These pictures show a poodle styled to look like a giraffe.
Pampered pooch Stella, aged three-and-a-half, belongs to dog groomer Alicia Beswick, 44.
The pedigree standard poodle was clipped and coloured to resemble a giraffe, by Alicia’s friend Micki Morelli, owner of Tails ‘n’ Nails in Rhyl, Wales.
Alicia, from Prestatyn, Denbighshire, Wales, owns two other poodles Guinness and Morgan.
She said the exotic transformation has turned head but the dogs enjoy the grooming sessions and are unaware they look different.
The mane and hooves are trimmed in, similar to a Miami cut, which Alicia did herself.
Micki then did the colour using a vegan vegetable-based dye.
Alicia said: “Stella has received a lot of attention.
“People stop their cars and people ask for photos when we are out walking and it is not just children.
“We do always get a lot of attention.
“Her new look will possibly last six to eight weeks, maybe longer.
“I could groom her short to take her back to natural colour but I am growing her fluffy for Christmas, so she will have baths and tidy ups every three weeks to keep her beautiful and tangle free.
“Some people don’t understand and think you are being cruel but it is not.
“You couldn’t do it to every dog.
“Dogs like mine and Micki’s are used to being groomed on a very regular basis. They enjoy the grooming process and will get onto the grooming table even when not asked, say for a nap or if they think it’s their groom day.
“As owners of standard poodles we groom them from eight weeks old.
“They usually have experienced grooming from two to three weeks old as its an important part of their life.
“Poodles have high maintenance coats that must be kept in good condition for their wellbeing.”
Patch tests were done first and Micki did the dots freehand.
Alicia said: “The dog has no idea it is being coloured, he or she will just be receiving their usual grooming pampering session.
“Dogs don’t see themselves in the mirror and think they look different.
“All they feel is excitement and positive vibes as we praise them as always for being good for their groom.
“When people stop and fuss them in the street they just enjoy the attention.”
Alicia has run the Wagstars Dog Grooming parlour in Stockport for 14 years.
She trimmed Stella’s coat herself but asked Micki to do the colour in response to her friend’s incredible success professionally.
Micki secured the best-in-show title with an Alice In Wonderland design at the British Creative Dog Grooming Championships (BCDGC North).
She was also among the winners at British Creative Dog Grooming Championships at Woolmer Green Village Hall, Hertfordshire, on April 10.
Micki won the “extreme creative (novice)” category, after giving her dog, Luna, a standard poodle, a new all-in-one elephant, zebra, leopard and giraffe look.
Alicia added: “I’ve done a small amount of creative over the years but Micki has a real talent and passion for the designs.
“Stella’s coat colours very nicely.”
“My dogs get lots of attention without colour as they are a magnificent breed that is not often seen these days.
“They can often be spotted down the beach or in the pubs on the High Street.
“They holiday in the UK with us several times a year camping, caravans, hotels and cottages and they also come to work with me.
“As groomers we unfortunately see some horrendous cases of neglect, from overweight dogs struggling to stand to flat nosed breeds struggling to breath and matted dogs with overgrown nails.
“Grooming is a very important part of pet ownership, not just fancy cuts, but vital for health and wellbeing.
“Our job is to love and care for each and every dog the best we can which is why we understand not all dogs would be comfortable like ours are.
“I’m considering a leopard or tiger next for Stella, but not until next year.”
