Bentley!!!
When he's calm he's responsive to requests and when he's not calm. . . well let's just say that he totally freaked out my older neighbor yesterday morning!  One second he was fine and the next he was bouncing and barking and bouncing and barking. The neighbor said he looked violent and I said he was trying to play. I don't think the neighbor believed me.
Today he supervised the laying of the tile from the comfort of the couch. Apparently I was doing a better job today and he didn't need to be looking over my shoulder. He and Kayli have sort of declared a truce now. There were a few tiffs, which Kayli won of course, but now they sort of avoid each other. When they have to walk past each other I get the same look from both of them - save me Mom! It's rather amusing. Now for the bad part. This poor sheepie is matted beyond belief. You would all be horrified. Jill & I discovered this shortly after getting him from Uncle Pete and they are so close to the skin that we stopped for a pair of scissors before we got on the road and Jill spent the drive home in the back of the van trying to cut them out. She did an amazing job with scissors at 80 miles an hour!! When we got to my house, we spent another three hours with the clippers and he's maybe a third done. He's looking pretty ridiculous right now, but don't tell him that, he gets offended. Some of the mats we got with the clippers were four to six inches long and just as wide. His head is just as bad. He won't let me touch his ears, they are so bad. The tops of his paws are one big mat. Pictures wouldn't do them justice, you have to feel them to believe them; they're long, wide and solid. Horrific is the word that comes to mind. He'll only tolerate the clipping for a short period of time, so this is going to be a long process. If anyone has any tips on how to do his head, we'd greatly appreciate them. He's been great today. Very calm (must be the heat - I saw him yesterday!) and just hanging out in the cool house unless I go outside. Then he goes out and immediately wants me to come in. Bentley is definitely a keeper and I think I'll do just that!! Now, if I could just stop calling him Boo Bear, I think he'd really appreciate it.  |
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| Awwww he sounds wonderful! I'm so happy for you!
As to the mats, poor baby.... that must have been so uncomfortable, painful.... I hope his skin is ok. As to doing his head... perhaps some rescue remedy and a couple of extra people to hold him while you zip through it? Better to just get it over with. Good luck!  |
| Oh Jil, Im so happy for you!!!! Sorry about the mats...can you just shave him down...it might look better than being splotchy! Sounds like things are going well on the remodel...keep it up..the homestretch is near! |
| I'm working on shaving him down, but it takes 15-20 minutes for just one of the smaller mats. It's going to be a loonnnnggg process, I'm afraid. He gets all bouncy when I have scissors in hand and I'm guessing I'm going to have to get a neighbor to help hold him for a bit later today.
One side of his head is short now and his beard is long - he looks like Abraham Lincoln from the front and a T Rex from the side. |
| Jil-
Great news, glad you are keeping Bentley(alias BooBear  )
Sorry to hear about the monster matts, maybe shaving him down and starting again...Good luck with the new BooBear haircut! ( I figured Bentley would talk your ear off about keeping him during the drive-congratulations!!!) |
| The shaving will go faster with no guard on the blade, if you follow the direction of the hair it will leave about a quarter of an inch of hair. (maybe you already are, I don't know, just a suggestion ) |
Poor puppy  Lots of treats for Bently and patience for you. Once it's done you will all be so happy. |
| No guard, but we were going any which way we could to get at the mat, which is probably why he looks so stupid in spots. I figure I'll go back over him in a couple-three weeks to even him up more.
The Rescue Remedy is a good idea. I'll go get some as soon as I grab some lunch. He's my project for the evening. |
| I'm sooooo happy to hear you're keeping Bentley!!
That's fabulous news!!! He sounds like such a sweetie!! And, if I must say so, Bless Your Heart! Those mats aren't going to be any fun to get out for either you or him.  But I have to say your description of him as half T-Rex half Abe Lincoln is quite amusing! What an image!! Poor baby.
Good luck with it. I'm wishing you patience! |
| YAY! I am so glad you are keeping Bentley!! That's wonderful news! Can't wait to see pictures of him when he's all shaved and we can see exactly how big he really is!! |
| I'll pipe up on the shaving for one minute. We tried to take him to the skin but some of the mats are so thick that even pushing, sawing and pressing into it with no guard on the clippers was barely even making a dent. Upon looking at him, Jil and I were thinking that he was already really matted, then got wet and then they tightened up again before we picked him up. Some of the mats on his ears were about the size of 3 cotton balls put together and ROCK HARD. His face, on either side, was one giant mat. I got the passenger side only on the ride home so, yes, he does look kind of goofy. Hey, I never said I was a professional! Bentley was amazingly patient in the car on the way home as I hacked at him with the scissors, poor baby. We'll finish him yet!
Jill |
| I have only one word:
SKIP TOOTH BLADE. Ok, that was more like two. |
Actually three.....  |
| True, but it was MORE like two than one. |
| ok guys- I'm in total confusion... apparently, I've missed something.... How did Bentley come to stay with Jil? Can someone point me to the topic please?
Don't think I'm not waiting to see pics Jil!!! (Of Bentley and the bathroom) Karen |
Iriskmj wrote: ok guys- I'm in total confusion... apparently, I've missed something.... How did Bentley come to stay with Jil? Can someone point me to the topic please?
http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?t=4152 |
| Bentley is refusing to be photographed in this condition! All I seem to be able to get are pics of him sprawled all over the floor. And yes, he really IS that big!
He made friends with Bill the window salesman this afternoon. Then he picked up the toys he didn't want to play with and put them in his box and picked out another one. Make that three and they're still scattered about. Ha! He picks up like I do! Maybe I'll run out in the morning and pick up a SKIP-TOOTH BLADE. (Using the dash makes it one word!) I can't start grouting till at least 1:00. Don't worry, I'll post pictures. I think the floor is going to look seriously cool. Wait a minute, I haven't seen any of that Victorian house . . . KAREN! |
| Hey, Jil, I'm SO glad you're keeping Bentley! And I've been there with those nasty mats with our old sheepdog. I can't imagine how they don't hurt the poor guy!
Chin up, pal! This, too, shall pass!
Chris |
| Hi Jil .
Glad to see Bentley's doing great . Deb had told me that he was quite matted, her daughter had given him a bath a few days before I got him but I had no idea he would be this matted. I tried for 2 weeks to cut some of them but was only able to cut a few behind his ears, everytime he saw the scirrors, he would react to them like hey were going to torture him. I even tried to use my clippers and again no luck, he got up and tried to attack them. I tried to wash his face, brush him and even towel dry him when he came in from a light rain and again, no luck.
Glad to see that you two were able to cut some of thse mats and hopefully with time and patience, get to shave him down. Good luck to you Jil and Bentley, he's a great dog but hide that remote. Uncle Pete |
| Congrats! Bentley sounds like a character! Hope the groom goes well!
Colleen and Gucci George |
| Have you tried a matt knife? You have to be very careful but they are slicker than a hot knife through butter ( was going to say slicker than snot but didn't want to offend anyone with sensitive sensibilities...oops I just did).
Any way, one time Tasker got in a world of hurt with matts and I used a matt knife to get rid of the worst then shaved him. |
| Hi Jil and Boo Bear/Bentley
This is the most fantastic news!! Okay not about the mats and I'm so sorry to hear you and he have to go through that. 
I mean that Bentley is staying with you!! If you had been offered a sheepie so soon after Miss Belle's passing in other circumstances, you may have turned down the offer. The way these circumstances just happened to work out..I'm thinking Miss Belle had ultimate plans from Sheepie heaven. It's the same thing that happened with me and Panda only 3 wks after Shaggy's passing. In any other circumstance I would have turned down the offer as it would have been too soon. Then fate intervened as it did in this case with Boo Bear/Bentley. Personally, I like to think that Miss Belle and Shaggy girl are like too ole buddies romping around the Rainbow Bridge smiling down on us. You did good work Jil and you too Butterstotch!!! Sheepie cheers for you guys and another set of angel wings for you both. I can't wait to hear Boo Bear and Kayli adventures! Marianne and the boys |
| Yay for the Jills! I'm glad he has such a great personality Bentley will be a fun playmate for Clyde(and Rosco when I get back)
Very sad about the mats, too bad they weren't prevented from forming so tightly. He's in good hands now and off to a wonderful life |
| Bentley is shaved! My neighbor's sister is a retired groomer and she offered to do it tonight at 11:00. We just got back from her house. He's adorable, with just a mop on the top of his head - that was the only place on his body that wasn't matted. One leg she had to scissor because he wouldn't tolerate the clippers on it but it is a VAST improvement and I think he looks adorable.
Not only is he much more comfortable, but I got some excellent tips. I'll get some pictures tomorrow. Jill, you would not believe the piece that came off the side of his face. I think it was 6"x8" . . . did you know that mats hanging from the chin make excellent snacks?!?!?!? |
| Congratulations Jil!
Looking forward to the pictures! Glad you decided to keep him. Just think: A mat free sheepie! We've all been there dealing with the MATS! 
Karen and Beau P.S. Beau just started to pick up his leg. |
| HA! I knew you would keep Bentley (I like Boo Bear better). I said to myself "He's going to play a joke on Jil. She just THINKS she's going to foster, but she'll keep him."
Pics of dog and bathroom ASAP please. |
| YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Add a little worchestersauce and I bet that snack would be even better |
| If I were you, I'd just stop buying him food and just feed him hair. I think he wolfed that down faster than he did his kibble! |
| Yea but I don't know about your pups but when Tasker eats hair he usually winds up puking later |
| The matted parts were especially tasty!
No puking yet, but I bet he's a tad bit constipated. I think I'd prefer that he hacked up a furball.  |
| Ok!!! Now I'm informed again. Congrats to you and Bentley Jil- He sounds like a great addition to the family! And Uncvle Pete- I know your sheepie is out there, somewhere! As promised the pic of my house is in the "Keep you fingers crossed for us" topic... It's a couple of pages back now. Can't wait to see a mat-free Bentley and the newly grouted tile!!!
Karen |
| Jil,
I think it's wonderful that you are keeping Bentley. What a great neighbor's sister you have that helped you out with grooming him. I am sure you and Bentley are both happy that is over with. Now he can get on with enjoying is new life with you...matt free and happy. I was so excited to see your post with Bentley's update. I had been waiting. Now of course we need to see haircut pictures 
AS for him eating the matted hair... YUCK!!! Elissa |
| Yipee!! Mat-free Bentley must be feeling great! Congrats, Jil!
Um.....did anyone ask for pictures yet? |
| YAY!! Great news! I bet Bentley is SO thankful that he can move around without all the mats pulling at him. Can't wait to see his new 'do!
Chris |
| I'm anxiously awaiting his pics too! That was awesome of that woman to do that to help you out, Jil. I bet his cute sheepie face won her over easily enough. Kayli is probably thinking..hmm he's not that big after all, I can take him!
Marianne and the boys |
| Can't wait to see the pictures!! I'm sooo happy that this is coming together for you! |
| I know, I know - pictures! He's not overly cooperative, but then I've been working on the bathroom tile . . .
OMG! I'm just removing the paper from the tiles, will probably grout tomorrow, but HOLY COW! This is seriously cool. So far maybe 8 tiles came up with the paper, but I was afraid it would be worse. Yes, this was a teaser . . . . Bentley got a clean bill of health at the vet as expected. She put him on antibiotics just as a precaution - nicks from shaving - but that's it. Everyone there fell in love with him of course! Marilyn was a saint! Who else but a saint would start working on a totally matted bouncy sheepie at 10:30 at night??? And not even take a dime or let me help with the cleanup. Back to the tile ... pictures really will not do this justice, it's 1" glass mosaic with an irridescent finish in pastel green, blue & pink/purple. Seriously cool. You'll have to come check it out. |
Heerrrreee's Bentley!
He really doesn't look as goofy as in the last pic, it's just the angle. The three of us just got back from a walk and it went great!! |
| I just love the fluff top!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a doll!!!!!!!! He looks like he could use a few extra pounds on him. Is there a reason you put the arse end picture first???
Great clip job!!! |
| Awesome! He looks like Rod Stewart! Or maybe Keith Richards. What a great hairdo! Must feel great to be so clean and free of mats. . . |
| YAY!!!! Bentley Pics
But seriously Jil, What is up with the butt pic? lol He looks great. I love his head! Looks like he really didn't want to cooperate for the pictures. Elissa |
| Butt shot? I thought she was showing what a fine job was done on the backs of his legs -- looks almost like back-seamed stockings. His tail stub looks so tiny compared to Chumleys. |
| Fantastic job! He looks so cute... why the head fluff though? |
| Wow. Much better! Yay Bentley! |
| Love the new haircut, he does look like a rock star!
Sounds like he's right at home, so happy for you, Jil! Bet he'll be helpful around the garden, look how intensely he is looking things over.... He's a cutie!!! |
| Bentley was not at all interested in having his head touched at all. We got that far and decided since the top wasn't matted we'd leave it to give him character.
He thinks he's hot stuff! The butt shot was for Jill's amusement. She was on a roll with one matt back there and then Bentley decided he'd had enough so he was walking around with it hanging off for a while. |
| Great pics,he looks like a happy boy now Love the do, maybe you can start a new trend....and at least something on the poor guy wasn't matted. Congrats on a great save! |
| Jil, how big is Bentley? He looked so huge in those initial pictures with Dallas but he doesn't look so big after his new hairdo. He must be so happy to be matt-free and cool for the summer!
Sue |
| He was 72-74 pounds at the vet today. He refused to stay still so it was hard to tell.
He's 32" at the shoulders. It's all in the legs. |
| definately Kieth Richards...rolling stones....skinny legs and big hair....what a hotty....at least he doesnt look like anyone from Duran Duran |
| Are you serious? He looks so much bigger. Oddly, Clyde weighs more then though I never would've thought. He weighed 79 last night-- I made James weigh him (which requires James to weigh himself, pick up Clyde, get back on the scale and calculate the difference) because I was wondering after seeing how big Bentley was. Clyde's so wide. Aw, my tubby little battering ram. Clyde SMASH! |
| Way!
He's a svelte boy, definitely a heart breaker, LOL. The girls will go crazy when he peers at them from under that fringe! |
| I better not let Daisy near him, she loves that look He IS a little young for her but still... |
| He's very mature for his age though. |
| What a cutie pie you have Jil!
Looks like he's right at home in the garden. I just love the haircut.
Are you going to keep him short or full coat? Did Debbie give you any pictures when he was a puppy? I'm glad you decided to keep him. What great neighbors you have.
Karen and Beau |
| Oh, he looks great!!!!!!!! I love his head! Where's the pictures of the tile??
Karen |
| He looks fabulous!! She did a great job on him.
32" - he's very tall!! Wow! Bentley is a lucky boy to have found your home. |
| Let's not talk about the tile today, shall we?!?! Typical home improvement project problems that I'm trying to work out. I'm thinking it would be best for me to avoid human contact today, LOL.
I think I'll see if there's still room at the dog park and go register Sir Bentley and let him run around for a little bit. The humidity isn't as bad today.  |
| Sorry I didn't reply last night - didn't sign on. Was my first day back and work and I was DEAD tired!
Anyway, Bentley's new 'do is gorgeous!!! He looks so cool and comfy now! When you were at the vets, did he check his ears? Everything okay there? The tile looks great! What's the problem? Enjoy the rest of your week off! Chris |
| I think the tile looks GREAT!! I love the colors. Home projects are always stressful while underway but it will be wonderful when it's done.
Ginny |
| That looks awesome, Jil! |
| Well, as far as she could tell his ears were okay. He seems to have taken a page from the forward of Marianne's Panda's book as far as ears go.
Ummm...some of the tiles are coming up. I think part of the problem is that I was walking across it before I removed the glue residue from the paper backing (that was on the top of the tiles), I did that this morning and I'll stick the loose tiles back tonight. It won't be a picture perfect job, but who cares. Bentley's decided it's too darned hot out. Kayli actually showed interest in a tennis ball for 10 seconds! Chris, I knew you'd be exhausted! How did it go? |
| Tiles are great!
As far as him being only 72lbs and 32" inches at the shoulder, I would've thought he'd look like a bone rack in those proportions, but he looks healthy.... 32"?? That's taller than most great danes! My dane Leah was 34" at the shoulder and weighed about 170lbs by the age of 3, and she was not overweight in the least! |
| Jil, those tiles look divine! I think you did an admirable job!
Tyler is 31 and 1/2 inches at the shoulder and in his prime weighed between 74 and 78 lbs. Another leggy sheepie. Too Tall Tyler, was only one of the many names he had. I love a tall sheepie. Hell, I love a sheepie of any size!
Way to go with the tile and the boy, you are amazing Leslie |
 I have never measured Tasker before and just did. He's a mere 30 inches at the shoulder...........so at 100lbs I guess that makes him a bit of a porker |
 OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! It is sooo awesome! I'm sure you 're exhausted, Jil- but the tile looks great! What a handsome boy you've gotten in Bentley- I love that fringe! I hope my projects end up looking that good! anyone feel like coming over to MN and helping me fix my floors?
Karen |
| What pretty tile!! Did you do the walls to or just get the floor to coordinate with them? Looks great! I wish I could tile, I've got a bathroom desperately in need of a makeover!
Karen |
| Thank you! Thank you very much!
The walls were like that, I just picked out tiles to match that and the wallpaper. Wait till you see the wallpaper . . . that won't be for another 4 weeks though, 'cause my assistant is out of the state until then. I'm not going to get too excited about the tiles till the grouting is done. If I can get that far, I might have a functional bathroom by the time I go back to work on Monday. I just had a weird moment. I was looking for Bentley out back and there he was, laying down in the exact spot Belle was laying when I took that picture of her in the leaves! Dare I say it? Life is good. |
| Great job on the tile work...hmmm, are you going to be in Forida any time soon ?
Sam weighs around 70 lbs and is somewhere between 26 - 30" at shoulders. She wouldn't stand still . |
| Hi Jil,
Hey love that hair cut!! He resembles a Chinese crested sheepie..okay no such breed but you can tell people that, if they ask. Not to be confused with dear old Sam on the other post, as Bentley is certainly not challenged in the looks department. What a handsome boy he is!
Ahh yes the ears..there is hope as I mentioned in another post..has taken 15 months but finally Panda has allowed me to try to clean his ears. I feel for you! How's it going between Kayli and Bentley? Marianne and the boys |
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