Back in April, I wrote a post ("Lend Me Your Ear") about how deaf Stuart the Beagle loves to groom other dogs’ ears. He offers this service free-of-charge to anyone who will stand still for him. In fact, it’s often how he greets dogs, by rushing up to start cleaning their ears. For some, it’s a bit off-putting for a first greeting ("You want to do what?") — perhaps a canine social faux pas — yet for others it’s a great way to get acquainted.
Whether it’s a "hi-my-name-is-Stuart-can-I-please-clean-your-ears?" introduction or a casual after-lunch grooming session, rarely does any dog refuse to let Stuart do this. When that rejection does occur … as it did last week, when I heard a brief ruckus from the hallway, and I looked out my office door to see an upset Stuart scurrying away after blind Evelyn, hackles up, sent him packing — Stuart is dejected. Yet only momentarily, for there are more than 40 other sets of ears to clean around here.
But on Friday evening we learned Stuart was expanding his portfolio of grooming services. I was in the process of feeding the dogs when I walked around the kitchen aisle on my way to the fridge to get some canned dog food. I rounded the corner and when I looked down, there was Stuart deftly cleaning blind Briggs’ eyes. First one eye, then the other eye. Back and forth Stuart went, left eye and right eye. Briggs just sat there, clearly enjoying getting his eyes washed. Alayne brought me the camera from my office, and I took these photos as Stuart continued to groom away.
Just to make sure everyone understood that the eye wash is simply a new addition to the grooming menu, Stuart finished up with some determined ear cleaning as well:
Two happy Beagles, one cleaner than the other.
Rolling Dog Farm Blog 
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