Muddy Paws Health Tips & News

Muddy Paws: Honored as Tulsa's Best Pet Grooming Salon by TulsaPeople Magazine Reader's Choice Awards

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 21:42:08 GMT

We are thrilled to announce that Muddy Paws, your go-to pet grooming salon in Tulsa, has been awarded the coveted title of "Best Pet Grooming" in the prestigious TulsaPeople Magazine Reader's Choice Awards . This incredible recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing top-notch grooming services and exceptional care to your beloved furry companions. Join us as we take a closer look at what makes Muddy Paws stand out in the pet care industry.

Excellence in Grooming

At Muddy Paws, we take immense pride in our team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about grooming and caring for pets. Every member of our team understands the unique needs of each pet, ensuring that they receive personalized attention and the utmost care during their grooming sessions. From breed-specific haircuts to luxurious spa treatments, we strive to offer a comprehensive range of services that cater to the individual needs of every pet that walks through our doors.

Premium Pet Care Products

We believe that the health and well-being of your pets are of paramount importance. That's why we exclusively use high-quality, pet-friendly grooming products that are gentle on your pet's skin and coat. Our carefully selected range of hypoallergenic shampoos, moisturizing conditioners, and other premium grooming products not only enhance your pet's appearance but also prioritize their comfort and overall wellness.

Tailored to Your Pet's Needs

We understand that every pet is unique, with distinct personalities and grooming requirements. At Muddy Paws, we take the time to get to know your pet individually, ensuring that their grooming experience is tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Whether your furry friend requires extra attention, has special requests, or simply needs a comforting touch, we go above and beyond to make their grooming session stress-free and enjoyable.

The TulsaPeople Magazine Reader's Choice Awards

Being honored with the title of "Best Pet Grooming" in the TulsaPeople Magazine Reader's Choice Awards is a tremendous accomplishment for us. This recognition validates our commitment to excellence and the trust our clients have placed in us. We are incredibly grateful to our loyal customers and the Tulsa community for their continued support and for entrusting us with the care of their cherished pets.

At Muddy Paws, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality grooming services and an exceptional experience for both pets and their owners. Our recognition as the "Best Pet Grooming" salon by the TulsaPeople Magazine Reader's Choice Awards is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. We invite you to bring your furry friend to Muddy Paws and experience the difference firsthand. Let us pamper your pet with love, care, and expert grooming, ensuring they look and feel their best. Thank you for making Muddy Paws Tulsa's top choice for pet grooming.

Bleeding Nails

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 20:02:01 GMT

When a dog’s nails bleed it can be very painful for the pet as well as cause a possible infection. Treating the nail quickly and properly is the key.

N ails may bleed due to a wide range of accidents such as catching a cracked nail in the carpet, breaking a nail while running outside or trimming a nail too short with the nail clippers.

There are also some internal organ diseases that may affect the nail to crack and crumble, exposing the quick.

Our Recommendations

Natural Bandage Styptic Powder

Apply styptic powder right away if the nail is cut too short and hold for 5 seconds or until bleeding stops.

Skunked & Other Malodors

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 19:59:10 GMT

If your dog has been sprayed by a skunk you need to use an odor neutralizing shampoo immediately. The longer the skunk odor is in the coat, the harder it is to get the smell out. Skunk spray is an oil with a sulfur- alcohol compound in the musk.

Old fashion home remedies like tomato juice or vinegar really do not fully remove the smell since these remedies just mask the odor.

Odor neutralizing shampoos work well on odors caused by dirt, feces, stagnant water or just a strong “doggie smell”.

Our Recommendations

Extreme Odor Eliminating Spray

This spray does more than cover up odors…it eliminates odors with a proprietary blend of Aloe Vera, Alum and a secret odor eliminator: Agent 20. Effective in eliminating both skunk odor and standard dog malodors.

Extreme Odor Eliminating Concentrate

A 3 to 1 concentrate, this formula eliminates odors with a proprietary blend of Aloe Vera, Alum and a secret odor eliminator: Agent 20. Effective in eliminating both skunk odor and standard dog malodors

Oatmeal Baking Soda Shampoo

Eliminate odors with this shampoo infused with Aloe Vera, Oat Protein and Baking Soda. Baking Soda is effective in neutralizing odors of even the smelliest dogs.

Thera Care

A unique natural therapeutic dip or shampoo additive to relieve multiple skin problems caused by insect contact. This biodegradable non-alkaline formula with deep penetrating action helps to combat odor, relax tired aching muscles, stop itching, biting and scratching.

Do not use on cats.

Ear Infections

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 19:54:15 GMT

Normal ears are pink and clean with a neutral smell. Ear problems could manifest in the following ways: scratching and shaking the head, bad odor in one or both ears, colored discharges ranging from black and waxy to green or yellow, inflamed and swollen ear flap, tilting of the head, and hearing loss.

D ogs that are active outdoors are likely to pick up foreign objects such as dirt and stickers.

Dogs that have hair in their ears may trap excess moisture in the ear canal. Ear care requires weekly checks of the ear for dirt and debris. Pulling ear hair and shaving a ventilation strip to allow for air flow followed by a gentle ear cleaner is a good weekly routine.

Our Recommendations

Ear Care (and Clean Ear Treatment for Cats)

Our medicated Ear Care is a special blend of Tea Tree Oil, Eucalyptus and Peppermint Oils which quickly dissolve odor in conjunction with ear wax build-up in the ear canal. The residual effect of these natural oils and active ingredients act as an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal agent.

How to use Ear Care: There are 2 styles of application, choose the one that works best for you.

Place a moderate amount of Ear Care on a cotton ball. Gently swab outer ear folds until clean. Place cotton ball on tip of finger and gently swab inner ear until cotton ball comes out clean.
Apply 2 drops of Ear Care into the ear canal. Massage the area around the ear to allow the Ear Care to absorb into the ear canal. Allow the pet to shake after application. Use a cotton ball to clean the folds and crevices of the outer ear.

Ear Powder

Reduces slippage when removing hair from your dog’s ear canal. The Ear Powder will also help reduce odor and keep the ear canal dry and healthy.

Shedding

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 19:50:24 GMT

Shedding is just a natural part of owning a dog. Light is the biggest contributor of the shedding cycle. Artificial light in a house can cause indoor dogs to shed more than outdoor dogs.

Other factors which can affect shedding are illness, disease, hormonal changes, pregnancy, skin problems, bacterial infections and stress. Double coated dogs shed at least once a year.

Short coated dogs shed in a mosaic pattern and can shed year round. When a dog is in a shedding cycle it is good to bathe, dry and brush the dog to remove the dead coat. This helps the skin to breathe. Removing the dead coat will help uncover hidden matting, hot spots and many other skin problems. See your veterinarian if you see excessive shedding, bald spots or symmetric hair loss.

Our Recommendations

Simple Shed Shampoo

A gentle “de-shed” shampoo formulated to release loose hair and dead undercoat while removing dirt and oils. Natural Oat Protein and Aloe Vera strengthen hair shafts to create the best coat condition possible. Use a force dryer and dry the coat thoroughly 100%. Use a shedding tool for best results.

Simple Shed Treatment

A gentle “de-shed” treatment solution formulated to release loose hair and undercoat. Natural Oat Proteins and Aloe strengthen the hair shafts of viable strands to create the best coat condition possible. Frequent use will reduce seasonal and non-seasonal shedding, use with a de-shedding tool.

Simple Shed and Static Spray

Natural oils aid in the relief of itching and scratching due to dry problem skin while strengthening and conditioning the hair shaft. Aids in the removal of static electricity allowing easy combing and brushing.

Aloe Hydrating Spray

A moisturizing spray that instantly hydrates the skin and coat. Aloe soothes itchy skin and helps moisture penetrate the hair shaft and skin. Vegetable based glycerin acts as a humectant, moisturizing the coat as well as sealing moisture in the coat and skin. This is an exceptionally good product for dogs that come in with dry itchy skin problems or lifeless dry coats. The pH balanced formula creates a more pliable coat during and after grooming.

Oily or Dry Skin

paul@blackmattercreative.com (Paul Woodard) — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 19:44:44 GMT

A dog with excessively oily or excessively dry skin is likely to have seborrhea. One major symptom of seborrhea is greasy hair because of the excess oil the skin is producing.

D ogs with this condition often scratch and cause hair loss, scaly inflamed skin with flakes and a foul odor. This is chronic in some breeds but can also be brought about by allergies, fungal or bacterial infections, parasites and skin diseases.

Solutions include shampoos or coat and skin treatments that gently remove the oil while treating the skin.

Our Recommendations

Mudbath Conditioning Treatment

Dead Sea mud absorbs into the skin and coat supplying it with a powerful infusion of natural minerals which supports the relief of itchy, dry skin. The fine mud grains clean the skin, removing dirt particles and impurities while absorbing toxins. It gently peels away dead skin cells, to reveal a healthier layer of skin while improving new skin generation. Mudbath provides the skin with exceptional moisturizing while helping maintain natural skin hydration.

Luxury Tar & Sulfa Itch Relief Shampoo

Bio Sulfur fluid effectively cleans and soothes minor skin irritations while essential vitamins promote skin repair. Luxury Tar and Sulfa Itch Relief Shampoo has a clean, cherry scent, lathers great, rinses easily, leaving the coat soft, clean and shiny.

Oatmeal Baking Soda Shampoo

The Oat Protein and Aloe Vera in this product serve as humectants, which helps the skin and coat retain moisture. Baking Soda helps absorb and eliminate odor and wash it down the drain. They are a powerful combination in this skin conditioning, odor eliminating shampoo.

Tea Tree & Aloe Shampoo

A medicated formula created to relieve itching, flea bites, dermatitis, scratching, dry skin, hot spots and razor burn. Tea tree oil fights fungus and bacterial infections while the Aloe Vera soothes the skin.

Do not use on cats.

Tea Tree & Aloe Conditioner

A great follow up after cleaning with Tea Tree & Aloe Shampoo. The conditioner can be left on the coat for up to 5 minutes to allow Tea Tree Oil to combat fungus and bacteria on the skin and Aloe Vera to rehydrate the skin and coat.

Do not use on cats.

Pet Allergies

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 19:31:37 GMT

Our pets suffer with allergies much like us humans. Allergies usually fit into 2 categories with our pets; food allergies and inhalant allergies such as grasses, trees, molds and other seasonal pollens.

Signs of allergies might include any one or more of the following; itchy skin, chewing and licking of the feet, watery eyes, nasal and eye discharge, chronic ear infections scratching or chewing.

Hypo-allergenic shampoos use ingredients that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction including the absence of fragrance or cologne.

Our Recommendations

Hypo Allergenic Coconut Shampoo

This tearless shampoo for pets with sensitive skin uses gentle, mild cleaners, Aloe Vera and skin soothing vitamins to ensure the safety of our pet.

Aloe Oatbath Medicated Shampoo

This fragrance free, gentle shampoo is loaded with Aloe Vera and Oat Protein to sooth and restore balance to the skin. Great for sensitive pets.

Puppy & Kitten Shampoo

A hypo-allergenic, tearless shampoo formulated to gently clean puppies, kittens and other sensitive pets.

Arthritis, Sore Joints & Sore Muscles

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 20:37:45 GMT

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints. Large dogs are affected more than small dogs because of the extra strain placed on the ligaments and joints.

Dogs will experience different degrees of lameness, stiffness and joint pain. Damp and cold surroundings increase pain and stiffness. Natural products such as peppermint oil can help relieve the inflammation.

Our Recommendations

Peppermint Shampoo

An invigorating shampoo that helps relieve soreness, reduces inflammation opens pores and invigorates the senses. Great for aging pets!

Tear Stains & Eye Issues

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 20:34:33 GMT

There are multiple causes of tear staining, including excessive tearing, genetics, health, diet and allergies.

The most common cause of tear staining is excessive tearing. Eliminating excess tearing is one of the best ways to stop staining. If there is any foul odor associated with the staining a vet visit is recommended.

W hen the facial hair is wet it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast to grow. Keeping the hair away from the face will prevent hair from falling into the eyes causing irritation.

A change in diet and drinking bottled water can also help control excessive tearing.

Our Recommendations

Tear Stain & Spot Remover

Using Espree’s Tear Stain & Spot Remover helps lighten, remove and restore the original coat color. Chamomile and Camphor help restore the original color and softness of the fur without drying, stinging or irritating. May be used in other heavily stained areas to remove protein build-up such as food, urine, saliva and blood and does not contain bleach or alcohol. Safe for use around eyes and other delicate tissues.

Optisoothe Eye Wash

Other common eye problems might be foreign objects in the eye, cornea injuries, or dry eye. These can all be eased by using Espree’s Eye Wash to help flush the eye of the irritant and sooth the eye. This saline and Aloe solution rinses irritation caused by dryness and environmental exposure and helps relieve burning, stinging and itching. Protects against further eye irritation.

Facial Cleansers (Aloe Oat, Oatmeal Baking Soda, Plum Perfect, Rainforest)

Flaps and folds on the short faced dogs are a breeding ground for yeast and infections if those areas are not kept cleaned. Using a facial cleaner to keep the area clean and dry in-between baths will control odor and prevent vet bills. Gentle tearless foaming facials cleanser will remove dirt and unsightly tear and food stains while brightening any facial coloring. The light and airy tearless foam leaves a fragrant scent to the face. May be used as a quick spot cleaner on the body, legs, paws or tail.

Dry or Cracked Paws

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 20:26:03 GMT

The paw pad is covered by thick leathery skin and allows the dog to sweat. If the dog's pad stays soft and pliable it will keep from becoming dry and cracked.

Cracking can be caused by numerous environmental conditions such as extreme weather; icy cold conditions, extended periods on cement, humid dry areas, or items that can puncture the pad such as rocks, stickers or cactus .

Our Recommendations

Paw Balm

Espree’s Paw Balm can be used safely every day to keep the pads soft. Paw Balm can also be used on elbows of dogs that are dry and cracked as well. Rich Lanolin, Beeswax, Vitamin E, Arnica and Comfrey are combined for paw pad protection.

Pads will become more pliable to reduce cracking and possible injury against rough rocky roads, hot tar or pavement surfaces, ice and salt. The applied balm formulation aids against slippage allowing the pet greater mobility.

Matted Coat

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 18:32:11 GMT

A dog’s matted coat is both uncomfortable and hazardous to their health. Mats pull at the skin and may cause it to break down over time. Removing mats can be a simple process given the proper tools, but may be very time-consuming if the dog is not kept on a regular grooming schedule.

For severely matted dogs, the only option may be to shave the pet. If the hair is matted, it has no exposure to the air and sores and redness will appear. There are many products to help with mat removal such as dematting sprays, finishing sprays, silicones, etc.

Our Recommendations

Detangling & Dematting Spray

A revolutionary natural leave- in or rinse-out conditioning spray releases and removes mats and tangles. Mats and tangles are lightly coated with positive ions to prevent binding together. Also neutralizes static for tug free combing.

High Sheen Spray

A brilliant high shine spray to make your pet look and feel like a show champion. A natural silicone based formula provides a high shine and leaves the coat with a fell of silk. A light spray may be used for dematting and detangling the coat as well as preventing static fly-away hair.

Aloe Hydrating Spray

Silky Show Conditioner

A naturally rich conditioner that remoisturizes, energizes and revitalizes your pet’s coat within minutes. The blending of Safflower Oils and Silk Proteins places nutrients where they are most needed to restore high shine and luster. Aids in detangling by strengthening and moisturizing each individual hair shaft for a healthier shinier look.

Luxury Remoisturizer

A deep penetrating hair treatment that helps restore moisture and prevents dry, itchy skin. Natural coconut oils provide hydration to the coat leaving it soft, shiny and manageable. This is a long time professional groomer favorite that reduces tangles and matts and allows easy combing. May be used as a pre-shampoo conditioner to loosen dirt or de-matt.

Show Style Quick Finish! Styling Spray

Apply after the bath and the spray will assist with brushing out the coat. Alternatively, the product may be applied after towel drying the dog so the coat is damp. Then spray the entire pet thoroughly. This will make the water repel off the hair shaft quicker and your dog will dry faster and smoother.

Show Style Aloe Silk! Hair Restore

Restores and conditions, repairs the coat while adding full volume and fabulous shine. This is a super styling product is enriched with Aloe Vera and Silk Proteins and feels great on the skin and coat.

Dermatitis & Flea Bite Dermatitis

paul@blackmattercreative.com (Paul Woodard) — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 23:59:07 GMT

Dermatitis is a common allergic skin disease first triggered by pollens and eventually leads to all kinds of allergens. Itching leads to hair loss, scabs and thick flaky skin. Hypo-allergenic and medicated shampoos should be used.

Flea bite dermatitis is from an allergic reaction to the saliva of a flea. The reaction is severe itching, inflamed skin, hair loss and red bite marks.

Flea control is the key to solving the problem, followed up with medicated shampoo, conditioner and a rinse to sooth the area.

Our Recommendations

Thera Care

Do not use on cats.

Tea Tree & Aloe Shampoo

Do not use on cats.

Tea Tree & Aloe Conditioner

Do not use on cats.

Luxury Tar & Sulfa Itch Relief Shampoo

Citrusil Plus Shampoo

A blend of natural citrus oils combined with Aloe Vera and other skin loving oils to give optimum body and shine. This shampoo provides deep cleaning of the pet’s coat and is an effective alternative to chemical pesticides.

Do not use on cats.

Luxury Remoisturizer

A deep penetrating hair treatment that helps restore moisture and prevents dry, itchy skin. Natural coconut oils provide hydration to the coat leaving it soft, shiny and manageable. Luxury Remoisturizer is a long time professional groomer favorite that reduces tangles and matts and allows easy combing. May be used as a pre-shampoo conditioner to loosen dirt or de-matt.

Itchy Skin

paul@blackmattercreative.com (Paul Woodard) — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 23:38:20 GMT

Itchy skin may cause your dog to excessively scratch, bite or lick their skin. Itching can be caused by many things such as parasites, dehydration, allergies, infections, humidity, congenital diseases or hormone levels. Itching scrapes the skin and hair follicle, thus damaging the top layer which protects and holds in moisture.

Sebaceous glands secrete oils that protect the skin and coat. If moisture is too low and damage is done to these glands, they may not produce enough oil and lead to dry, itchy skin, or overproduce and cause oily skin. If the itching is not relieved, scratching can lead to skin damage and secondary infections.

Our Recommendations

Luxury Tar and Sulfa Itch Relief Shampoo

Tea Tree & Aloe Shampoo

Do not use on cats.

Tea Tree & Aloe Conditioner

Do not use on cats.

Aloe Oatbath Medicated Shampoo

Formulated with the oat protein to sooth and remove the redness of dry skin while the Aloe Vera restores moisture.

Luxury Remoisturizer

A deep penetrating hair treatment to restore moisture and prevent dry itchy skin. Luxury Remoisturizer also reduces tangles and allows for easier comb outs.

Mudbath Conditioning Treatment

Clipper Irritation

paul@blackmattercreative.com (Paul Woodard) — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 23:38:18 GMT

Dull blades cause clipper irritation by dragging against the skin and pulling hair. When you pull hair rather than clip it, you can cause irritation. The more the dog itches, the more the rash spreads, and it can get really sore and red. Clipper irritation can cause the dog’s skin to be red, itchy and inflamed.

Common causes are dull blades, clipping too close, hot blades, matted coats or allergies. Sensitive areas such as the face, throat, groin, anus and genitals are generally the parts of the body that show signs of irritation. If left untreated the pet will lick and scratch, causing secondary problems.

Our Recommendations

Aloe Vera Jelly

Aloe Vera is a cooling and deeply healing gel that readily absorbs into the skin to heal and nourish fungus, abrasions, insect bites, scaling areas, swollen joints, mild rashes, sunburn, friction burns, mouth sores, or any other mild skin irritations.

3 in 1 Wound Cream

This soothing cream promotes tissue regeneration and healing on cuts, summer sores, insect bites, hot spots and fungal areas. Tea Tree Oil and Yeast extracts are natural antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents which promote hair growth and reduce pain and inflammation.

Hot Spot Foam

A calming herbal foam for the relief of itching and burning due to hot spots, insect bites, and allergic rashes. Aloe and Chamomile are natural extracts that soothe the skin. Tea Tree Oil promotes the healing process. Goldenseal relieves itching and inflammation. Green Tea fights off infection and Ylang Ylang contains antiseptic qualities.

Do not use on cats.

Hot Spots

paul@blackmattercreative.com (Paul Woodard) — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 23:01:13 GMT

Hot spots are painful, swollen, warm patches of skin. They ooze pus and can be quite smelly. Hot spots are the result of flea bites, allergies, lack of grooming and other skin diseases. Hot spots are most common in thick-coated breeds because dead hair is trapped next to the skin.

Our Recommendations

Hot Spot Foam

Hot spots are treated by clipping the hair, cleaning the skin and treating with topical solutions like Espree’s Hot Spot Foam – a calming herbal foam for the relief of itching and burning due to hot spots, insect bites, and allergic rashes. Aloe and Chamomile are natural extracts that soothe the skin. Tea Tree Oil promotes the healing process. Goldenseal relieves itching and inflammation. Green Tea fights off infection and Ylang Ylang contains antiseptic qualities. (Do not use on cats)

3 in 1 Wound Cream

Tea Tree & Aloe Shampoo

Tea Tree & Aloe Conditioner - A great follow up after cleaning with Tea Tree & Aloe Shampoo. The conditioner can be left on the coat for up to 5 minutes to allow Tea Tree Oil to combat fungus and bacteria on the skin and Aloe Vera to rehydrate the skin and coat. (Do not use on cats)

Luxury Tar & Sulfa Itch Relief Shampoo - Bio Sulfur fluid effectively cleans and soothes minor skin irritations while essential vitamins promote skin repair. Luxury Tar and Sulfa Itch Relief Shampoo has a clean, cherry scent, lathers great, rinses easily, leaving the coat soft, clean and shiny.

Tulsa People Magazine: February Charitable Events

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 17:00:16 GMT

Paws for a Cause was featured as a February event in Tulsa People Magazine Online. The event benefits Pets Helping People. Glenpool Conference Center, 12205 S. Yukon Ave., Glenpool. The evening includes dinner, silent and live auctions, a giving tree, keynote speaker and a few surprises. Proceeds from the annual Paws for a Cause are used to support expansion, training and education costs for the Pets Helping People program.

View the Full Article

KTUL: Muddy Paws receives Alkermes Grant

Sat, 15 Dec 2018 04:58:14 GMT

KJRH:Pets Help Women with Criminal Past

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 03:47:56 GMT

Watch the full video here.

Tulsa Inmates Graduate From Muddy Paws Grooming Program

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 03:44:46 GMT

The fur flies at Muddy Paws Grooming, but what’s really going on is much more than shaving shaggy dogs. Beneath the piles of clips and snips is a potential future of second chances for homeless dogs and women prison inmates, a working partnership. “It’s all about helping change people’s lives,” says Christy VanCleave, Muddy Paws coowner with Adrieanna Ralph. Both are longtime pet lovers and veteran dog groomers. And, both are former inmates, giving Christy and Adrieanna insightful understanding of the special needs of women in prison and teens who have aged out of state foster care, all with limited options for earning a living.

View full article here.

Tulsa World: Muddy Paws Re-Entry Program Helps Give 35 Women Clean Exit from Prison System with Job, Life Skills

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 20:23:58 GMT

Rhiannon Floyd originally signed up for Muddy Paws simply to play with the pets, but the 40-year-old discovered a dream she didn’t know she had and unlocked many more doors for herself than the one to her prison cell.

Floyd graduated Monday evening in a class of 35 women from Muddy Paws, a re-entry program for women with criminal backgrounds put on by the non-profit Pets Helping People. Most of the graduating class members already have jobs, which average pay of $8 to $25 an hour.

In a tearful speech, Floyd addressed a packed gymnasium at Southern Hills Baptist Church near 61st and Lewis Avenue. Serving 10 years for possession of methamphetamine, Floyd said she has co-occuring diagnoses of bi-polar and epilepsy.

Statistics give her less than a 2 percent chance at success in life when coupled with her substance abuse history. She didn’t initially believe she had a shot.

“Now I know I can. And I am,” Floyd said.

View the full story here.

Pets Helping People Featured in Sarkeys 2017 Annual Report

Mon, 07 May 2018 19:57:20 GMT

The Sarkeys Foundation lists Pets Helping People among their financial efforts to give back to the community. You can view the full report here.

Pets Helping People Finalist in 2018 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence Awards

Sat, 14 Apr 2018 20:18:30 GMT

The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits has announced a selection commission has chosen the finalists for its eleventh annual Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards. The event, which takes place April 14, 2018, at Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center, honors outstanding nonprofits throughout the state for their work to improve their respective communities and change lives.

“The finalists are recognized, not merely for their efforts to better their community, but for their quality of process toward that effort,” said David Hogan, Chairman of the ONE Awards Selection Commission. “From top level management to part time staff, these are committed individuals working together for the greater good of all Oklahomans.”

View all th e nominees here.

Muddy Paws Feature in Tulsa Pets Magazine

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 17:09:00 GMT

Muddy Paws, Pets Helping People, was featured in this issue of Tulsa Pets. Check out the magazine here .

Muddy Paws Seeks Students: Tulsa Pets Magazine

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 17:12:29 GMT

Pets Helping People, which operates Muddy Paws, is seeking more women to participate in its free training program.

The nonprofit is committed to reducing the number of incarcerated women in Oklahoma by providing training and employment assistance in the dog grooming industry for women with a criminal history.

Women in the program train in one of three areas related to dog grooming: bathers/brusher, kennel technicians or groomers. The program requires 40 hours a week for four months and upon completion, graduates are provided with about $1000 worth of grooming tools and assistance finding employment. The total package of both training and equipment is valued at $7,800.

However, recent changes to sentence lengths has created a shortage of women able to participate in the training program.

“Because the prisons are so full, what they have been doing is reevaluating the amount of days remaining on a person’s sentence for them to actually be considered work release or go out into the public and find a job,” said Debbie Davis, director of operations and outreach for Pets Helping People.

The program has gone from having as many as 25 students to just having 6 currently enrolled, said Davis.

Davis is now trying to spread the word that any woman with a criminal past is eligible to participate. For example, women who have had DUIs, have been to drug court or been on probation, even if the record is in another state, can apply for the program.

“If they are having a hard time getting a job because they have a record and if they can devote four months of time to our training program, then we can get them trained and they can find a job,” Davis said.

Wages in the grooming industry range from $9 to $25 an hour with some graduates making as much as $33 an hour, Davis said.

Applicants must read at a sixth grade level and must not have charges related to animal cruelty. To learn more about the program, visit muddy-paws.org or call 918-749-5255 to set up an interview.

“There is a lot of potential and people in Tulsa love their pets,” Davis added. “It’s a very good industry to get into.”

News on 6: Businesses Give Back To Felons In High Crime Areas

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 21:08:24 GMT

Several local businesses in a high crime area of Tulsa are looking to give former inmates a second chance. Muddy Paws is just one of several businesses in the 61st and Peoria area that looks past a felon's record and works to help women transition back into society.

View the full story here.

The Police News: ‘Pets Helping People’ Gives Hope to Incarcerated Woman

Sun, 20 Nov 2016 14:37:59 GMT

Story by EMILY RAMSEY for GTR Newspapers

Christy VanCleave knows firsthand the challenges that individuals, particularly women, face when reintegrating into society after serving a prison sentence.

After completing her sentence, VanCleave continued to visit local prisons as part of a church group, and “I saw the same people coming back into prison over and over again,” she says.

“These women couldn’t make a decent wage; they had a hard time getting a job because they were felons.”

Currently, the state average of recidivism, or relapse into criminal behavior, for females is over 13 percent.

“These women need to be taught a career. They need to learn how to take care of themselves and their families and gain self-sufficiency,” VanCleave says.

In response to that need, in 2009, VanCleave, who has been a dog groomer for over three decades, co-founded Pets Helping People, a nonprofit organization that provides non-violent female offenders job training in dog grooming and other pet care services.

In 2012, VanCleave sold her grooming business, Muddy Paws, to the nonprofit, thus providing students greater opportunity to gain grooming experience in an operational business setting. Pets Helping People DBA (doing business as) Muddy Paws offers dog grooming services, dog and cat boarding, doggie daycare, and other pet services.

Pets Helping People (PHP) sees a recidivism average of under four percent.

“If there were more programs to help women adapt to life after prison, how to pay bills, how to hold a job, Oklahoma wouldn’t have such high recidivism rates,” says VanCleave.

In 2010, VanCleave moved PHP to its current midtown location, at 2234 E. 56th Pl., where VanCleave and Director of Operations and Outreach Debbie Davis have continued to expand the shop’s physical size and PHP’s offerings.

The nonprofit is currently starting on its third expansion project since 2012, which will expand the shop into an additional space within the shopping center that will serve as the program’s classroom and computer room, with most of the funding coming from proceeds from PHP’s 2016 fall fundraiser.

Through partnerships with Tulsa Tech and CareerTech, students take weekly computer classes, workplace professionalism courses and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) training.

“We have expanded over the past few years because our needs have grown, and we have an excellent community that embraces what we do,” says Davis.

“The majority of these women have never been employed before,” she continues. “There is a huge emotional change that has to take place.”

Therefore, in addition to teaching job skills, PHP goes beyond that, providing education in life skills, including finding healthy relationships, conflict resolution, maintaining a job, and building character qualities such as responsibility, compassion, and problem solving.

“We try to cover all aspects of life,” Davis says.

PHP also works with local grooming shops in order to locate jobs for all of its students upon their graduation from the program.

PHP graduate Stephanie Ballinger will finish her prison sentence in March. She was recently hired as a groomer with PetSmart. “This program is a wonderful opportunity. Before prison, I didn’t have many skills,” she says.

“I have seen everyone get a job placement; that’s a nice assurance,” says Stevie Howell, a dog lover who has been in the PHP program for two months.

Before her conviction, Howell worked in minimum wage jobs, “nothing that I ever enjoyed,” she says. PHP is giving her the opportunity for a new start after her sentence is completed: making a living doing something she enjoys, she continues.

“I’ve learned to step out of my comfort zone, be willing to learn new things, take constructive criticism, and I’ve gained confidence in myself, which doesn’t just apply to the workplace, but in all aspects of life,” Howell says.

Currently, over 200 women have graduated from the program.

VanCleave also uses PHP to benefit rescue dogs. She works with a number of area rescue organizations, including Oklahoma Westie Rescue, Okie Dokie Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Lab Rescue and Animal Rescue Foundation, that provide dogs for students to practice their grooming skills before moving on to grooming customers’ animals with Muddy Paws.

VanCleave, who owns three rescue dogs of her own, then, takes efforts to find good homes for the dogs.

“Each woman has a favorite dog here,” VanCleave says.

Although she admits that it can be hard for the students to see a rescue dog leave the shop when he/she finds a good home, that also provides another learning opportunity.

“It helps to teach students that you can love someone or something, but if you have to let it go, something else good will come along,” she says.

For further information about Pets Helping People and Muddy Paws, call 918-749-5255.

38 women with criminal pasts graduate from Muddy Paws training to make fresh start in life

Wed, 20 Jul 2016 03:53:39 GMT

A line of women cloaked in black caps and gowns entered the gymnasium at Southern Hills Baptist Church on Monday evening to the sound of roaring applause from a crowd of family, friends and supporters.

See the full article here.

Local business works to reduce number of women who are repeat offenders

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 20:54:27 GMT

View full article here.

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Right now more than 3,000 women are incarcerated in the state of Oklahoma. In an effort to decrease the number of repeat female offenders, a local business is training female inmates.

"Good boy. Yes you are!" said Kimberly Boggs.

Boggs spends 10 hours a day at Muddy Paws grooming pets like Pete, a white poodle.

"I love this cleaning him up. It's like art," Boggs said.

Once her shift is over, its back to the Turley Correction Center where Boggs is serving a 15-year sentence for drug charges.

"For the last eight years I have been incarcerated and I wish I would've had a program like this because I didn't know how to take care of myself," Boggs said.

Prisoners Pamper Pooches: Muddy Paws Grooming gives women who have criminal pasts a second chance to succeed in life outside the prison gates.

Wed, 06 Aug 2014 20:57:58 GMT

Well, too many offenders leave prison unprepared to re-enter society. A felony conviction can make it hard to find a job, while continued bad habits can make it hard to keep one. But a successful Tulsa-based program is helping female offenders prepare for a second chance outside the prison gate.

Watch the video here.

Former Inmate Gives Back at Tulsa Salon

Tue, 13 May 2014 21:07:35 GMT

View the full story here.

It’s a busy day at the salon, with dozens of customers getting their hair cut and blown out, having their nails done or just being primped and pampered.

Former Inmate Gives Back at Tulsa Salon Muddy Paws Executive Director Christy VanCleave with Katie, her West Highland terrier.

In the mirrors that line the room, clients admire their makeovers. But this is not your typical neighborhood spa. On the opposite side of the suite is a room lined with cages, where newly coiffed prima donnas bask in their beauty and wait for owners to take them home to their canine castles.

Christy VanCleave is the brainchild behind Muddy Paws, a non-profit program that offers dog grooming, boarding, day care and training. In addition to serving Tulsa-area pet owners and their beloved dogs, Muddy Paws groomers have spruced up hundreds of rescue dogs since it opened in 2009, giving unwanted mutts a second chance.

Oklahoma CareerTech program gives rescue dogs, female inmates a second chance

Sat, 10 May 2014 21:11:38 GMT

TULSA — It’s a busy day at the salon, with dozens of customers getting their hair cut and blown out or having their nails done.

But this isn’t your typical salon. The customers are canines.

Muddy Paws Grooming is a nonprofit program that offers dog grooming, boarding, day care and training. In addition to serving Tulsa-area pet owners, Muddy Paws groomers have spruced up hundreds of rescue dogs since the program started in 2009.

See the full article here.

Muddy Paws Expands Facility

Thu, 08 May 2014 21:01:45 GMT

Muddy Paws completes expansion of facility that helps train female inmates For the second time in less than five years, a dog-grooming service known for offering clean starts has expanded.

Muddy Paws Dog Grooming, which partners with the nonprofit group Pets Helping People to train female inmates as groomers, recently underwent $100,000 in improvements. Muddy Paws owner Christy VanCleave says the upgrade testifies to the success of the program, which has come a long way in a short time.

See the report here.

Muddy Paws Opens Expanded Grooming Area

Thu, 08 May 2014 20:30:01 GMT

For the second time in less than five years, a dog-grooming service known for offering clean starts has expanded. Muddy Paws Dog Grooming, which partners with the nonprofit group Pets Helping People to train female inmates as groomers, recently underwent $100,000 in improvements.

V iew the Tulsa World story here.

Helping women get back on their feet: Christy VanCleave at TEDxOCUWomen

Tue, 14 Jan 2014 15:10:45 GMT

Christy VanCleave opened and operates Muddy Paws in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a non-profit grooming, boarding, and day care training facility. A former felon, Christy trains other incarcerated women and felons for pet care careers by helping rescue dogs. In her talk, she shares her background in and out of jail and how she helps other women turn their lives around through working with other felons and saving abandoned dogs. Oklahoma has the highest female incarceration rate in the world.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Muddy Paws Program Helps Female Inmates Shed Past

Sun, 06 Oct 2013 20:39:57 GMT

Read the full story here.

Julie wouldn't sit still.

"No, no, no, you can't do that," Brandi Navarro said softly as Julie, a white shih tzu, wiggled on the grooming table at Shaggy Waggle, 7927 E. 21st St.

Eventually, Navarro sweet-talked her into submission and finished trimming Julie's coat.

"I never would have thought I would be grooming dogs," said Navarro, who started working full-time at Shaggy Waggle early this year through Pets Helping People (PHP)'s Muddy Paws program.

"I'm really proud, and I feel really important to myself and others," she said.

With the motto of "pets helping woman inmates shed their shaggy past," PHP trains incarcerated females from the Turley Correctional Center, Drug Court and Women in Recovery at the Muddy Paws pet grooming business, 2234 E. 56th Place, to be kennel technicians

Muddy Paws Grooming School Gives Former Inmates a Clean Start on a Career

Tue, 16 Jul 2013 20:47:41 GMT

After spending 2 1/2 years in prison for 27 forgery-related convictions, Karen Matthews decided that she needed to turn her life around....

View the story here.

Tulsa World: Pets Helping People needs your help Oct. 18

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 14:01:03 GMT

Read the full story in the Tulsa World here.

Nonprofits Help Felons Find Work

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 22:16:41 GMT

When Teresa Birchett fills out a job application, there is always a box to check that makes her nervous.

She knows it is a red flag for employers. She wants to be honest. She just asks for a chance.

Read the full story here.

Dog Tranforms Inmates' Lives, Shed Their Shaggy Past: Tulsa Pets Magazine

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 22:25:12 GMT

View full article here.

Oklahoma News Report: Pets Helping People

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:21:16 GMT

View the video here .

Muddy Paws Health Tips & News

Muddy Paws: Honored as Tulsa's Best Pet Grooming Salon by TulsaPeople Magazine Reader's Choice Awards

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