Bath Day in the Old Metal Tub. Pip Had Opinions, but He Stayed Put.
Suds cling to Odessa's forearms all the way up to her rolled denim sleeves, and the old galvanized tub is foaming like a milkshake. Pip stands in the middle of it, fur plastered flat, ears tilted back, wearing the long-suffering look every dog seems to save for bath time. Still, he is not trying to bolt. Odessa is working the lather into his back with steady, gentle hands, smiling down at him as if she is telling him what a good boy he is. Behind them the backyard is green and a little overgrown, with potted plants, a blue watering can, and a clothes rack in the sun.
A Jack Russell's coat, whether smooth, broken, or rough, usually does not need frequent bathing. For many dogs, a bath every month or two is plenty unless they roll in something memorable. Use a shampoo made for dogs, since human products can irritate their skin, and keep the water comfortably lukewarm. Rinse very thoroughly, because leftover soap can cause itching. Brushing between baths helps remove loose hair and spread natural oils. If your dog has skin trouble or seems itchy all the time, talk to your vet before trying new products.
Outdoor baths have their perks. No one worries about splashes on the bathroom floor, the sun helps with drying, and there is plenty of room for the inevitable full-body shake. Pip will be fluffy and fragrant in about twenty minutes, and probably rolling in the grass in twenty-one.
