Two weeks ago we lost our Nestle at 16 years old. It’s because of her that we found mobile pet grooming in the first place. Nestle was our inspiration for pursuing all of it. We were fortunate to have her for so long and watch her live a good life, but when you know it’s time, you know.

Humble Beginnings

She had it rough at first. My husband found her at the Dumb Friends League after losing another chocolate lab named Fudge. With another chocolate lab at home, our Rowntree, the house was a bit empty. A friend of my husband’s spotted Nestle shortly after Fudge passed, and my husband just went there to take a look. It took Nestle about 2 hours of coaxing to come out from under the table. Once she did, there was no question of her coming home. The sad part was that she had been in two other homes previously to ours, so we don’t know what her history was. Nestle was skittish around strangers and other dogs sometimes, so you can only imagine what her past was. You always need to be extra careful with dogs that have an unknown history, and treat them with as much compassion as you can.

Mobile Grooming to the Rescue

I searched for a mobile groomer because of the part about being around other dogs. Taking our sensitive chocolate lab through a big store to sit in a kennel for hours alone, without being able to go outside at all, was not conducive to having a happy pup when we picked her up. I searched online and found that mobile grooming did exist and was the perfect alternative for our needs. Most of the owner/operator businesses were booked out for months, but we got lucky. We booked an appointment the next day and since then always encountered kind and gentle groomers for our dogs.

The Chocolate Lab as Family Dog

We spent years taking her and our other dogs for long walks and playing fetch. She regularly stole food from the kitchen counter, ate whatever she found outside and was generally indestructible until recently. Nestle watched over our baby when we brought her home and taught our next two dogs how to behave. She was Alpha.

Bidding Farewell

That afternoon when we said goodbye, we were all together, thankfully due to our mobile veterinarian coming to our home. Glad we could all be with her so she didn’t get stressed and could feel our love. Our 9 year old made her last day extra special with a tea party with lots of treats. We prepared for this day for a long time, but it still hits hard. This chocolate lab was our family, and the last link to our beginnings. If you are reading this, you likely know exactly how this feels.

Nestle was special and will always be remembered.