Greyhounds are just like other dogs and they need five minutes of our time online this week.

The Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG) is asking all dog lovers to go online for five minutes and have their say about shortcomings in the new draft welfare standard for these dogs in NSW.

CPG has assessed the draft NSW Greyhound Welfare Code and decided it fails two of the RSPCA's recognised five freedoms. Two of these five internationally recognised freedoms are:

1) Freedom to express normal behaviour: by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.

2) Freedom from fear and distress: by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

"The draft code says a greyhound can be kennelled in a 1.2×1.8m space and exercised for only 30 minutes a day which fails both of these tests,” said CPG National President, Mr Dennis Anderson.

“Even worse, in the code these conditions will apply to hounds kept long-term by industry participants as a breeding dog or pet, whereas the career of a racer is usually about 12 months."

The draft NSW code also gives the industry ten years to get sub-standard housing conditions up to required standards. This would mean many dogs remaining in filthy and unsafe kennelling.

“Twelve months should be the limit to bring facilities into line with the welfare minimum. If the industry really cares about its dogs, ten years would not be acceptable,” Mr Anderson said.

“The NSW draft code is so general, you could drive a truck through it. Unlike the Victorian code, this will make NSW’s code hard to enforce and allow many loopholes.”

How can you help greyhounds?

Dog lovers can make a quick online submission until Tuesday 14 April using CPG's easy guide. The guide draws on the extensive research and analysis done for CPG’s full submission by a practising vet.

“One of our volunteers is a vet with extensive experience in developing the Victorian greyhound code. The easy guide for the public is based on her expert advice,” said Mr Anderson.

He invited more people to join CPG as digital volunteers and get involved in the fight to end greyhound suffering - greyhoundcoalition.com/volunteering-with-cpg

"We particularly need more people who have at least half an hour a few times to a week to keep an eye on racing stewards' reports online," Mr Anderson said."The data collected helps us to publicise every greyhound death on Australian tracks. 

Deaths occur weekly on average, while injuries are constantly happening. We're determined to make sure none of these are kept quiet."

Mr Anderson said people can see for themselves what greyhounds suffer by looking at CPG's 2020 stats page or at actual stewards' reports across Australia - NSW, WA, SA, Vic, NT, Qld and Tas.

"So far this year, 68 dogs have been killed on Australia's tracks, with more than 2,300 dogs injured nationally," he said. Because stewards' reports reveal so much carnage, CPG has five key demands for all state governments about greyhound reform. 

Are you new to Greyhound welfare issues?

Please see this RSPCA backgrounder.

Does the NSW code draw on best practice overseas experience?

No. In particular, the positive welfare effects associated with group housing of social animals such as greyhounds is ignored. Paired kennelling is already routine in the United Kingdom 1.

Photo Credit: Fiona McQueen

A detailed review into best practice for the socialisation of greyhounds in a racing context, conducted by the Australian Working Dog Alliance for the NSW greyhound racing industry, found that:

“It is common practice for greyhounds in Australia to spend a significant period of their adult life under conditions of individual housing. This is unacceptable from an animal welfare standpoint.

Dogs are highly social animals and single-housing eliminates their ability to demonstrate one of the Five Freedoms; the freedom to express normal behaviour (by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind).


Co-housing of compatible dogs should be adopted as standard practice for greyhounds at all stages of their life cycle”.

How does the Victorian code differ to the NSW draft code?

While Victoria also has a similar minimum space requirement to the NSW draft code, it is far more prescriptive as they are in most areas.

The Victorian Code includes specific details regarding minimum requirements and welfare standards for:

• kennel roof height (must allow a greyhound to stand upright on its hind legs),
• toileting yards (minimum 5m2 per dog, no more than four greyhounds to be toileted together at one time),
• exercise yards (at least 20m2 with a minimum width of 4m2, supervision required at all times when in use),
• day yards (for extended unsupervised exercise, contain weatherproof area and raised bed),
• outdoor sleeping areas (at least 3m2 weatherproof area including kennel with raised sleeping area),
• appropriate housing of dogs in pairs or groups,
• daily cleaning,
• drainage and flooring.

1 “They are paired with another dog which they get on with well as a kennel mate” - www.onlinebetting.org.uk/betting-guides/the-life-of-a-racing-greyhound.html

About Coalition For The Protection of Greyhounds

CPG is a dedicated group of people across Australia who work together to inform the public about the cruelties of greyhound racing.

For more information please visit www.greyhoundcoalition.com

or follow their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CoalitionForTheProtectionOfGreyhounds

MEDIA RELEASE, 7th April 2020

Did you know that April 1-7 is officially National Raw Feeding Week? 

An increasing number of dog owners are shying away from buying processed dry or canned dog food these days, opting instead to either source human-grade meat from their own butchers or dedicated pet food outlets or started cooking for their pets. We don’t have exact numbers on this trend but we’ve all seen the huge increase in premium options available locally for our own dogs in the past 2 years and reviewed some of these in the past.

The main criticism levelled by (some) nutritionists and vets alike (not to mention the 'big end of town' pet food manufacturers) is that feeding only a fresh high-meat diet (or a typical homemade dog diet) does not meet all your dog’s nutritional needs. 

Faced with that argument, you could say that most of the manufactured pet food sold barely meets the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient profiles for maintenance and growth. Same as with our human diet, meeting basic requirements for survival is not the same as being pro-active with your health! 

When fed occasionally, feeding raw meat only may not be an issue but if you’ve opted to “go it alone” long-term, you really need to add a balanced supplement to your pet’s food to avoid long-term deficiencies in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

Newcastle-based Bestie Kitchen has impressed us by their professionalism over the past 9 months and we were keen to trial their AllRounder Balancers supplement, a superfood blend of 19 all-natural ingredients to balance meat and boost your dog’s joint, gut and immune system health.

For these types of trials we always favour our senior dog Conner who, at 13.4 years, started to slow down (mainly due to arthritis) and needs some assistance to enjoy a better quality of life.

Anecdotally, we learnt that Bestie Kitchen’s dogs Mondoe and Alfy reached the ripe old age of 22 and 20 following Founder Amanda's move away from processed food so this certainly got us thinking... 

What’s in the Bestie Kitchen AllRounder Supplement?

The Bestie Kitchen AllRounder list of ingredients reads like a who’s who of superfoods. 

It includes a mix of 6 fruit and veg (apple, carrot, sweet potato, organic shiitake mushroom, pumpkin, kale) 2 super herbs (chicory, nettle), 5 superfoods (manuka honey, kakadu plum, kelp, wheat grass etc), green-lipped mussel, cod liver oil, pre- and probiotics, bone broth and MCHA bonemeal from pasture-fed Australian cattle!

Another big tick for us is that it is made in Australia using at least 83% Australian ingredients and is 100% human-grade.

In these troubled times, we like to know that we’re helping support small local businesses that put their ethical principles ahead of profits.

How to best use your AllRounder Supplement?

Conner's Meal Plan - Week 1 (3 proteins)

Whether you’re a regular raw feeder or first timer, you need to first download the free Bestie Kitchen app. As a bonus, it works on any browser so you can use it on a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer. 

It only takes 3 simple steps and a few minutes to work out the right portion size for your dog (based your choice of proteins depending on any known allergies, taste preferences and budget!). 

The app gives you a 7-day meal plan suggesting rotating the proteins for optimal health.  Some people argue that feeding one type of diet only increases the risk of allergies, often manifesting as itchy skin and how many of our readers report their dogs suffer from those! 

Yes to variety but you'll also notice consistency over 5 days not to upset your dog's stomach (that's if you don't want to end up with vomiting, diarrhoea, burping, farting or a combination of all of the above!).

As with all changes in diet, it's a good idea to transition your dog slowly, ideally over a 7-day period. 

Starting with 75% current food / 25% new food (first 2 days), then reduce to 50% current food / 50% new food (two days) and finally 25% current food / 75% new food (2 days).
Depending on your dog [2], it may not be such a big deal and you could bring this down to 3-4 days as we did.

Conner's Shopping Basket for 7 days of meals

The app is best for working the quantities but as a rule of thumb, for adult dogs, you would add 5 grams of AllRounder for every 95 grams of protein (12 grams for every 88 grams of protein for a puppy or lactating dog).

The first thing we learnt when planning meal prep for the first week was that each meat has a different nutritional composition (and fat content) so you need to feed more AllRounder supplement and lean kangaroo meat than bestie and chicken or beef mince for example. Buying 4-5kg of meat (just for one dog) certainly requires more fridge space than normal but we found we quickly got into our new routine.

The scoop provided in the pack measured exactly 5 grams so it was pretty easy to measure the required one or two scoops per meal (based on our 30 kg dog).

Our Experience with Bestie AllRounder

The first thing that impressed us dealing with Bestie Kitchen's Founder Amanda directly was the amount and quality of the nutritional information and high level customer service provided. I strongly believe that the same personalised customer experience is provided to everyone and we did not receive any special treatment. Our questions (specific to our own dog’s needs) were answered very quickly and with a lot of details and this definitely gave us a lot of confidence when dealing with a brand new product.

We started our trial on March 12 just as the worldwide COVID-19 health crisis was breaking...

We had planned our first 7 days of meals ahead for Conner after choosing 3 easy to source proteins (kangaroo, beef and chicken) so we were set for a successful start but cue panic buying at most supermarkets and sourcing what we wanted the following week proved a bit more challenging!

It’s as if Australians had suddenly discovered the meat aisle in their supermarket! 


Luckily people have now backed off stockpiling and we were able to source our normal range of meats after a week even though we try to avoid going out shopping as much as possible.

Using AllRounder could not be easier: simply mix it with a splash of water to form a paste or more liquid consistency and then add the protein (for Conner, this varied from 210g beef, 280g chicken or 400g kangaroo mince per meal, twice daily). I’ll have to admit we fed him slightly less of the kangaroo as recommended as this was too much for him in a single session… 

In Australia, 41% of dogs are overweight or obese and this has serious consequences on their health (causing a host of diseases) and reducing their lifespan [1]. 

With our senior dog, we found his main health issue was less an overall weight problem but more the gradual loss of muscle mass in his hips / back legs as he's reluctant to move...

Every time we've put Conner (or our other dogs) on a more varied diet (raw or home cooked meals), there's no doubt that they've been a lot more excited at meal times and have thrived both physically and mentally. They definitely sleep better too...

"What do you call this again? - AllRounder, Conner... Yeah, but that's what you do with it, mum!"

Conner really loved the smell (and taste) of green-lipped mussel powder which was unmistakable even to our human's nose.

What we really liked was the simplicity as it took no time at all to mix and add the AllRounder to his food (unlike chopping and cooking vegetables etc.) whilst knowing we gave him that little bit extra to boost his health!

Bestie Kitchen AllRounder is shelf stable when stored at 25°C or less but if used infrequently or in a humid environment, it's recommended to refrigerate. 

Please Note: always speak to your vet before making any changes, especially if your dog suffers from any known medical conditions or allergies.

[1] A recent study of 50,000 dogs showed that the lifespan of overweight dogs was up to 2.5 years shorter than their ideal-weight counterparts. 

[2] Whilst nearly all dogs readily tolerate a seven-day transition period, a much longer transitional period is recommended if the food change is significant or your dog has demonstrated a poor tolerance to such changes in the past or is a fussy eater and food refusal is expected.
(Small animal clinical nutrition http://markmorrisinstitute.org/sacn5_chapters.hml)

Price & Where to Buy:

RRP*: $15.00 (70g sample pack); $54.95 (350g) or $119.95 (1kg) at bestiekitchen.com
* does not include shipping
NB: A 70g sample pack is enough for about 10 meals, for an average, 10kg dog.

Find the app here: bestiekitchen.com/pages/homemade-dog-food-calculator

The combination of bestie ALLROUNDER and rotated proteins in recommended quantities, typically meets the nutritional levels in the FEDIAF guidelines and AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including large breed dogs i.e. 31kg (70lbs) or more as an adult.

Disclaimer: a 350g pack of Bestie Kitchen AllRounder balancing supplement was provided to us to complete this trial over a 4-week period for the purpose of this review.

PetSure and Woolworths will provide free remote Vet consultations in April

Trailblazers unite to make sure pet owners can still get advice in isolation via televet startup Vetchat.

Policyholders across all of PetSure’s 30+ brands will have access to free tele-medicine consultations with a qualified Vet during April, thanks to a new joint initiative between PetSure and Woolworths.

As many Australians self-isolate and states go into various stages of shutdown, the country is working fast to continue providing essential services under difficult circumstances. Amongst various pressing concerns, many still need to ensure their pets receive necessary medical attention. 

PetSure last week announced investment into televet startup Vetchat which gives pet owners immediate access to a consult with a nationally-registered Vet via chat or video.

In order to relieve financial stress for pet owners and ensure Australia’s pets are continuing to get the care they need in the current situation, PetSure and Woolworths have joined forces to fund two free Vet consultations during April for all pet owners insured with PetSure brands. Starting on April 1, the initiative means that any customer of a PetSure brand can contact Vetchat anytime between 6am and midnight (Eastern Standard Time) to speak with an experienced Australian Vet in a real-time consultation using chat or video call.

PetSure CEO Alexandra Thomas said: “We hope these free professional consultations will make a big difference, especially when people are already stressed about money and well-being. At any time, they are a crucial service made more accessible – whether they give a pet parent peace of mind on an everyday pet health concern or guidance on next steps in an urgent or emergency situation. Better access to Veterinary advice means calmer, better informed pet parents and better pet health outcomes. Vetchat also benefits Vets, allowing them to work from home and with flexible hours, an option that may be a lifeline in coming months.

“With an increasing number of Australians in isolation or work from home situations it could be challenging for many of us to have a face-to-face interaction with a Veterinarian at a Vet surgery, even in a situation where the pet owner is concerned about something they are observing with their pet. 

Vets may also be finding it challenging to work from their usual premises and consult through traditional face-to-face approaches and it’s in both of these scenarios that Vetchat can make a significant contribution – connecting Australian pet parents with Vets who can do their best work by providing optimal animal welfare outcomes remotely for Australian pets, and connecting Vets with a way to continue to practice.”

The PetSure/ Woolworths joint initiative is focussed on pet welfare and supporting pet owners, but also Vets – who are likely to be significantly affected from emerging developments. Vetchat gives vets the opportunity to continue to practice remotely and from their own home, with greater flexibility around their hours and location so they can apply their specialised skill set where it’s needed, at times that suit them.

Existing expertise delivered in new ways

Vetchat CEO Dr. Claire Jenkins commented: “Vetchat is delighted to be able to reach more Australians and support them in their pet care with the investment from PetSure and the free consults initiative from PetSure and Woolworths. We look forward to speaking to lots of pet carers about their animals and helping them keep their furry family members happy and healthy in the months and years to come. We want to build a world where pets and carers can access Vets anywhere, anytime and this is a huge step towards that.”

Woolworths General Manager Financial Services and Payments, Paul Monnington, said: “We’re very happy to be able to offer Australians some support in this way, and we hope it will provide some relief to pet owners. Woolworths has been in partnership with Vetchat since January last year through our VetAssist service. We believe this is a much needed service to help make Veterinary care easier for Australians to reach a Vet when they are concerned for their pets. We have consistently seen a 92% satisfaction rating across the consultations from VetAssist.”

Ms Thomas said telemedicine is fast becoming an integral part of human healthcare, especially since the acknowledgement of its importance by the federal government, most recently in the announcement last week that Medicare will now cover all telemedicine calls. In parallel to human healthcare, Veterinary care also needs to be affordable, convenient and – above all – accessible for pet owners – especially in the case of a lockdown.

Ms Thomas went on to say: “People are turning to telehealth services for their own medical needs at this time – now they can do the same for their pets without leaving their house. 

Vetchat is another channel for Vets to provide advice to pet owners. The opportunity to give personalised advice to concerned pet parents allows Vets to reach more animals that need it, faster – not just in the current environment, but under usual circumstances where some people may struggle to get to a clinic and in good time.”

Demand for Veterinary telemedicine is growing fast around the world, especially in mature pet ownership markets such as UK, US, Sweden. Partnerships with pet insurers and other players in the pet health care sector have proved vital to growing televet businesses and getting them into the hands of pet parents.

How to access free Vet care

Customers of PetSure brands can access two free Vetchat consultations in April by going to petsure.vetchat.com.au and entering their pet insurance policy number. They will then get to choose whether they would like a text or video consultation, and will be joined by an experienced Australian Veterinarian within minutes.

Not sure whether you qualify? 

See PetSure’s list of brands at petsure.com.au/partners/ or try entering your policy number at petsure.vetchat.com.au. Details will also be provided to customers by PetSure.

For many of us working from home at present, the novelty may be already wearing off... However it certainly affords more opportunities to spend quality time with our dog/s.

Earlier this year we were lucky enough to trial the Petssager Vibrating Pet Grooming & Massage Brush from Funked Up Pet Products with our senior dog Conner and we found it both convenient and easy to use any time and anywhere. You can read our Review here.

"Summertime when the livin' was easy" - Conner enjoying a light massage with the Petssager after his bath

For many people, a pet massage may sound like a luxury reserved for pampered pets but with the stressful world we live in, we thought many of you would love the chance of giving your dog (or cat) the ultimate bonding session in the comfort of your own home!

Made from high-grade silicone, the Petssager is gentle to your pet's sensitive skin and coat. It delivers a velvet smooth touch and can be used both as:

✔️ a grooming brush at bath time. It is 100% waterproof and can be fully submerged.

✔️ a vibrating massage brush. There are 7 vibrating speed settings plus a pulsating function.

Aside from promoting relaxation and sleep, a massage can be beneficial to your pets to increase blood circulation, relieve pain and discomfort in sore joints for older pets with arthritis, improve flexibility and performance for working and sporting dogs.

Just remember whilst grooming or massaging your dog to always give them a thorough check (for any lumps or bumps, cuts, sore muscles or fleas and ticks) and always consult your vet if you spot anything unusual.

The Petssager Vibrating Pet Massager & Brush is available in three colours: Blue, Black and Pink with our two winners getting to choose their favourite!

* WIN 1 of 2 Petssager Vibrating Grooming Massage Brush *

(Total Prize Pool Value: $150.00)

To Enter, Like our Page & Post (03/04/2020) on Facebook or Instagram and in your own words tell us "why your pet would benefit from regular use of the Petssager AND your favourite colour?". Entries closing 11/04/2020 (midnight).

Follow Petssager on Facebook and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/petssager/

You can learn more about Petssager at petssager.co 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. This Competition will open on Friday 3rd April 2020 (4pm) and close on Saturday 11th April, 2020 (midnight). Open to Australian residents only.

2. To enter, like and share and simply comment by telling us "why your pet would benefit from regular use of the Petssager AND your favourite colour?"

3. This Promotion is a game of skill and chance plays no part in determining the winner.

The entries will be judged by the Australian Dog Lover team. The winning entries will be selected based on the most creative, informative or useful statement.

4. Please note you MUST LIKE our Facebook page or FOLLOW @australiandoglover on Instagram to be eligible.

5. Entrants in the competition can only enter once.

6. Prizes not claimed within 48 hours will be redrawn.

* Entry into the competition is deemed acceptance of all terms and conditions.

Basic Hygiene Keeps Everyone Safe - Including your Pets

Lort Smith Animal Hospital is reassuring pet owners that following basic hygiene principles will keep your pet safe from COVID-19. 

“Currently there is still zero evidence that companion animals can transmit to humans, or play any role in the spread of this disease,” said Dr Cunliffe adding, “the main method of transmission of COVID-19 is human to human.”

To date there have been three cases of human to animal transmission of COVID-19.

Two dogs in Hong Kong who tested positive to COVID-19 have shown no clinical signs. However a cat in Belgium is reported to be experiencing symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, and respiratory signs.

There has been over 4,000 tests of canine and feline samples in Canada, USA and EU, including areas with high rates of COVID-19 in the human population. All samples have been negative to date.

“The evidence shows human to animal transmission is still very rare,” said Dr Cunliffe.

Upholding basic hygiene principals is key to protecting your pet. Hand hygiene is essential before and after handling your pets, as well as their food and water bowls. 

“Wash your hands before and after handing your pet, or anything that belongs to your pet,” recommended Dr Cunliffe adding, “also, while it might seem obvious, don’t kiss your pet,” added Dr Cunliffe.

Lort Smith Animal Hospital advises members of the public infected by the virus to minimise close contact and handling of their pets.

Current evidence suggests it is not necessary to have someone else look after your cat or dog if you test positive to COVID-19. However if you have a pet ferret [1] extra caution is recommended.

“People who are sick or potentially have COVID-19 should avoid close contact with their pet ferrets,” warned Dr Cunliffe.

Lort Smith advises that where possible, have another member of the house care for the ferret during this time. Additionally ensure all people living in the household should maintain good hygiene practices - including minimising direct contact to best protect our ferret friends.

“If you are at all worried about your pet, please call your vet,” implored Dr Cunliffe.

Lort Smith remains open to the public and will continue to offer emergency, urgent and essential care to animals. At present Lort Smith’s opening hours are 8:30am-10pm every day of the year. 

For more information, please visit www.lortsmith.com

Follow Lort Smith on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lortsmithhospital/ 
and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/lortsmith/

About Lort Smith

Lort Smith is the largest not-for-profit animal hospital in Australia, delivering essential and life-saving services to sick, injured and vulnerable animals. Each year our team of more than 60 vets and 110 nurses provide quality care for around 25,000 animals. Lort Smith rehomes approximately 850 animals each year and operates a number of community outreach programs which have a significant social impact on the community. Lort Smith receives no ongoing government funding. 

[1] Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has informed vets of the following: according to studies no known ferret has naturally contracted SARS (SARS-CoV-1 or this current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic). However given the evidence of experimental clinical infection in ferrets with SARS-CoV-1 we suggest extra caution be taken if a ferret has been exposed to an infected owner.

Lead image (supplied) Credit: Jordan Tzovlas Photography

MEDIA RELEASE, 1st April 2020

Now more than ever, home is where our dog is. With all our regular activities coming to a standstill, why not use this time to read a few more books and disconnect from the world?

We put together our top picks of inspirational and educational book releases for dog lovers of all ages. So grab a cuppa of your favourite beverage and settle in to discover our latest selection...

KIKA AND ME 
How one extraordinary dog changed my world 
by Amit Patel 

‘I live an ordinary life thanks to one extraordinary dog. Kika opened up the world to me again. She’s made what once seemed impossible possible.'

In 2013 Amit Patel is working as a trauma doctor when a rare condition causes him to lose his sight within thirty-six hours. Totally dependent on others and terrified of stepping outside with a white cane after a horrifying assault, he hits rock bottom. He refuses to leave home on his own for three months. With the support of his wife Seema he slowly begins to adapt to his new situation, but how could life ever be the way it was? Then his guide dog Kika comes into their lives...

But Kika’s stubbornness almost puts her guide dog training in jeopardy – could her larger-than-life personality be a perfect match for someone? Meanwhile Amit has reservations – could he trust a dog with his life? Paired together in 2015, they start on a journey, learning to trust each other before taking to the streets of London and beyond. 

The partnership not only gives Amit a renewed lease of life but a new best friend. Then, after a video of an irate commuter rudely asking Amit to step aside on an escalator goes viral, he sets out with Kika by his side to spread a message of positivity and inclusivity, showing that nothing will hold them back.

From the challenges of travelling when blind to becoming a parent for the first time, Kika & Me is the moving, heart-warming and inspirational story of Amit’s sight-loss journey and how one guide dog changed his world.

Paperback, 320 pages
Published: Pan MacMillan Australia, 25th February 2020

Price: $26.90 from www.booktopia.com.au

WHO RESCUED WHO?
by Victoria Schade

A few rough breaks lead a woman at the end of her leash to journey across the pond to fetch a surprise inheritance - but the dogs she rescues along the way have other ideas. 

The plan was simple: Elizabeth would suffer through a quick trip to her late father's family homestead in the English countryside, try not to think about how she was unjustly fired from her dream job, claim her inheritance, and hop on the next flight back to Silicon Valley where she can get her life back on track.

The plan does not include rescuing an abandoned black and white puppy. Or bonding with her long-lost aunt and uncle, their Border Collie, and their two very opinionated sheep. Or falling for the handsome local who runs the town's craft brewery. As Elizabeth's brief visit to Fargrove turns into an extended stay, she discovers that she has more in common with the new puppy than she realized.

Paperback, 336 pages
Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc, 24th March 2020

Price: $26.40 at www.booktopia.com.au 

GABBY
The little dog that had to learn to bark
by Barby Keel

A moving, heart-warming and redemptive true story that celebrates the healing power of love between humans and animals.

In the 54 years she has run the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary, deep in the Kent countryside, Barby has taken in all manner of animals in need of love, care and a second chance at life. She thinks she's seen it all until Gabby, a scruffy, golden-haired Terrier, arrives on her doorstep.

Trembling, her eyes wide with fear, Gabby is unable to play with other dogs and is completely mute. When Barby discovers that Gabby has been kept locked indoors her whole life, all becomes clear - Gabby has never learnt to be a dog.

Soon Barby has fallen in love with this strange little mutt and is determined to help her connect with her true nature. But when tragedy befalls Barby, it is not only Gabby but the entire animal sanctuary that's at stake...


Paperback, 256 pages
Publisher: Hachette Australia, Imprint: Trapeze, 11 September 2018

RRP: $19.99 at www.hachette.com.au

CITIZEN CANINE
Dogs in the Movies
by Wendy Mitchell

This charming and adorable collection of the best cinematic dogs is sure to delight dog lovers and movie-goers alike.

The Citizen Canine pack includes sixty of the bravest, cutest and furriest pooches ever to grace the silver screen. From top-billed hounds like Lassie and Benji to comedic scene-stealers like Asta from Bringing Up Baby and Puffy from There’s Something About Mary, all your favourite furry friends are here.

Whether you have a canine companion or just wish you did, Citizen Canine is your perfect guide to dogs, movies and the magical moments when they come together.

Hardcover, 128 pages
Publisher: Laurence King Publishing, 10th February 2020

Price: $19.95 at www.angusrobertson.com.au 

BOOK CLUB - KIDS' CORNER

A Home for Goddesses and Dogs
by Leslie Connor

A unique masterpiece about loss, love, and the world's best bad dog, from award winner Leslie Connor. This novel sings about loss and love and finding joy in new friendships and a loving family, along with the world's best bad dog. 

It's a life-altering New Year for thirteen-year-old Lydia when she uproots to a Connecticut farm to live with her aunt following her mother's death.

Aunt Brat and her jovial wife, Eileen, and their ancient live-in landlord, Elloroy, are welcoming-and a little quirky. Lydia's struggle for a sense of belonging in her new family is highlighted when the women adopt a big yellow dog just days after the girl's arrival.

Wasn't one rescue enough?

Lydia is not a dog person-and this one is trouble! He is mistrustful and slinky. He pees in the house, escapes into the woods, and barks at things unseen. His new owners begin to guess about his unknown past.


Meanwhile, Lydia doesn't want to be difficult-and she does not mean to keep secrets-but there are things she's not telling...

Like why the box of “paper stuff” she keeps under her bed is so important... And why that hole in the wall behind a poster in her room is getting bigger... And why something she took from the big yellow dog just might be the key to unraveling his mysterious past-but at what cost?

Hardcover, 400 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc., 25th February 2020
For Ages: 10+ years old

Price: $27.35 at www.booktopia.com.au

A KID'S GUIDE TO DOGS
How to Train, Care for, and Play and Communicate with Your Amazing Pet!
by Arden Moore

This lively dog care book, specially written for kids aged 8 and up, is packed with photos and colourful illustrations that teach training, care, health and safety, along with hands-on activities promoting play and bonding with canine companions.

Paperback, 144 pages

Publisher: Storey Pub, 17th March 2020

For Ages: 8 - 12 years old

Price: $28.80 at www.booktopia.com.au

TIME DOGS
Seaman and the Great Northern Adventure
by Helen Moss, illustrated by Misa Saburi 

In this second adventure, Baxter, Trevor, Newton, and Maia - the Time Dogs! - find themselves transported through time and space to 1805 on the Missouri River. 

There, deep in the wilderness, the puppies must help Seaman, the dog of legendary explorers Lewis and Clark.

Paperback, 160 pages

Publisher: Pan MacMillan Australia, Imprint: Square Fish, 10th March 2020

For Ages: 5+ years old

RRP: $12.99 from all good bookstores and online. 

For details, visit www.panmacmillan.com.au

CATS AND DOGS SUPER STICKER ACTIVITY BOOK

by National Geographic Kids

If you’re stuck for ideas to keep kids entertained at home during the school holidays, this is it!

Kids will have double the fun with 2,000 stickers and cool content about cats and dogs.

This bind-up of Cats and Dogs combines two super-cute, fun-filled sticker books in one It's chock-full of information about kids' favourite furry friends: kittens, puppies, different breeds of cats and dogs, behaviours, pet care, and much more.

With a colourful design and loaded with tons of games and activities--such as mazes, matching, drawing, and counting--kids are sure to love these pages of 2,000 stickers.

Paperback, 112 pages
Publisher: Penguin Random House, Imprint: National Geographic Kids, 24th March 2020
For Ages: 4 - 8 years old

Price: $25.90 at www.booktopia.com.au