The majority of people who go to the animal shelter looking for a new pet are looking for an animal that is fairly young. In fact, it is much more likely for a puppy or kitten to get adopted than for a senior dog to find a forever home. That may be changing, however, thanks to the work of this professional dog groomer.
Realizing that older dogs need a home too, this dog groomer, Mark Imhof, decided to do something about it. He saw that many shelter animals have coats that are unkempt, and he had the skills to rectify that situation.
He donates both his time and the effort that he puts into grooming those dogs and thanks to his help, many of those senior dogs have now found homes.
Many of the dogs in shelters look like Elmo, with an overgrown, dirty and matted coat. Not only does it hurt their chances of getting adopted, it can be quite uncomfortable for them as well.
With a few skillful swipes from his instruments and some careful styling to the face, Elmo and other dogs undergo a transformation that really makes a difference. Not only can you see their true shape at this point, you can see their face as well.
Mark was not always a dog groomer and prior to the time that he started working with animals, he was working on a consulting job. His girlfriend suggested that he make a change, however, because she saw the joy he had when he interacted with animals.
Not only does his free grooming service provide a better life for shelter dogs, it provides him with invaluable experience as well. After going to the Animal Care Centers of NYC and offering to groom their senior dogs free, he started caring for the animals.
Many of the dogs that are groomed by Mark have been victims in some way or another. At times it is outright abuse and at other times neglect. Due to behavioral issues, they may be considered unadoptable and that can be quite dangerous for a shelter animal.
Mark wants people to think about how they would feel if they had to go through life with matted hair and dirty clothing. Most of us would probably have behavioral issues as well!
Mark not only provides these services free of charge, he now also has his own pet sitting, dog walking and grooming service.
He still loves the time that he is able to groom shelter. He takes the dog you see above and turns him into the dog you see here…
It is Mark’s hope that people recognize issues with senior dogs are often no more than skin deep. With love from the new owner and a proper haircut, many of them make wonderful companions for life.
Via: The Dodo
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