Recently we received an email from Laureli, inquiring about our pet hair dyes. Her rescue dog, Oreo, has a rare of form of cancer – neurofibrosarcoma – and she wanted to make sure that the product would be safe to use.
Laureli told us about her black and white Labradoodle that she transforms into a “cotton candy doodle” using our Top Performance Hair Dye Gels. The bright colors make Oreo–a people-loving rescue dog–a star attraction on the beaches of Hawaii and a staple in the vacation photo albums of tourists all over the world.
The story touched us and we wanted to share it with all of you, so we asked Laureli to send us some pictures and more information about Oreo. Below is her response.
Dear PetEdge,
Oreo came to me from a family who didn't have time for her any longer. She has been part of the family for 5 years and is now about 12 years old.
I got Oreo after told my first dog I would get her a friend, and then an ad for re-homing Oreo popped up in the paper that same week. I was looking for a non-shedding dog with "hair."
Once I met Oreo, I knew she'd be a good match for our little pack.
I have always wanted to see animals in different colors and so Oreo, with her patches of white hair, became a canvas for an old dream.
Or had I been dreaming of Oreo all this time? Had she been looking for me? She loves everyone and everything, so anything I could do to ensure more petting and cuddles was OK by her.
The first time I dyed her fur, she went to a groomer. It was expensive and time-consuming (including driving time, 8 hours), so once I saw how much people enjoyed the new look and how Oreo enjoyed all the attention being lavished on her, I decided I'd better figure out how to do it myself.
I knew human dye could be hazardous for an animal's skin and health, so I wanted to find a company who made a product I believed in and trusted. It took a while to find PetEdge, but once I did, I was a regular customer.
The Top Performance Hair Dye Gels are very easy to use. There is a huge variety of colors to choose from, and I find that the color really lasts. The "Pop Star Pink" stays vibrant for about a month. At month two, it starts fading slowly to a bubble gum pink, which is also very pretty.
I often re-dye monthly to keep the vibrant color, but I like the lighter color, too, so sometimes we wait and enjoy the soft, subtle look. No matter what shade she is at the time, when people ask what Oreo's breed is, I tell them she's a "cotton candy doodle."
When Oreo is in her full "Screaming Pink", people stop in their tracks. When it is the faded, softer pink we have fun because people walk by and then quickly stop to look back again to make sure they really saw what they think they saw—it takes a few seconds to process.
Usually there is a funny comment like, "is that dog PINK?" or "I thought I was seeing things" or we all just smile and laugh together. They always want to pet her and take photos. Many times, I've seen big, football player type men get all mushy and excited about her, more so than the women.
Since we live in Hawaii, many tourists from around the world now have Oreo in their vacation photo books. People also take cell phone photos to show to someone else later.
I encourage it and agree that they should, because otherwise no one will believe them!
My favorite comment: "looks like she walked by a crayon factory and it exploded." The most common comment is (no kidding), "is that natural?"
I am always a little worried about that one. I used to say "no" and try explaining it, but now I smile and say "yes". Sometimes it's good to believe in a little magic.
Aloha and thank you for creating a product that brightens so many lives. I did it once on a lark and never stopped because it really does make even the grumpiest, saddest person laugh and smile.
-- Laureli, Oreo and Tinkerbell too
Is there a PetEdge product that’s changed your life or the life of a pet you know? We’d love to hear about it. Send us your Dear PetEdge letters to blog@petedge.com or post them on our Facebook page and you might see your letter up on our blog next time.
What a sweet story! If I saw that pup on the beach I'd sure want a photo with her!
Posted by: Tiffany | 03/22/2012 at 01:34 PM