Shelter Dog Makeovers: The Sequel

On May 17th, Billy, Jill and their volunteer crew (Jus Erickson, Alfred Laurie, Sue Naiden, and Jackie Sabian and of course all the CACC angels) performed grooming miracles at Chicago Animal Care and Control. The incredibly talented and generous photographer Sheri Berliner of Petraits photographed all the dogs and the cats available for adoption at the shelter.

Two of the dogs (Jeffrey and Hazel) were adopted by lovely families on the spot and two more of the dogs went to PAWS, another Chicago shelter. The rest of the pooches are clean and snazzy and are awaiting their forever homes. All of these dogs deserve a second chance, so if you're looking for a new best friend or know someone who is, GO DIRECTLY to CACC, DO NOT pass go and DO NOT collect $200. Instead, collect your new furry friend and enjoy a life time of kisses and unconditional love. As a bonus, you'll earn extra points for saving a life!

Take a look at the pooches that are now ready for their close up and their new home:

Happy, a volunteer favorite, is a jovial, lovable guy that is waiting for his forever home. He enjoyed being pampered and basked in the personalized attention.

Tank is a long-legged looker who can't wait to be someone's pal. He's a friendly, happy and easy-going guy. He'd make a wonderful walking partner since he loves to prance.

Leige was brought in as a neglected/abused dog and had been lovingly rehabilitated by Charles Craft, one of CACC's most dedicated people. Leige is a lover and a beautiful purebred Lab to boot. We sure he'd love hanging out at the beach or on your couch.

Selene likes nothing more than to have your attention and bonds with everyone who gives her a nuzzle or a cuddle. She's ready to snuggle up and keep you warm at night!

Our most dramatic makeover of the day was Brady. From the looks of him, this lovable mutt had never brushed during his 2 years on this earth. It took the efforts of four people to remove all the mats and dead fur in his coat. His undercarriage was covered in dreadlocks that were several inches long. We filled an entire industrial-sized garbage can with all his dead fur and mats! Brady took all the brushing, washing, dematting and manhandling in stride. He even mugged for the camera after almost 2 hours in the grooming area. Look at these before and after shots to see the details.

BRADY BEFORE:

BRADY DURING:

BRADY AFTER:

Brady shows what a huge difference a bit of TLC can make in the life of a down on his luck pooch. He also demonstrates what can happen to your furry pal if you're lax on dog care. So, whether your dog's coat is long or short, be sure to bathe, brush and groom him regularly and properly. Then, use your skills to help a shelter dog. Gather up a group of friends and volunteer together. We can tell you from experience that it's a fun, enjoyable and rewarding way to help your community!

Take a gander at all the photos from the makeovers here.

Happy Tails: Follow Up on Shelter Dog Makeovers

In our March 17th and March 18th posts, we featured before and after shots of some of the dogs Billy and his crew groomed at the shelter. In addition to the two dogs (Shy Guy and Foxy) that were adopted on the spot, we have more good news!

Tina before: a grimy, matted mess!

Tina after: a beautiful pooch worthy of Best in Show and lots of hugs and kisses!

Chicago Animal Care and Control reports that Tina (pictured above with grooming student Jus E.) was adopted by a "really, really nice family" a few days after her makeover and that "the grooming definitely made the difference."

In Happy Dog Land, we received a call from Honey Buns/Harry B's dad. He was ecstatic! The family didn't recognize the pooch when they arrived to pick him up at the shelter because the transformation was so dramatic. Most importantly, they didn't mind that their new dog was a boy--the dog was so matted that everyone had thought he was a she. The family loved how the pooch looked and was so excited to take him home and shower him with love--and lots of grooming!

Sam, pictured above before and after with Billy and Spartan, a cute little black and brown dog, were transferred to PAWS, a Chicago shelter than adopts many, many dogs every week.

All these Happy Tails just goes to show what a difference a little grooming TLC can make in the life of a dog, whether he's in a shelter or your home!

Shelter Dog Makeovers

Here are a few examples of the dogs Billy and his helpers groomed over the weekend at Chicago Animal Care and Control, which is the city pound. This shelter cares for Chicago's neediest animals.

At least 3 of dogs were adopted after their transformation. Some of the dogs needed only a bath, brushing and a nail trim and without smell-o-vision, it is hard to see the change, which was significant--many of the dogs clearly were enjoying their first bath ever and loved the pampering! (Click here to see more dogs available for adoption from CACC).

Sam is a Bishon mix. His coat was matted to the skin and we filled a garbage bag with the fur that came off of him. He must have lost 20 pounds! Sam was a trooper and sweet as can be even though his makeover took well over over 5 hours. Everyone in the room felt Sam relax as soon as the mats were shaved off and he was so proud to wear his beautiful new hairdo! What a difference grooming makes--not only physically, but emotionally.

This little guy (above) was so scruffy that everyone thought he was a girl. Once Billy started working on the pooch, he corrected the mistake and changed his name from Honey Bun to Harry B. Harry loved the personal attention and pranced out of the grooming area. He is in his new home today.

More photos to come soon!