When I was a kid I loved the Steiff stuffed animals. They were soft in a way that made you want to touch them.

Freedom’s newly clipped coat has that same soft, velvety feeling.

I body clipped him last week (after doing the trace clip) and I’ve given him a few massages since. He’s eminently touchable right now although also quite ticklish.

My only regret is that my clipper blades started to dull and rather than drive home to get my sharp ones, I finished the job — so part of him looks a bit scraggly. I might have to touch him up this week.