IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Shaftesbury Road, SALISBURY, SP2 0DT

Number 29 Shaftesbury Road was built circa 1835. Constructed of ashlar on a stone plinth, under a slate roof. Listed, grade II, with details at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1283539 A former county town, Wilton is situated some 2¾ miles west of Salisbury on the confluence of the River Nadder and the River Wylye. The town grew around Wilton Abbey, founded in the 8th century, and was the administrative capital of Wiltshire until the 11th century. The town declined in importance after Salisbury Cathedral was built. The town is renowned for carpet manufacture, which began in 1741 when two French weavers were brought in and a carpet factory continued to operate until 1995. The country estate of Wilton House is an integral part of the town.

Numbers 37, 39 and 41 Shaftesbury Road are a row of three 18th century cottages. Constructed of plastered cob on a brick plinth, under a thatch roof. Listed, grade II, with details at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1023736 A former county town, Wilton is situated some 2¾ miles west of Salisbury on the confluence of the River Nadder and the River Wylye. The town grew around Wilton Abbey, founded in the 8th century, and was the administrative capital of Wiltshire until the 11th century. The town declined in importance after Salisbury Cathedral was built. The town is renowned for carpet manufacture, which began in 1741 when two French weavers were brought in and a carpet factory continued to operate until 1995. The country estate of Wilton House is an integral part of the town.

The Westie seems happy at the moment, I am not sure he realises what is about to happen. He has already been groomed out, had his nails clipped and has had a first clip - now for a bath.

Poor wet little dog. I don't think he has enjoyed being shampooed. Special shampoos are used so as not to strip the natural oils out of the coats, but care has to be taken not to get water in the ears or soap in the eyes.

Almost finished. The face is the last part of the process. Each dog is finished to set breed standards. This is perhaps the most dangerous part of the operation - the scissors are like razors and not only could the finish be ruined, but both dog and groomer could receive a serious injury if for instance the dog moves or bites etc.

The Westie is now dry and groomed out and is receiving the second and final clip. Some West Highland Terriers are hand stripped, but this one has his back and sides clipped, with the skirt, face and legs scissored. Dog grooming is highly skilled and this groomer has nearly thirty years experience.

Come on, it's not like having a cold shower, the water is lovely and warm. The shampoo has to be well rinsed from the coat or the coat will dry sticky. After rinsing, the dog is 'blasted' with warm air to remove excess water before being put into a drying cabinet so that they can get warm and dry.

All finished. Unfortunately the Westie has just shaken and ruined the look, but he is happy and ready to be collected by his owner. The whole process has taken two and a half hours. Some breeds of dogs take far more time, standard poodles who have a lion cut or a lamb cut can take up to six hours to do, and others who are just bathed and finished take an hour and a half. The majority of dogs just love it and then there are those that prefer to bite, scratch, play dead or just wee on you.

If you see a pub with a sign of a bell, look around for the church. This ancient sign originated with pubs attached to or near early churches.

The Italian Spinone (a breed of gundog) is so chilled out while being groomed that she sleeps while the groomer is using surgical blades to remove the knotted fur from between its pads.