Grandma Lena’s dog-grooming salon sprang up right in the kitchen.

She declared her wish to trim the family dog, Axel, at home:

“Our elderly and sensitive Axel will be less stressed,” she said, “and $70 will stay in the family budget.”

The family loved the idea. Her son-in-law even bought a dog clipper, complete with a set of attachments.

The very first haircut transformed Axel beyond recognition. From an old, curly mutt, he turned into a sleek, smooth-coated, young-looking spaniel. His muzzle sharpened, his eyes opened to the world, his legs seemed longer. On walks, neighbors praised Grandma Lena’s skill.

Encouraged by success, she took on Zoe — her daughter’s friend’s lapdog. The client was promised a free “rejuvenation.”

An hour later, Zoe had become a mysterious exhibit: Her fur was gone entirely, leaving only smooth skin, and on her tail a coquettish tuft stuck out — like a cocktail umbrella.

Grandma beamed, proclaiming, “Exotic! Short, bold, with a twist!”

Reactions split. Her daughter called Zoe “a rat — a bald rat.” Her grandkids wanted to know where Zoe’s T-shirt was. A friend sat in stunned silence. But Grandma? She felt absolute confidence in her genius.

Now on walks, Zoe enjoyed heightened attention from the local gentlemen. Every male dog changed his route to confess love at first sight.

“What did you expect?” Grandma shrugged, like an artist certain of her masterpiece. “Youth is nothing but the absence of excess.”  OH

Elena Yarmak is a writer of short, observant stories that find humor in everyday life.