Thread: Dogs!

Ooo, you could have sweaters made! LOL!!! I actually had someone tell me to keep the hair from brushing Ike after his baths and that she would spin it into yarn for a sweater or scarf. I'm not being judgmental but, I wasn't exactly sure what to think.

Originally Posted by jlbooth

Ooo, you could have sweaters made! LOL!!! I actually had someone tell me to keep the hair from brushing Ike after his baths and that she would spin it into yarn for a sweater or scarf. I'm not being judgmental but, I wasn't exactly sure what to think.

Absolutely!

My wife keeps our dogs' fur, and sends it off to people who clean it, spin it, and use it to make scarves, sweaters, etc.. At least one group uses their dogs' fur to make ornamental quilts. And I know of folks who use the fur to make memorabilia for people who have lost their dogs.

I mean, in a way it sounds neat. I guess the weirdness is just in my head. She was also the one who mentioned using human hair which seems a little creepy in a way.

I did think that it would be cool to have something made of his hair to keep and have for the future as a memory. Golden Retriever hair would look nice blended with Alpaca or something...

All the hair can go into compost too.

Originally Posted by Dzanda

Absolutely!

My wife keeps our dogs' fur, and sends it off to people who clean it, spin it, and use it to make scarves, sweaters, etc.. At least one group uses their dogs' fur to make ornamental quilts. And I know of folks who use the fur to make memorabilia for people who have lost their dogs.

I've heard of that as well. God knows I'd have enough!! Somewhere I have a picture I took a couple years ago. The hair pile was as big as her. I was looking around and found the link below. I don't think I'll be doing it, but I gotta admit, they look pretty good.

Dog Hair Sweaters

Yarn made from dog fur is sometimes called Chiengora. It can be pure dog fur, or may be blended with other fibers when a different texture is desired, the dog fur isn't long enough, or if enough dog fur isn't available. This site gives an excellent overview of some of the possibilities.

Here's an example of a scarf made from Samoyed Chiengora, mixed with Alpaca:

I have a black labrador, names Pete. Was actually a sad story. Pete was originally Guide dog trained, but failed due to being too intelligent (they wont take over 7/10 as they are too inquisitive etc), so he was bought by a family. He ended up going family to family, and eventually ended up at the animal shelter, 54kg, and was due to be euthanised Due to his breeding and training, he had been microchipped, and when he was on death row, the animal shelter contacted the guide dog association and asked if they could find him a home rather than be put down. My friend worked at guide dog training, and heard of this, so she contacted me as I have had labradors before and had the ability to care for him, so I took him...

After having Pete in my home for a few weeks I couldnt believe that a) someone could get rid of him or b) that someone could possibly consider putting him down. He was 3.6 years when I got him, he is now about 5.5 years, and is the most lovely dog one could hope for. Sure, he cost me a fortune in prescription diets etc, but he has lost 17kg, and is my best friend. Every night when I get home form work, we chill out on an old sofa I put on my back deck for him, and he is loved by all the neighbours and people in the area.

I cannot stress enough, how rewarding it is to take a rescue dog, and the love, affection and friendships it provides. I would encourage anyone looking for a new canine friend, to first consider a rescue dog needing a home rather than a pedigree. This is the first rescue dog I have had, and would never have it any other way in the future. Your dog is alive because of you, and I believe your dog will know this and reward you more than you could ever hope for.

I wish I had a larger yard for him when Im away at work, but we go for a morning and evening walk, and I know he is a very happy and loved dog.

I find it amazing how a human bonds with a dog, and vice versa. I love all animals, but there is something special about the relationship or bond one forms with their dog(s).

P.s. If anyone around Brisbane (Australia) has a dog who is friendly with other dogs, would love to arrange a catchup - mine loves all contact with other dogs or people, and Id always be open to making a new friend from this site/forum.

Andrew

Originally Posted by Dzanda

Yarn made from dog fur is sometimes called Chiengora. It can be pure dog fur, or may be blended with other fibers when a different texture is desired, the dog fur isn't long enough, or if enough dog fur isn't available. This site gives an excellent overview of some of the possibilities.

Here's an example of a scarf made from Samoyed Chiengora, mixed with Alpaca:

Can we raise the camera about 10" next time,,,,just saying,,,,

Originally Posted by Hirlau

Can we raise the camera about 10" next time,,,,just saying,,,,

Sorry... you'll have to take that up with their web site!

I had to run some errands today, so I took the back roads home. Great day for crusin' in the country with your head out the window!! I kept my head inside though.