle only had the problem once, so I figured his groomer must have been handling it behind the scenes.

Thanks again for your help!! I'm such a nervous mom.
-C