Of Paws and Pet Rocks

Chapter 1

Of Paws and Pet Rocks

By J.D. Walker

“Aren’t you precious?” I cooed as I rubbed behind the ears of Mary Queen of Scots, the little Shih Tzu on the table before me.

Her tail wagged happily, and she panted as I gave her lots of doggy attention. Matteus Browning, her owner, hovered nearby.

“You don’t have to stay, you know. There’s a waiting area outside.” I cleaned Mary’s ears and then started on her nails.

I worked as a pet groomer five days a week. I even had my own private room so I could give specialized attention to each animal in my care, without distractions from other workers. Though sometimes the owners preferred to stay and watch over their little Fifi or Mumsie.

“But she gets nervous when I’m not around, you know?” Actually, he was the nervous one, but I wouldn’t say that, of course. It was cute, if a little bit overkill.

“I understand, but your precious Mary will be fine. So, unless you want to get wet when I bathe her, please take a seat in the waiting area. I promise she’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?” I dealt with anxious owners like Matteus on a daily basis, and the man was practically wringing his hands.

“Absolutely positive.”

“Okay.” He petted Mary one last time, and reluctantly left the room.

“All right, your majesty. Let’s make you the prettiest dog ever to grace canine royalty.” I got to work, and after a little while, presented a clean, well-groomed Shih Tzu, worthy of a gold medal at a dog show to her owner.

“Thank you!” he gushed. “She looks fantastic!” Mary gave a happy little bark as I handed the leash to her human, and the little dog turned her head to lick my hand when I petted her. Sweet pooch.

“I’m glad you think so. Make sure you bring her back to us. You get a free grooming coupon after the fourth visit.”

“You bet!” I watched as Matteus walked proudly with Mary past the other dogs, cats, and owners awaiting their turn. It always made me glad to have satisfied customers. I checked the sign-in sheet to see who was next. It amused me to no end when owners gave their pets a last name.

“Calvin and Peaches Chandler?”