Tax Deduction #2 and her dog Lucille getting haircuts at Brian North’s Dip ‘N Clip in La Grange. / Photo by Bucklesberry Gazette Staff

You know him as the guy who keeps the lights on over at WCTI. Soon, you’ll know him as the man who perms your poodle.

As a sportscaster, he’s covered more sporting events than AstroTurf. As a journalist, he’s delivered more news than a nation of sewing circles. To the manager of the Piggly Wiggly, he’s the guy who insists on shaking his peanut butter to make sure it’s fresh. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m talking about local broadcasting legend Brian North. 

“I’ve enjoyed my years in the television game but it’s time I broadened my horizons,” North said on Tuesday. “It’s a little known fact, but I studied cosmetology before stumbling into the broadcasting game. As much as I love being on camera, cutting hair is my true calling.”

When North began his career at WCTI in 1998 he had no idea he’d ever be in front of the camera.

“I was hired by the station to be the stylist for on-air personalities Jan Bean and Lee Moore,” North said. “One day the sports guy was out sick and they needed someone to fill in. I’d never been into sports except for chess, but I’ve never been one to turn down a challenge.”

Even though he used to run from baseballs as if they were bees, North became a sensation in his new role as a sportscaster. 

“Television is a competitive business but I took pity on North in the early days,” said veteran WNCT Sports Director Brian Bailey. “At the first high school football game he covered, he mistook the band for the team. Somehow he confused the flute for the ball, bless his heart.”

With his television career now firmly in place, North has decided to revisit his love of cutting hair, but with a twist.

“People take their dogs with them everywhere these days, be it the doctor’s office or the buffet,” North said. “With that in mind, I’ve recently opened a salon that will pamper you and your pooch at the same time.”

Last week Brian North opened Dip ‘N Clip locations in Kinston, La Grange, and New Bern. Each shop is equipped with giant TV screens that continuously play the movies of Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, and The Joy Behar Show on a loop. Another popular feature is the dual flea-dip tanks.

“At Dip ‘N Clip we believe dogs would feel less anxious about flea dips if they were able to experience them with their owners,” said Kevin Morgan, manager of the La Grange Dip ‘N Clip. “In some cases, the dog’s owners are in greater need of a flea dip than the dogs.”

Dog owners and their K9s can also fill their tummies at the Belly Rub Cafe, which is located in the lounge area of all Dip ‘N Clips.

“We have a great all-bacon salad bar, peanut butter biscuits, and Alpo pate’,” Morgan said. “Dogs and their owners can wash it all down with fresh spring water served in miniature replicas of toilet bowls. When nature calls, his and her fire hydrants are available behind the restaurant.”

According to the SCPA, dog adoptions have increased 400% in the areas near Dip ‘N’ Clip locations. 

“Dude, they have a bacon bar!” said local radio host Bryan Hanks. “I’ve seen cats adopting dogs to get to that bacon bar!”

Special thanks to Brian North, Brian Bailey, and the Southern Carolina Puppy Association.

Jon Dawson’s books available at www.JonDawson.com.