A Day At The Spa Turns Scruffy Dogs Into Beauties

Orphans of the Storm in Riverwoods is Lake County’s designated shelter for stray dogs and cats.

Yet it’s especially sad when a dog is surrendered after being a loving family member for many years. Sometimes these animals have not been bathed or brushed for years!

Orphans has many volunteers to help adopt out their “boarders,” and one of the nicest groups is Loving Care Pet Services, which donates time to bathe and groom some of the scruffy-looking dogs.

See how nice Lola looks? It’s hard to believe this is the same dog! Many dogs look so different under a tangled, dirty, overgrown coat, which, of course, they can’t brush and bath themselves!

From the Orphans web site:

With one ear forward and one ear back, Lola seems to be searching for an answer to why her family gave her up. The reason of "not being able to afford the pet any longer" is a common excuse for relinquishment these days.

But it doesn't take the pain and confusion away from the family pet when he/she discovers themselves in new and strange surroundings with no familiar faces to run to for comfort.

At 5 years old, Lola is a well balanced, even tempered female wire-hair terrier mix who has been let down in life by the family she depended on and loved. At Orphans of the Storm she has found a safe harbor with quality care and compassion until we can match her up with a new family.

In the mean time, we thought that a trip to Loving Care Pet Services for a spa day might be just the thing to lift her spirits. At Loving Care Pet Services, Lola was treated to a special treated oatmeal bath to sooth her skin and a thorough brush.

Her ears and eyes were cleaned, teeth brushed and her nails were cut and buffed. As you can see she loves her festive bandanna and proudly sat for a couple yummy treats after her special day at the groomers.

Take a look at Lola's before and after photos, and see how fresh and beautiful Lola looks after her spa day. Pretty enough to tempt a potential adoptive family to look her way.

Because Lola was a relinquished pet, we know a bit of her history. She is house-broken, gets along well with small children and other dogs. And her wirey coat is not a huge shedder, but can be maintained with regular brushing and trips to the groomer.

- Information compiled by Barbara Cooke