Poor Jazz the chow had mats on top of mats and seemed pretty miserable. Most of the time he sat in his run, facing into his little house and showing his cotton-ball back to the world.

“He was a sad little guy,” said Karen Lieberman, of Best Friends. “He was one of the first dogs brought out of the kennels, which was really good for him. However, since the nights were still rather chilly, we could not shave him right away. We knew he had to be uncomfortable and that may be why he was a bit cranky.”

Many of the long-haired dogs at Pets Alive had not been groomed for a long time and that meant some serious mats, so haircuts were added the list of things to do to help them feel better. The staff has been removing dreadlocks, one dog at a time.

When it was Jazz’s turn for grooming, the staff realized he would need some light anesthetic. Not only was he grumpy but he was going to spend a long time in the “beauty parlor.” The only kind thing to do was to give him a close shave. Nobody thought Jazz would be appreciative of being awake for this extreme makeover.

Once he was comfortably snoozing, Best Friends staffers Michelle Besmehn and Danielle Aymar went to work.

“It was a bit like shearing sheep,” Karen said. “But Jazz came through the make-over just fine and does not seem to have a clue that anything changed. He’s kind of a cute goofy little guy that way.”

And now that those painful mats are off and we can see his chowness in all its glory, hopefully Jazz will have the day soon when he will be able to see his new family coming for him.

Written by Barbara Williamson
Photos by Karen Lieberman

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