Today was a huge day for Xena and I, because she finally allowed me to wash her udder!
Washing her udder was on my ‘To Do List’ a year ago, but we just weren’t ready yet. So instead I created a long range training plan, that began with rubbing the insides of her hind legs, and slowly progressed to her belly and the sides of her udder.
During the first few weeks, each time I approached her hind leg, Xena would drop her hip and cock her leg in a protective / defensive posture. I was extremely cautious, but I was also determined to include stroking the inside of her hind legs as a regular part of our grooming routine. In time I became aware that her belly and legs were often mud-splattered after wet weather, so I began to focus my attention on rubbing away dried mud. This gave me a purpose and an opportunity to gradually extend my rubbing to the deep crevice where her leg meets her abdomen.
In time I began to use the dry car wash mitt to stroke her belly, and briefly hesitate on her udder. And finally, today I used tepid water and the car wash mitt to wash her udder — a towel or cloth would have been too rough for such delicate skin. I didn’t expect to complete this task today, but each time I read her facial expression she seemed to give me permission to continue.
It’s likely that her udder hasn’t been washed in at least 8 years, as it was crusty with layers of dirt and small bits of plant material. I was so proud of Xena, and so relieved just knowing that she finally felt clean.
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