The dog owner has defended her actions.
A woman who dyed the fur of her dog green, red and white to make him look like the Grinch ahead of the Christmas season has defended her actions following criticism.
In a video posted to TikTok earlier this month, Ashley Spielmann showcased her miniature schnauzer Rizzo’s transformation into resembling the iconic character.
The clip has since been viewed over 10.5 million times.
@mondaygray #grinchtiktok #puppy #dogsoftiktok #christmas #groomer #thegrinch ♬ You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch (From “Dr. Suess’ the Grinch 2018”) – Starlite Singers
In an interview with Newsweek, the 37-year-old revealed the dye job was carried out by the pet’s regular groomer using dog-friendly colouring.
“We love Christmas in our house and absolutely love the Grinch,” Spielmann told the outlet.
“My younger children watched the movie every night last year. So because schnauzers naturally have grumpy faces I thought we would do something fun and he would be the perfect Grinch.
“Our groomer has used color for other dogs here and there so I talked to her about the hair color being safe and asked if she could do the Grinch and she jumped on it and did an amazing job.”
The TikTok video divided viewers, with some praising the dog’s transformation into the Grinch while others criticised it.
One commenter said: “I feel bad. He or she looks so sad.”
Another wrote: “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”
Speaking to Newsweek, Spielmann said she was aware that dyeing the dog’s fur created “quite the controversy” on social media, but that she was not letting it affect her.
“Honestly nothing surprises me anymore. In this day and age I expected it,” she stated.
“My goal in doing this was to spread happiness, smiles and the Christmas spirit.
“I actually had a lady message me on TikTok who told me that the day she saw my video while she was in radiation therapy for cancer.
“She said it made her whole day. It was so awesome, this complete stranger who is going through one of the hardest things, that my dog could make her day.”
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