If your dog's a shedder, then a lint remover is your best friend. — Freepik
There are many signs that identify a dog lover. It might be understated like a mug from a local shelter or a bolder hint like phone notifications set to dog barks.
But the biggest giveaway is the ever-present sprinkling of fur.
Doggie fur has ninja talents for spreading into every nook and cranny of your home and wardrobe.
To overcome this, you keep your best outfit in the closet, encased in a protective sleeve you’ve saved from the dry cleaner to keep it pristine.
Lock the pets out of the bedroom, zip everything up and smile in approval at your tidy reflection.
But the second you open the door and pick up your keys, there is man’s best friend giving you huge eyes of despair.
Before you know it, you lose your head completely and give them a huge hug, promising, “I won’t be long.” Kisses, and more promises, “I won’t talk to other dogs. You’re the only one.”
Then, as you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, there’s the awful realisation that the pristine look is no more.
Fur clings everywhere, festooning from your sleeves, hems, settling in your hair even.
Expert opinion
Experts should be able to advise on a better way to handle this perennial problem. Enter Shannon Lam, founder of KL Pooch Resort and Rescue that houses 250 rescue dogs in Malaysia, and proud owner of nine-year-old Sophie, her miniature rescue Dachshund who lives with her in Australia.
“Funny you should ask that,” Lam says. “I’ve just been hugged and I’m covered in fur.”
With dozens of happy dogs keen to tell her how much they appreciate her, Lam has learned to plan her exits.
“I have a container,” she confides. “I dress there, pick up my bag, sneak out and then I sprint for the car, covering myself with my bag,” she giggles. “It keeps me fit.”
And at home?
“Sophie doesn’t shed much,” Lam says. “What is a problem is that she’s low to the ground, so when we go for our bush walks, her paws get mucky with sand and mud. I pick her up sometimes before I remember.”
To deal with it, Lam keeps supplies at hand.
“I have a roll of sticky tape, and I use wet wipes as well. It’s okay for most things but some fur is harder to deal with.”
“Dogs with double or triple coats like huskies and malamutes are particularly tough. The top coat is long and prickly which means it sticks to everything. The underfur is very fine and it comes off in clouds.”
“Husky fur is the worst!” Peter Lum, fashion designer and papa to Dindi, a 10-year-old red toy poodle exclaims. “We just had a fashion shoot with a model and his husky. When they came in, they both looked like they were wearing fur coats.”
Lum is a huge animal lover.
“Our Malaysian climate is not suitable for these dogs,” he says, “They need space, air conditioning, and constant grooming. But oh my gosh, they’re so gorgeous. Those blue eyes and that thick fur: I couldn’t help it, I played and two minutes later I was wearing a fur coat too.”
Dindi is a red poodle, a breed that does not shed much. — PETER LUM
No shedding
Lum’s own Dindi is always the picture of perfection. “Poodles don’t shed,” Lum says. “Even so, you have to comb and brush every single day or you get matted fur.”
Lum picked Dindi partly for her coat.
“My grandma had a Shih Tsu,” he confides. “Fifi was so cute and adorable but she shed like mad. We had the old-fashioned fan standing by the open window, no aircon back in those days, and when you looked at the air at a certain angle, you’d see clumps of fur flying. Cleaning it up was a constant battle.”
“I’m allergic,” Lum explains. “I don’t understand why, but with some dogs and cats I can cuddle and am not affected at all, but with others I just can’t breathe. It’s very strange. I picked Dindi because poodles have a reputation for being less risky if you’re sensitive.”
And advice for those who live with Huskies, Shih Tsus and other shedders?
“Your best friend is a lint remover,” Lum advises. “These are brushes with a velvet or velour side. Run it over yourself and it will grab all the loose fur and bits of fluff.”
“When you’re done, take it in your hand and wipe in the other direction. It comes off in a chunk so you can dispose of it.”
“I’ve had mine since 1983, so it’s a very good buy. Just one thing, with very delicate fabrics, try it out in a corner first, like a patch test for hair colour. It’s usually okay but just in case.”
“The next best thing is a sticky tape roller brush. Or you can buy some masking tape – not the industrial strength ones, but a lightly sticky one. Just dab and the fur should come off.”
I have a lint brush and a kilometre of masking tape but frankly, I’m giving in to those huge eyes every time.
Who cares if you look like you slept in the dog’s basket?
The love is all that matters.
