Dyeing to Stand Out
Welcome to the vibrant world of Platinum Paws, where pets become walking works of art.
Imagine this: It’s a perfect day in Columbia. You’re out for a casual afternoon stroll, soaking in the sunshine and breeze, when something catches your eye. You do a double take. Is that… a red panda? On a leash? You step closer, half-expecting to see an exotic animal up close and personal — only to realize it’s a bright orange Chihuahua.
From the Beginning
A pink poodle or a husky with a galaxy-inspired coat might sound like something out of a dream or a cartoon, but for pet owners and groomers who embrace creative dog dyeing, it’s a bold and playful form of self-expression.
Melodi Wisswell, owner of Platinum Paws, has more than a decade of experience in the dog grooming industry. She began her career at PetSmart in 2014, where she was first introduced to creative grooming, which encompasses various techniques, including coloring, shaving shapes into fur, and adding accessories.
“For a while, they [PetSmart] offered stencil work and chalking, which really got me interested in creative grooming,” says Wisswell. “And then they stopped offering it. I guess it just wasn’t profitable across the board.”
Wisswell began grooming animals independently and, after a brief return to PetSmart, opened her grooming salon on West Broadway in May 2023. There, she continued to offer traditional services like baths, brushing, and de-shedding. However, her passion for creative grooming never faded, and she sought ways to incorporate it into her new business.
When she adopted her Bernedoodle, Bellatrix, a year ago, she found the perfect canvas for her artistry. One of her most striking designs showcases a blend of purples, blues, and teals, with wings spanning Bellatrix’s back, matching leg accents, and vibrant ears, creating a near-mythical effect. She jokes that Bellatrix is “a walking billboard” for her work, drawing plenty of attention and sparking curiosity about her unique craft within the community.
While creative grooming is still a growing trend in Columbia, Wisswell has noticed increasing interest in her unique services.
Colorful Coats
Like any form of artistry, there’s a method to the colorful madness. And depending on the animal and design, the process can be quite extensive.
“You have to wash them with a clarifying shampoo and make sure they’re 100 percent dry,” she explains. “Then you apply the color — you really have to saturate it — and let it set.”
Once the color has set, the coat is rinsed with cold water until it runs clear. This is followed by a conditioning treatment to keep the fur and skin moisturized. Finally, the coat is thoroughly rinsed again and dried to complete the process.
“It can be time-consuming,” Wisswell admits. The winged design on Bellatrix, for example, took nearly four hours to apply, with the dyeing process completed in sections.
For darker-furred dogs like Bellatrix, the transformation begins weeks in advance with a round of whitening, which lasts for about a week before a second treatment is applied. After another week, to allow the second round to set, the dyeing process can officially begin.
While longer-haired breeds offer more creative possibilities, Wisswell can dye any breed, including short-haired dogs. Stencils are also an option for pups with less fur. Keep an eye out for Cortez, her Rottweiler-Cattle Dog-mutt mix, who will be sporting a bold leopard print look at the Business in Motion Expo later this month.
Is it Safe?
A common concern among pet owners is the safety of dyes, but Wisswell assures that all dyes she uses are non-toxic and formulated specifically for pets.
“There are a couple of main pet [dye] brands out there. Crazy Liberty is one, but OPAWZ is what we typically use,” she says.
According to the OPAWZ website, its dyes contain food-grade pigments and are safe for dogs, cats, and other groomed pets. Similar to human hair dye, they come in permanent and semi-permanent formulas, offering varying levels of commitment. Semi-permanent dye fades after 6–12 washes, while permanent dye lasts around 20 washes — assuming the animal isn’t trimmed in the meantime.
Wisswell also prioritizes pet comfort, allowing animals to sit or lie down as needed during longer sessions.
Keep the Creativity Flowing
One way Wisswell continues to perfect her craft is by staying engaged with the latest grooming trends — both traditional and creative — by following industry pages on Facebook and conducting online research. Despite her extensive experience, she values ongoing education, which includes attending expos like the Groom Expo in Hershey, Pennsylvania, last year.
Some of Wisswell’s most extravagant designs to date include a fox, cheetah, The Grinch, and an upcoming Lisa Frank-inspired zebra set to debut at the Business in Motion Expo.
“We just love what we do and making people happy,” she says. “Some people judge it… but [the process] is completely safe, and the dogs love it.”
From Wisswell’s experience with her own dogs, dyed animals attract plenty of attention — and Bellatrix, especially, soaks it up.
While full-body transformations require a commitment of both time and cost, Wisswell reminds clients that the designs don’t have to be extravagant. A simple pop of color, like dyed ears or a tail, can be just as fun for a dog and its owner.
And really, doesn’t the thought of a wagging, purple tail just make you smile?
