Excellent post
It is nice to read your experiences in school. I take Gabby to the groomers about every 6-8 weeks. I keep her in a puppy cut. With a full time job, 2 active teenagers, and a house to maintain, I just don't have the time Gabby requires to keep her in a longer coat. I feel I'm doing her more good in keeping this cut - no mats, easier to bath at home, and best of all SHE loves it!! She thinks she's so beautiful with the shorter cut (and she is!). When she does go to the groomers, I'm one of those owners Dawn mentioned - I call from the parking lot to see if she's finished (provided my groomer hasn't called me already). Gabby has no problem at the groomer but she gets so "antsy" when she sees me and won't be still for them to finish. It's easier on her and the groomer if Gabby does not see me until she's done and ready to go. When I go pick Gabby up, I take Gage with me and the groomer will trim his nails and shave his belly - takes her less than 5 minutes - the rest of his grooming is done by me at home - but I'm getting him used to the groomers so it won't be long before he is going on his own.