You could say it’s a New Year’s tradition at our house, but this would be the first year we’ve adapted it. Still, we like it. Nice clean dogs for a nice clean new year.
Dora disagrees. She thinks that dirty, stinky doggies are much more appropriate for a new year. If you don’t bring last year’s treasures with you when you’re turning over a new leaf, how can you be sure you’ll know who you are?
And so went the bathtub tango. Us offering peanut butter, treats, praise, songs, and petting. Dora turning her upturned nose and her underbitten face away, as though to say “Thank you, but I reject your pathetic advances.” Once in the tub, she refused to even stand with all four paws on the tub floor, as though she was preserving her dignity through just her pristinely dry front-left paw.
"I'll be damned if I put this last dry paw down, lady."
After some additional coaxing (I think fosterdad offered her a $100 bill and a sip of his Lagunitas IPA), she succumbed to the new bath tradition and bore it like the good girl that she is, even the much-dreaded face-washing.
nice and clean and ready to scram . . .
I'm a good girl . . . but which way's the door?
I'm going for it . . .
Is there a fire escape, maybe?
After we wrapped our Dora-bull in a nice thick orange towel, we all enjoyed a good romp on the bed and the world was whole again.
But welcoming 2012 with nice, clean, vanilla-scented furs wasn’t the only reason that Dora needed a bath . . . stay tuned tomorrow to find out her other motive!
Love and a Six-Foot Leash 
So darn cute!
Your photos of the pooches are always wonderful. The last paw and fire escape shots are hilarious! Hugs to Dora!
Dora, you tease. I hope it’s really, really good news!!!! You are the cutest little thing in a grey fur coat. I’ve got my fingers crossed for you.
Vanilla-scented fur? Sounds lovely. What kinda of shampoo do you use on the pups? And is Chick okay with smelling so nice?? I have a boy dog too, and he thinks bad smells are more manly!
Ohhhhh….I hope Dora is meeting a potential forever family!! And I’d love to know what kind of shampoo you use – vanilla is my favorite (Chloe’s too). Good luck, Dora!!
Dora, Turkey and Rufus hate bathies too. You’re not alone! But I must say, there is not much cuter than a post-bathies pittie!
Ooooh, does Dora have a blind date tomorrow? Does she have reason to dress to impress?
I think Dora looks a lot like Havi! Havi doesnt know shes about to have a bath!
OMG, she is so darn cute! 🙂
Dora! You are the cutest thing ever. Hopefully you’re getting nice and clean to meet your potential forever people??
Adorable!
Dora has a home – I’m guessing??? You just have to make us come back, don’t you? and it is so haarrdd (LOL). Waiting for tomorrow already.
Devo got a New Years bath too!! I think he was as enthusiastic as Miss Dora. Paws are crossed for the big news tomorrow!
mine got baths yesterday too!
dora, i hope you are meeting a potential adopter! ❤
Ahh Dora Dora, once you learn your foster parents are more resilient than you life will be so much easier!
PS Aleks- I love your new design, so fresh and adorable! Also, what dog shampoo do you use, I am always looking for the next best thing when it comes to doggie baths especially since fostering a boy dog has provided a whole new level of doggie smell.
We use the vanilla or oatmeal flavor of a brand called 8 in 1. Very gentle and doesn’t have a chemically smell. It’s available at the big chain pet stores.
I just love the pictures!!! Hate the bath part… I’m with Dora – no need! Mom says it’ll be my turn in the tubby soon.
-Corbin
I love this mini-story with the happy ending – Dora rolling on the bed *thrilled* to have survived the dreaded bath. Oh how nice it is to be squeaky clean!
Your pictures motivate me to get a better camera so I can capture my kids with that clarity. You truly take gorgeous pictures. My little mama always lifts a paw at bath time too =)
Love the new look to your site!
Much calmer than Elka’s baths! Definitely a great photo sequence ^^
Bet you feel good
Benny & Lily