Hair soaks up oil spills

Watch this video to see how hair and fur can help clean up the oil spill.

Fight The Oil Spill By Giving Your Dog A Haircut

Until today, Hair Balls thought pet hair clippings were only good for making you sneeze, but apparently the hair is incredibly absorbent, which could come in handy in the case of, say, a gigantic freakin' oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Pet Paradise, a chain of chichi pet spas, with two in Houston, has started collecting hair clippings from its 13 locations and is donating them to Matter of Trust, a San Francisco-based charity that uses pet and human hair wrapped in used nylon stockings to make "booms" to help soak up oil spills. Matter of Trust is collecting as much hair as possible to battle the BP oil slick covering about 3,500 square miles. (Weird fact: Pet Paradise Spokeswoman Lisa Pogue tells us that "it's estimated that one pound of dog hair can soak up one quart of oil in one minute.")

The chain collects about 100 pounds of hair a week, which, if our math is correct, means the BP oil spill can be cleaned up in four seconds. But that's just a rough estimate. The hair is shipped off to Matter of Trust's warehouses in boxes lined with garbage bags, to ensure that not one strand goes missing.

Check out the Matter of Trust website for info on how you can donate your pup's hair. (Or maybe you just want to send the whole dog.) Or, if you don't own a dog but are raising rabbits, horses, sheep or alpacas in the backyard, Matter of Trust accepts their hair, too.

And don't worry, the oily booms aren't just tossed in the trash when they're all used up -- Matter of Trust says they use a totally green disposal method that involves worms eating the booms. That's right: worms eating giant piles of oil-soaked animal hair. Hope we didn't ruin your lunch.

[Source: Houston Press]

Canine Topiary - Where Creativity Wags Its Tail

SECAUCUS, N.J. — Once they finished shaving the cats, the glamour event of the dog grooming show began.

Angela Kumpe had won the “creative challenge” event the past two years at Intergroom, one of the more prestigious competitions on the calendar. First, she clipped and colored a standard poodle into an ode to Elvis Presley — Elvis on one side, a guitar on the other. Last year, she turned a dog into a peacock. She is one of the best at canine topiary.

This year, Kumpe, a 34-year-old from Little Rock, Ark., spent more than six months turning a poodle into a buffalo. It probably would have won Sunday, beating the seahorse, the Lady Gaga and the Mad Hatter.

But Kumpe, who has become the groomer-to-beat at contests like this, changed her mind after her mother died Feb. 24. “She was my biggest fan in creative grooming,” Kumpe said.

So Kumpe turned a dog into a living memorial.

Intergroom is a three-day trade show for the industry. About 150 exhibitor stalls offered everything from tools (scissors, clippers, combs, brushes), equipment (cages, tubs, dryers), products (shampoos, conditioners, colognes, gels, glitter and coloring) and apparel (mostly smocks for groomers and showier items for the dogs).

There are few limits in creative grooming. Sometimes, people make dogs look like different animals. There have been lions and ponies and camels that have forced closer examination to verify the species.

“People sometimes say, ‘Oh, poor dog,’ ” the M.C. Teri DiMarino told the audience that surrounded the show area at the Meadowlands Exposition Center. “But their perception is limited to their front feet. Really. All they know is that people are paying attention to them. They love it.”

Contestants generally spend six months or more preparing the dogs. First comes the idea. Then the dog’s coat is shaved with clippers, cut with scissors and fine-tuned occasionally. Colors are added in the weeks before the event. Up until competition day, dogs look like nature gone awry, as if they were groomed in the dark with blunt instruments and dipped into a box of melting Crayolas.

“Some people ask, ‘Was she born that way?’ ” said Sami Stanley, busy putting finishing touches on her standard poodle, the dog of choice for its thick, grooming-friendly fur and relatively large size. Stanley’s dog, Skye, had a dragon sculptured on one side and a jumping gold fish on the other. Stanley called it Zen Poodle. “If you have a better name than that, let me know,” she said with a shrug.

Diane Betelak was the judge. A frequent winner of these increasingly popular contests, Betelak said she looked for whether the clipping was concise and the color vibrant, and whether the design was original, among other things.

“Some ideas have been used over and over, like a carousel horse,” Betelak said. “So if you bring me a carousel horse, it better be spectacular.”

She awarded third place to the Mad Hatter, accompanied by three people fully decked in other Alice in Wonderland costumes. The dog “wore” a fur-coat-colored brown, had the March Hare on its left rear leg and tea cups on its right. Brynn Haynes of Whitehall, Pa., the groomer and the Red Queen, said she spent 25 hours creating it.

Second place went to a dog that, when it stood on its hind legs, was meant to look like a poodle-size seahorse. It stood before a sea-themed vinyl shower curtain, which hid a man holding a plastic toy that made bubbles to drift through the scene.

The winner came as little surprise. After scrapping plans to bring her buffalo-themed poodle — a buffoodle? — Kumpe started from scratch a week ago with a friend’s standard poodle that had not been clipped in nearly a year.

A woman’s body was sculptured onto one side of the dog, head turned away and hair tied in a bun. “It’s a grieving angel for my mom,” Kumpe said. Her mother, Linda Smead, was 66. Kumpe was dressed in white and wore white wings. Down the dog’s rear leg, and on most of its opposite side, were fragile-looking purple flowers and green leaves, part of the dog’s manicured coat and marked with exacting detail. They matched artificial flowers and greenery at the dog’s table.

The design drew finger points and picture takers. When DiMarino told the audience that Kumpe’s design represented an angel for her mother, a buzz went through the room. Kumpe won the $1,500 first prize.

[Source: The New York Times]

Watch for Clipper Burns When Grooming

This news broadcast from KTKA has some tips on treating and avoiding clipper burn.

Pampered Pooches Aid Troops

July 13 was the first K-9 Support Dog Wash at the Clarksville Dogtopia, but the fourth annual event for the company. Dogtopia employees were on hand to give the dogs baths and trim their nails for a monetary donation, and all the money raised went to benefit a group of dogs often forgotten -- working military dogs in Iraq.

Sue Dietrich, who owns the facility with her husband Ron, said she plans to use the money raised to buy things for both the dogs and their handlers. "One of our employees just came back from Iraq, so I plan to talk to him about what sort of things they need over there," she said. "But we've been given a list of guidelines of what to buy from Dogtopia, and we get to buy it ourselves. We're hoping to send some doggles (goggles to keep the blowing sand and sun out of the dog's eyes), booties for their feet to protect them from the sand, dog toys and some things for their handlers like chapstick."

In all, 51 dogs were bathed in four hours and more than $1,000 was raised for the working dogs in Iraq. "It exceeded our expectations. We ran over to finish all the dogs we had in line. We were still going until after 4 (p.m.)," Dietrich said, adding that several of the people were new to Dogtopia. "The majority were new people. It sounded like a number of them came a good distance. They weren't all local."

Dietrich was quick to point out that the added supplies they will send does not mean the Army is ignoring its working dogs. "This is in addition to what the Army provides," she said. "We think any extra little bit helps."

The annual dog wash fundraiser was created by Dogtopia founder Amy Nichols, who was trying to think of a charitable way to give back to animals, Dietrich said. In the last four years, the nonprofit arm of the company -- K-9 Support -- has raised more than $25,000 and sent more than 5,000 pounds of supplies to Iraq. In addition to the doggles and booties, Dietrich hopes to be able to send other items include cooling vests and pads for the dogs, as well as heat-resistant clothing.

Dietrich had eight people washing dogs for the fundraiser. Seven were Dogtopia employees, and one was a loyal customer. "Our No. 1 customer," she joked.

Sandra Pressman, of Clarksville, came out on a sunny Sunday to spend four hours up to her elbows in dog fur and suds. "I just think it's terrific that we can do something to help the dogs who are on the front lines, also risking their lives."

[Source: The View Newspaper]

Go Green: Eco-Friendly Pet Options

Now the idea of going green has gone to the dogs. Pets can minimize negative impacts on the environment. Check out these Earth-friendly pet products.

Eco-Friendly Dog Beds: Worldwise's PoochPlanet and SmartyKat pet beds are made principally from recycled materials. The material that gives many PoochPlanet and SmartyKat beds their incredibly resilient and fluffy loft is EcoRest, a special fiberfill blend spun from post-consumer plastic beverage bottles. Many of the beds are filled with the equivalent of more than 50 recycled plastic bottles. Cover fabrics for many styles are also made with a blend of recycled materials. Worldwise, whose mission is to change the way America feels about the look, feel, price and performance of Earth-friendly products, has joined forces with national retailers to make the purchase of environmentally-friendly products a natural choice for the average American consumer.

Cat Toilet: The world's only self-flushing, self-washing cat box. The Cat Genie doesn't use traditional cat litter, which is strip mined, and doesn't leave you with litter to dispose of. Cat feces go in septic tank or sewage system, just like human waste. The product won best new cat product at the 2007 Global Pet Expo.

Doggie Septic Tank: Rather than disposing of pet waste in garbage, this picks up where your pet left off. You use a pet septic tank of sorts. The original in-ground pet waste disposal system keeps lawns and play areas clean and sanitary with the Doggie Dooley Toilet. Simply install in the ground; drop in dog waste; and occasionally add Digester Powder and water for continuous break down of waste. The environmentally-friendly Doggie Dooley Toilet is harmless to lawns, pets and shrubs, and has the capacity to handle the waste of one large or two small dogs. It works like a home septic system by using enzyme and bacteria action to turn waste into a ground absorbed liquid. It's ideal for most soil conditions except hard clay (works well in sandy soil too). It is molded of durable plastic, the Doggie Dooley Toilet features an open-bottom to create a waste leach field. Improperly disposed pet waste can wash into storm sewers by rain, thus carrying pollutants directly into our lakes and streams. Doggie Dooley offers an easy, sanitary method for yard cleanup.

Eco-Friendly Cat Litter: There are eco-friendly cat litters such as those made out of plant-based material such as corn, wheat, recycled newspapers or wood chips, which are friendlier on the environment than clay litter. Check out corn litter at www.gpcpet.com or green tea leaves/wood cat litter at www.nextgenpet.com.

Keep Pets Clean With Natural Pet-Care Products: Lather pets up with detergent, alcohol and pesticide-free grooming products and clean up their mess with products that are as gentle on Earth as they are on pets. These include hypoallergenic dog shampoo, stain and odor remover, dander remover, chew prevention aid, tearless puppy shampoo. Hartz Clean Earth line of products even includes biodegradable training pads (think biodegradable diapers).

Recyclable Or Sustainable Pet Toys: Toys made with organically grown cotton or natural dyes aren't only pesticide and chemical free, they also reduce pet allergies and are biodegradable. Find them at www.simplyfido.com There are great chew toys made from recycled rubber come from www.planetdog.com.

Cat Scratch Fever: As if there weren't enough things to admire about this product -- toy, bed, exerciser and training tool all in one -- the SuperScratcher serves the planet as well as it does cats and their owners. Made of nearly 100 percent recycled materials and certified organic catnip, it is long-lasting, safe and natural, and 100 percent recyclable.

Hemp Collars: Almost all pet collars are made of nylon, which is made from petroleum. Planet Dog's all-time best-selling collar is the Cozy Hemp Collar. Natural hemp gives strength and an attractive texture, and the fleece lining is cozy and soft. It's what you would wear if you were a dog. Hemp is one of nature's most durable fibers. It gets soft and stays strong, making it the perfect material for collars, leashes and harnesses. The Cozy Hemp Collars come in three sizes and three colors (green apple -- great for St. Patrick's Day, purple and orange). Medium and large collars have a stainless steel side-release buckle, and small collars have plastic. The leash handle comes in one size and the same three colors, and it is fleece-lined for comfort.

Recycle a Pet: Adopt -- don't buy -- one of the millions of pets in shelters that would jump at the chance to get out of the cage at the shelter and under the covers in your home! Go to www.petfinder.com for more info.

[Source: abcnews.com]

Groomer Has It - First Elimination Challenge

A clip from the reality show "Groomer Has it", which airs on Animal Planet.

Paris Hilton Plays with Pets on TV Show

Paris Hilton is set to host a satellite TV show about pet grooming. The 27-year-old socialite has reportedly signed a deal with Britain's Living TV channel to star in Paris Pooches, in which she will manage a beauty parlor for dogs on Bond Street, London.

A source told Britain's Sunday Star newspaper: "The shop is perfect for Paris. It's a subject shes passionate about and its a way for her to break into UK TV."

Watching Hilton act out her Los Angeles lifestyle, in which tiaras for Chihuahuas are of real importance, should be very entertaining. And she will no doubt be hitting the clubs and parties over here in the same way she does back home.

The hotel heiress, who's dating Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden, was recently investigated by Los Angeles authorities after claiming to have 17 dogs - 14 more than city bylaws allow. She once claimed to have 600 pets in her various homes including a Rottweiler dog, a bobcat and a Lhasa Aspo.

[Source: The Daily Telegraph]

Groovy Spots for Grooming Fido on The Road

Whether you take your pets along on business trips or vacations, the name and telephone number of a good pet spa should rank high among other important travel documents.

Jai Rodriguez, one of the stars of the Emmy-winning TV show, "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," is a regular bi-coastal traveler — together with his Yorkies Nemo and Dori. Now, after helping men to groom themselves, he’s hosting a new doggie reality show called "Groomer Has It." Together, Rodriguez and Nemo will introduce pet lovers to some of the country’s top groomers as they compete for the crown of Groomer of the Year.

When in New York, Rodriguez takes his dogs to Jorge at the New York Dog Spa and Hotel for an oatmeal bath and massage treatment. "I was thrilled when I learned that he was chosen to be one of the contestants on the show," Rodriguez said. "Nemo once had really dry, sensitive skin and these oatmeal baths really helped improve the condition. I love a puppy cut on Yorkies and they always come back looking like cute little bears. There's an art to a good puppy cut."

Now based in Los Angeles, Rodriguez takes his dogs to different places including, Chateau Marmutt and LA Dogworks — both popular hangouts for celebrity pups.

Chateau Marmutt specializes in aromatherapy grooming. While there, your dog is likely to rub noses with some very famous celebrity pooches as Britney Spears, Christine Aguilera, Charlize Theron and Beyoncé are among the A-list clients. Walk-ins are welcome for baths, "pawdicures" range between $10-$20, and haircuts are by appointment only.

The Zen Den at LA Dogworks is a simple eastern retreat for your dog to relax and indulge. Owner Andrew Rosenthal has combined natural elements like slate and bamboo with special pet pheromone diffusers as the setting for the perfect pet massage retreat. The facility also offers hydrotherapy (underwater treadmills) designed for rehabilitation after surgery and weight-maintenance — especially for older dogs.

[Source: MSNBC]

Cute Alert: Afro Ken

I'm not sure why I haven't heard of Afro Ken until recently since I adore cute Japanese characters. He definitely is running neck and neck with Whiplash the cowboy monkey as the most awesomest thing I've seen this month. According to Wikipedia, Afro Ken is a Japanese character created by the San-X company. He is a dog with a rainbow-colored afro who is innocent, blameless and always in a good mood. Afro Ken is always willing to try new things and is attracted to objects that look like he does(?). His hair changes to look like these things as he gets close to them. There is an Afro Ken Family Tree with other dog characters, such as Techno Ken, Funky Ken, Lord Ken, Super Afro Ken, and Normal Ken (does not have wild hair). Here's a video of Afro Ken set to the "Who Let the Dogs Out" song. I like the beer and pea afros. Cute!

Pet Fashion Week: Hair Raising

This past weekend I attended Pet Fashion Week (which curiously only occurs during the weekend) and saw some crazy, creative coifs. This is the equivalent of seeing an extravagant Paris Haute Couture show by Galliano and perhaps we can take some key points and trickle down to some wearable street styles. This year was skulls, next year snakes!

Pet Luxury Hotel

So there are those of us who spoil our dogs rotten. My golden's a brat, and knows how to get what she wants from me. But the idea comes along every so often that we have to be seperated, and she has to be left in a kennel. Well, it seems one establishment is looking to change all that, Wag Hotels.



That's right, folks, a hotel that caters and pampers your dogs and cats. Until I found out about this hotel, I didn't even know that a dog could get a facial (though every so often I see one that could use it). There are locations in San Francisco and Sacramento, California for now with some intentions of spanning throughout the state. If it keeps up, don't be too surprised to see them start popping up around here.

I'm a bit jealous though. For those rates, you can't even get half that stuff at a human hotel. I think I need to reconsider things for my next life...

Kiehl's Loves Dogs

Kiehl's cult fans here. We love the moisturizers, cleansers, scrubbers, lotions, hair products and now - drum roll please - they offer a line of products for your dog. Yippee! Another reason to trek down to the 3rd Avenue boutique, grab a cup of coffee and load up on samples and unload your wallet. They love dogs so much that pet adoptions are held in their Chicago, Miami and Santa Monica stores. They've found homes for nearly 100 animals since they started the program last fall. If it's possible, we're even bigger fans now.

Extreme Makeover

Do you remember flipping through magazines and tearing out pictures of Meg Ryan or Jennifer Aniston's haircut to show your hairdresser? Well here are some hair ideas for your dog's groomer. Make sure they're sitting first. Yes, they are a bit extreme and probably only for special occasions or if your dog were to be part of an art show. This design in particular reminds me of an episode from the Girls Next Door.