A dog groomer who turns pups into tigers, giraffes and peacocks claims their owners have them dyed for ‘everyday life’.
Canine colourist and cosmetologist Anaïs Hayden has been grooming and colouring dogs for 19 years – but has received a fair share of backlash in that time.
Despite this, her designs have featured on The Hunger Games, Triple 9 and HBO Max’s Haute Dog – and have recently gone viral on social media.
Anaïs, who has earned certifications from Penn Foster and Nash Academy, as well as the Creative Groomers Association, has racked up nearly 31,000 followers on Instagram and 25,000 on Facebook.
(Image: Anaïs Hayden)
Her business, Dog Grooming by Anaïs, provides ‘regular’ dog grooms as well as ‘creative colour’ grooms, using non-toxic, vegetable-based dye to transform four-legged ‘clients’ into a range of other animals and theme-fitting mascots.
Anaïs, 33, from Atlanta, US, told TeamDogs: “I have some bucket list ideas I’ve drawn, or clients will throw around some ideas and I try to replicate it.
“Sometimes I just look at the dog and try to draw something that matches their personality.
“I won’t do anything that may be unsafe for the dog and I don’t attempt anything that may not look appealing.”
Each masterpiece requires dogs to be painstakingly trimmed and coloured, typically taking between three and six hours.
(Image: Anaïs Hayden)
Both small and large dogs are welcome.
Grooming sessions are also intended to be a treat for pups, as well as their owners.
Anaïs said: “I want the dogs to leave from their pampering session looking the best they can.
“They love being pampered so they enjoy the experience – some of them even sleep through it.
“They let me draw freely because they are able to be comfortable and have trust.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
(Image: Anaïs Hayden)
According to Anaïs, owners generally aren’t getting their creative grooms for special dog shows or events, but ‘everyday life’.
She said: “They’re just for everyday life.
“Some want them colourful to match the holidays, and some just want them to wear their favourite colour.”
The groomer regularly attends festivities in Atlanta such as St. Patrick’s Day and PRIDE with her own Chinese Crested Powderpuff, called Swinger, groomed to match the themes.
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(Image: Anaïs Hayden)
She added: “One of the most rewarding experiences in life is doing something you love that always inspires and changes lives for the better.
“I could not imagine doing anything more than what I get to do with dogs.
“I’ve been so blessed to have dogs in my life.
“I’ve had my dog grooms featured in a few movies, TV show appearances, books and magazines and I am anxious to see where the future will lead me.”
(Image: Anaïs Hayden)
The groomer has also worked pro-bono with local humane societies Atlanta Humane Society and Angels Among Usto help shelter pups get adopted.
Prices for creative colour grooms start at $200 (roughly £145) for small dogs and $300 (roughly £220) for larger breeds.
Dog Grooming by Anaïs offers a range of other quirky services, including ‘Furminators’ (deshedding treatments), nail painting and teeth cleaning.