Mapuche may be macho but he sure is pretty. People often stop us to marvel at how handsome he is, despite the fact that the baby is usually alongside. New Yorkers are serious about their pets. I don't get offended though. I may have been like that before I had a kid.

The heat has been relentless this summer so it was high time Mapu got a haircut.

We've tried a couple of groomers but my favorite is Towne House Grooming. It's not a fancy pet spa (nor should it be) but it's run by animal people, you know, the kind that tell you your dog is breathtaking while you're holding an infant. I'm kidding, they love Big Bub but you know what I mean.

Other than that, I really like that both the grooming areas and holding pen are completely visible. Their prices are good too.

Mapu's really excited about his puppy cut...

Well, Big Bub is anyhow...

Towne House's super sweet owner, Elly, gave MapuBig Bub us a cupcake squeeze toy and the boys spent the rest of the afternoon fighting over it...

Mine!

No mine!

Yours!

Miiiiiine!

Mapu's enjoying both his new haircut and cupcake a whole lot more now that Big Bub is fast asleep.

Towne House Grooming: 369 West 19th Street at Ninth Avenue (212-929-2910).