Hi Jen
Monty still looks really cute. He really is enormous!! isn't he?
I think I mentioned before, I had a real hard time finding someone suitable to groom Candy so have decided to do it myself. As soon as you mention handstripping they try and talk you out of it and start brandishing the clippers! They also talk you down and you're made to feel as if you don't know what you're talking about.
I was very lucky too because I met a woman in the park who used to breed/groom cockers and has offered to give me some lessons.
I bought a coat king at Crufts and some toe scissors to do her paws and I already had a Spratts 76 for day to day use.
It's actually really therapeutic and as Mike says it's a great way to bond with your dog. I'm not saying I'm brilliant or anything but once you get going it's not as hard or time consuming as you think. Think how much money you'll save! The only problem I have is bathing and drying Candy, she's still terrified of water and the hair dryer!