More on Knitting with Dog Hair

The Vancouver Public Library Central Branch has a copy of Knitting with Dog Hair. I took it out and enjoyed reading it on the Skytrain to weird stares from fellow passengers.

For your benefit, I am excerpting the juicy bits as I go along.

Let's start with the first chapter. A man is saved in a sudden mountain storm thanks to a dog hair hat. The reasons for using dog hair to knit are its economy, its environment-friendliness, its vegan-friendliness (is it really animal exploitation if the dog now looks forward to its brushings?) and its family values wholesomeness.

Chapter two lists ways to get the dogs cooperation: if it refuses the brushings, try over-feeding it for a "soporific effect" or exercising it "into a state of near catatonia."

Skipping to chapter ten, we have an outline of dog breeds and the suitability of their fur. Anyone who's been near an Alaskan malamute knows full well how generous these pups can be with their hair. The beagle, no good, the bichon frise good. Also good are afghans, chow chows, collies, german shepherd, golden retrievers, pomeranians, and poodles.

The chihuahua: "you will probably harvest enough from the long-haired variety to make, say, a nosewarmer."