Haircuts for Everyone!

When bushes and hair start getting long on the homestead, I go to work to trim everything down and back.

Problem Bush

Let's face it, the bush is not really the problem. The real problem here is the dog. The dog is doing a fantastic job climbing up this bush, snapping branches in the process. This makes for a less than desirable bush visually, and honestly, when she's up in the bush, all she does is howl. While I understand this behavior, I do not want it to become a habit (although it's already one and I do need to curb it).

The solution I have found to curbing this behavior from the dog is to cut back any branches that are too far out too low to the ground and shaping the bush so pointy sticks will hinder her climbing abilities.

I focus on cutting the branches sticking out toward the bottom of the bush because I do not want the bush to get any larger. It already is huge, contributing to the bird population that terrorizes the dog encouraging her incessant need to climb the bush. I also cut several snapped branches to prevent unhealthy and slow healing. If branches are snapped and don't heal quickly, it is easier for pests or diseases to overrun the bush, and while the bush is huge, I'd rather not lose the entire bush to disease.

The Fun Part... I Think?

Maybe I should reevaluate the word "fun" for this, because according to the boys, getting haircuts is anything but fun. The boys are absolutely adorable with longer hair, and when they get their hair cut, they look even older, and I'm not sure my Mama heart can handle that sometimes! But if they don't get haircuts, the backs of their heads become super knotted and ratty in just a few hours, so haircuts are a necessary evil.

Overall, they do a fantastic job sitting still for their haircuts. The clippers tickle their necks, and they'll cackle at first. And they are fascinated with the hair that falls from their head. But once hair starts tickling their noses or I have to hold their heads still while Nana (my mom) cuts their bangs and around their ears with scissors, all bets are off as to how they like - or don't like - haircuts.

After they're done with their haircuts though, they're very happy to take baths and get their hair brushed! Ultimately, haircuts aren't a favorite on the homestead, but they sure do make for some handsome boys!