Dogs are pretty much precious no matter what they do. They can melt our hearts with one look, and when they snuggle up? Forget it, we're putty in their paws.
But even the best dogs (and they're all the best dogs) sometimes need a little sprucing up.
If you have a dog that plays outside a lot, or has long hair, then you know that while they may be adorable, dogs aren't always the daintiest creatures, and they can end up with some seriously grimy looks.
And that's where dog groomers come in.
Getting your dog professionally trimmed, shampooed, and styled might seem frivolous, but it actually does a world of good.
For one thing, it keeps dogs (and your house) clean and fresh-smelling. More importantly, it makes rescue dogs look even cuter, or, in the case of one grooming trend, adorably silly, and greatly increases their chances of getting adopted. Grooming can literally save lives!
And sometimes? It's just funny.
That's the spirit behind animal photographer Grace Chon's photo series, HAIRY. In this series, she photographed dogs before and after a trip to the groomer's, showing them as scruffy and unkempt, and then as polished and styled. But really? They're pretty lovable either way.
Take a look the series below, and let us know which is your favorite. Be warned, though, it will be hard to choose!
[H/T: BoredPanda]
Grace Chon is an animal photographer who freely admits, "I like dogs better than I like people."
Luckily, she has the dream job of snapping photos of dogs, and plenty of other creatures.
Her series HAIRY shows the "before" and "after" effects of a thorough grooming on some very disheveled dogs.
After their cleanup, the dogs most notably can see after getting all that hair out of their eyes!
And while they're of course sweet and adorable before their makeovers, they look brighter and happier afterward…
…If sometimes a bit shocked at the whole procedure. But don't worry. These dogs will be back to scrapping and playing in no time.
Chon's subjects were given Japanese-style groomings, which emphasize customized haircuts that highlight a dog's individual features for maximum cuteness.
Some of them get really fancy! This 'do is just styled with a comb.
Unlike Western-style grooming, which is based on a list of standards for each breed, the Japanese style is all about the individual dog and their unique features.
These dogs were all groomed at Healthy Spot pet center in Los Angeles.
And while it does seem a bit over-the-top to spend so much time making a dog look good, grooming is actually more important than you might think, and improves a dog's health.
Grooming addresses skin and hair issues, and keeps your home cleaner, too!
Many rescue dogs also benefit from a good grooming. Not only does it improve their health and cleanliness, but it makes them more attractive.
That might sound shallow, but it increases their chance of finding a forever home.
Plus, if you're a long-haired dog, it's just nice to be able to see!
Chon herself is also active in animal rescue and advocacy programs, and spends her free time photographing homeless dogs to help them get adopted.
She donates her photography services to animal rescue organizations in and around Los Angeles, where she lives and works.
She also has two rescue dogs of her own, named Maeby and Zoey.
And while like this dog, her subjects may not look enthused about their makeovers, they're probably a lot more comfortable in the summer heat!
When she's not documenting dog makeovers, Chon specializes in adorable pet portraits like these.
She's all about capturing the unique character of each dog.
And as you can see, she has no shortage of subjects, all of whom are full of personality!
And if you're not a dog person? There are plenty of cats in her portfolio, too.
And to see a transformation unfold right before your eyes, check out the adorable video below of a dog's enviably luxurious afternoon!
