When Paul Mitchell and John Paul DeJoria joined forces to create the John Paul Mitchell Systems beauty company, they publicly announced they would never use animals in the testing of their products. It was one of, if not
the, first to come out against animal testing, and their position was pooh-poohed by their competitors. The two stuck to their ethical guns, however, and built the largest privately-held beauty company in the world without ever using animals in testing their products. The company would go on to include a line of pet products called John Paul Pet.
That initial decision by the two founders has years later compounded into an overall philanthropically humane approach in the company’s business model, filtering down to the Paul Mitchell network of beauty schools, of which there are dozens throughout the U.S. The Paul Mitchell schools instill in their students that same humane approach, encouraging them to donate their time and energy to animal causes through the student-run John Paul Pet Club.
True to that ethic, ten students from the Paul Mitchell School in St. George, Utah, arrived at Best Friends last week to tour our sanctuary and volunteer at Dogtown, the dog care area.
Director of Paul Mitchell Schools and regional director of John Paul Pet, Shawn Claybaugh joined the group of students. Claybaugh first heard about Best Friends when our sanctuary took in 22 of the Michael Vick dogs. He later saw the “Saving the Michael Vick Dogs” episode on National Geographic Channel’s “DogTown,” which documented the dogs’ arrival and their rehabilitation at the sanctuary.
“Ever since I heard about Best Friends I’ve dreamed of coming here and donating some of our pet products,” he says.
Both parts of that dream have now come true. Claybaugh, other directors from the Paul Mitchell School, and the St. George students arrived at the sanctuary bearing a donation of six cases of John Paul Pet shampoos and conditioners, as well as a bag of toys.
“I’m blown away by the size,” Claybaugh said when asked his impressions of the sanctuary. “I knew it was large, but it’s much larger than I imagined. I’ve also been blown away by how gracious and welcoming everyone here has been.”
Claybaugh says that he was also taken with the pit bulls he met at Dogtown. “I have a soft spot in my heart for the pits,” he says. “And the ones I met today were all so sweet. … It’s been a very eye-opening and emotional experience. We’ve all cried a few tears today.”
Thanks to Claybaugh, John Paul Pet Products will also be donating items for the gift bags and auctions at this year’s Lint Roller Party.
Written by Best Friends staff
Photos by Gary Kalpalkoff
As part of Best Friends’ 25th anniversary in 2009, our goal is to double our membership, so we can double our efforts to bring about a time when all companion animals have a forever home. What can you do to help? Give the Gift of a Best Friends membership to family and friends.
