Thanks Jo. We just got back in and I think it will take a while for Mali to forgive me

The lady said that she was quite well behaved and she congratulated me on how good her coat is, so I've not done too bad a job over these past two years

Both ladies fell in love with Elsie and loved her name. I think both dogs are quite exhausted now.
As for the cut, well Elsie is fine, she only had a little tickle up to show her what to expect (and she was very well behaved) but poor Mali has had her tail taken off! I feel terrible, it's my fault, I should have told the groomer what I wanted, I explained everything esle but forgot about her tail. I know it will grow back but it looks so odd. Her bottom has had a very close shve too

(that's going to be itchy!)
All in all, a good learning curve and great to have Mali looking tidy again but now that I'm fully fit I will be able to keep on top of it as I had been doing prior to my 'op.