Miat, the Maltese, as the Incredible Hulk (or Miat, the Maltese, Takes a Bath)

Miat, the Maltese, Plays in the Grass

The end of summer is here. Fall is around the corner. Time for the yearly fescue lawn de-thatching/aerating/re-seeding. But wait a minute... There are a few weeds here and there. I think I'll spend a few minutes weeding. I'll just let Miat, the Maltese puppy, play around me on his leash. That way I'll do two things at once. Some weeding and give Miat some constructive, healthy, outdoor activity... He enjoys playing in the lawn. He's 13 weeks old. It's amazing how fast he is growing. Let me get to work on this spot here...

(1) Yikes, Miat! You sure know how to get dirty fast! Puppy Miat goes bonkers on the lawn. He digs. He runs in circles. And he seems to bounce from place to place.

(2) It's just beginning to rain. You wait here in the garage, while I put the garden tools away. Wow, Miat. You sure are dirty.

(3) Let's take off your harness and set you down in the tub. Ready for your bath, Miat?

Miat Is Lathered Up and Ready for the Rinse

Holy cow, Miat! You sure do look a whole lot skinnier and different with your fur wetted down.

Also, the owner of Wag Pets Store in Raleigh, NC suggested adding a bit of olive oil to some of Miat's dog food to help with dry skin problems. (See sidebar.) And Miat seems to like the variety in his dog food from oil food!

Miat Drying with a Hair Dryer

Miat's bath is the fast part, taking about 5-10 minutes. Now, comes the slow part: Getting Miat dry and combed without any tangles. It takes me about 20-25 minutes to get Miat's coat dry, combed, and tangle-free.

Miat Bathed and Dried

Wow, Miat! Have a treat. What a difference a bath makes. You sure do look and smell a whole lot cleaner.