I'm so glad you were able to help Cosmo. I do believe the dog you had to travel to the humane society to shave was far worse though.

She tried the vets, home care, drove two hours, told the truth, showed genuine concern and affection  for Cosmo - all the while, knowing there would be some less than kind comments on line. Bless Cosmo, Bless her and her family.  Hopefully GWtD community can help with recommendations for appropriate groomer or vets with inhouse groomers nearer home.

He wasn't displaying "bad behavior." Cosmo was just stressed, confused, and in pain. He deserves ALL the chicken treats!

Shame on whoever accuses her of doing difficult dogs just for the views! She has literally saved dogs lives with her services.

It’s disgusting that the dog got that bad and the vets who wouldn’t even TRY to help are the ones that I’m angry at.  NOT the owner.

It cannot be overstated how different Vanessa's salon is different from a "typical" groom. The quiet environment & lack of multiple dogs' scent makes for a completely different experience for the dog.

People disrespecting your generosity just baffles me. You give your time and talent to improve lives, how in the world anyone feels they have the right to be critical of you for this is incredible.

"compassion goes a lot further than criticism"
- you are so the right kind of person I want to have loads of followers on social media, Vanessa!

After having a severly matted dog brought to me after numerous groomers refused and vets were charging way more than the owner could afford. I took the challenge and gave him a chance. He was extremely angry and would bite any chance he couod but after i freed him from his casted coat and continued to groom him regardless of his behaviour he eventually began to trust and by his 4th groom Teddy was able to happily walk in and continue, he would knarl at my thumb with a thick glove on but he learned he was safe and stopped. He went from a huge mess to an adorable comfortable little man 😊

My elderly father had a shitzu who was really matted and a mess with some health issues. I live overseas and came to visit him in the USA and was a bit shocked at the dog’s condition as he always took good care of his dogs. He said he was too embarrassed to go to the groomer. I encouraged him to take the dog anyway, which he did and the groomer was an angel, like Vanessa….compassionate and understanding. My father was so relieved and took the dog back regularly afterward. No judgement for the dog’s sake.

I feel so sorry for the owner. She genuinely sounds like she's worn out just trying to get help for her dog.

"Cosmo can't see treats, but he does like it" I CRIED

Goodness, I can't imagine the guilt the owner has. Wanting so badly to find someone to help but having everyone deny her

Its not rewarding bad behaviour to give him a treat - he's reacting because it hurts and he can't help it. I think he was remarkably good considering what he had to go through

Honestly this didnt feel like a “bad dog” at all, just a dog that was scared and hurting. You can really see how much patience and care went into this, and that’s what made the diference. Not every groomer would take the time like that, and it probably meant a lot for both Cosmo and his owner. This is the kind of care every pet should have tbh.

people don't realize how quickly a bad situation can turn into an unsolvable problem. if his mom didn't care she wouldn't have tried.

Cosmo hung in there, your calm kind voice helped him so much. I think a groomer likely yelled and was mean to Cosmo, which caused all the problems.

I think at some point he did realize you were trying to help him.

Initially, I was wondering how the owner let this happen.  Then she explained her journey, and I felt a great deal of empathy.  She has clearly tried everything to help her dog.  I am glad she found you and reached out.

most "aggressive" dogs are not aggressive, they re just in pain. I can imagine the weight that was literally lifted off his tiny little "shoulders".