When we took our Shepherd to classes, it was requested that we bring a mat for him. I pieced a scrappy top that was 6" squares of fun doggy prints. I then enveloped it using a towel for the backing. I turned it ride side out and did a top stitch around the edges and then cross hatched quilted it. Worked well. I know that you are currently using towels and don't like all the hair it captures but only one side of the towel would be able to catch the hair. We have 2 German "Shedders", a Pomeranian, a Schnoodle and 5 cats. We deal with lots of animal hair in our house. We do have to clean out our dryer vent & hose more often but wouldn't trade them for the world!!! Huskies are huge shedders so keep an eye on your dryer vent and hose.