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Young Local Inventor + Cute Dog = 'Tonight Show' Gold

Clearwater inventor Melissa Streng and her dog Mojo show Jimmy Fallon her patented, award-winning Puff-N-Fluff dog drying system on a recent episode of NBC's Tonight Show.
Getty Images
Clearwater inventor Melissa Streng and her dog Mojo show Jimmy Fallon her patented, award-winning Puff-N-Fluff dog drying system on a recent episode of NBC's Tonight Show.
Clearwater inventor Melissa Streng and her dog Mojo show Jimmy Fallon her patented, award-winning Puff-N-Fluff dog drying system on a recent episode of NBC's Tonight Show.
Credit Getty Images
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Getty Images
Clearwater inventor Melissa Streng and her dog Mojo show Jimmy Fallon her patented, award-winning Puff-N-Fluff dog drying system on a recent episode of NBC's Tonight Show.

This one almost snuck past us, but the combination of a cute dog and a local innovator with a cool invention once again caught our eye -- just like it caught the attention of new "Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon.

Marissa Streng of Clearwater recently appeared on NBC's Tonight Show with her dog, Mojo, to show off her as part of a segment called " Fallonventions." Streng also received a $5,000 check from segment sponsor GE.

http://youtu.be/Ys0WVOPmA6g

Streng was profiled in a 2011 University Beat report on WUSF Public Media after her patented creation won the Elementary School division in the . The system wraps material that resembles a bag around a dog, with velcro-sealed holes for the legs. A tube connected to the wrap is attached to a blow dryer, which is then set to medium or low power to quickly and fully dry the canine.

http://youtu.be/vehjVKQ7rpw

Streng was in third grade at St. Paul's School in Clearwater when the Puff-n-Fluff's victory netted her and her school $1,000 each. The system now sells for between $34.95 and $44.95, depending on the size of the dog.

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Health News Florida is now part of WUSF Public Media in Tampa, Florida.
Mark Schreiner is the assistant news director and intern coordinator for WUSF News.
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