Back in April, I wrote a post ("Lend Me Your Ear") about how deaf Stuart the Beagle loves to groom other dogs' ears. He offers this service free-of-charge to anyone who will stand still for him. In fact, it's often how he greets dogs, by rushing up to start cleaning their ears. For some, it's a bit off-putting for a first greeting ("You want to do what?") -- perhaps a canine social faux pas -- yet for others it's a great way to get acquainted.
Whether it's a "hi-my-name-is-Stuart-can-I-please-clean-your-ears?" introduction or a casual after-lunch grooming session, rarely does any dog refuse to let Stuart do this. When that rejection does occur ... as it did last week, when I heard a brief ruckus from the hallway, and I looked out my office door to see an upset Stuart scurrying away after blind Evelyn, hackles up, sent him packing -- Stuart is dejected. Yet only momentarily, for there are more than 40 other sets of ears to clean around here.
But on Friday evening we learned Stuart was expanding his portfolio of grooming services. I was in the process of feeding the dogs when I walked around the kitchen aisle on my way to the fridge to get some canned dog food. I rounded the corner and when I looked down, there was Stuart deftly cleaning blind Briggs' eyes. First one eye, then the other eye. Back and forth Stuart went, left eye and right eye. Briggs just sat there, clearly enjoying getting his eyes washed. Alayne brought me the camera from my office, and I took these photos as Stuart continued to groom away.
Just to make sure everyone understood that the eye wash is simply a new addition to the grooming menu, Stuart finished up with some determined ear cleaning as well:
Two happy Beagles, one cleaner than the other.
I had to laugh, we have a lab who washes the other dogs ears. It must be soothing because it almost puts them to sleep. What a cutie.
Posted by: Rita Boatright | September 11, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Our sweet rescue puppy Nugget LOVES to clean her "sister" Daisy's eyes. Daisy, our pretty aloof alpha dog, regally accepts her sister's lickings!
Posted by: Elaine Pinckard | September 10, 2008 at 07:24 PM
ah Stuart such a caring gentleman, should show us humans that we should be caring for others in a very loving manner, Bless Stuart
Posted by: Don | September 10, 2008 at 06:53 PM
How cute! Stuart reminds of my beagle Ginny, so pretty. I love beagle eyes! She and my dorgi(dachshund and corgi mix) Molly love to wash each other's ears all the time.
Posted by: KM | August 06, 2008 at 11:04 PM
That is too funny! Good to know there is a resident groomer among your furry friends. Someone needs to tell Evelyn it is a free service & no tipping required!!!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin - San Antonio TX | August 04, 2008 at 12:05 PM
My Kodi ( a rottie) did the ear cleaning to any dog or cat he met. If they liked it or not. He would just hold down the unwilling with a giant paw!! I miss him. I'm glad you have Stuart for the job.
Posted by: Lisa | August 04, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Great shots!
Stuart's mobile grooming service has lightened my day up completely. What a great laugh I had!!
Posted by: Boundforglory | August 04, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Our oldest basset does that too, but she doesn't do ears ;)
Posted by: Elona | August 04, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Yummy-- ear and eye goo. Every morning I wipe our Weim's eyes with a warm paper towel, only because Princess Poopsalot can't reach her. But she sure does keep the other critters eyes and ears clean. I wonder, does Stuart give pedicures too?
Posted by: Debbie | August 04, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Years ago we had two toy poodles. Our male would clean the females eyes.
Today, we have a shih tzu and a lab. The Lab gets the good ear cleaning from the shih tzu.
Posted by: Tryna | August 04, 2008 at 12:09 AM
I always hold my breath right before I click on the Sunday night blog hoping nothing awful happen over the weekend so, THANK YOU for a great blog week start on those adorable Beagles---Stuart is a doll!!
Posted by: Shirley * James * Portland, OR | August 03, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Oh those beagles are just darling! If only Stuart could come around my house and clean my dog's ears!
What is the beagle/dachshund ratio now ?
Posted by: Kylie Payeur | August 03, 2008 at 11:57 PM
My dogs used to do this too - very sweet - thanks for the pics :- )
Posted by: Karen | August 03, 2008 at 10:32 PM
LOL!! LOL!!``
Posted by: Leila - Washington | August 03, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Great story! Stuart's a doll, and Evelyn missed her own, in-home spa treatment.
Posted by: Moon Rani | August 03, 2008 at 10:02 PM
My elderly black and tan doxie Toby would love to have Stuart come clean his ears. None of my other dogs will clean them. Makes you wonder why Stuart is so into grooming other dogs. At any rate, it's good that Rolling Dog has a resident ear-cleaner!
Posted by: Julie and the Three Doxies | August 03, 2008 at 09:54 PM
That's so cute! However, I think I'm glad I'm not a dog...and if one of ours started that with me, I'd be put off. 'Course, we do have Hoagie, who wants to lick any part of us he can reach, when he's not herding the cat.
Posted by: Vicki Small | August 03, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Haha! Oh Stuart, you certainly do your part to keep everything rolling along at the Rolling Dog Ranch...Everybody's nice and clean! What a funny fella!
Posted by: maggie | August 03, 2008 at 07:14 PM
My dog does this to our neighbor's dog too. She ALSO does it to us! It's a weird sensation, to be sure. And I never know if it's rude of me to wipe off my eyes after she's done. She won't do it to just anyone/dog, so I guess I should feel honored....
Posted by: Kelly Luchtman | August 03, 2008 at 06:54 PM