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Bayside Food Truck Fiesta - Nov 2 to Nov 7


Following a huge first year, Bayside Food Truck Fiesta is set to take over Highett from November 2 until November 7 and pooches are welcome at any time.


This year's event is supersized with more than 25 food truck vendors, live music and featuring an Espresso Martini pop-up and of course limitless dog patting opportunities (please ask their owner first!) over the Melbourne Cup Weekend.

There will be a special Cup Day "Fashions on the Field" for pups that attend on Melbourne Cup Day  (November 7) to wrap up this event. 

Delivered by the teams behind some of Australia’s biggest festivals including, Beyond the Valley, Pitch Music Festival and Petting Zoo Festival, the Fiesta has been curated with food-obsessed Melbournians in mind.

If you're a Melbourne food truck afficionado, you're bound to be impressed by this year's whopping food truck line-up which includes:

Roadrunner Fried Chicken, Toasta, Smokin Barry’s, Nem N’ Nem Food Truck, St Gerry’s, Nuoc Mama’s, Woking Amazing, Boho Blends, Senor Churro, The Kraken Squid, Von Crumb, Dos Diablos, Bomba Wood Fired Pizza, Pasta Face, Yo India, El Chivi, Greek Street Food,Brazilian Bites, Digging For Fire BBQ Kitchen, Soul Kitchen Pizza Truck,
Greek Trojan Food Truck


Bayside Food Truck Fiesta
Promoter, Sammy Swayn said last year’s event attracted more than 30,000 people across the weekend. “We were blown away with last year’s response! It showed there’s a real demand for food-focused, free and family-friendly experiences over Melbourne Cup Weekend,” Swayn said.



The "Pupper Appreciation Party" is designed to encourage festival goers to bring their pups along for a big day out with a special designated area for pampering and prizes for the best dressed pup.
Bayside Food Truck Fiesta offers a full day of activity for all ages, with market stalls, amusement rides, even a screening of the all-important Melbourne Cup (Nov 7).

The event is held in partnership with the Bendigo Bank Cheltenham.

When: from November 2, 2017 (12pm) to November 7 (10pm)

Where: Sir William Fry Reserve, Highett, VIC, 3190

Cost: Entry only is a $1 or $2 gold coin donation supporting the Australian Animal Protection Society, Keysborough. A $5 entry includes a non-alcoholic beverage or a $10 includes one alcoholic beverage.

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


Dog Lovers Book Club - November 2017

Christmas is fast approaching and books have always made ideal gifts to educate, entertain and inspire us. This fact is not lost on publishers who are releasing a host of new titles over the next two months with a higher than usual number of glossy coffee table books!

Here's our selection this month which may help you tick a few presents off your list early...

WINE DOGS AUSTRALIA
The Leunig Edition

by Craig McGill, Susan Elliott, Michael Leunig

Wherever good wine is made, you're likely to find a dog scouting the tasting room or winery.


Wine Dogs Australia in now in its 5th edition and features over 130 wineries across Australia with stunning photos of their loyal pooches. Along the way, the mutts and purebreds are interspersed with a foreword and cartoons by legendary Australian artist Michael Leunig

Find out which dog is the Tasmanian sausage-eating champion, discover the identity of the wine industry's infamous handbag thief, and the Hunter Valley chook terminator is exposed! This is is a photographic journal of stunning pictures and great stories - created all for the love of dogs and wines.

Hardcover, 200 pages
Publisher: Giant Dog Publishing, 1st October 2017


RRP: $35.00 from www.booktopia.com.au


UPSIDE DOWN DOGS
by Serena Hodson

Photographer Serena Hodson takes beautiful colour photographs of man's best friend ... Her work revolving around her dogs, Rocco, Ralph and Simon has a strong fan base around the world and she is also the author of Dogservations.

This time pooches of all shapes, sizes and colours show us their most lovable side as her furry subjects are all upside down! Hodson is able to capture the sweet personality of each dog she works with. The results are stunning, charming, and laugh-out-loud adorable. Even if your dog is a seasoned contortionist, we're bound to discover a few new positions and some inspiration for your own social feeds!

This wonderful book will delight dog lovers of all ages and makes a perfect Christmas gift.

Hardcover, 208 pages
Publisher: Hachette Australia, 31st October 2017

RRP: $19.99 from www.booktopia.com.au


REALLY GOOD DOG PHOTOGRAPHY
by Hoxton Mini Press

Most of us will occasionally produce some cute pet photos but this is the ultimate photographic guide to the world's best-loved animal. The Internet is awash with cute puppy pictures and studio pet photography, yet dogs and our relationship to them is so much richer than these images suggest. 

This book brings together the work of 30 artists including Alec Soth, William Wegman, Tim Flach and Peter Hujar to show dogs as pets, working animals or street dogs in a remarkable new light. 

These images are full of surprise, drama and heart and will allow the dog lover and photography aficionado alike to reaffirm their relationship with man's best friend.

Hardcover, 304 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd, 5th October 2017

RRP: $75.00 from www.booktopia.com.au


HOUNDS WHO HEAL
People and Dogs - It's a Kind of Magic! 
by Chris Kent


The K9 Project is a unique organisation that works with ex-shelter dogs, providing therapeutic education, personal development, and canine-assisted coaching. 

Heart-warming, educational, inspiring, funny - yet sharply realistic - this book tells the story of human and canine companionship, courage, and resolve. Each dog has a unique gift that helps vulnerable and isolated children and adults find motivation, self belief, and that often elusive feeling of connection.

Telling the story of each of the dogs, and many of the people they helped along the way, you'll also learn from the people whose lives have been transformed, and from Chris Kent, founder of this unique project.Discover how the special dogs of the K9 Project have shaped so many lives. 


If this is a topic of interest, you may also enjoy reading 'Unleashing the Healing Power of Animals' by Dale Preece-Kelly.


Paperback, 128 pages
Publisher: Hubble & Hattie, an imprint of Veloce Publishing Ltd, October 2017


RRP: $32.99 from www.booktopia.com.au


PUG 
How To Be the Best You

by Helen James


Sometimes we all need a little inspiration...

Pugs have been around for centuries and with age comes wisdom! This particular Pug is a philosopher as everyone knows that Pugs stands for Philosophical Universal Guidance

Drawing inspiration from other creatures and in a unique charming way this Pug demonstrates how we can learn from their teachings. This adult self- help book will delight readers (not just Pug lovers) with its beautiful colourful illustrations and simple thought provoking text. 

Hardcover, 64 pages
Publisher: Exisle Publishing, 1st October 2017
RRP: $19.99
from www.booktopia.com.au


Book Club - Kids' Corner

HARRY KRUIZE, BORN TO LOSE
by Paul Collins
There are few books catering for teenagers and boys in particular. This title explores many issues: the acceptance of change and loss, the importance of friends and family, bullying and the uplifting strength that comes from hope. 

Harry’s mum runs a boarding house for transient old men who are down on their luck. To counter his frustration and anger, Harry longs for the companionship of a dog. The Annual Gala at school features a dog hurdle race and more than anything in the world, Harry would love to enter a dog into that race and win it. Such a win would give him a sense of worth and belonging.

A new lodger, Jack Ellis, befriends Harry and shares a wealth of outback adventure stories featuring dogs with him.

Written in the form of a daily diary with easy to read font, the format makes it easy to pause and start again which should motivate even the most reluctant teenage readers!

Paperback, 225 pages
Publisher: Ford Street Publishing, 1st March 2017
For: Boys, 11+ years old

RRP: $17.95 from www.booktopia.com.au



LITTLE DOG AND THE SUMMER HOLIDAY
by Corinne Fenton, illustrated by Robin Cowcher 


A charmingly illustrated book and a delightful story about a much loved Little Dog and his family.

The summer holidays stretch out forever. Little Dog and his family set off with their caravan from Melbourne to Sydney. 


Set in the Summer holidays of 1957/58, this is a nostalgic story about road trips, camping, sunshine and the way family holidays used to be. 
Just as Little Dog and the Christmas Wish celebrated Melbourne, this is a lovely look at the Sydney of the 50's, when dogs were allowed to share the fun with you practically anywhere...

Hardcover, 32 pages 
Publisher: Black Dog Books (an imprint of Walker Books Australia), 1st October 2017
For Ages: 5+ years old

RRP: $24.99 at www.booktopia.com.au


MY DOG SOCKS 
by Robyn Osborne, illustrated by Sadami Konchi

Join Socks in his secret world, where imagination rules and the everyday becomes extraordinary! While most people think Socks is just an ordinary dog, through a child's eyes he becomes an enchanted character of many disguises - a chameleon who changes with his environment. One day he's a contented cow rolling in grass, the next a sleek seal basking on rocks, or even a terrible tiger, sprinting from hunters and searching for prey. 

Regardless of his many guises however, Socks offers a dog's unconditional love and loyalty, for 'when he is by my side, he is my best friend'. We did enjoy the clever use of rhythm, rhyme and alliteration making this title the perfect read aloud book to share with young dog lovers, aged 3 to 8.


Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Ford Street Publishing, 1st October 2017
For Ages: 3-8+ years old 


RRP: $24.95 at www.booktopia.com.au      


Australian Dog Lover is a participant in the Booktopia affiliate advertising program, designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.booktopia.com.au

20 Christmas Gift Ideas for your Dogs

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go!" We all love spoiling our pets but we also want high-quality items that are natural, healthy, stand out from the ordinary and will last and it does not hurt to support our local economy and the new wave of creative pet entrepreneurs! 

So here are our top picks to help you fill your furkids' Christmas stockings this year!




Whether your pooch loves Santa, Rudolph or Snowy the Snowman, they’ll love cuddling to these squeaky Christmas toys from the Bark-a-Boo Holiday Range.

If you want extra fun on the day to capture on your social feeds, why not wrap one in festive paper, squeak the toys inside and unleash your hound(s)! You’ll enjoy seeing them tearing into their presents just like a kid!

If you can’t handle the squeaks, a safer choice may be the Bark-a-Boo Wonderland range? You can choose from reindeer twisters, wonderland snakes and cuddly teddies for a Christmas morning tug game or to snuggle up to at nap time!


RRP: $6.99-$19.99 
at www.petstock.com.au





Your puppy loves to play, and there is nothing more exciting than when food is part of the equation!

The P.L.A.Y. Wobble Ball is an interactive food puzzle toy uniquely shaped to roll around unpredictably to your fluffy friend’s delight. 


Coupled with the sound and sight of dog treats spinning inside, the Wobble Ball stimulates your pet mentally and physically with hours of interactive fun and enrichment. Simply put your dog's favourite treats or kibble in and reward them for their persistence and intelligence! It comes in 3 vibrant colours: Lime, Pumpkin and Sea Foam.

RRP: $39.95 at www.petplayaustralia.com





Playing tug of war is a great way to burn off some of those Christmas treats!
These large colourful ball tug toys make a great present for any sporty pup or their sports loving human!

Fuzzy Dog Tug Toys are hand braided with love from premium polar fleece. Strong for tug of war games but still gentle on doggy teeth and human hands. The sports balls are made of a bouncy rubber and are available in basketball, soccer ball or tennis ball varieties. They can even be made in your favourite sports team colours! A wonderful gift for any agility, flyball or obedience enthusiast, Fuzzy Dog Tug Toys are available in four sizes.


RRP: $18.00 from www.fuzzydogtugtoys.etsy.com











If you’d love to be able to play with your dog after the sun goes down, this is the perfect combo to enjoy the summer holidays with your pooch! 

The Glowstreak from Nite Ize is a durable rubber ball featuring bright LEDs that are motion activated. The size of a tennis ball and invincible to water or slobber, this tough little ball is ideal for the dog who wants to fetch for hours into the night. Perfect for summer as it is waterproof and even floats!

The Spotlit LED Collar Light is a fun and functional way to keep your dog visible at night. It attaches quickly and securely to your dog’s collar. You can choose from 6 colours making it easier to keep track of multiple pets or leave it cycling through all the colours in Disc-O Mode

RRP: $47.95 from niteize.net.au/pet




This Tug-a-Jug™ interactive toy from PetSafe® will keep your dog engaged and motivated to play. 

The unique design lets dogs see, smell and hear the food or treats as they roll around in the jug. The attached rope is perfect for dogs who like to grab and shake their toys. The rope acts as a barrier to meter the amount of food that is dispensed.

The Tug-a-Jug™ is perfect for obedience training or slowing down meal times! 

Available in 3 sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium/Large.


RRP: from $16.99 at
 store.intl.petsafe.net/en-au





These Peek-A-Boo toys from Charming Pet Products are sure to give your dog a surprise. Not only do these toys squeak, their paws also play peek-a-boo. 

This toy’s oversized squeaker continues to squeak when punctured so the fun continues! All toys contain K9 Tuff Guard which consists of non-rip canvas and double stitched seams (great for tough chewers)

This festive holiday squeaky dog toy is available as a Snowman, Penguin or Reindeer (43cm).

RRP: $29.99 from www.shop4pets.com.au





The PetSafe® Automatic Ball Launcher is an interactive way of playing fetch with your dog(s) that may save your arm! This water-resistant launcher is great for both indoor and outdoor use as you can adjust both the distance and angle settings.

Ideally, you will train your dog to return the ball directly into the launcher so that they can play by themselves. The best feature is the automatic rest mode (after 15 min) to ensure your dog does not get overworked if he's a little ball crazy!
The multiple built-in safety sensors will keep pets and people safe while playing fetch. 


RRP: $199.99
 at www.petbarn.com.au and 
store.intl.petsafe.net





The key to living a happy life is to have a great sleep, and why not look good doing it! Sweet Pup creates bespoke pet furniture that will provide superior support and comfort for your dog whilst complementing your existing decor. 

The cover is waterproof and 100% UV proof for outdoor use. It is tailored by a professional upholster with materials selected from a leading textile company. All beds are handmade to order so allow up to 2 weeks for delivery. 

Available in 3 sizes (S/M/L) and 3 colours: Fingal Grey, Duke Beige or Charlie Brown.

RRP: from $295 at www.facebook.com/sweetpupfurniture





Never worry about your dog(s) running out of drinking water again with one of these automatically refilling stainless steel Pet Rehydration Stations!

Handmade in Australia from heavy duty stainless steel, these DK Stainless stations are indestructible and will last a lifetime. Because it's fixed to the wall, it is impossible for your pet(s) to tip it over and destroy. 


This station is suitable for most dog breeds, but if you need something bigger, check out their XL version and custom options which also include a pet feeding station.

RRP: from $295 at www.dkstainless.com.au   






The Outward Hound Fun Feeder Mat makes mealtime longer lasting and much more fun at home or on-the-goIt promotes natural eating habits by requiring dogs to forage for their food.

The flexible food safe rubber
creates a playful experience whilst the unique nonslip and flip resistant design ensures dogs enjoy their food at healthy pace. 

The flexible construction of the Fun Feeder Mats makes them ideal for dogs with shorter snouts that may have trouble eating out of other slow feeding bowls. The regular size (25.4cm x 2.5cm) can hold up to 4 cups of food.

RRP: $20.96 from www.dogtrainingproducts.com.au




Growlees dog collar charms are definitely for outspoken pups. These fun and stylish pet tag will let your dog do the talking!

Choose from Christmas themes like Happy Howleedays, Official Turkey Taster or Fleas Navidad or capture your pet’s changing moods (Less Talking, More Walking) with over 30 humorous tags to choose from in a range of colours!

Add one to your dog’s collar before you head to the dog park and watch people’s reaction when your pup tells them how he really feels…


RRP: $20.00
from www.lapdognation.com.au




Porthos' pick: Beary Merry Christmas bandana!
These very funky Aussie Christmas dog bandanas are brought to you by Perth-based The Sartorial Dog.

All dog bandanas are 100% cotton and reversible and you can choose from: 
Beary Merry Christmas
Aussie Christmas
Candy Cane Delight
Scandi Winter Wonderland

All dog bandanas come in a range of five sizes (from XS to XL).

RRP: $12-$20 (all designs) exclusively from The Sartorial Dog Etsy shop



These CafĂ© Collars by Melbourne-based designer Animals in Charge are lovingly handmade with experimental and locally sourced materials so each style is limited in its run. 

These make a special gift to your dog for daily wear or for special outings. Each collar is made from cotton (exterior) and polyester (core), sewn and hand riveted. The hardware is natural brass which will develop patina over time.

The collars come in 2 fabric choices: Navy or Pink Guatemalan Ikat and 3 sizes (Small, Medium, Large).



RRP: $49.95
from www.dogue.com.au   







Not every dog enjoys a dress-up however some pups appear to relish the extra attention when wearing a designer bandana, coat or a dog singlet!

Our Editor's pick for this year is the red Furry Christmas Dog Singlet by More Than Paws as it's made with a light cotton fabric, ideal for a summer Christmas. The red and white embroidered tree style pattern is also very classy. 

The racer back cut is perfect for large or small chesty dogs (e.g. Staffies, Boxers, French BulldogsPugsand makes it easy to put on.

Available in 7 sizes to suit most dog breeds from Chihuahuas up to German Shepherds etc.

RRP: $29.95 from www.morethanpaws.com.au  






The Bone-A-Fide dog grooming range was developed in Australia to help dogs with severe skin allergies

These dog shampoos and deodorisers are  formulated using only natural plant extracts like Nettle or Calendula, chosen for their soothing and moisturising properties.

Why not pamper your dog this Christmas? Choose from one of three Bone-A-Fide bundles which all include a Dog Shampoo and Deodoriser plus your choice of dog brush (tailored to your dog’s size, breed and hair length).


RRP: $74.85
from boneafidedogshampoo.com





Loyalty Pet Treats are made in Australia using their unique Nutrieseal™ system which dehydrates meat, fish, vegetables etc. to produce natural treats that seal in all the flavours!

This Christmas special will allow you to sample 6 of their best sellers: Chicken Nibbles / Lamb Jerky / Roo Liver (100g packs), 2 Meal Toppers (Pure Fish / Pure Lamb & Beef, both 200g packs) and Roo Ribs (3 pieces). Your dog may even forget to beg for a slice of turkey this year! 

RRP: $45.00 (free delivery within Australia) from loyaltypettreats.com.au 



Each beautifully presented Christmas Box by Laila and Me will contain a selection of 2 healthy dehydrated treats, 1 pack of biccies, 1 dog toy, a pack of 4 Christmas themed dog biccies (carob based so these will melt if left in extreme heat) plus 1 Christmas stocking to put them all in!

All treats and toys are selected at random, however if your dog has specific allergies or is fussy, please contact the company directly and they will be more than happy to assist. 
You will need to pre-order with boxes being sent from the first week in December.


RRP: $60
(free shipping in Australia) from www.lailaandme.com.au








We love baking our own Christmas pudding (which we can’t share as it contains alcohol, sultanas and other foods toxic for dogs) so why not create these special treats for your pooches?

The Santa Paws Pudding Kit from the Mix & Bake Easy Peasy range makes approx. 24 paw-shaped carob and cranberry mini puddings. 


This kit comes complete with vanilla yoghurt for topping and 24 red jelly beans for decoration plus a paw print cutter is included in the kit!

RRP: $22.99 (makes approx. 24 small biscuits). 

Available from Petbarn, Best Friends, Just For Pets stores as well as independents.





Because no Christmas feast would be complete without drinks, these L’Barkery's 100% natural dog beverages are the perfect finish!

Your dog will love the all natural beef flavours of the Paw Blonde Doggie Beer with glucosamine for healthy joints! If your dog is into mocktails, he'll love Barkeraide with its fruity flavours of coconut, strawberry and mango, which provides essential electrolytes.
The Puppicino Shot is made with condensed cultured skim milk, yoghurt, maize corn flour, coconut blossom and natural vanilla flavour! 

Drinks come in a powdered form so you just need to add water and shake! They also work as frozen icy treats or sprinkled on food.

RRP: from $3.95-$11.95 at 
www.doggytopia.com.au

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