Recycled dogs hair put to good use
You’ve probably seen the JOY dogs, Oscar, Jazmine and Yogi, out and about in the South with their proud owner Sue Green.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2014/07/1430kdog1-Custom.jpg)
JOBURG SOUTH – Sue, never one to let the grass grow under her feet, is now recycling the dogs’ hair.
“The dogs’ hair is long and fluffy and I have to brush them every day. It seemed such a waste discarding all that fluffy hair so I decided to have a go at spinning it,” said Sue. She bought a spinning wheel, took a few lessons and learnt to spin the hair.
![Sue Green spinning her dogs’ hair to knit garments with.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2014/07/1430kdog2-Custom-423x317.jpg)
“I have to first prepare the hair, which in itself is a big job, as I have to align the hairs for easier spinning. I make two bobbins full then ply it together, using the spinning wheel to make two-ply wool (hair). I then wash it to knit with.
“It doesn’t take a lot of hair to make an item and I have an endless supply, as you can imagine having three hairy dogs,” laughed Sue.
![The finished beanie.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2014/07/1430kdog4-Custom-423x317.jpg)
Sue said she washes the made garment in shampoo, not detergent and only after spinning as the oils in the hair help to spin it. “Up to now I’ve made a beanie, which is extremely warm and I’m busy knitting a scarf.