Even the dog's in fancy dress! Owner dyed Lilo the labrador look like a TIGER for niece's birthday treat

  • Lilo was dyed orange and black to resemble Tigger from Winnie the Pooh
  • Pet groomers took 90 minutes to do dye job which will last six months
  • Owner Matt Curran, 22, said Lilo will be dyed as a zebra next

By Emily Davies

PUBLISHED: 10:35 EST, 4 April 2013 | UPDATED: 10:37 EST, 4 April 2013


Meet Lilo the 'tigerador' who was given a make over especially for the fourth birthday of his owner's Winne-the-Pooh-mad niece.

Matt Curran decided to turn his 10-month-old labrador pup into the character of Tigger using animal-safe dye for his niece's birthday surprise.

It took 90 minutes to dye Lilo's coat at Mudgeeraba's Animal Magic Pet Grooming Salon, run by award-winning dog groomer Emily Myatt. 

Matt Curran with his 10-month-old labrador 'Lilo', who is dyed to look like a tiger specially for his niece's birthday

Matt Curran with his 10-month-old labrador 'Lilo', who is dyed to look like a tiger specially for his niece's birthday

Lilo the labrador will be taken back to the pet salon again when the six-month tiger dye wears off

Lilo the labrador will be taken back to the pet salon again when the six-month tiger dye wears off

The pooch's coat was dyed orange on top, with black stripes on her back, limbs and around the eyes to resemble a tiger.

 

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Mr Curran said the dye job was a complete success and that his niece likened Lilo to Tigger from Winnie the Pooh.

Mr Curran told Gold Coast: ‘My niece loves tigers, who doesn't like tigers? She loved it, she thought it was Tigger from Winnie-the-Pooh.

Animal-safe dye which will last six months was used to make Lilo look like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh

Animal-safe dye which will last six months was used to make Lilo look like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh

Eye of the tiger: Lilo was covered with orange dye and black stripes to make her resemble a tiger

Eye of the tiger: Lilo was covered with orange dye and black stripes to make her resemble a tiger

‘People keep tagging me on Facebook asking if that's my dog. They stop and take photos and toot at her, most people love it.

‘Some people think it's cruel and that I've done it myself, but it's a professional job and safe. We're stuck with a tiger for next few months but it's pretty exciting.

'We're thinking a zebra or something next time. It's something different. She's cute when she's a labrador, but she's so much cuter as a tigerador.’

Predator and prey: Lilo the labrador plays with a soft toy sporting her brand new tiger image

Predator and prey: Lilo the labrador plays with a soft toy sporting her brand new tiger image

Matt Curran's niece was delighted with the surprise when she saw Lilo had been dyed to look like a tiger

Matt Curran's niece was delighted with the surprise when she saw Lilo had been dyed to look like a tiger

Staff at the salon said Lilo was well behaved during the dyeing session.

‘We only use the special dog dye on dogs with no skin allergies and those that can handle sitting down for periods of time,’ stylist Lucy Taylor said.

‘Lilo loves the attention and we just kept giving her treats and breaks so she was fine.'

 
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would just like to respond to some of the negative comments that are being made about the dying of our family dog. Lilo was never muzzled during the process.. She is a very calm and happy dog. If there was any chance of her being harmed by dying her we would have never have gone ahead with it. We would never advocate animal Cruelty and I would hope no one in the world would. Lilo lives in a loving and caring environment and joins our family in lots of social activities. So those of you who think something negative, step back, and enjoy the fact that you saw a tiger dog today.. Smile! She makes us smile every day :) - Libby024 , Gold coast, Australia, 06/4/2013 06:06 I think you are missing the point. No one is denying that your dog is part of a loving family but your actions in putting your pet through a long process in order to raise a cheap laugh at a party for a 4 years old is misguided

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I would just like to respond to some of the negative comments that are being made about the dying of our family dog. Lilo was never muzzled during the process.. She is a very calm and happy dog. If there was any chance of her being harmed by dying her we would have never have gone ahead with it. We would never advocate animal Cruelty and I would hope no one in the world would. Lilo lives in a loving and caring environment and joins our family in lots of social activities. So those of you who think something negative, step back, and enjoy the fact that you saw a tiger dog today.. Smile! She makes us smile every day :)

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Presumably the dog had to be muzzled in order to stop it licking the dye ( and thus ruining the design) when it was being applied. Perhaps all those who think the article is funny should try wearing a muzzle when they next go to a salon to get their hair dyed. Shame the owner didn't dye his body grey and he could have gone as eeyore and spent the next few months with a dyed body as the dog will have to do. Next time just buy the dog a costume!

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Absolutely awesome!! Hilarious. Wish I could have that pic as a wallpaper!

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He looks like someone you'd see in Essex.

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Animals are not here for our entertainment. So little respect for a beautiful creature

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Awesomely artistic paint job on the dog! That dog looks very happy, healthy and well-loved. And he makes a great tiger!

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some dogs would not tolerate all the fussing,but a well adjusted dog will be fine....always fancied having my bichons dyed in pink lilac and green myself lol

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The dog has a lovely weight, looks really happy and well cared for! It wouldn't be something i'd do myself but atleast he had it done professionally with safe dye and didnt just buy some random dye off the internet. The types of people who have 'handbag dogs' probably already know about this craze, so this guy isnt going to make things any worse. He obviously loves and cares for the dogs and has done it for a particular occasion. So not too bad... I still dont agree with it and wouldn't do it myself. Hes included the dog in the event which is nice!

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I wouldn't do it too my own dog but c'mon..... That's a happy dog!! Obviously loves life and doesn't appear very traumatised to me!!! I think some of you need to get a grip.

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