Miss Thang-Quite The Diva

So it's been awhile since Bella Smella has had her nails trimmed. It is one of those things that ended up on the To-Do list with a less than high priority. Well, now we've gotten to the point where her nails are a little longer and we're afraid it will be quite painful once it is done. You may think, man, those Millses are bad pet owners, but I ask that you delay judgement. You see, we have made numerous attempts to cut her nails, unfortunately Belle has some severe aversion to having her paws touched. When we lived in Utah, we usually took her to Pet Smart once a month and she would get the works done, including her Paws. But now, she has decided that she won't let ANYONE perform this seemingly torturous act on her. Let me explain;

Attempt #1
Josh decided to purchase a Dremel tool for nail filing in hopes to reduce the pain she experiences with clippers. After much research we found that this was a more humane way to cut nails. Well, after a number of attempts to get Belle used to the Dremel, including getting her used to the sound, putting the handle part against her body, giving her a treat, etc., etc., she still wasn't liking. As a last resort, I tried holding her firmly while gently touch her nails with it, can you say FREAK OUT. Holy crap, you think the dog was being tortured by the yelps that came from her.

Attempt #2
To the local groomer we went, Polished Pooches. "Bring her in", they said. "We only charge $7, we'll take good care of her". After Daddy arrived at Polished Pooches, the lady said "wait here, I'll be back". She went in the back room (where the grooming takes place) and came back out with some nail clippers. "Hold her", the young girl said. Josh was like, "uh...okay", now realizing why it was only $7 (you hold your pet down, we will groom her...hmmm). Amazingly Belle surrendered her left front paw to the cause, but suddenly became enraged once the first nail was clipped. She slid out of her collar and took off to the other side of the shop. Upon seeing this Psycho dog go all Cujo on her, she said "Uh...we won't cut her nails, you'll have to go to the vet and have them sedate her". Daddy and doggy both left with their tales between their legs.

Attempt#3
Off to the vet. They should be able to cut her nails, they are professional pet people, they have ways with animals...right? How about ah-No. Niki had the pleasure of dealing with the ordeal this time. Once she arrived at the vet, they took a try. Again, FREAK OUT. The vet then informed Niki that in order to cut her nails she would have to be partially sedated...for $50 + $12 for the nail cut. Come on people, don't you know we're unemployed and in a recession at the moment...crap! Oh well, you can't put a price on the care of your child. The vet gave us one alternative gem of a tip, try running her more on pavement, that will naturally wear down her nails, avoid any need for the snip-snip.

Attempt #4
So what's next, well, I think Josh and Belle will be running the San Antonio City Streets marathon. Josh may die, but at least Belle's nails will be short.