The oil company BP, which has been entangled a messy oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, is getting some help from local pet service companies here in Queens.
Camp Bow Wow and Home Buddies by Camp Bow Wow have reached out to franchises and begun collecting dog hair and fur, which will be used to make oil-booms to aid in the Gulf oil-spill cleanup.
“As there are growing concerns that the oil spill in the Gulf may now eclipse the Exxon Valdez spill, we want to do our part in helping with the cleanup,” said Heidi Ganahl, chief executive officer and founder of Camp Bow Wow and Home Buddies. “Pet hair is an absorbent and can be used to create oil absorbing mats.”
Nearly a month has passed since the explosion of the BP-owned drilling rig, and an estimated 210,000 gallons of oil per day have spilled into the Gulf. Ensuing cleanup efforts have failed, and until recently, no breakthrough has been made.
The Camp Bow Wow and Home Buddies franchises will donate any type of fur, hair, feathers, natural fibers and used nylons to create the oil booms, which will soak up the black goo. Camp Bow Wow has helped raise awareness of the cause. They are also leading the collections at their respective locations.
“We have collected tons of fur from our camps and grooming stores,” said Stephen Neagus, owner of the Long Island City Camp Bow Wow. “I just think everyone should try to contribute and help because this is going to affect everyone in the world, and people should play their part.”
These franchises, the nation’s largest pet services company, have partnered with Matter of Trust the organization leading the hair collection. Together, they will collect the hair and ship it down south free of charge, courtesy of United Parcel Service (UPS).
“I found out about the hair collection online,” said Alex Campbell, who was going to cut his Yorkie’s hair to contribute to the cause. “I wanted to help any way possible; and it’s time for Lucky’s haircut anyway, so it’s a win-win.”
If you are interested in donating, please visit the Long Island City Camp Bow Wow at 47-16 Austell Place in Long Island City to drop off hair/fur.
