Australian Dog Lover

Mayver's releases Rover's Reward Peanut Butter

Peanuts for pooches: Mayver's launch Roverʼs Reward Peanut Butter for our furry best friends

Family-owned and Australian made brand Mayverʼs has launched Roverʼs Reward dog peanut butter, answering the call from fans to create a range of peanut butter-inspired treats that are specially made for our furry friends.

Sure to keep excited tails wagging for days, Roverʼs Rewards Peanut Butter is the first product from the new range and is also the first dog-only peanut butter to be released in Woolworths stores, nationwide.

While peanut butter might be a dogʼs best friend, many human-grade peanut butters contain Xylitol, an ingredient that is highly toxic to dogs. While the ingredient is safe for human consumption, dogs absorb Xylitol at a much faster rate. This can lead to an increase of insulin and a dramatic drop in blood sugar level, which can be fatal in some cases [1].

In addition to being completely free from Xylitol, Roverʼs Reward Peanut Butter is also free from added oils, sugars or chemicals of any kind - resulting in a nutritious choice for our beloved family pets that is 100% natural.

Made using Mayverʼs 100% natural Peanut Butter as its base with added collagen peptides and turmeric, Roverʼs Reward Peanut Butter oﬀers protein, Vitamin B, Vitamin E and heart-healthy fats, to provide a nothing but goodness treat for our pets.

Owner and father of four, Paul Raﬀ, says that they knew there are so many Mayverʼs pups out there who are big fans of Mayverʼs Peanut Butter, which is why the company launched Roverʼs Reward.

Photo credit: @lachie.the.cavoodle

“At Mayverʼs we know that every pooch deserves their own jar of peanut butter goodness and now with Roverʼs Reward Peanut Butter you can be rest assured knowing that little Luna, Max or Bella wonʼt compromise your own supply when those PB cravings hit,” Paul explains.

“The result is an incredibly delicious dog-safe peanut butter, made using Mayverʼs 100% natural peanut butter and has added Collagen peptides and Turmeric for an extra boost of goodness.”

For puppies or pooches who require a little extra training, Roverʼs Reward Peanut Butter is an excellent tool to train your pets, and can be used as a positive reinforcer for good behaviour. With its flavoursome taste and sticky texture, itʼs sure to keep your pet interested in learning how to sit, roll over or fetch!

Not only great for training, pet owners with dogs that struggle with swallowing medicines can hide poor tasting tablets or liquids in a spoonful of Roverʼs Reward Peanut Butter. Helping to keep pets stay up to with prescribed treatment or care, without any of the fuss.

In addition to helping the medicine go down or being an excellent tool to help with training, Roverʼs Reward Peanut Butter can also be used when you need to leave your pooch at home by themselves. Placed inside of enrichment toys such as a Kong or a lick mat, this spread makes the perfect extended reward for pets.

For those who love to spoil their pets with homemade treats, Roverʼs Reward Peanut Butter can be used within dog-safe treat recipes. However, just like any dog treat, be mindful not to exceed the daily recommended serving, which for Roverʼs Reward Peanut Butter is 10g.

Whether your four-legged friend needs some extra encouragement to take their medicine, or they simply deserve a tasty treat for good behaviour, you can be rest assured knowing Roverʼs Reward Peanut Butter is the spread for the job.

To make your poochʼs day, head to the pet treats aisle across Woolworths stores, available nationally. And for more information head to the Roverʼs Reward website.

About Mayverʼs

Mayverʼs is a family owned and Australian made natural spread company. All Mayverʼs natural spreads and bars are vegan and contain absolutely no added oil, sugar, gluten (spreads only), dairy, cholesterol or hardened fats and are nothing but goodness for your family.

Mayverʼs Peanut Butter and Nut Spreads are available at Woolworths, Coles and independent retailers Australia-wide and Mayverʼs Wholefood Bars are available at Woolworths, Australia-wide. For more information or recipe inspiration visit mayvers.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE, 19th December 2022

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Guide Dogs Victoria Graduation Day 2022

It's not just school students graduating at this time of year the latest crop of guide dogs is also well on its way to a rewarding career. Guide Dogs Victoria has celebrated the results of its recent canine graduates many of which will go on to provide life-changing support to people across the state.

On Friday 16th December 2022, Guide Dogs Victoria held an event the Abbotsford Convent to celebrate its graduating class of 2022.

In total, 81 dogs are graduating from this year’s class and will go on to careers that help Victorians live a life without limits.

Around half will end up going into service as qualified Guide Dogs whilst the rest will enter meaningful careers in other ways, as Therapy Dogs, Companion Dogs, Ambassador Dogs and more.

As part of the celebrations, the event was attended by a 12-foot Guide Dog float, Goldie in his ceremonial cap and gown.

They will support people like Antony Rako who has a rare degenerative eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa and is currently legally blind. A year ago, he was matched with Guide Dog Brett, whom he credits with helping him achieve a confident new sense of independence and the freedom to explore unfamiliar areas. Now, they're inseparable.

"We're definitely best mates and I couldn't see my life without him" added Antony.

Melbourne based Guide Dog Handler Nikki was also recently matched with her first Guide Dog, Perdi. The two have been a working Guide Dog Team since March this year.

Nikki lost her vision suddenly seven years ago when she woke up one morning and couldn’t see. She was rushed to hospital with a suspected brain tumour, but the cause was her body overproducing spinal fluid that crushed her optic nerve. She underwent optic nerve sheathing which restored her vision to tunnel vision. Nikki describes it as looking through a keyhole.

Nikki received service from Guide Dogs initially to learn how to navigate her world with a white cane, as well as other orientation and mobility and home living skills.

Of the big decision to move from cane to canine and receive her first Guide Dog, Nikki says she wouldn’t change it for the world.

“The intense training and the early morning wake ups have all been worth it - 120%. My only regret is not receiving her earlier,” Nikki said.

Perdi has made herself at home with Nikki’s two other dogs, 13 year old Golden Cocker Spaniels Hunny and Ellie, and cat Pavarotti!

Perdi’s final training is featured in Episode 3 of Born To Lead, and Nikki and Perdie’s matching story is the highlight of Episode 4.

It takes $50,000 to breed, raise and train just one Guide Dog.

For more information on how you can support Guide Dogs Victoria’s vital work, visit www.guidedogs.com.au

MEDIA RELEASE, 19th December 2022

Planning for Pet Health Emergencies over the Holidays

You’ve got your plans for Christmas, have you got plans for your pet?

As the holiday season approaches and many Australians prepare to hit the road or jet off on trips, the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) is reminding pet owners of the importance of preparing their pets with up-to-date vet care plans and arrangements while away from their much-loved companions.

Many pets are placed in the care of pet sitters and local kennels over the Christmas period and SASH Veterinarian Dr Tim Hopkins says it’s important to provide your pet's carer with all the information they may need to take care of your pet if your pet becomes unwell, or in an emergency situation they are unable to contact you.

“We’ve seen it many times before, pet sitters are left with a very important responsibility but are often not equipped with key information such as vet details or owners' instructions for veterinary care.

“Likewise, with boarding kennels there is an onboarding process, but it is important for owners to think about other considerations like providing an up-to-date medical history and nominating a proxy for medical consent if there is an emergency and the owners are uncontactable”

“It’s important that a pet sitter understands the health history of your pet and knows the signs to look out for if something is wrong and what to do if something does happen to your pet while in their care,” said Dr Tim.

Dr Tim’s top tips for leaving your pet with a carer or boarding facility during the holidays:

· ✔️ Make an ‘about me’ document with key information of your pet including date of birth, medical history, dietary requirements and any current medications that your pet is on, the contact details of your pet’s usual vet, as well as a preferred 24/7 emergency vet

· ✔️ If your pet is on medication, a special diet, or parasite prevention, make sure you have enough to last more than your holiday

· ✔️ Have a discussion with the pet sitter or kennel about your wishes if you can’t be reached in case of a veterinary emergency, especially related to medical and financial consent should they need make decisions around treatment in your absence.

If you are travelling with your pet during the holiday season, there are some special considerations which are worth remembering. Dr. Tim says:

· ✔️ Research where you are heading so that your pet is protected from the local hazards. If it is a tick area, make sure that your pet has a tick preventative prior to travelling. This year there is a national tick antiserum shortage, so prevention is vitally important.

· ✔️ Similarly, if you’re travelling from a relatively dry area to the coast, you’ll need to ensure your pet is on a heartworm preventative.

· ✔️ Check where you are staying for rat baits and other pesticides. Rat bait toxicities are very common during the holiday season as many travellers mistakenly assume rental homes and friends and relatives' houses are dog-safe.

· ✔️ Find a reputable emergency vet in the area so you’re prepared in a veterinary emergency.

“It’s important for people to know where their closest pet emergency facility in case their usual practice is closed over the Christmas break,” Dr Tim recommends.

“Places like SASH have emergency departments that are open every day, all the time for walk-ins or when your regular veterinary practice is closed. Not all pet emergency centres are the same, so it is important to do your research ahead of time and make sure your emergency vet is equipped to handle most emergencies.”

"I agree Dogtor, these lab results are concerning!"

Dr Tim recommends checking to see if your afterhours vet has the following services:

· ✔️ Intensive Care Unit – This is where the most serious cases will go to for life support and other life-saving procedures.

· ✔️ On-call surgeons –Misadventure and trauma can and often does occur during the holidays and may require emergency surgery. Excellent emergency hospitals will call in a specialist surgeon, day and night, to ensure the best outcome for your loved one.

· ✔️ Ophthalmology – There are lots of urgent eye related emergencies, such as penetrating injuries and glaucoma

· ✔️ Premier Poisons Centre status – Premier Poisons Centres like SASH have the equipment and expertise to manage poisoning cases 24/7, including 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care without appointment, a complete range of antidotes, antivenoms and antisera and 24/7 access to Poisons Information Specialists.

Our North Ryde hospital also offers Australia’s only dialysis unit for removing certain toxins and treating acute kidney damage.

With a projected busy travel season approaching, make sure you’ve prepared your pet as well as you’ve prepared your other family members.

To learn more about SASH, visit www.sashvets.com or contact (02) 9889 0289.

MEDIA RELEASE, 16th December 2022

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Top Travel Spots in Australia to Explore with your Dog

With the summer months already upon us and the holidays rapidly approaching, working out how to spend your days off while still enjoying the company of your dog without being stuck at home can leave you crunching for ideas.

Below is a list of sixteen dog-friendly outings, spanning through all states and territories to get you and your dog out and about this holiday season.

#1. Murrumbateman Winery

The Murrumbateman Winery in the ACT offers not only an experience for you and your dog, but also the opportunity for you to reach out and help the RSPCA through purchase proceeds of wines and dog treats, while their annual Christmas party for dogs encouraging all guests to donate toys to go towards the organisation.

The winery has two resident dogs named Mollie and Tannin, with Mollie having her own range of Sauvignon Blanc named after her. The winery provides a large selection of seating, both on the terrace and on the lawn where the owners are more than happy to welcome dogs to stretch their legs.

Along with being open for general visits, the winery also hosts several events for dogs throughout the year for occasions such as Mother’s Day and Christmas.

Find more information here

#2. Ovolo Nishi Hotel

Located in Canberra's CBD, Ovolo Nishi offers a luxury experience for you and up to two dogs, providing dog beds, treats and dog-friendly staff for any assistance that may be needed.

The hotel asks that dogs are not to be left unattended for extended periods of time and to ensure all dogs are on a lead while outside the room.

As part of the VIP package, an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet is on offer with a puppuccino for your dog, a free mini bar in the hotel room and an all vegetarian kitchen and bar with an extensive menu.

Find more information here

#3. Cowra Japanese Gardens

Credit: @fymy_adventures
Cowra’s Japanese Gardens and Cultural Centre is not only a great attraction for humans but for dogs, too.

With adult entry priced at just $18, the gardens offer a wide variety of activities, spanning from walks around the gardens, meals at the cafe overlooking the gardens and fish feeding in the spring, summer and autumn months.

The garden is the largest Japanese garden in the southern hemisphere and is an ideal place to get out and experience something that you and your dog may not have before, with the only requirement being that dogs are kept on leads. While the gardens are regarded as their most beautiful during early spring due to the cherry blossom season, the scenery and atmosphere are still renowned by visitors year round.

More information can be found here

#4. High Tea at Cafe Lost and Found

Cafe Lost and Found is a botanical-inspired cafe and store located in North Sydney offering a dog-friendly high tea session, every Sunday from 2pm to 4pm serving a range of sandwiches and sweets designed specially for dogs.

The session is priced at $45 per dog and $65 per person, with it being compulsory for owners to join their dogs for high tea.

Bookings for the session must be made at least two days in advance as spots are limited. Once the session has started you and your dog will be seated in the outdoor sitting area of the cafe to enjoy your high tea.

Attached to the cafe is a plant and antiques store with a variety of unique trinkets, decor, vases, pot plants and many more. Find out more here

#5. Darwin Botanic Gardens

The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is located just outside the city centre and is full of lush greenery, being described as a great place to escape the heat while still getting outside and spending time with your dog.

Unlike many other places in Darwin and the Northern Territory in general, dogs are not only permitted to visit the gardens but are also allowed to be fully off leash granted that they are controlled.

As well as having many different sections of the garden that house a range of different ecosystems, there is also an on-site dog-friendly cafe, open year round. More information can be found here

#6. Holmes Jungle Nature Park

Credit: The Life of Py

Located on the edge of Darwin in a small and protected part of monsoon forest, Holmes Jungle Nature Park spans 250 hectares and is full of walking tracks, lookouts and countless other spots for you and your dog to unwind while soaking up the fresh air.

Along with the park being happy to welcome bushwalkers, there is also a selection of trails that are open to cyclists and a large number of picnic areas.

The park requests all dogs remain on leads while on the premises as of the high numbers of native birds, mammals and reptiles found in the park.

Find more information here

#7. Mary Valley Rattler - Pets Onboard

It’s not just us humans who enjoy watching the scenery go by!

Credit: @mr_milo_moments

Bring your dog or cat along on the Mary Valley Rattler on the Sunshine Coast and enjoy the sights of the scenic Mary Valley, the quaint little town of Dagun and the historic Amamoor Station and surrounding Amamoor State Forest.

Dogs are welcome on their Classic Rattler Run on Wednesdays and Saturdays or All Stations Train on Sundays. They have a carriage that has been configured with two segregated booths that can accommodate up to six people per booth with up to two pets per booth from the same family.

Train tickets are $25 each for your dog or cat. They must remain on leash at all times during the journey and of course remember to clean up after them. Find all the details and how to book your seats here

#8. The Crystal Caves

Credit: @corporatetocaravan
The Crystal Caves, located in Atherton, Queensland have been a prominent attraction since it was first built in the late 1980s. With the rise of influencers visiting the caves, they have taken off across social media and gained new recognition around the country, having an estimated number of more than 250,000 guests visiting the caves since they opened.

Whether or not you are a spiritual person or just want to take your dog along to visit the exhibit it’s an experience well worth it, offering five man-made tunnels full of crystals, stones and fossils collected by founder René Boissevain.

The caves offer geode cracking, a gift shop and self-guided tours through the caves all for a $25 adult entry fee, having no size restriction of dogs allowed inside. Find out more here

#9. Dog House Cafe

Credit: @theshibakai

Located in one of Melbourne's most contemporary suburbs, the Dog House Cafe in Collingwood offers a large range of meals, snacks and drinks fit for dogs.

Not only do they provide a range of food served on the premises, but they also offer their own brand of raw dog food, an in-house grooming station, treats and toys. The cafe offers a number of different seating options including fenced-in booths to keep you and your dog separated from other customers.

Along with the cafe, there is a pet shop that stocks a variety of collars, accessories, enrichment activities and almost anything else your dog could possibly want, complete with an online shop.

Find more information here

#10. Paddle Boarding with SUPS for PUPS

SUPs for PUPs was created after the founder discovered a love for paddle boarding with her dog Bobby and wanted to share that love, with bookings available for both the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria and Melbourne Bayside.

Sessions are able to be booked for various numbers of participants, from a private lesson for one person / one dog, a couples lesson for two people / up to two dogs, all the way up to group lessons for four people / four dogs. Sessions last for an hour and fifteen minutes with life jackets provided to all dogs.

The team at SUPs for PUPs strongly believe in the importance of bonding time outdoors with your dog and say that stand-up paddle boarding is a great way for all involved to bond, exercise and spend time outside in one of the most beautiful environments our country has to offer.

Use code AustDogLovers to receive 20% off (expiry 1 May 2023). More information can be found here

#11. Timboon to Camperdown Rail Trail

This track (40km one way) is located 160 km southwest of Melbourne, full of steep inclines and descents, with an estimated seven hours and six minutes of walking to complete.

The hike is labelled as a level two hike and while it is achievable for most age and fitness levels it is recommended to have riding experience if you wish to ride along the trail. While hiking or riding the trail solo with your dog may appeal to some, there are also a number of guided bike tours available for those who want a more interactive experience. The trail passes surrounding rainforests, volcanic lakes, farmland and historical sites and has countless spots throughout that hikers have regarded as photo worthy.

Due to the amount of wildlife in this environment it is a requirement for all dogs to stay on lead for the duration of the hike. Find more information here

#12. Farm Beach

Farm Beach is located on the Eyre Peninsula, approximately 55 km away from Port Lincoln.

The beach stretching for just over 2 km, has 24-hour off lead dog access and multiple campsites along the beach with bathrooms available and sheltered picnic areas for as little as $10 a night.

While Farm Beach isn’t the most scenic of all the beaches in the Eyre Peninsula, it commonly has calm, flat conditions accompanied by crystal clear water making it a great location to keep an eye on your dog while still being able to enjoy the beach. Find out more here

#13. Bacchus Bar

Dogs are welcomed with open arms at this beachfront bar located on Henley Beach. The bar has a dedicated section for dogs, known as the “Pooch Park”, providing water bowls and toys to keep your dog entertained.

Bacchus Bar also offers a dog-friendly menu, which consists of peanut butter cakes, homemade bacchus bites, bacon, pup patties and bags of liver treats, with a Mediterranean cuisine offered for humans.

Alongside their dog-friendly menu and pooch park, another accommodation made for dogs is the designated seating areas, which are still located inside the venue to ensure you still get the best of the live music the bar has to offer. Find more information here

#14. Harlequin

Just outside of Hobart's city centre in Lenah Valley, Harlequin prides themselves on their robust menu and unique location.

With the restaurant sitting on the bank of the creek it is a hotspot for native birds and other small animals to gather in and around the trees, while there’s more than enough grass down below to accommodate anyone looking to take their dog outside for a stroll.

While there is no official dog menu, there is a space on the lawn dedicated to seating you and your dog in an area that ensures both of your comfort.

More information can be found here

#15. Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur Historic Site is regarded as one of the most dog friendly attractions in Tasmania with dogs being welcomed on guided tours and only having a small number of areas across the site that dogs are not permitted, such as the cruise vessel and house museums.

Upon entry management must be informed that you have a dog with you, and you will be let in via a side gate. The world heritage listed site not only has a wide variety of historic convict-built structures but also a small number of walking tracks through the bush that surrounds it.

While visiting dogs are to stay on a lead at all times and be picked up after in order to keep the grounds maintained to the best possible standard. Find out more here

#16. Ningaloo Station

The 50,000 hectare sheep station located in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia has been regarded as a great camping ground that offers opportunities for four-wheel driving and access to five designated campsites, all of which allow dogs but have no bathroom block available.

It is a requirement that dogs are on a lead at all times, are not roaming, are controlled and are only in the areas designated for them throughout the day.

Areas that do not permit dogs have it clearly posted on signs and make the reasons for it known, whether it be to do with nesting turtles or native birds.

It is also important to note that the station places 1080 baits around certain places in order to maintain numbers of foxes posing as a threat to turtles in the area. These baits can often be moved around by birds or other wildlife and while baits aren’t placed in areas that permit dogs, consumption is still fatal. More information can be found here

Enjoy your adventures and stay safe! If you happen to visit any of these places over summer, why don't you drop us a line or tag us in your photos on Facebook or Instagram?

written by Maddison Yeates, December 2022 for Australian Dog Lover

About our writer

Maddison (Maddi) Yeates is currently a Year 12 student who has had a love for writing from a young age. After graduating she hopes to study a communications degree with the intent of pursuing a career in journalism.

She’s an avid pet lover, being a fur sister to 2 chocolate Labradors, Max and Solomon, a fur mum to crazy cat Raven as well as having kept rabbits, chickens and birds.

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