American Express Openair Cinemas announces brand new waterfront Sydney location in Pyrmont ...

From November 21 - December 16, Metcalfe Park in Pyrmont will be the latest addition to American Express Openair Cinemas growing international tour program, which now stands at 12 events spanning Australia and New Zealand. 

The highly anticipated cinema under the stars is bringing more than movies to Pyrmont as the exciting festival program of food, fun and flicks is revealed, with American Express Card Members receiving a range of exclusive benefits.

Ideally located on the water front near The Star, a short walk across the Pyrmont Bridge from Barangaroo and the CBD, it’s an ideal after work destination to unwind, lie back and enjoy all that the outdoor cinema experience has to offer. With more than 20 events happening at Sydney’s Pyrmont, the festival vibes will be in full swing every weekend with entertainment, live music and DJ performances before the latest and greatest feature films light up the big screen. 

Film fanatics and doggy owners are invited to bring their canine friends to any screening (being mindful of films with expected gunfire and explosions).

Purveyors of fine food and authentic Italian cuisine, Salt Meats Cheese are returning again to cook up a storm serving  irresistible dishes such as their renowned antipasti and wood-fired pizzas, sure to delight cinema goers.

Movies

The first ever season in Pyrmont debuts with an advance screening of the highly anticipated new Robin Hood starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx, Jamie Dornan and Ben Mendelsohn. 

Pyrmont’s exciting film program is a mix of box office hits and highly anticipated new releases including the critically acclaimed A Star is Born and First Man, along with fan favourite Bohemian Rhapsody. Get in the seasonal spirit and kick back with these festive flicks: Love Actually and Elf. You can also discover something different with these program highlights:

• Beautiful Boy, starring Steve Carrell – Sunday 9th December
• Joel Edgerton’s powerful Boy Erased staring Nicole Kidman and Russel Crowe– Thursday 13th December

American Express Card Members are invited to relax and enjoy the full VIP cinema experience by purchasing a ticket to the American Express Lounge.

Card Members will get comfortable with their own bean bag, a cushion and complimentary blanket hire as well as some tasty treats. They also enjoy 15% off selected tickets and access to the American Express Garden to enjoy sunset drinks. 

Everyone can chillax to the max with a variety of seating options available. Premium tickets to Prime Video Lounge include reserved seating on a comfy bean bag, service straight to you and a glass of wine.

Tickets start at $14 and are on sale now at openaircinemas.com.au

Pyrmont is just one stop of the Trans-Tasman American Express Openair Cinemas tour, which will go on to captivate audiences in Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth, as well as Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand. 

MEDIA RELEASE, 15th November 2018

Win 1 of 10 copies of (Definitely) The Best Dogs of All Time ...

Since the dawn of time, dogs have been the number one source of joy in this world (and our life!) This is a book about the very best of them. 

Powerful dogs, mythical dogs, heroic dogs, talented dogs, literary dogs, dogs who have changed the course of history, and dogs who have set the internet ablaze. 

From the deeply misunderstood Cerberus, the multi-headed hound of Hades, to Hachikō, Rin Tin Tin, and Duke—the thrice- elected mayor of Cormorant, Minnesota (who is an actual dog). 

With words by Jadan Carroll and illustrations by Molly Dyson, (Definitely) The Best Dogs of All Time tells heart-warming, absurd, and informative stories of the most exceptional hounds to have bounded across the earth, their majestic tongues flowing in the breeze, and of the humans who love them.

• A collection of the most heart-warming, quirky, and informative stories of dogs through the annals of time.
• Amazing and astounding stories of historical, mythical, and real dogs from around the world.
• Beautifully illustrated throughout by a Berlin-based Australian artist, Molly Dyson.
• For dog lovers across the country, this book will remind you of why we love dogs so much.
• Perfect gift for friends and family, and a great Christmas stocking-filler for dog lovers.

Category: Humour, gift 
Hardcover, 112 pages 
Publisher: Scribe Publications, 29 October 2018

Win 1 of 10 copies of "(Definitely) The Best Dogs of All Time" (valued at $25 each)

1. Like and Share our post on our Facebook Page or Instagram (16/11/2018)

2. Tell us which dog's story has inspired / touched you the most during your life?

3. Please ensure you include the hashtag #bestdogsofalltime

Please Note: you MUST LIKE our Facebook or FOLLOW our Instagram accounts to be eligible for your prize at the end of this competition! 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. This Competition will run from Friday 16th November until Friday 23rd November (9pm). Winners will be announced on our COMPETITIONS page on Sunday 25th November.
Please allow 2-3 weeks to receive your prizes directly from the Publisher. 

2. To Enter, Like and Share our post on our Facebook Page or Instagram (16/11/2018);

Tell us which dog's story has inspired / touched you the most during your life?; Please ensure you include the hashtag #bestdogsofalltime

The 10 entries judged most creative will win!
3. Please note you MUST Like our Facebook page or Follow our Instagram page @australiandoglover to be eligible.
4. You can only enter once (choose one product category) or you will be disqualified from the draw.

5. Each extra person tagged in the Comments will earn the entrant an additional entry (max.3)
6. Prizes not claimed within 48 hours will be redrawn.
* Entry into the competition is deemed acceptance of all terms and conditions.

Central Coast Dogs in the Park presented by Greater Toukley Vision Inc will take place in Norah Head on the Central Coast on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th November 2018.

This is a free event for the local community and you can participate in all activities including the DockDogs Australia national competition and the popular dog races.

In addition to the dog sports demonstrations, you can enter pet competitions (both days) to win prizes and browse a number of stalls offering pet products and services.

Dog rescue organisations will also be attending for the Pet Adoption Day.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

9:00 AM Opening of Event
9:10 AM Up Dog Challenge Demonstration

9:50 AM Vet Talk by Coast Animal Health 

10:15 AM Largest & Smallest Dog Competition
10:30 AM Dog Races - Small Dogs

10:40 AM Dog Races - Medium Dogs

10:50 AM - Dog Races - Large Dogs

11:00 AM - Simon Says Competition

11:35 AM - Up Dog Challenge Demonstration

12:30 PM - Barefoot Paws

1:00 PM - Doggie / Owner Look Alike Competition
1:35 PM - Kong Talk - Training using Motivational Toys

2:00 PM - Kids Dog Fashion Parade

3:00 PM - Up Dog Challenge Demonstration

3:30 PM - Kids Best in Show

When:  Sat 17 & Sun 17 November 2018, from 9:00am–4:00pm

Where: Norah Head Sportsground, 43/45 Soldiers Point Dr, Norah Head, NSW, 2263 (Central Coast)

Cost: Free 

For the latest details, please visit this Event's Facebook page.

Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Perth Pet Expo 2018 will be held on Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th November.

A great entertaining weekend for pet owners and animal lovers of all ages! Visitors are welcome to bring their pet along too but there is a small fee of $2 per pet.

Growing in popularity, the Perth Pet Expo is the only event of its kind in Western Australia.

Visitors will enjoy presentations from animal experts like Rick Fenny the Desert Vet, enter competitions with numerous prizes to be won and browse pet stalls showcasing the latest products, services, attractions and pet tech available for their companion animals.

The world's premiere canine aquatics competition, DockDogs will be returning to the Perth Pet Expo in 2018! Get your water loving pooches ready to take on the Splash Zone in the “Big Air” long jump for dogs. To enter your dog in the competition, please email perthdockdogs@gmail.com 

Some of the entertainment highlights include:

• Rick Fenny – Desert Vet 
• DockDogs – The world’s premiere canine aquatics competition 
• Take a break with your pet at the pet working café! 
• Cat show by ANCATS (Australian National Cats Inc.)
• Critters up close 
• Frenchie Kissing Booth 
• Live presentations by a variety of animal experts 
• Have your pooch pampered by City Farmers Dog Wash
• Best Dressed Pet Competition 
• Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm 
• Various rescue groups 

When: Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th November 2018, from 9:00am to 5:00pm

Where: Claremont Showgrounds, 1 Graylands Rd, Claremont, WA, 6010

Cost: Adult $12; Child $6; Family Pass (2 adults, 2 children) $25; Pet $2.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite and at the gate.

Do you know someone who loves dogs more than people? Do you find it hard to find a unique Christmas gift for the dog lovers in your life? 

Whether they're into the latest pet tech gadgets, love the great outdoors, a homebody, love fashion or accessories or would prefer a gift that gives back to support animal welfare, we have some great dog-themed ideas in this latest Christmas Gift Guide for dog lovers.

Animo is an activity and behaviour monitor which is designed to stay with your dog for its entire lifetime, monitoring and reporting changes in your pet's day-to-day activity and behaviour patterns as they grow older.

Used with the Sure Petcare Animo app, Animo can track how long your dog has been active for each day, records when your dog last exercised, how many calories are burnt and how well your dog sleeps each night. 

It can also help you notice significant changes in behaviour such as barking, scratching and shaking, which could be an indication of ill health or distress.

Lightweight and durable, Animo is a collar mounted device with a 6-month battery life (one coin cell battery included) and waterproof with an IP67 rating, so it's ideal for dogs who like to swim or roll in the mud.

RRP: $99.99 from www.surepetcare.com/animo 

The Petble Smart Bowl precisely measures the quantity of food you give your pet using the in-built electronic scale.

If your pet shows signs of abnormal behaviour, you'll be alerted instantly via the app. You can also receive tailored exercise and diet advice for your pet.

The detachable food container is both BPA and BPS free. Durable and resistant to both stains and odours, it's also dishwasher-friendly.

Perfect for homes with multiple pets, the Petble Smart Food Bowl recognises individual users via the Petble Smart Tags (only required if more than one pet is feeding from the same bowl). 
Long battery life of 30 days with 3 x AA alkaline included.

RRP: $139.99 from selected Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi stores and Qantas store.

For enquiries, please contact hello@pettecc.com.au

Are you a pet pawrent worried about leaving your furbaby alone? 

The #1 Christmas gift for dogs Furbo Dog Camera is designed with an interactive treat-tossing system so you can play with your pup from anywhere!

The HD Camera and infrared night vision mean you can see your Furbaby clearly. The two-way audio crisp, built-in speaker and ultra-sensitive microphone, allow you to hear and speak to your dog. Barking alerts show your pup is distressed, a clicking sound creates positive associations for training, and the lights are tailored to a dog’s visual capabilities.

Much loved globally, Ellen DeGeneres calls Furbo Dog Camera "The number one gift on every dog lover's wishlist. Furbo's so cool!"

From 10th-21st December, Furbo Dog Camera, #1 Amazon best seller in more than 10 countries is reduced to $249. Make it your first ever Christmas connected to your furbaby. Don’t leave them lonely this Christmas!

With the GoPro Dog Harness, you can finally capture the world from your dog’s point of view. This harness features two mounting locations for a variety of perspectives: the chest - for bone-chewing, digging and front-paw action - and the back - for over-the-head shots of running, jumping, fetch and more. 

Made of washable, water-friendly material, your dog can swim, play and get dirty without a worry. Soft, padded construction keeps your pet comfortable. 

Fully adjustable to fit small, medium and large breed dogs from 7 to 54 kg. The chest mount is removable for smaller dogs.

RRP: $64.95 at shop.gopro.com

We all have that friend or relative which we find almost impossible to find a Christmas gift for. If they own a dog, why not give them a Poochette? 

Wag and Me have created a 5-in-1 walking bag to make dog walks easier and a lot more enjoyable! This versatile bag and lead combination can be used to carry phone, keys, disposable dog waste bags or treats, even a tennis ball!

The Poochette can even handle the smelly stuff!  It has an insulated fully enclosed compartment to store dog waste until a bin is available. And to make things even easier, the lead converts into a shoulder strap, ideal for when the dog is off lead.

New, innovative, stylish, strong and affordable, you cannot go wrong.

RRP: $44.95 at www.wagandme.com.au  

The TailRunner handsfree leash system is the ideal Christmas gift for the sporty dog mum but also comes in handy during daily walks around the block when combining dog walking or running with pushing a pram!

The belt goes around your waist with the individual leash as a separate piece so this set-up is flexible. Highly recommended for large breeds, bad pullers or when you're running multiple dogs. 

It’s also great for those who have trouble with their hands and find a conventional leash hard to keep hold of.

The double traffic handle means it can be used as a conventional leash or a hands free leash. Available in Red, Blue, Pink, Purple, Green.

RRP: $45.00 at www.tailrunner.com.au 

Do you and your dog love to hang out together in the great outdoors? Do you want to make sure that your dog is comfortable and safe right by your right side? Together wherever! Then check out SUNDOGZ!

This portable lightweight (under 5kg) backpack travel solution shades and protects from the elements and also hydrates. It comes with a safe compartment to keep your valuables clean, dry and safe! 

A great solution for short-term tethering offering 360-degree rotation, free of tangles! 

It works on multi-terrain surfaces making it ideal for beach activities, camping and hiking, road trips, attending festivals and events or just relaxing outdoors with your dogs.

SUNDOGZ is a recreational product designed for the average size pet dog but to be safe, it has been tested on a 140kg Miniature Horse! With limited first release stock available for a short time, pre-order now for an estimated shipment on December 17.

RRP: $269.00* at sundogz.world/shop

* this introductory price includes free shipping in Australia plus 3 gifts.

Sydney Wide Pet Doors specialise in supplying and installing many different brands of pet doors into glass doors and windows, timber doors and screen doors as well as microchip doors for dogs and cats to avoid unwelcome visitors!

If you’re confident to install yourself, simply order your pet door and they will offer their expert advice on the best sizing and positioning for your pet(s).

You can choose from major brands including Ideal Pet Doors, Pet-Tek, Petway, Sure Flap, Petsafe and Petcorp etc. and all pet doors installed come with a three-year warranty.

This Sydney-based business services all Sydney metro areas and also offers a fast repair and spare parts service.

Contact www.sydneywidepetdoors.com.au for an individual quote based on your preferred option and size.

If you love your dogs and love your dog training, then you must check out the fantastic new dog-themed apparel available from Muddy Pawz - Fit Dog Shop! 

Choose from a wide selection of short or long-sleeved shirts, tanks or hoodies, caps or beenies for both men and women. 

With so many designs and colours, you're bound to find new favourites to see you through all four seasons. 

RRP: from $23.95 at www.muddypawz.com.au 

Everyone deserves to enjoy just being with their dogs! Come and explore the most scenic regions of Victoria with Gourmet Pawprints and experience a pawfect dog-friendly day... Bella the Dog Welcoming Bus is your chauffeur and pooches get the window seat!

Choose from Doggy Winery Tours, Picnic Adventures, Paws and Pours High Teas, Truffle Hunts or maybe a walking tour of historic Williamstown. Each experience is handcrafted and designed to be an effortless day bringing together food, wine and the joy of being with your dog. 

The talented and professional team are committed to providing a happy, healthy and safe experience because they know what it means to be a fur-parent! If you can't decide or buying for someone else, you could select a gift voucher.

For more details, visit gourmetpawprints.com.au

Silver Pet Prints handcraft sterling silver jewellery that captures your own pet’s unique paw print. That's right! You'll have a miniaturised version of your pet’s paw prints in silver. 

With a choice of charms, pendants, cufflinks, bracelets and key rings, you’re bound to find the purrfect gift! You also have the option to have your pet’s name stamped on the back.

Go to www.silverpetprints.com to find your local jeweller and to order.

RRP: $255 for the Love key ring.

Keep track of puppy playdates, vet appointments and more with this stylish diary designed by Nooshel for the modern dog lover.

Inspirational quotes throughout pay tribute to our four-legged friends, while the stickers sheet lets you mark important dates and a grosgrain ribbon bookmark keeps your place.

A5 size, this 224-page hardcover diary uses FSC-certified 100gsm uncoated paper with foiled edges. It features a back pocket and side pen holder with slim black ballpoint pen.

Details page for you and your dog, blank pages for notes or doodling, 2019/2020 yearly and monthly overviews, and Monday to Sunday double page spreads.

It comes in a hard, black keepsake gift box making this the perfect present for a dog lover! Whilst browsing, why not check their new range of art prints and organic tees for dog mamas and dog dads?

RRP: $44.95 (10% off your first order) at nooshel.com

Treat your pet loving friends and family to a unique and memorable gift for them to experience with their furry friend this Christmas.

Launched in September, the Best Pets Gift Card is Australia’s first national multi-merchant pet gift card and the perfect choice for spoiling pet lovers and their beloved pets this Christmas. 

Over 300 pet businesses (and growing) accept the Best Pets Gift Card nationally covering everything from grooming to pet-friendly accommodation and many more. For a current list of participating merchants, click here

Available online and in over 2,000 stores nationally, including Woolworths, Coles, Big W & Target.

RRP: $30 or $50 in stores or choose any value from $25 online. 

For last minute gifts, instant digital gift cards (by email) are also available online at www.bestgiftcards.com.au/pets  

My Dachshund Online is the number 1 destination for all things Doxies with a 24-hour online one-stop-shop! One of their many themed gift ideas are these cute bags to make a quick trip to the supermarket easy and stylish!

The Barchy Dachshund shopping bag folds neatly into a flat pouch so it fits perfectly inside your handbag, leaving more space for other stuff you need. The pouch is attached to the bag so you won’t loose it and doubles as a pocket when the bag is in use. 

The Dachshund shopping bag is an ideal bag for all your shopping or as a gift for a dog loving friend. Made in England from bespoke printed cotton fabric with a gusset to create extra space.
 Available in three different colours.

On hot summer days, the Hot Dog Cooler Bag will keep your foods cold during transport. 

They offer a Christmas gift wrapping service so you don't even need to leave the house!

RRP: $13-$20 at www.mydachshundonline.com.au

These cute kitchen products are only some of the many gifts for dog lovers available from DoggyTopia.

You can bake some yummy treats for you and your doggy with the fun bone-shaped cookie cutter. This five-piece set comes in funky colours of pink, green, yellow, red and blue.

The Paw Print Cutter can be used to create adorable paw print cookies for friends and family or make special doggy treats for your fur baby.

Make yummy pupsicles to cool your pooch down on a hot day or chocolate treats, marshmallows, jelly and ice cubes for the dog lovers with these Silicone Moulds available in Small Paws and Paws and Bones.

RRP: $9.95 - $14.95 at www.doggytopia.com.au

These colourful metal dog ornaments have been hand painted on both sides in the Northern Territory at the Aboriginal Warlukulangu Artist Centre. Warlukurlangu artists are famous worldwide for their gloriously colourful acrylic paintings and limited edition prints.

These one of a kind metal desert dogs (17cm x 10cm) make a very unique and authentic Australian gift - a wonderful thank you gift for corporate events or a special Christmas present for a dog lover.

Sale of this artwork directly benefits the artist and the Warlukurlangu artist community.

RRP: $55.00 from www.bitsofaustralia.com.au

If you want to showcase your love of sausage dogs, Graham & Brown recently released a unique wallpaper design your house guests will envy you. 

Their collaboration with London-based interior designers 2LG Studio resulted in this adorable design inspired by the couple’s sassy sausage dog ‘Buckley’. 

The free-flowing hand drawn design is created in a simplistic chalky textured substrate, with soft black detailing – a perfect fit for any modern décor. This cheeky sausage dog immortalised in a classic print is available in Pink or Monochrome / Grey.

RRP: $130 a roll (52cm wide x 10m) at www.grahambrown.com/au/ 

The 2019 'Rescued Blockheads' and 'Rescued' calendars and the 'Adorable Puppies' diary were all designed and photographed by Sydney pet photographer, Ruth O’Leary.

Both calendars are A3 size, with 300gsm stock covers whilst internal pages are printed on 150gsm with plenty of room for writing birthdays, appointments etc. on each day. The majority of the photos are actual adoption photos taken throughout the year with the aim of producing these calendars and a diary. 

100% of the profits from the sale of these calendars and the diary will be donated to Sydney charity Fetching Dogs. 

These limited editions make a great Christmas present and are selling out quickly! You can pick up some fundraiser Christmas cards or books there too, while you're at it.

RRP: $25.00 + p&p (diary or calendar) at www.ruthlessphotos.com/shop  

‘Longing for Love’, is the second edition fundraising book in a series of Melbourne dog photo books by Erin King Photographer. 

It is a book about love - the precious love that we get from dogs as our pets and the love we can offer them in return. 

With an all new design and new locations it's just as much a collectors’ item to take pride of place on your coffee table as the first book. The book tells the heartwarming and inspirational stories of Melbourne rescue dogs, in celebration of their new lives, with beautiful and uplifting photography. 

The dogs are all photographed on location at some of Melbourne's most iconic dog-friendly locations. This fundraising project helps raise awareness and money for three animal rescue groups Puppytales Rescue and Rehoming Inc, Greyhound Rescue Victoria and Melbourne Animal Rescue.

RRP: $145 + p&p (discounts for multiples) at www.erinkingpetphotography.com.au

Please note: 10% will be donated to rescue groups, books shipping from early December.

These gorgeous and beautifully festive Greyhound-themed cards are a fantastic way to share the love this festive season whilst supporting the rescuing and rehoming of ex-racing Greyhounds.  

Printed on high-quality recycled stock, they're not only good for the hounds but also good for the environment. Cards are blank on the inside and are supplied with envelopes. 

Artwork by: Fer Wicker, Amanda and Danica Robbemond, Kate Powell, Katherine Paterson, Emily Bryant, Felicity Lee, and Kelly Kratzing. 

If you love your Greyhounds, you’ll find lots of other themed gift ideas like pendants, earrings, totes and t-shirts! 

RRP: $20.00 (8 pack) at greyhoundrescue.bigcartel.com 

If you're still pondering what to get your pooches this year, why not check out our 2018 Christmas Gift Guide for Dogs with over 20 pawsome ideas and offers tailored to Australian Dog Lover readers!