Former workers dispute pink poodle owner's claims
Vanessa Miller, Daily Camera
Published March 12, 2008 at 7:04 a.m.
Updated March 12, 2008 at 7:04 a.m.
Photo by Mark Leffingwell, Daily Camera
Joy Douglas holds her pink poodle, Cici, while giving an interview to the media assembled outside the Boulder County Justice Center prior her court appearance this morning.
BOULDER — Some former employees and clients of a Boulder hair salon owner — cited for dyeing her poodle pink — said Tuesday that the woman isn't telling the whole truth.
Several people said they've seen Joy Douglas, owner of Boulder's Zing Salon at 1100 Spruce St., use more than beet juice to color numerous dogs a rainbow of hues.
One former Zing stylist said Douglas even commissioned her to do a doggie dye-job using real hair color.
"She made me apply it to the dog," said Kelly Daley, 28, of Louisville. "She definitely uses stuff other than beet juice."
Douglas this week said she faces a $1,000 fine and possible jail time for staining her poodle with beet juice to promote breast-cancer research. She was in Boulder Municipal Court on Tuesday, when she asked for a new court date.
"This is a gross misrepresentation of the law," Douglas said after court. "I really don't think I'll be fined in the end."
But Daley, who was employed at Zing last year, said she thinks Douglas deserves a ticket after seeing her dye dogs a variety of colors using Manic Panic, a semi-permanent hair color that advertises itself as a vegan product containing no animal ingredients that is "tested on celebrities, not animals."
"She's got like 50 colors," Daley said. "(Douglas) says it's a veggie-based dye and it's not harmful on the dogs. But it's an actual hair dye that she uses on clients as well."
Some critics also dispute Douglas' assertions that her poodle Cici's coat is pink to promote breast-cancer research.
Cheryl Fisk, 30, of Boulder, said she, too, has worked at Zing Salon and has never heard Douglas mention breast cancer when talking about her pink pooch.
"It's pathetic that she's trying to tell the world that it's a breast cancer-awareness dog," Fisk said. "My mom died of cancer, and that's not cool. It's a touchy subject. You don't just throw that out there."
Douglas denied allegations that she distorted the truth to get out of her ticket. She said she's used only organic stains on her pets — never real hair dye.
But Douglas on Tuesday said she has stained other dogs different colors in the past — a switch from her original comment that only the poodle has been colored.
"In the past, we have tried other kinds of stains and Kool-Aids," she said. "But we never used hair dye that would cause a reaction."
To people who don't believe beet juice can stain hair, Douglas said she's offering the "beet-juice challenge" — a free vegetable-based dye job.
"I love my animals," she said. "I would never do anything against them."
She said if any employee used Manic Panic on her dogs, "That was done without my permission and knowledge."
But Fisk insisted that Douglas used the product on dogs.
"I saw her do it," Fisk said. "I think she deserves to be fined."
Boulder's animal-control officers said they ticketed Douglas on suspicion of violating city ordinance 6-1-14, titled, "Dyeing fowl and rabbits prohibited."
Officers said they issued the citation only after receiving numerous citizen complaints and giving Douglas several warnings.
But Douglas said she didn't break the law, and "Cici will be pink until they kick us out of the city of Boulder."
The pink-poodle plight has captured national attention — drawing both support and criticism for Douglas' case. Douglas said Tuesday that she's even scheduled to appear on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno this week.
Post your comment
Registration is required. Click here to create your free user account, or login below.
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.
Featured
-
Boulder Wildfire
See photos from the Boulder County fire.
-
Legislature Blog
The Rocky's Lynn Bartels and Ed Sealover provide live updates from the Capitol.
-
Rocky multimedia
The news comes alive in our videos and slide shows. Catch up on what's happening today.
-
Who's next?
Complete coverage of the Broncos' search for a new coach.
-
Weekend plans?
Figure out things to do this weekend with the help of our entertainment calendar.
-
Winter Escapes
Your insider’s guide to the copious joys of the coolest season.
-
Sam Adams' Open Mic
Open Mic: Two-man advantage with Avs
-
Bronco Dean's rant
Listen to Bronco Dean's rant on what's next for the Broncos.
-
Live updates
Sign up for mobile alerts and breaking news e-mails to keep up with the latest news.
March 12, 2008
8:10 a.m.
Suggest removal
elaineb writes:
WOW!! This really IS breaking news!
March 12, 2008
8:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
ham writes:
What is the City of Boulder's position on bows on dogs? Does the dog need to give consent to wearing a bow? How about studded collars? Surely some dogs are wearing studded collars against their will. And being groomed? Does the dog choose to be groomed, or is it done at the biding of the "human assisting partner" (not OWNER)? What does it do to a dog's ego when somebody puts rabbit ears on it's head and takes a picture? I mean, that kind of humilition could ruin a dog. Please, Boulder: continue your brave fight to stop the madness.
March 12, 2008
8:15 a.m.
DahmersCookbook writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
March 12, 2008
8:20 a.m.
Suggest removal
Ottis writes:
Another day, another out-of-proportion dust up in Boulder. I feel sorry for the reporter who has to follow this "story."
March 12, 2008
8:23 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cassie writes:
WHO CARES?
March 12, 2008
8:26 a.m.
Suggest removal
Ming writes:
Let's see, in the People's Republic of Boulder where animals have guardians and not owners, canines have equal rights with all other species and deserve to be treated so. Now, the canine child says to its guardian, "Mom, I want my hair dyed pink today" and mom does it, why should mom get in trouble for extending equal rights to a non-human?
You gotta love Boulder. If it wasn’t for stuff like this, the might be doing something important like impeaching the president or redefining its nuclear policy.
March 12, 2008
8:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
FlyfishDude52 writes:
I agree, ham. We have a serious situation and I'm afraid that without intervention from the S.P.S.F.T.P.V. (Sane Person's Society for the Prevention of Vice) there could be some very sobering ramifications for these poor misrepresented creatures. I'm not sure if I'm referring to the people of boulder or the pets...
March 12, 2008
8:37 a.m.
Suggest removal
LaszloPanaflex writes:
If it doesn't harm the dogs, why does anyone care?
March 12, 2008
8:47 a.m.
Suggest removal
Mtnsjohn writes:
If the use of real hair coloring is harmful to pets, it must also be harmful to humans. And humans need protection, especially from themselves.
I propose a new Boulder law that would criminalize the possession and use of hair coloring. Ordinance enforcers will be kicking doors, taking, on probable cause, hair samples from suspected violators and using simple field testing kits for later proof beyond a reasonable doubt in prosecutions. More surveillance cameras would be installed...a woman entering a salon as a brumette and coming out as a blond BUSTED!!! Gray should not be allowed to be discriminated against.
Possession of less than a ounce would be a misdemeanor, but any bottles of coloring over 8 ounces would be a felony. Suspects would be allowed to plea bargain if agreeing to in house detention and to have their heads shaved. This would allow their natural colored organic hair to reestablish itself and take its rightful place in civilized Boulder society.
March 12, 2008
8:58 a.m.
Suggest removal
Spencer writes:
Is the dog an illegal immigrant?
March 12, 2008
9:07 a.m.
Suggest removal
Kslayer writes:
Who cares what she does with her dog! Maybe we should focus our attention on the countless children that are abused far worse then a dog who has pink locks. What a joke the legal system is. Exp. in Boulder!
March 12, 2008
9:08 a.m.
Suggest removal
wow writes:
The only thing I find more amazing than Boulderites being up in arms over a dyed dog, is the idea that Ms. Douglas might have lied about why she's sticking to her guns about the dye job.
I don't know if she's lying, but if she is, why? Does she need to have a *good reason* to have a pink poodle? Come on.....Really.
About Manic Panic, I don't use it on my pets, they'd kill me in my sleep...But I do have a daughter who looks like a parrot thanks to that product, and I know its non-bleaching and it fades out in about a month. Completely harmless...at least physically.
Honestly, don't her former employees have anything better to do than rabble rouse? Like, I dunno, their new jobs, maybe?
And now, Colorado gets to be giggled about on Leno. Maybe we deserve it. Thanks Boulder.
I think I'm gonna go back to bed now....Wake me when its over....
March 12, 2008
9:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
wow writes:
Spencer,
French poodle, flown in special. I think we should call ICE. I can see immigration asking to see her papers..."Cici, why are you pink, are you trying to hide something? Is it a political statement? What's your status?"
Bawahahaha!
March 12, 2008
9:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
Ottis writes:
Do you realize at the Daily Camera site there are currently 112 - 112! - comments about today's poodle story? Good grief. If the poodle writes an opinion column in the CU newspaper about immigration, Boulder might instantaneously combust.
March 12, 2008
10:07 a.m.
Suggest removal
wow writes:
Ottis--
LOL, get that dog a pencil....Bawahahaha, Kabooom!!
March 12, 2008
10:22 a.m.
Suggest removal
Jasin writes:
I think this is good for Boulder. Start with the prosecution of dog owners and gradually work up from there. Then, in a couple decades or so, you'll be ready to solve a Jean Bonet-level crime.
Baby steps.
March 12, 2008
10:33 a.m.
Suggest removal
rmnreader writes:
You don't know the facts here - maybe the dog called the police on the owner & filed abuse charges - would't you if someone dyed you pink? or maybe the dogs buddy called for fear the same would happen to him?! Let's all hold our opinions until we hear the facts from the dog.....
Crazy Boulderites!
March 12, 2008
10:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
robert29b writes:
I am so glad that our tax dollars go to such a worthy cause.
The dog doesn't look abused or starved (but I'll bet ya they don't harass the people that give their animals alcohol or drugs or leave them chained to a tree with one foot of leash to move around or the dog that lays in his own feces as the owner doesn't clean his yard.
Those cases don't get national attention so who cares?
Boulder has to be the dumbest city I have ever been to in my entire life......
March 12, 2008
11:36 a.m.
Suggest removal
MeAgainstMachine writes:
Pueblo used to be the butthole of Colorado - yet that town hasn't really had any place in the news lately - so I propose we now designate Boulder as the new Colorado poop-chute. BTW, this lady's Breast Cancer cause is about as legit as Ward Churchills American Indian "roots". However, I believe if the ordinance is written to discourage citizens from "dying fowl and rabbits" for Easter, then she will probably get away with it being that CiCi is a K9.
March 12, 2008
noon
Suggest removal
TheDenverB writes:
"I am so glad that our tax dollars go to such a worthy cause."
you can blame the spineless animal control officer who couldn't use her own judgment so she decided to pass the buck onto our courts where this certainly doesn't belong.
common sense is sadly missing from all parts of society
March 12, 2008
noon
Suggest removal
Logic1 writes:
You need to be careful about dying your pets in Boulder. With a dye job they are easier to identify if they ever murder a helpless squirrel or bird.
What am I saying, it's Boulder. They might nab you for the dye job but would botch the murder investigation.
March 12, 2008
12:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
winterwoman writes:
I agree with you Robert! It is appalling to drive by and see some sad dog chained *forever* to his owners who, although they don't dye him, are the people we should be ticketing.
March 12, 2008
1:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
robert29b writes:
Boulder police and animal control couldn't find their own butt holes if they had a tour guide and a map. I guess making a big deal out of a pink dog is as far as their intelligence goes. I feel real safe under their protection. I wonder if I am going to get in trouble for getting my cat stoned on catnip (probably illegal in Boulder anyway - because they can't smoke it)
March 12, 2008
1:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
vudumom writes:
This story and the salon owner could come back and bite her on the a**.Some people could be disgusted with her dyeing the poodle and she could lose business or some people could look at her hair and say no way am I going to her salon or she could pick up customers just to spite Boulder officials.Time will tell.
In the mean time someone at the licensing board should write her up for having a dog in the salon,which is a no-no for hair salons.
Poodle people are weird anyway.
March 12, 2008
1:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
JTTAAB writes:
Now where am I going to get my colored rabbit's feet
March 12, 2008
1:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
newsjunkie writes:
that's what I was thinking too, vm - the dog should be a no-no in a salon. just like it's a no-no in the doctor's office or a restaurant, etc.
I do question the sincerity of her so-called "breast cancer awareness" defense. I think the dye job was more for salon promotion. seems to me an exploitation of a good cause - i'd like to know what else she is doing for the breast cancer cause.
i could care less that this woman dyed her dog pink - obviously she loves this animal very much and he is well cared for. and that's all that should matter to the Boulder authorities. she obviously wanted a showdown - and boy, is she getting one. some folks can never get themselves too much attention.
March 12, 2008
2:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
stanley writes:
Manic Panic - tested on celebrities, so it's safe for animals!
(And they arrested her for that?)
March 12, 2008
2:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
elaineb writes:
Poodles SUCK!
March 12, 2008
3:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
torquemada writes:
where i'm from, as in so many cultures, we eat dogs. all you people who think you know what a dog wants or can judge a dog's happiness from a photo need serious re-education. the city council should talk to the beef council about whether humans "partner" with or own animals.
the stupidity of the white global upper class is astonishing!!!!!!
March 12, 2008
4:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
Scott writes:
So if I can't dye my dog, I suppose I couldn't shave my wife's cat. ;-)
Scott
March 12, 2008
4:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
wow writes:
Scott-
What color is the cat?
March 12, 2008
4:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
Scott writes:
Wow,
A Russian Blue. However, I don't think you "got" my innuendo ;-)
HOLD ON KOMRADS! The cat is naturally grey. The breed is known as Russian Blue. See: http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles...
Scott
March 12, 2008
4:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
Heidi writes:
Scott, wow wanted to know if she was a natural blond or not.
March 12, 2008
4:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
rmnreader writes:
torquemada - Ah yeah sure - because dogs are comparable to cows?!
At my grandpa's farm I was never able to teach a cow to roll over or answer to their names or care that I was even there - Betty was my fav though.
You're in America now - we don't eat dogs or cats or rats here! For various reasons - the most glaring one to me though is that our health standards in the US are a little higher than that.... Go home if you're craving dog meat.
March 12, 2008
4:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
Scott writes:
Heidi,
Nope, she's always been a brunette ... from stem to stern ;-)
Scott
March 12, 2008
4:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
elaineb writes:
torquemada...go back to where ever it was you came from. Then you won't be bothered by the "stupidity of the white global upper class"...and you can continue feasting on dogs.
March 12, 2008
5 p.m.
Suggest removal
wow writes:
Ah geeze, you're right Scott I missed it. Got it now tho, duh.. Your humor is sometimes too subtle for me, lol. Look at me blushing :0
Hi Hiedi.
March 12, 2008
11:19 p.m.
Sheisaliar writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
March 13, 2008
12:23 a.m.
Suggest removal
arby writes:
Talk about a tempest in a teapot. The world is going to hell in a handbasket because of our misguided policies and the Islamofacists reactions to them and all we can talk about is a pink Poo!!
March 13, 2008
5:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
Silvert writes:
The former employees seem to agree that she should be fined - not because she injured the dog, not because she violated the ordinance against colouring chickens and rabbits, but because she is a nasty person. Is that American justice? Why not just lynch her?
March 15, 2008
11:49 a.m.
Suggest removal
Craaz writes:
Of course her former employees hate her. You would too if you had to take your old boss to court to get paid, your paycheck bounced, she told you you could come into the salon to get your things only to beat you down in the street only to have to later take her to court and press assault charges against her. Then to see people rally in her support thinking it's all for a good cause and watch Joy Douglas lie on national television. She's never done anything unless it serves herself. She collected donations for breast cancer but used the money to buy herself luch and alcohol.