As the owner of three long haired dogs, I’m blessed with dog hair tumbleweeds (of a size which could trip an elderly relative) rolling across my floor and collecting in corners, under sofas and in shoes (what’s that about?).

In an effort to reduce this during our spring ‘coat blowing’ season, my guys get an annual haircut done by yours truly (with dog wrangling assistance from dear husband). Cisco the golden gets just his fluffy bits trimmed, while Sophie and Ajax the two cavaliers get a full clipper and foot trim. The end result are three dogs I’m embarrassed to be seen with (yes, the dog groomer did look like he was on drugs… thanks for commenting!) and a lovely big wad of soft, itchy dog hair.

This year I stuffed it in an old orange bag and hung it in a tree. The birds have been helping themselves (check out all the little stray hairs pulled through the bag) and bunches of tiny little birds keep coming back which is sweet.

I know it’s strange, but it makes me happy to know that around the neighbourhood, the bird’s nests are lined with Cisco’s butt hair.