Vet shaves goldendoodle's leg, nobody prepared for what owner does next
A trip to the vet left one goldendoodle with a bald leg, so a dog mom took grooming into her own hands—by shaving her entire pooch and giving him a DIY mullet.
Audrey Whyle (@banjos__world), 24, who owns a marketing agency, explained that her dog Banjo had started experiencing tremors, prompting an urgent visit to the vet. There, staff suspected he may have eaten a mushroom and prepped him for an IV by shaving part of his leg. Though an IV ultimately wasn't needed, Banjo was left with a noticeable bald patch.
Whyle shared the story and grooming process online, where it quickly gained traction—garnering 1.2 million likes and more than 13 million views.
"I wanted to shave him because it's been getting warmer out and it was time for a haircut. Also, I wanted to try the mullet hair style that I've seen on TikTok," Whyle told Newsweek.
In the now-viral clip, Whyle is seen carefully shaving Banjo, with the end result showing off the pup's curly fur styled into a distinct mullet.
In a follow-up video, Whyle addressed commenters who accused her of neglecting Banjo's grooming needs and allowing him to become matted. She clarified that this wasn't the case.
Whyle said she received a lot of comments claiming her dog was matted and that's why she shaved him down. However, she explained that the shave was simply for summer comfort and to try a trendy style. It was her fourth time grooming him herself, and she assured viewers Banjo was not matted—his curl pattern is naturally tight, which can give that impression.
She added that if Banjo had been matted, his fur would have come off in chunks rather than separating in pieces, as shown in the video. She brushes him twice a week using a slicker brush she loves, and emphasized that she takes care of his coat regularly.
Banjo, who is nearly a year old, is known for his cheerful and social personality. "Banjo has ran away a couple times and he just goes to the nearest person. Our neighbors," Whyle said.
As for how the internet reacted to the mullet, Whyle said: "Seventy percent love it, the rest are like why would you do that and some professionals giving advice. People love the mullet."
TikTok commenters ranged from amused to bewildered. "Why he look like Patrick Mahomes?" one user joked, referencing the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback known for his signature curly hair.
"Do you hate him??" another user asked, while a more supportive viewer commented: "I'm not sure why you're getting all the hate, it's summertime and poodle mixes typically do great with summer cuts! Less chances of matting with this cut too!"
A professional groomer chimed in with "screams in dog groomer," but later reassured Whyle: "It's not bad at all! You actually did a great job! I was more scared of you grooming him on the open table. I would recommend a grooming table though with a secure leash latch for security!"
Whyle was open to feedback. "I'll take any constructive criticism. I was just trying to give him a summer haircut anyways. The picture I added was my 3rd time grooming him," she said.
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