Hunter Animal Rescue Pets Picnic - March 20

Promoting responsible pet ownership will be the focus of the 2016 Hunter Animal Rescue Pets Picnic Day, proudly supported by PetQuarters.

The 10th Annual Pets Picnic will be held on Sunday 20th March at Speers Point Park (near Newcastle).

With a quarter of a million healthy dogs and cats put down every year, the organisation will be educating dog and cat owners on how to look after their pets to ensure they don’t end up in the pound and put to sleep.

“A four-legged friend is a lifetime commitment that can bring you endless joy, and we urge the people of the Hunter to please save the life of one who's already at a pound by giving them a loving home,” said Hunter Animal Rescue President, Jaimie Abbott. Hundreds of pet owners and their pooches are expected to turn out for this free family event which will feature competitions including best dressed pet, best trick, fastest eating and the most unique pet. “

There will be a big line-up of entertainment and there will be something for everyone, including pet portraits, market stalls, a jumping castle and high tea for hounds,” said Ms. Abbott. 

Speers Point Park - Photo: Marina Neil

Hunter Animal Rescue is a not-for-profit organisation that saves the lives of hundreds of dogs and cats each year. Volunteers dedicate their time to finding new homes for abandoned pets facing euthanasia.
All animals are kept in foster care homes where they experience a good quality of life.

Since 2004, they have re-homed thousands of pets across the Hunter Region and beyond. The organisation works closely with Muswellbrook, Port Stephens, Wyong, Singleton, Gosford and Dungog Pounds as well as the RSPCA at Rutherford to reduce the number of animals put to sleep in these facilities

When: Sunday 20th March, from 10am to 4pm

Where: Speers Point Park (17km from Newcastle).

Cost: Free

For more details, visit hunteranimalrescue.com.au

RSPCA Animal Health - Allwormer & Heartwormer

Australian dog lovers can now be "Twice the Pet Hero" with the first two products in the RSPCA Animal Health Products range released to the market this month by the RSPCA and IndyVet Animal Health Products.

The first two products released in the range are RSPCA Allwormer (for Cats and Dogs) and RSPCA Heartwormer (for Dogs).

"The RSPCA is delighted to be working with IndyVet to bring this range of products to Australian pet owners." said Heather Neil, RSPCA Australia CEO.

A portion of revenue from the sale of the RSPCA Animal Health Products supports the valuable work of the RSPCA. By choosing them, Australian pet owners can be "Twice the Pet Hero", protecting their own pets from nasty parasites and supporting the ongoing work of the RSPCA.

IndyVet reports that initial consumer demand for the product has been strong. With the strength of the RSPCA brand, it's hardly surprising, advises Dr Mark Perissinotto, IndyVet CEO and Chief Veterinary Officer.

According to research by the Guardian released last month, the RSPCA is the most influential animal welfare organisation in Australia. Perhaps to be expected when you remember that, in the Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Survey, the RSPCA has been voted Australia's second most trusted Charity for multiple years running and has ranked highest for any animal welfare organisation.

"We're incredibly aware of the trust Australian pet owners put in the RSPCA" Dr Perissinotto said. "All involved have worked hard to ensure that the safety, quality and effectiveness of the RSPCA Animal Health Products are comparable to the leading brands in the market while also giving Australian pet owners an affordable and accessible option for regular parasite prevention".

RSPCA Heartwormer (for Dogs) is a monthly tablet preventing heartworm disease and is available in three sizes: 

* Small dogs (under 10 Kg)

* Medium dogs (11-20 Kg)

* Large dogs (21-40 Kg)

RSPCA Allwormer (for Dogs and Cats) is a 3-monthly treatment for the control of Roundworms, Whipworms, Hookworms, Tapeworms, plus the Hydatid Tapeworm. 

It comes in one easy to administer tablet and is available in two dog sizes:

* 1 tablet per 10 Kg bodyweight

* 1 tablet per 40 Kg bodywight

Both products are APVMA approved and manufactured in Australia.

RSPCA Allwormer (for Cats and Dogs) and RSPCA Heartwormer (for Dogs) are already available for sale by vet clinics, pet shops, pharmacies and online retailers.

For more details and a list of stockists, visit www.rspcaanimalhealthproducts.org.au

Tips for Choosing a Dog Boarding Kennel

Going out of town during the summer holidays and unable to take your furkid with you? 

A recent study revealed that Australian pet owners shy away from leaving pets with friends and family? The reasons given range from worries about their lack of time to perform the task properly (40%) and an inability to cope with their pet (28%).

Your dogs depend on you to take good care of them —even when you have to be out of town. A boarding kennel or a reliable pet sitter can offer your dog quality care whilst providing you with peace of mind.

PROS AND CONS OF BOARDING YOUR DOG IN A KENNEL

Sometimes, it is best to leave pet care to the professionals, such as a boarding kennel. Keep in mind that long week-ends and school holidays are very busy times for kennels with some facilities booked out 12 months in advance so try to get organised early.

A facility specialising in overnight boarding allows your pets to:

• Avoid the stress of a long car or airplane ride to your destination. 
• Stay where they will be welcome (too many places promoting themselves as "pet-friendly" have so many conditions and exclusions in place that we wonder why they bother mentioning it).
• Receive more attention, supervision and exercise than your dog would if left alone for most of the day.
• Be monitored by staff trained to spot health problems. 
• Be secure in a kennel designed to foil canine escape attempts, not to mention the possibility of your pet being stolen if you leave him unattended in a backyard whilst on holidays.

  

  Photo Credit: Akuna Pet Resorts (Hunter Valley)

Potential drawbacks to using a boarding kennel include:

• The stress related to staying in an unfamiliar environment. 
• The proximity to other pets, potentially exposing your pet to health problems such kennel cough, fleas etc.
•  The difficulty of finding a local kennel that will accept larger or multiple dogs, or dogs who suffer from a specific physical or behavioural issue.
•  The inconvenience of the drive over if your dog is easily stressed by car travel.

Ariel Endean from Akuna Pet Resorts warns that "dog stacking” is a common practice in the pet resort business where multiple dogs from different homes are put into the one accommodation area together. So what may seem like a good idea in terms of company can in reality create a lot of problems. 

The main issue is that when two stranger dogs are suddenly forced to sleep and live together 24/7 the more dominant or bossy "top dog" will most likely take most of the food, bedding, toys and treats available whilst the more gentle natured dog will be lucky to get leftovers and a spot on the floor to sleep. 

There is also the very real risk of injury as dogs sleeping together are left unattended for up to 12 hours during the night, meaning that if a fight does break out, there are no people or staff to break it up and/or seek emergency veterinary care".

HOW TO FIND A GOOD KENNEL FOR YOUR DOG

PetStayAdvisor (PSA) believes that there are quite a few important steps in finding the best boarding kennel solution for your dog. Your first port of call should be to check online review sites that are listing kennels near you and find out what other pet owners are saying.

PSA lists dog/cat boarding, pet sitting and doggy daycare and will return searches by “highest paws ratings first” so you can really see the best independently rated pet boarding facilities near you.

If you are unable to find any reviews online, you can also ask for recommendations from friends, your local vet or dog trainer or use word of mouth (for example ask other pet owners at your local off-leash dog park). Once you have narrowed down your search to a few facilities, we believe it is important to do a little background check.

1) Find out whether your state requires boarding kennel inspections. If it does, make sure the kennel you are considering displays a license or certificate showing that your chosen kennel meets these mandatory requirements.

2) After selecting a few kennels, confirm that they can accommodate your pets(s) for specific dates and can address your pet's special needs (if any). If you're satisfied, you should schedule a preliminary visit.

Photo: Cottage Kennels & Cattery (Victoria)

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BOARDING KENNEL

On your visit, ask to see all the places your pet may be taken to and pay particular attention to the following:

• Does the facility look and smell clean?
• Is there sufficient ventilation and light?
• Is a comfortable temperature maintained? 
• Does the staff seem knowledgeable and caring?
• Are pets required to be current on their vaccinations, including the vaccine for canine kennel cough (Bordetella)? 
• Does each dog have his own adequately sized indoor/outdoor run or an indoor run plus a daily schedule for exercise?
• Are outdoor runs and exercise areas protected from wind and rain? Is bedding provided to allow your dog to rest comfortably?

Photo: DOGUE Country Retreat (Southern Highlands) - Suites for small dogs

• How often are dogs fed? If you’re used to feeding your dog smaller quantities 2 or 3 times a day, will this facility be able to accommodate your request?
• Is there an extra charge for feeding your dog’s normal diet?
• What veterinary services are available? 
• Are additional services available such as a free pet shuttle service to check in and out, grooming or training packages?
• How are the rates calculated?
• Will you receive a daily update on your pet’s wellbeing via an email or Skype? 

Hanrob Pet Hotels for instance offers a “Staying Connected Package” that includes photos, videos and Skype sessions, where you can see your pet in real time and speak to their carer.

Going away on holiday can be an exciting time for us pet owners, yet how can you be sure that your companions stay will be as happy and relaxing as your own, whilst you are away? Leaving your pet with knowledgeable and experienced pet boarding operators can be achieved by knowing the right questions to ask.

Drawing on their extensive industry experience, PetStayAdvisor (PSA) compiled the following handy list of questions which they are happy to share with dog owners.


10 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BOARDING YOUR DOG

1. Can you have a tour of the facilities prior to booking?

Sharon Shaw from PSA suggests that "reputable kennels will always allow a tour but may have some tour times so you should always check with the facility prior to turning up".

Andrew Biggs from Hanrob Pet Hotels adds “you need to ensure you can take a tour of the boarding facilities and also meet the staff who will be caring for your pet. Do they make you feel comfortable and are they able to answer all your questions?”

2. Cleanliness / How often does your pets enclosure get serviced?

Lindsay Stordahl, the author of ThatMutt.com suggests that whilst having your tour of the facilities, always be aware of how clean the enclosures are. Are there any strong or abnormal aromas present? 

Ask the staff what time of day and how often the pens get cleaned? 

Does your pet have a large enough area to sleep in away from where they soil? Does the bedding look clean?

3. What level of care can be expected from the business?

Will your pet be boarded with others? For dogs being pack animals, this may be a good solution if your dog is sociable. 

According to PetMD.com, dogs should have enough room to allow them to break into a run. Ask how often your pet will be fed each day. During your tour, check that there is plenty of access to clean water at all times. The NSW Animal Welfare Code of Conduct sets standards to ensure that owners or managers of facilities maintain appropriate food and water, and protect animals from disease, distress or injury wherever possible, whilst in their care.

4. What type of supervision is to be expected?

How many animals are boarded at any one time and what is the ratio of pets to carers? 
A good rule of thumb is that the dog boarding facilities should have at least one staff member for every ten dogs.

5. How safe will your pet be within their pen?

It’s important to check the enclosures to ensure that your dog or cat can stand, move around freely, stretch and fully rest.
The enclosure itself should be a safe and sheltered structure, free from any protrusions or dangerous objects.

6. How will your pet be identified among others by the business?

This may seem like an odd question to ask, when as pet owners we can easily identify our own pets? However Lindsay Stordahl, who has worked in the industry for many years, has seen first-hand that dogs can be mistaken for other dogs by boarding facilities staff. She advises that pets should be identified in some way, so that you as the owner, can be sure that your pet is getting the correct care, diet and exercise that you expect and therefore receive the service that has been paid for and agreed upon by the business.

7. What type of security is to be expected?

It’s not only important to check the enclosures for safety, but also to check if the enclosures and exercise yards fencing and structures are secure to eliminate the possibility of any escape routes.

Photo: Cottage Kennels & Cattery (Victoria)

8. What would happen in an emergency situation?

Ask your chosen facility how they will handle an emergency situation? Do they have a vet on site or nearby in case of emergency health issues? How and who will they contact in this situation?

9. What exercise will your pet receive?

Photo: Akuna Pet Resorts - Water Fun Park

What type of exercise and for how long each day is this included in your pet’s stay? 

Is there a play area or run and will your dog be sharing this area with other dogs? Inspect the area, make sure you are happy with the size, cleanliness and its security. 

Also notice whether there are any dogs or cats in the play areas, whilst you are touring the facility.

10. What is the price of the stay and the inclusions?

Finally, you should always be aware upfront of what your boarding fees will be and what their inclusions are. 

Will you be charged extra for special dietary requirements, or for administering your pet’s medication? Can you negotiate a better rate for a long-term stay and does the fee include the day of drop off and the day of pick up? 

Are there any cut-off times when you may be charged an extra day's stay?

DOGUE Country Retreat, Southern Highlands (NSW)

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR DOG FOR BEING BOARDED

Be sure your dog responds to basic commands and is well socialised around both other people and pets; if your dog has an aggression problem or is otherwise unruly, he/she may not be a good candidate for boarding. 

Andrew Biggs from Hanrob Pet Hotels recommends that “you ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations before taking him to the kennel. It is a measure of a quality service if companies do ask for vaccination proof as it guarantees your pet stays in a hygienic environment."

If you pet has never been in this type of environment, he also suggests "you try first a Doggy Day Care service that may be offered” or go on a short trip, such as a weekend excursion. This allows you to work out any problems before boarding your pet for an extended period.

Before you head for the kennel, double-check that you have your pet's medications and special food (if any), your veterinarian's phone number, and contact information for you as well as a local backup.

When you arrive with your pet at the boarding facility, remind the staff about any medical or behaviour problems your pet has, such as a history of epilepsy or fear of thunder (storm phobia).

After the check-in process, hand your pet to a staff member, say good-bye, and leave. Avoid long, emotional partings, which may upset your pet. 

Finally, don't forget to have a great trip, knowing that your dog is in good hands and will be happy to see you when you return.

Skippy Pop Multifunction Dog Treat - Barking Obito

It  took Barking Obito over a year to perfect it but Skippy Pop – Australia’s first multifunction dog treat is finally here.

Showing their ongoing commitment to providing only the best quality functional dog treats, Barking Obito have sourced Australian grown Turmeric and only use export quality Kangaroo meat (no cheaper offcut pet grade meat). They also tested the efficacy of this mix (post processing) to ensure it retains most of the nutrients.

They do all this because like us they are an obsessed dog lover and understand that you only want to give your furbabies the best quality treats.

Skippy Pop dog treats come as a powder and can be added to homemade dough to make nutritional treats. 

You could also use this powder as a topping for dog biscuits after you baked your treats. 

It can be served frozen as an icy summer treat or as a warm broth on cold winter days. 

Skippy Pop treats have a shelf life of 3 years and this is achieved by using gentle technology, that removes as much moisture as possible without using artificial preservatives.

Ingredients:

• Dehydrated Kangaroo: hypoallergenic, low fat protein source perfect for a dog with a sensitive tummy.
• Blueberries: full of antioxidants, this ingredient fights off pesky free radicals, improves cognitive function, helps control blood sugar level, improves cardiovascular health 
• Turmeric: bursting with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, it is great for maintaining a healthy heart and liver as well as relieving allergies. 
• Pumpkin: its natural water absorbing properties make it perfect for the pooch experiencing occasional tummy problems. It's also great for keeping your furry sidekick feeling full for longer.

The nutritional analysis is impressive with 72% protein, 3.8% fat, 4.7% ash plus crude fibre and moisture.

How to prepare Skippy Pop for your furbaby:

• Mix 1 sachet with 1 cup of water, pour into silicone mould of your choice and freeze 
• Mix 1 sachet with 1 cup of warm water. Perfect winter treats for your pooch. 
• If your dog is a fussy eater you can sprinkle some of the Skippy powder on top of your dog's food to improve his appetite. 
• Add Skippy Pop powder into your homemade dough to make nutritional treats or add the powder as dog biscuits topping after you bake your treats.

Serving Guidelines:

• Under 15 kg = 1/4 sachet
• 15-30 kg = 1/2 sachet
• Over 30 kg = 1 sachet

User Advice:

We think these wheat-free dog treats are pretty awesome, but they are by no means complete or balanced, therefore they should not be used as the primary source of calories nor should they be used as medication. 

Please always take the time to peruse the full list of ingredients to ensure your dogs are not allergic to any of them. We recommend to limit your pooch treats intake to less than 10% of their daily calories to keep their waist slim and sexy.

Price & Where to Buy

RRP: $19.95 for one box* (10 sachets). For more details, visit www.barkingobito.com.au

*Each box is made from about 300 grams of Kangaroo Meat. 

RSPCA Million Paws Walk 2016 - May 15

The 23rd RSPCA Million Paws Walk 2016 is on Sunday 15 May and takes place nationally.

RSPCA Million Paws Walk 2015 - Photo Credit: Patrick Jones

It is that time of year again when dog lovers nationwide get ready to participate in the annual RSPCA Million Paws Walk – all to fight animal cruelty and raise essential funds for the RSPCA.

With over 20 locations across New South Wales alone, including Sydney Olympic Park, the Central Coast, Hunter and Illawarra, you're sure to find a great walk for you and your furry friend.

In Victoria, more than 25,000 people and their beloved dogs will walk to raise funds for animals in need at 17 different locations, including a showcase event at Albert Park.

The Albert Park Million Paws Walk event is a 5km walk around the lake, which is wheelchair and stroller friendly. This will be a festival of entertainment with dog agility demonstrations, dog washes, vet advice as well as many product and food stalls. The Paw Prints Trail is a great adventure through the "event village": for your chance to win an amazing hamper prize!

RSPCA Million Paws Walk 2015 - Photo Credit: Patrick Jones

Registrations are now officially open and animal lovers are signing up across the country, but with a fundraising target of $375,000 for NSW alone, there is still a long way to go!

The exclusive 500 Club is back again to treat VIP fundraisers. Raising $500 or more online will give you access to delicious free food, the opportunity to mingle with RSPCA's CEO, Steve Coleman and chat with an RSPCA NSW Inspector.

No matter your pooch's ability, age, breed or size, all dogs are welcome for a fantastic day out! You can walk solo with your pooch or recruit your friends to walk with you.

No pooch? No worries! Even those without pooches are welcome to join in the fun. There will be plenty to do on the day with lots of exhibitors, competitions and entertainment.
Everyone who registers and sets up a fundraising page also gets a free rope Frisbee to keep their furry, four-legged friends mentally stimulated and entertained! Woof please!

To access your online discount, simply register before May 14 and start fundraising to help animals in need.

When: Sunday 15th May - Times will vary for each location

Where: Nationwide - To find a walk location near you, click here

For details and to register, visit millionpawswalk.com.au

Aussie Antlers – Dog Wash Café

Some dogs need soft deer antlers whilst others require hard antlers to chew on. We learnt this through experience seeing previous deer antler chews virtually disappearing in front of our eyes after a few short sessions.

Whatever your dog’s requirements might be, the team at Aussie Antlers will help you find the perfect match.

WHAT ARE AUSSIE ANTLERS?

Aussie Antlers are strictly sourced from Australian deer farms (not imported). They are naturally shed, full of nutrients, do not splinter and our dogs loved them! The colour, length, diameter and density of each piece varies as this is a naturally grown product and no two pieces are ever the same.

Based on our user feedback stating that our Belgian Shepherds - especially the two younger Malinois - are extremely powerful chewers, a special piece of 100% organic Australian Red Deer Antler was selected and shipped to us. 

We received an extra large piece of antler, approxinately 25cm long and weighing around 250 grams. These pieces are best suited for the larger dog breeds or those - like us - looking for a heavier, denser antler piece that will last longer.

We decided we would set it aside as a special Christmas treat for our three Belgian Shepherds as they don’t mind sharing chew toys.

We had purchased various brands of antler chews in the past year and found our dogs enjoyed chewing on these mostly in the evenings after dinner, whilst we’re watching TV - though occasionally the loud background noise can get on your nerves… 

With 3 large dogs working efficiently as a “tag team”, deer antlers usually disappeared within a couple of weeks and we were on the lookout for something that would last a lot longer.

Just taking this antler chew out of the package, I could feel an immediate difference in its density and weight. So did our dogs apparently when they were finally presented with their Christmas present: they all dutifully had a quick chomp but one after the other, they promptly abandoned this antler after only a few minutes.

The antler looked like extremely hard work for them before they could reach the nice-smelling (we can only assume) softer inside part.


If your dog is not interested at first, you can try rubbing the antler a little with a file or sandpaper, or soaking in water overnight, or a little peanut butter. –

It took the best part of three weeks and the repeated assaults of our female Malinois to start seeing a dent in this antler. All of the sudden, the other two dogs started taking an interest (apparently all the hard work had now been done…) and they would take it in turns to pick this antler chew and chomp on it for short sessions. 

WHAT WE LIKE

A whole 7 weeks later, the original 25cm antler piece has now been ground down to a little stump barely 6cm long and it is not long before it needs to be retired… We're pretty happy with the time one single antler lasted given that three powerful chewers were taking turns to use it. We hear that other dog breeds may take up to 6 or even 12 months to go through a piece.

Yes, these hard duty deer antler chew will cost you a little more initially but if you actually work out the cost on a weekly basis, they end up being much more economical and who has time to visit a pet shop every other week anyway?

Antler Tips:

For intense chewers, you can give the antler as a treat for a controlled period each day, for 1 to 2 hours maximum ONLY. 
With most dog breeds, it is be perfectly fine to leave an antler chew in the backyard full time.

As a general rule, a dog should not be allowed to grind down more than 1cm of antler per few days. Make sure the antler is removed once it is small enough for them to swallow whole. 

As with any new toy or treat, it's a good idea to observe your dog with their first antler to discover their chewing habits.

PRICE & WHERE TO BUY

Sizes available from XSmall to XXLarge (ask for advice if you’re unsure which one to select the first time).

RRP: $8 - $44 from dogwashcafe.com.au

X-OUT Spot Check Pet Stain Eliminator

As the saying goes 'life is messy' and even more so in a multi-dog household! So whether you've just brought home a new puppy who's not yet toilet trained, or have an adult dog, chances are there will be plenty of accidents along the way!

If you have a dog (or cat) that uses in the same spot over and over for toileting, no matter how hard you clean, we found that the X-OUT Spot Check Pet Spray would work where other detergent-based cleaning products did not previously.

HOW DOES THE X-OUT PET STAIN ELIMINATOR WORK?

This product works by loosening and lifting the soil from the stained area, and it will not change the colour fastness of your carpet (but to be sure, test first in an inconspicuous area). 

To use, simply shake well before spraying onto the soiled area and then gently brush, rub or wipe into the stain using a cloth. 

Once you have let the product stand for a few minutes, you can blot the area with a dry absorbent paper towel.

The X-OUT Pet Stain Eliminator is 100% environmentally safe and removes both old/new urine or bile stains and odours effectively. 

WHAT WE LIKE

X-OUT Spot Check Pet does not contain any harsh chemicals and uses a water-based formula which is both non-toxic and biodegradable. 

Over the last few weeks (greatly assisted by a dog with a sensitive stomach!) we tested the Spot Check Pet spray on various surfaces and it acquitted itself very well. 

We removed both some new and old stains from carpet areas as well as a rug without any noticeable changes in either the colour or texture of the fabrics. 

NB: This was in stark contrast with some mainstream housecleaning carpet cleaning brands, previously damaging our carpets with their strong chemicals without entirely removing the stains …

If you have been looking for a way to effectively rid pet stains from your carpets, rugs, upholstery, sofas, chairs, bed spreads, auto interiors, clothing and even pet carry cases without using toxic chemicals, then this is the perfect solution. 

This product not only works more effectively than other chemical-based stain removers, but it also gets rid of pet stains and other little accidents in a safe and natural way, allowing you to keep your home in a stain-free state.

To remove unwanted lingering pet odours, the X-OUT 100% Organic Odour Eliminator is recommended as a complementary product.


PRICE & WHERE TO BUY

RRP: $26.50 (500ml spray) at cleanergreener.com.au

The Pet Lovers Pack includes 1 x 500ml Pet Spot Check and 1 x 500ml Pet Odour Eliminator for $49.90 (free shipping).

Trade enquiries are also welcome. To find out more about the X-OUT Pet Care range, please visit www.x-out.com.au


Disclaimer: Product gifted by X-OUT for editorial consideration.

Dog Lovers Book Club - February 2016

At once touching, ethereal and warm, Rachael McKenna's unique viewpoint has made her one of the most successful animal photographers in the world today. 

THE FRENCH DOG
by Rachael Hale McKenna

When she recently embarked on a new life in France, it was inevitable that she would turn her insatiable photographer's lens to capturing the unexplored world around her. 

Rachael's intense feeling for her subject matter positively radiates from her images, delivering a book which is a joyful and uplifting visual tapestry, bound together in an exquisite padded hardcover format. Rachael's beautiful images are accompanied by her own narrative, making this a heartfelt personal record of her journey of discovery. 

Hardcover, 65 pages
Publisher: Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2nd February 2016

RRP: $29.95 at www.booktopia.com.au

TODO IN TUSCANY
by Louise Badger & Lawrence Kershaw

A heartwarming story of a London couple making a new life in Italy, a lonely dog and a house that's brought back to life. 

A dream house in Tuscany and a dog named Todo. Todo had been waiting at Poggiolino since his mistress died over two years before. The house lay empty and neglected and yet he wouldn't leave. He seemed to know that someday the right people would come along and make it a home again. Louise and Lawrence weren't thinking of buying the very first house they looked at in Tuscany but there was something enchanting about the dog waiting at the gates. 

If they were honest, they wanted Todo - the scruffy dog with the huge grin - as much as they wanted the house. With Todo as their faithful companion they began to restore Poggiolino to life, unlocking her secrets and giving Todo, their beloved dog, a second chance. 

This is a heart-warming memoir of moving country and making a new start and a very enjoyable read. 

Paperback, 320 pages
Publisher:  Hodder & Stoughton, 7th June 2012

RRP: $19.99 from www.booktopia.com.au


DOGGYLICIOUS 
by Philip Chaplin & Alice Needham

Doggylicious introduces a mouth-watering array of healthy recipes for dogs: breakfasts, dinners, snacks, party food – it’s all covered. 

Philip Chaplin and Alice Needham founded Diamond Dogs Foods and Bakery in 2010, in part to inspire other dog owners to give more thought to what they are feeding to their best friends. They encourage dog owners to cook for their dogs or buy good quality preservative-free meals rather than taking the easy option of dry dog food, and produce quality dinners and treats free from preservatives, additives or fillers. 

Doggylicious is their first recipe book and an expression of their passion for healthy food for dogs. Dog lovers will learn about good nutrition for their pets while preparing these easy to make dishes and their pets will love them more than ever. 

This book features easy to make recipes for all occasions including meals, reward snacks for training, party food for Christmas and birthdays etc. All are made from ingredients which are healthy and tasty for dogs. A great way for dog owners to bond with their four-legged friends.

Paperback, 111 pages
Publisher: New Holland Publishers Australia, 1st June 2012 

Price: $25.75 from www.booktopia.com.au


A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND
by David Darcy

A Girl’s Best Friend is a 156 page full colour photography coffee table book. This book showcases a cross-section of Australian women and their dogs, from all over the country and from all walks of life. 

Whether it's Nancy sitting in her humpy in the desert with her beloved Blacky, or Beccy taking time out to stroll the beach with Stevie, or Margrit with Diamond amid the hustle of Melbourne's Chapel Street, all these women have one thing in common: a loving, compassionate bond with their dogs - who are not simply dogs, but members of the family, of course! We can all relate...

Hardcover, 156 pages
Publisher: Murdoch Books, 1st December 2014

RRP: $29.99 from www.booktopia.com.au

Kids' Book Club

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO A DOG'S BEST FRIEND
by Felicity Gardner and David West

Have you ever wondered what your dog is really thinking? Read this book to find out! 

An older, wiser dog offers hilarious advice to puppies about how to be a pet, including quickly grabbing any snacks left lying around before your owner changes their mind, helping out by 'sorting' the rubbish and always leading the way on walks. 

This book was inspired by the authors' best friend and dog Banjo and all of his dog friends, who are almost always up to no good. All dog lovers will laugh with recognition at this very funny story from a talented husband-and-wife duo.

Paperback, 24 pages
Publisher: Hachette Australia, 24th February 2015
Ages: 0-5 years old

RRP: $14.99 from www.booktopia.com.au