Hair of the dog that loves you
When life gives you three Old English Sheepdogs, make...clothing.
Sue Green decided to do something practical with the bags full of fur she brushed out of her three children, Jazmine (10), Oscar (8) and Yola (5), also known as the JOY dogs from the Dulux adverts, and started knitting.
During a recent visit to Ballito, Green explained how she came up with this unique use for the excess fluff.
“When I was in my 30’s, I did a spinning and knitting course and bought a spinning wheel. I never touched it again, until one day I decided to try make wool out of the dogs’ hair,” said Green, who has devoted her life to her three JOY dogs and tours around the country doing educational and therapeutic work with her clever canines.
“It takes three hours to spin a ball of wool from their hair. I then dye it and knit beanies, scarves and even waistcoats. It is very work intensive and I only make these accessories for special occasions or on order. A beanie alone takes about 11 hours to knit.”
The fur is squeaky clean, as they go through extensive daily grooming sessions, which includes hours of brushing and a bath every second week.
“They go through a bottle of shampoo and conditioner each! I actually have tennis elbow from all the grooming,” said Green.
She works about ten hours a day with her dogs and only takes a break to play guitar – her second love.
“I never wanted children, just puppies. I have loved this breed from when I was a little girl, but I could never have one as they cost about R50 000 a dog. When I did my motorbike licence, I fell in love with my instructor who had an Old English Sheepdog. We got a second one and later broke up. I kept the dog and I have had them from that day on.”
>> Ready to say ‘I Do’ on the Dolphin Coast? Meet the team ready to advise, help and deliver on your big day.
>> Visit our Education feature for a collection of all the best schools, tutoring systems, and even some colleges and training facilities on the North Coast.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
