The Top 5 Pet Trends from Melbourne’s Dog Lovers Show

Behind the Scenes 09 May

Wow – over the last weekend, dog lovers from across Australia swarmed to Melbourne to visit the inaugural Dog Lovers Show. It was heaven for every dog lover. After visiting every single one of the hundreds of exhibitors, here are the 5 Top Trends I took away…

INNOVATIVE TREATS

Say goodbye to the common dog treat. With dog owners sniffing out healthy treats, the focus is now on fresh, natural ingredients and innovative recipes – such as Pupcorn, Doggie Donuts and home made muffin kits. Stand out stalls included:

Diamond Dog Food & Bakery (pictured) – With a treat range featuring scores of original recipes, they have something for every dog. Their focus on fresh, natural ingredients is a huge plus.
Barkday Pawty – Creating handmade treats for pets, they also cater for pet parties – handling everything from cakes, treats, decorations and set up.

DESIGNER BEDDING

Portable, washable yet stylish bedding was at the forefront of the show. The trend towards travel beds, removable bed covers, and ergonomic design showed that owners are moving towards adaptable products without forsaking aesthetics. Stand out stalls included:

Dogtired – Launching at Dog Lovers, their lightweight, portable dog beds were truly a highlight featuring form and function.
Hey Pup – These innovators of the washable dog bed sheet cover show no signs of slowing down, introducing new colours into their bed cover range, and expanding into collars and toys.
ID Pet (Pictured) – A new release brand, ID Pet specialises in a product range featuring custom printed dog beds, leads, collars, clothing and toys. With a range of designs and bespoke products available, they’re one to watch.

RESCUE MATCHING

While rescue organistions have been matching the right owners to the right dog for a long time now, the dedicated rescue centre at Dog Lovers was a one-of-a-kind feature allowing Pet Rescue to work alongside breed specific rescue groups – all with the same goal of finding forever homes for rescue dogs. Stand outs included:

Pug Rescue & Adoption Victoria (Pictured) – With their gorgeous faces, and matching pink adoption bandanas, I don’t know how anyone could say no to these guys!
Kays Greys – Focused on finding forever homes for greyhounds, this group highlighted the plight of these gentle dogs exploited by the racing industry.

CREATIVE COLLARS

Decorative collars are exploding in Australia right now, with a focus on fashionable bow ties, special event collars and modern patterns. Stand out stalls included:

Remy & Co – Dedicated to collars alone, Remy and Co are the go-to place for stylish, modern collars made in Australia and abroad. Their range is expansive and has something for every dog.
Dharf (Pictured) – With an array of custom doggie bow ties, collars and bandanas, Dharf uses a range of patterns and designs from classic seersucker to modern neon. They also offer a bespoke service for weddings and special events, so your dog always looks their best.
Kelly and Sam – Another new launch, this boutique range features classic collars in pink, mint and lilac – making them ideal for preppy puppies.

LIFESTYLE TRAINING

Throughout the show, demonstration performances kept the crowds entertained. Lifestyle training shows were easily the most popular, from working dog demonstrations to training lectures, the spotlight was on allowing your dog to use their natural instincts and talents in positive, fun training sessions. Standouts included:

Farmer Dave - Former Big Brother contestant, Dave Graham, showed off how giving your dog a job allows them to use their natural instincts of herding.
The Wonderdogs (Pictured – photo by RoseHip Vital)- Celebrity vet, Dr Katrina Warren and trainer, Kelly Gill, took crowds through the paces of the positive reinforcement training that goes into creating the ‘Wonderdogs’. With take home tips, they highlighted how dog training is all about consistency and fun for your dog.

Did you visit the Dog Lovers Show?
What were your highlights?

Biscuit the Shetland Sheepdog by Katherine Carver Photography

Pet Photography 18 Mar

It never ceases to amaze me the ability dogs have to bounce back. Their hearts are open to such forgiveness, and such passion for unbridled living, that when they find a loving home their transformations can be remarkable. Biscuit is one such dog…

From Katherine:
Biscuit is a Shetland Sheepdog who was rescued in August of 2010 off of the streets in North Carolina. He was severely malnourished, his fur coat was almost non-existent, and he was missing multiple teeth. Biscuit likely lived in a puppy mill as his back legs are deformed from likely spending too much time in cramped, unhealthy, quarters. Biscuit was then taken to a sheltie rescue in Frederick, Maryland, where he lived with many other shelties in the hopes of getting adopted.

We had the fortunate opportunity to meet Biscuit in December of 2010. When we first met Biscuit he was very sad and extremely timid, and we were not sure that he would ever come out of his shell. We decided to adopt Biscuit on the spot, and he has been a loving member of our family ever since. Gone is the shy, apprehensive Biscuit. In its place is a confident, friendly, and handsome Biscuit with a zest for life.

Fortunately, Biscuit’s life has dramatically changed for the better and he does not even look like the same dog when we met him. Biscuit has literally gone from living on the street to becoming an Orvis Cover Dog Winner; the dog representing the Orvis Petfinder Commitment promoting dog rescue; and a Jones Soda Co. winner — appearing on the Green Apple flavor of Jones Soda!

Most importantly, our lives have been permanently changed for the better since rescuing and adopting Biscuit. Biscuit has been a tremendous blessing to us and we encourage anyone considering getting a dog to first consider all of the rescue and shelter dogs who are in need of furever homes who will really appreciate your love and care. Rescue and shelter dogs’ loyalty and love towards their families is unwavering.

About Katherine Carver Photography
Katherine is a fine art documentary freelance photographer located in the Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. area. Biscuit was the inspiration for establishing Katherine Carver Photography. Katherine’s goal is to record the unique personalities and the signature physical attributes of the animals that she photographs; and to create images that preserve fleeting moments that capture the heart and souls of our cherished furry family members.

Find Katherine Carver Photography WEBSITE | BLOG

The 13 Project – The Results

Good Dog 02 Jan

13 Weeks ago I shared an idea with the world. I wasn’t sure how it would be received. I didn’t know if anyone would join me. I had no idea if I would see it through to the end.

And here we are.

In 13 short weeks The 13 Project has taken on a life of its own. Those three words have inspired, empowered and invigorated us all in making a difference. We’ve proven no matter how small we think our contributions are, our efforts are not insignificant. Even the smallest piece of goodwill can change the world.

So as we reach the end of the 13 weeks, I’m proud of what we have all achieved. Whether we did one goal, five or the full thirteen, we’ve made a difference. So today I want you to take a step back and congratulate yourselves. No matter how much you were able to do of your list, just taking up the challenge was a step in the right direction.

THE RESULTS: The 13 Project…

1. ~~Go through all of my old towels, bedding and sheets & donate what I don’t use to my local shelter.~~ DONE!
~~2. Attend the Oscar’s Law Rally against puppy farming.~~ DONE! (If you would like to support them please consider joining the Oscar’s Law Facebook Page)
~~3. Share and repost a rescue dog’s profile on Facebook until I know they find a loving fur-ever home.~~ DONE! An updated photo made all this difference for this little guy who is confirmed to have a new family ready to take him home. However, if you’re looking at adopting, please see his friends at Hawkesbury City Council who are still looking for fur ever homes.
~~4. Go through Soda’s toys and donate the ones she doesn’t use anymore to my local rescue centre.~~ DONE! With Soda’s blessing we were able to feel like Santa for a day!
~~5. Buy this calendar knowing that all profits go towards helping dogs in need.~~ DONE! (You can still buy copies here though)
~~6. Send a letter to my local representative asking them to ban the sale of animals in pet shops.~~ DONE! You can do so too – a 5 minute email is all it takes.
~~7. De-clutter my closet and sell the clothes that I no longer wear on eBay. Donate those profits to the RSPCA.~~ DONE! This was great to get done during the holiday season, the RSPCA got a kick of funds when they needed it the most and I now had space in my closet for sales shopping – win win.
8. ~~Organise a group of friends to spend an afternoon walking dogs or cleaning at our local shelter.~~ DONE! It actually ended up being just my husband and myself, but I don’t think the dogs minded.
~~9. Purchase a collar in the WSPA’s Collars Not Cruelty campaign.~~ DONE! You can join me by buying your own collar here.
~~10. Join POOPs – the program that assists elderly pet owners with basic and emergency pet care.~~ I’m going to list this one as HALF DONE, I have my name down to volunteer but am yet to actually work. In fact, I’m treating this goal as my legacy of The 13 Project – a little way I can continue to help animals as we move into 2013.
~~11. Sign this petition to help save greyhounds from a cruel export trade.~~ DONE! (I encourage you to sign it too!)
~~12. Pin Pro-Adoption & Pro-Rescue posters and images on Pinterest to encourage others to think of adopting.~~ DONE! (Inspired by other 13 Project lists, I also started a board just for cute pups up for adoption here: Adopt Me!)
~~13. Share and promote The 13 Project to inspire others!~~ DONE! (But you’ve just got me started on this one!)

Thank you each and every one of you for joining me and here’s to living our lives like every day is The 13 Project.

UPDATE: The 13 Project – 13 Acts of Kindness Towards Animals Before 2013

Behind the Scenes 20 Nov

Have you joined The 13 Project? I have to say since the original post, each week I see new and wonderful ways in which people are getting on board…

The staff of Dogster joined as a team! Such a good idea – with each of them pledging to make a difference in a few short goals.
The 13 Project went Spanish with this poster by Pao Pao Diseno Soportable.
Ashli from the Mini Manor Blog told the story of her own rescue – and had tears a flowin!
Ammo the Dachshund took a trip the the SPCA with donated blankets, and met some friendly faces in the process.
Capree from Dog Milk shared her super cute and super easy DIY for fleece blankets which she plans to donate to her local rescue.

I have to say, THANK YOU all for your involvement, it’s just amazing.

How are your goals coming along? Here’s how my list in shaping up so far…

UPDATE #2: The 13 Project…

1. ~~Go through all of my old towels, bedding and sheets & donate what I don’t use to my local shelter.~~ DONE!
~~2. Attend the Oscar’s Law Rally against puppy farming.~~ DONE! (If you would like to support them please consider joining the Oscar’s Law Facebook Page)
~~3. Share and repost a rescue dog’s profile on Facebook until I know they find a loving fur-ever home.~~ DONE! An updated photo made all this difference for this little guy who is confirmed to have a new family ready to take him home. However, if you’re looking at adopting, please see his friends at Hawkesbury City Council who are still looking for fur ever homes.
~~4. Go through Soda’s toys and donate the ones she doesn’t use anymore to my local rescue centre.~~ DONE! With Soda’s blessing we were able to feel like Santa for a day!
~~5. Buy this calendar knowing that all profits go towards helping dogs in need.~~ DONE! (You can still buy copies here though)
~~6. Send a letter to my local representative asking them to ban the sale of animals in pet shops.~~ DONE! You can do so too – a 5 minute email is all it takes.
7. De-clutter my closet and sell the clothes that I no longer wear on eBay. Donate those profits to the RSPCA.
8. Organise a group of friends to spend an afternoon walking dogs or cleaning at our local shelter.
~~9. Purchase a collar in the WSPA’s Collars Not Cruelty campaign.~~ DONE! You can join me by buying your own collar here.
10. Join POOPs – the program that assists elderly pet owners with basic and emergency pet care.
~~11. Sign this petition to help save greyhounds from a cruel export trade.~~ DONE! (I encourage you to sign it too!)
~~12. Pin Pro-Adoption & Pro-Rescue posters and images on Pinterest to encourage others to think of adopting.~~ DONE! (Inspired by other 13 Project lists, I also started a board just for cute pups up for adoption here: Adopt Me!)
~~13. Share and promote The 13 Project to inspire others!~~ DONE! (But you’ve just got me started on this one!)

So let me hear from you. How is your 13 Project going?

I’m here to be your personal cheerleader to get those goals crossed off your list by the time 2013 rolls around. Whether you can do one, five or thirteen goals – every bit makes a difference. Remember, every action you make has the chance to change an animal’s life forever. Good Luck!