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Dog Lovers Book Club - December 2023


Santa Paws is coming to town so with only 3 weeks until Christmas, it's time to get those final festive presents organised !

We hope you'll find some last minute inspiration to spoil dog lovers of all ages in this Christmas 2023 edition of the Dog Lovers Book Club.

THE JOY OF PLAYING WITH YOUR DOG
Games, Tricks, & Socialisation for Puppies & Dogs

by Monks of New Skete, Marc Goldberg

Dogs love to play, yet in training, humans can overlook its value and importance. The Joy of Playing with Your Dog reveals how playing can be developed into an invaluable tool to support behavioural development, obedience, and strong bonds. 

With full-colour photographs and step-by-step instructions, this guide from The Monks of New Skete and Marc Goldberg, one of America's foremost dog trainers, shows you how to enjoy a happier dog the "play way."

Does your dog come when called, even near distractions? This book offers games to teach that skill. Does your puppy pick up forbidden objects like glasses, shoes or cell phones? The right training games can correct that behaviour. Do you wish your dog could be more socialised with other people and dogs? The book contains a chapter full of success-making tips and hacks to help your dog successfully make friends. What about dog parks and doggy day care? Learn to assess the risks and rewards to find the right environment for your dog.

From housebreaking a puppy to increasing the lifespan of your senior dog, play is an essential element of your relationship with your canine companion throughout his entire life. Through play, you and your dog learn critical skills together, decrease frustration and improve communication. For example, Fetch - the most basic of games - taps into a dog's prey drive in a healthy manner. It encourages interaction and reinforces commands like "come and drop it". 

A good game puts the owner in control, while the dog follows the rules. Activities like "Red Light, Green Light" and "Go Find" will entertain and delight all involved, but also help with impulse control, developing an "off-switch," and responding to vocal commands.

Applying the Monks of New Skete's renowned approach to dog training to the topic of play, The Joy of Playing with Your Dog is an invaluable addition to the dog training bookshelf!

Hardcover, 224 pages
Publisher: W W Norton & Company, 30th November 2023

Price: $34.46 from 
www.amazon.com.au

HEALTHY DOG, HAPPY DOG
by Rhian Allen

Take charge of your dog's health with a fresh, unprocessed diet. Feeding dogs a fresh, wholefood diet can help with digestive issues, skin conditions, weight management and overall wellbeing. 

In 
Healthy Dog, Happy Dog, Rhian Allen and her team of pet nutrition experts show you how to make simple changes to your dog's diet for lifelong health benefits. This essential guide includes:
  • Guidelines for transitioning to a new diet
  • Feeding guides by age, size and ideal weight
  • Lists of foods to avoid and embrace
  • Healthy snack ideas
  • 65 wholefood recipes
  • Introductory recipes for puppies
  • Recipes and troubleshooting tips for sensitive tummies
  • Recipes for healthy weight management.
Make the switch to feeding fresh and help your dog enjoy a longer, happier and healthier life with you!

  • Paperback, 192 pages
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia, Imprint: Plum Books, 28th November 2023

RRP: $29.99 from all good bookstores and online. For more information, visit www.panmacmillan.com.au

Enter our Giveaway here before 06/12/23 for a chance to Win 1 of 4 copies of Healthy Dog, Happy Dog!

EVERY DOG DESERVES AN ADVENTURE
Amazing Stories of Camping with Dogs
by L.J. Tracosas

From the backcountry to car camping, mountaintop hikes to beach-day hikes, learn how to keep your dog safe and happy while on an adventure.

In Every Dog Deserves an Adventure, the Camping With Dogs team shares stories, photos, safety tips, and hiking bucket lists to inspire you to get outside and enjoy nature with your dog.


From the Camping With Dogs team, Every Dog Deserves an Adventure encourages people everywhere to go on outdoor adventures with their dog. Whether it's camping or hiking, kayaking or skiing, dogs love spending time with their humans in nature. If you have a furry friend, it's time to go out and find a trail you both love.


With stunning photography and heart-warming stories of how people got into camping with their dogs, this book is a love letter to dogs around the world, from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. 


Organised by season, each section features photos with various types of dogs, hikes, terrain, and activities, as well as:

✔️ Tips on camping with your pups
✔️ A bucket list of great hikes and trips
✔️ Key items you need to keep your dog safe and happy on the trail
✔️ Delighted dog lovers will learn the power of camping-how it strengthens family bonds and transforms relationships.

On top of that, Camping With Dogs is partnered with local animal rescues to help adoptable dogs find their forever home, so your purchase will support rescue dogs and their mission to help dogs blossom out on the trail.

Hardcover, 208 pages
Publisher: Quarto US7th November 2023

Price: $33.76 from www.amazon.com.au

THE PUREST BOND
Understanding the Human-Canine Connection
by Jen GolbeckStacey Colino

A feel-good, comprehensive exploration of the profound bond between humans and dogs from Jen Golbeck, the "internet's dog mom" behind the massive social media platform The Golden Ratio, and Stacey Colino, an award-winning science writer.

Dogs have been considered people's best friend for thousands of years, but never has the relationship between humans and their canine companions been as vitally important as it is today.

With all of the seismic shifts in today's world, rates of anxiety and depression have been skyrocketing, and people have been turning to their dogs for solace and stability. Amidst these dire realities, something wonderful has taken shape. In the United States alone, dog adoptions doubled during the pandemic.

As people have brought furry friends into their lives for the first time or seized this opportunity to deepen the connections they already have, they are looking to understand how owning a dog can change their lives. Now, The Purest Bond explores the benefits our dogs can have on our physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being, often without our realizing it.

Weaving together ground-breaking research and touching real-life stories, The Purest Bond explores not just the social benefits of owning a dog but the science of how dogs improve our emotional and physical health, mental acuity, and our ability to focus and absorb information. Most importantly, they remind us of what's right in the world - love, trust, affection, playtime, fresh air, and sunshine - even when so much feels wrong.

Hardcover, 256 pages
Publisher: ATRIA, 14th November 2023


RRP: $53.25 from www.booktopia.com.au

PEGGY & MOLLY
be kind, be humble, be happy
by Juliette Wells

A charming and uplifting gift book filled with gorgeous photos of two unlikely companions.


The unexpected friendship between Peggy the Staffy and Molly the magpie (@peggyandmolly) has captured the hearts of people around the world.

Now, their beautiful bond, which formed the moment Molly was rescued as a fledgling, has inspired an uplifting book of heart-warming photos and simple life lessons about what it means to be a true friend and how we can all learn to be kind, humble and happy.

Paperback, 128 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia, Imprint: Ebury Australia, 21st November 2023


RRP: $22.99. For more details and stockists, visit www.penguin.com.au 

THE DOG LOVERS' COLOURING BOOK
Creative Haven - Adult Colouring Books: Pets
by John Green


Celebrate your love of dogs with this fabulous collection of 31 realistic, ready-to-colour illustrations. The beautiful line drawings feature dozens of the most popular breeds including a Beagle, Boxer, Bulldog, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Labradoodle, Siberian Husky, Yorkshire Terrier, and many more. 

The lovable, huggable animals are pictured in a variety of charming indoor and outdoor scenes, offering a wide range of colouring possibilities. Relax and enjoy bringing these irresistible images to life with colour. The art is printed on one side only, and the pages are perforated for easy removal and display.

Paperback, 64 pages
Publisher: Dover15th November 2023

Price: $17.17 at www.amazon.com.au

BOOK CLUB – KIDS CORNER

PORTER AND MIDGE: PAWS AND PLAYTIME
A Kid's Guide to a Happy Dog
by Jennie Chen & Giselle Nevada

Join Porter and Midge on a tail-wagging adventure filled with laughter, love, and boundless play.

Welcome to the world of Porter and Midge, where the bonds between children and their furry friends are celebrated in rhymes, laughter, and endless play. This children's book invites young readers into the heart-warming friendship between two furry companions, Mastiff Porter and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Midge, and their loving human friends, CJ and Lora.


On a sunny day filled with endless possibilities, CJ's brilliant idea sparks a joyful journey of discovery. As you turn the pages, you'll join Porter and Midge on a fun-filled adventure, exploring imaginative games, engaging canine enrichment activities, and thrilling dog sports. The rhythmic verses will captivate young minds as they follow along with this heart-warming tale of friendship and adventure.

Paws and Playtime is not just a book; it's a celebration of the unbreakable bond between children and their canine pals. Perfect for dog-loving kids and families, this book is sure to inspire smiles and create lasting memories.

Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: Raise the Woof Press LLC, 12th December 2023


For more information & stockists, please visit porterandmidge.com

THE GOOD DOG 
10-Book Collection (Boxed Set)
by Cam Higgins, illustrated by Ariel Landy

The first ten books in the Good Dog chapter book series are now available in a paw-dorable paperback boxed set!

Bo Davis is a loveable puppy who is an expert in finding adventure on his family farm. Follow Bo and his friends as he searches for his missing dog tag, learns to herd like a pro, finds a dash of luck, and so much more! With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Good Dog chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

This charming paperback boxed set includes:
  • Home Is Where the Heart Is
  • Raised in a Barn
  • Herd You Loud and Clear
  • Fireworks Night
  • The Swimming Hole
  • Life Is Good
  • Barnyard Buddies
  • Puppy Luck
  • Sweater Weather
  • All You Need Is Mud
Paperback, 1280 pages (total)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books Youth17th October 2023
For Ages: 5 - 9 years old

Price: $126.80 from www.booktopia.com.au

AN ODD DOG CHRISTMAS
by Rob Biddulph

Come join the Odd Dog on a festive journey to find the perfect present, and perhaps save Christmas along the way… a brand-new, PAW-some story from Rob Biddulph.

It’s Christmas, and this Odd Dog is running out of time to find the perfect present for her pal…

But when she meets a new friend who needs helps, she realises that gifts might not be the most important thing about Christmas after all.

A gloriously festive illustrated story about the real meaning of Christmas, from the bestselling and award-winning Rob Biddulph, the creative star behind the viral and phenomenal #DrawWithRob and author of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize - winning Blown Away!

This is the perfect story for children aged 3+, dog lovers everywhere and anyone who loves Christmas!

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, 27th October 2021
For Ages: 3+ years old

Price: $15.95 from www.amazon.com.au 



Don't forget to check our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Pet Parents bursting with 27 unique gift ideas to spoil the dog lovers (including yourself) and pooches in your life!

To all our loyal readers over the past 8 years and our most recent ones, thank you for your support and from our pack to yours, we wish you an early Very Merry Woofmas!

Win 4 copies of Healthy Dog Happy Dog by Rhian Allen

To celebrate the release on November 28 of Healthy Dog, Happy Dog by Rhian Allenwe teamed up with Pan Macmillan Australia for a chance to Win 1 of 4 copies!

Take charge of your dog's health with a fresh, unprocessed diet!

Feeding dogs a fresh, wholefood diet can help with digestive issues, skin conditions, weight management and overall wellbeing

In Healthy Dog, Happy Dog, Rhian Allen and her team of pet nutrition experts show you how to make simple changes to your dog's diet for lifelong health benefits. 
This essential guide includes:

✔️ Guidelines for transitioning to a new diet
✔️ Feeding guides by age, size and ideal weight
✔️ Lists of foods to avoid and embrace
✔️ Healthy snack ideas
✔️ 65 wholefood recipes
✔️ Introductory recipes for puppies
✔️ Recipes and troubleshooting tips for sensitive tummies
✔️ Recipes for healthy weight management.

Make the switch to feeding fresh and help your dog enjoy a longer, happier and healthier life with you!




Paperback, 192 pages
Publisher: Plum / Pan Macmillan Australia; Main edition (28 November 2023)


RRP: $29.99 from all good bookstores and online. 
For more details & stockists, visit www.panmacmillan.com.au

About the Author

Healthy Active Pet's Rhian Allen
with her dogs, Frankie & Maxie
Rhian Allen is passionate about health, nutrition and living well. As founder of the online hub The Healthy Mummy, Rhian helped more than 1.5 million Australian mums regain their health.

She has now turned her attention to the wellbeing of pets, with the launch of Healthy Active Pet, an online community for healthy pet food and helpful resources for Australian pet owners. At Healthy Active Pet, Rhian works alongside a team of pet nutritionists and animal behaviour specialists to help pets live their longest, healthiest and happiest lives.

Rhian regularly appears across television, print, radio and online and is a highly respected voice in the health, business and entrepreneurial arenas. She lives in Sydney's Northern Beaches.


*** Win 1 of 4 copies of Healthy Dog, Happy Dog ***
(Total Prize Pool: $120.00)

HOW TO ENTER:

1) Like our post (29/11/23) + Facebook page and/or our Instagram Account

2) Tell us "why you'd like to learn more about getting your dog started on a fresh food diet?" via the Australian Dog Lover Facebook page or Instagram page.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. This Competition opened on Wednesday 29th November 2023 (4:00pm, AEST) and closed on Wednesday 6th December 2023 (11:59pm, AEST)
Open to Australian residents only. 
Congratulations to our 4 winners this week: K. Spranklin, T. Lamb, J. Hayes (via Facebook) & @donkey1212z (via Instagram).
Please allow 10-14 days to receive your book directly from the Publisher.
2. To Enter, Like our post (29/11/23) + Tell us "why you'd like to learn more about getting your dog started on a fresh food diet?" via the Australian Dog Lover Facebook page or Instagram page.
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. Entrants in the competition can only enter once.
5. Prizes not claimed within 48 hours will be redrawn.
* Entry into the competition is deemed acceptance of all terms and conditions.

Whimzees Alligator Dental Dog Treats now at Woolworths



WHIMZEES® Australia expands reach with Woolworths partnership for innovative dog dental treats

WHIMZEES Australia is excited to announce that their daily dental treats for dogs are now available at Woolworths stores nationwide. 

This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for the company, providing more pet parents across Australia with easy access to premium dental care for their beloved canine companions.

Alfredo Pimienta, Country Manager at WHIMZEES Australia, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to extend our reach through our new distribution with Woolworths. This partnership allows us to introduce our dental treats to a wider audience of pet lovers who, like us, prioritize the wellbeing of their dogs."

With up to 80% of adult dogs suffering from dental disease [1] looking after our furry friend's dental health is more important than ever. 

Mr Pimienta further adds “If we have a sore tooth, we visit the dentist which can be costly, so we ensure we care for our teeth and gums daily. The same should be applied to our canine companions”.

WHIMZEES® dental treats by Wellness® offer an easy solution. Made with simple, all-natural ingredients, the unique shapes brush your dog’s teeth as they chew whilst providing a fun, enriching experience. The Woolworths partnership ensures more pet parents have accessible dental care for their dogs.




With just 6 primary ingredients~ WHIMZEES® by Wellness® Dental Treats are suitable for all dogs including those with sensitivities and are scientifically proven to clean dog’s teeth* and reduce plaque & tartar when chewed daily.

The partnership with Woolworths ensures that WHIMZEES® dental treats are readily available to pet parents seeking convenient and effective dental care options for their dogs. 

Mr Pimienta expressed confidence that the alligator-shaped treats, known for their distinctive design, will be a hit with both dogs and pet parents. 

To learn more about WHIMZEES® by Wellness® visit www.whimzees.com.au

References:

[1] See third party publication PLoS One 2018; 13(1) https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0191395; Packaged facts “Pet Care Oral Care Services and Products in the US”. 3rd Edition 2018
* When chewed daily ~ Excludes Rice Bone
Periodontal disease is the most common health condition affecting dogs with incidence rates affecting 80% of adult dogs 
Disclaimer: (Packaged facts “Pet Care Oral Care Services and Products in the US” 2018; PLoS One Stella JL, Bauer AE, Croney 2018)

About Wellness®: 

The Wellness family of brands is on a mission to fulfil a shared life of wellbeing between pets and the next generation of pet parents with a foundation of premium, natural nutrition. We’re committed to doing things the right way, never the easy way, crafting natural pet food and treat recipes, as well as daily supplements, that are carefully sourced and thoughtfully prepared. Through our products and our people, we strive to enhance the human experience and promote the mutually beneficial relationship between people and pets.

MEDIA RELEASE, 28th November 2023

Related Stories:

Why Dog Dental Care is Essential

Oscar & Friends launches new Pet Accessories



Introducing Oscar & Friends: Elevating Pet Accessories with Style and Affordability

Drawing from a four-decade legacy within the fashion industry, Oscar & Friends was born from a notable gap in the market for affordable yet fun pet accessories. 

The new brand emerged as a natural evolution for the Accessory Company Group, with the team focusing their expertise now on our four-legged friends, keeping up with the latest seasonal trends and unwavering attention to detail, especially in functionality and finishes.

Launching into the market, Oscar & Friends is the latest elevated pet accessories brand to hit the shelves, ensuring that your dog or cat is the trendiest furry friend on the block. 

The current range is available in a range of sizes to accommodate the smallest of Dachshunds to the large Great Danes, including collars, leads, harnesses, bandanas and fashionable bow ties which all come in multiple colourways so you can deck your furry friend out in matching sets.


To tie in with your taste in fashion, Oscar & Friends have various prints such as blotched floral, teal stripes, summer swirls, and confetti - not to mention, a fun assortment of affordable toys and high quality grooming products.


Designer of Oscar & Friends, Julia Hemingway explains, "We take our quality very seriously, with every accessory undergoing thorough testing for durability and functionality to ensure our pets receive the finest and most comfortable products. 

The namesake, Oscar, a cherished puppy within the organisation, served as the inspiration behind the brand name. 
We now offer a wide range of products for your dogs and cats, including tethering, toys, grooming and home, with plans to expand into a comprehensive range of pet categories for all species big and small.”

Where to Buy:

Designed in Melbourne, the range is available currently from Big W online and will be expanding further, launching into Woolworths stores and online from the start of December 2023, just in time to fill up your pooch's and cat’s Christmas stocking.

MEDIA RELEASE, 27th November 2023

Dog Scavenger Hunt - 2 December 2023


PetsForHomes presents a Doggy Scavenger Hunt you won't want to miss!

PetsForHomes, Australia’s leading online pet marketplace, is thrilled to announce an exciting new event: a Doggy Scavenger Hunt, the first of its kind in Australia, aimed at promoting the bond between pets and their owners on Saturday, 2nd December, 2023.

In a one-of-a-kind spectacle, dog owners and their furry companions are invited to embark on an unforgettable adventure. This Doggy Scavenger Hunt is more than just an exciting morning of adventure and exploration – it's an opportunity to bond, explore, and enjoy a morning of fun-filled, pet-friendly challenges.

Canine participants will sniff out clues, find checkpoints, and explore the park along with their owners.

PetsForHomes has always been at the forefront of enhancing the pet ownership experience, and this event perfectly aligns with our mission,’ said Adrian Smith, of PetsForHomes

‘The Doggy Scavenger Hunt will provide an interactive venue for dog owners to create unforgettable memories with their pets, while fostering a sense of community among dog lovers.’

The scavenger hunt features a variety of dog-themed checkpoints spread across Blackman Park.

Join PetsForHomes in promoting a positive dog-owning experience and fostering a vibrant pet-loving community. No matter what breed of dog you have, the Doggy Scavenger Hunt is guaranteed to be a day full of fun, laughter, and adorable dogs.

What: Doggy Scavenger Hunt

When: Saturday 2nd December 2023, from 9:00am to 11:00am. You can arrive anytime to start. Tickets will need to be presented to participate. 

Where: Blackman Park, Lane Cove West (Sydney), NSW

To secure your spot, visit the Doggy Scavenger Hunt event page. Registration is set at $18, and spots are filling up quickly – early booking is strongly advised. Only one ticket needed per family/dog.

About PetsForHomes

Launched in 2020, PetsForHomes is Australia’s leading online pet marketplace connecting responsible breeders, rescues and pet service providers with passionate pet owners. With millions of pageviews, PetsForHomes continues to be an innovator in the pet community, offering experiences like the Doggy Scavenger Hunt to enhance the joy of pet ownership.

MEDIA RELEASE, 24th November 2023

Don't get scammed buying or adopting a pet!




Don’t be fooled by appearances! Companion Animal Network Australia warns pet lovers to watch out for scammers in clever disguise!

Is this rescue group for real? 

During Scams Awareness Week 2023 (27 Nov – 1 Dec), leading animal welfare charity Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN) is warning pet lovers to watch out for scammers in clever disguise.

The theme for this year's Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) campaign is “Impersonation Scams,” delivered for the first time by the newly established National Anti-Scam Centre, built on the work of Scamwatch to make Australia a harder target for scammers.

Australia CAN has again partnered with Puppy Scam Awareness Australia (PSAA) to help animal lovers identify imposter rescue organisations and breeders, and to avoid pet scams that continue to cause heartbreak and anger.

“Scammers are professional crooks, and it can be difficult to distinguish between what is real or a scam,” said Trish Ennis, CEO of Australia CAN.

According to ACCC’s Targeting Scams (April 2023) report, anecdotally about 80% of all scams reported to Scamwatch include some form of impersonation of a legitimate entity. Scammers can impersonate any organisation or brand, and impersonation scams can be received through a variety of channels.

In 2022 (1 January – 31 December), Scamwatch received 1,684 reports of pet scams with losses of $2.3 million, according to ACCC data.

An ACCC Media spokesperson told Australia CAN, “While most pet scams pertain to puppies, in 2022 we saw an increase in kitten scams. Other pets commonly used by scammers are birds and fish.”






With scammers continually developing new ways to fool people, pet lovers need to increase their vigilance in checking for those little clues that can alert us that something is a scam, warned Ms Ennis.

“We encourage pet lovers to learn how to spot a puppy scam and avoid the heartbreak, loss of money and in some cases, potentially having to surrender their pet to the shelter,” she said.

PSAA key support group for victims of pet scams
Credit - Hudson Hintze

Puppy Scam Awareness Australia is a key support group for victims of pet scamming and is dedicated to bringing awareness about the thousands of pet scamming syndicates who prey on pet shoppers, helping puppy shoppers spot a scammer and assisting those that have been scammed.

“We don’t just report scammers, we shut down their online presence immediately, and help victims try and get their money back,” said PSAA’s founder Sandy Trujillo.

Since 2021, PSAA received reports relating to more than 1,500 Australian fraudulent bank accounts, 6,000 websites and over 8,000 social media pages/groups and profiles.

“People are easier to scam when they act on emotion and that’s especially true for pet lovers who want a furry friend,” said Ms Trujillo.
“The more who fall the more scammers can make. They constantly reinvent themselves so unsuspecting customers fall quicker. Pet scams have slowed down since COVID and the financial pressures most people find themselves under these days, but unfortunately, we are still getting reports of victims coming through, roughly three a week. They don't find us until it's too late.”

PSAA has launched a Pet Transport and Breeders Directory to help validate and help protect businesses from scammers stealing their intellectual property. PSAA also works with breeders whose IDs get stolen to restore their reputation, added Ms Trujillo.

“Most breeders are now dubious of strangers coming over and stealing their pups,” she said. “It's not always possible to find a breeder in your state, too, so people are choosing to buy interstate. That's how most get caught in scams.”

Scam prevention resources

✔️ How to spot a pet scam: australiacan.org.au/pet-projects/puppy-scams

✔️ For tips to avoid fake websites and a list of fraudulent websites: www.puppyscamawarenessaustralia.com.au

✔️ For a guaranteed pet to welcome into your family, contact an Australia CAN member in your state: australiacan.org.au/who-we-are

✔️ If you think you are scammed, contact your financial institution right away. For more information www.scamwatch.gov.au

Follow CANA on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
#ScamAwarenessWeek2023 #ScamWatch #puppyscams #petscams #scams

About Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN)

Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN) is a registered charity representing the companion animal welfare work of our six member agencies across the country, including Animal Welfare League QLD, Animal Welfare League SA, Lort Smith (VIC), Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania and Saving Animals From Euthanasia Inc (WA).

Together, our members provide rescue, shelter, re-homing, fostering, health care and enrichment services to more than 50,000 animals every year. Through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, we celebrate the human-animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership.

We use our national voice to campaign for the humane treatment of all companion animals and we rally support for programmes that deliver high welfare standards. Australia CAN celebrates the human-animal bond and promotes responsible pet ownership through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, including the Rent with Pets and Pets in Aged Care programs.

To discover more, visit www.australiacan.org.au

Photo Credit (Lead Image): T R Photography

MEDIA RELEASE, 20th November 2023

Australian Dog of the Year 2024 search is on!




Not all heroes wear capes, some wear collars and leashes!

Dogs have provided companionship to the elderly, therapy to sufferers of physical, emotional and mental health troubles, assistance to people with disabilities and invaluable support in military, conservation, rescue and many other roles.

Because our dogs have made such an incredible impact in our lives, Puppy Tales is proud to once again head up the search for the 2024 Australian Dog of the Year to find the doggo that best represents the essence of the Australian dog – love, courage, inspiration, assistance and friendship! Winners will be announced on Australia Day on 26 January 2024.

“The Puppy Tales’ Australian Dog of the Year aims to celebrate the faithful canine companions who bring us through the ups and downs of life and continue to contribute to society in many ways,” said Kerry Martin, award-winning pet photographer, author and founder of Puppy Tales, a website aimed at helping pet owners make the most of life with their fur family.

These awards are inspired by the many amazing dogs Kerry has photographed and met throughout her years of Australian-wide travels.

“Our pets are as wonderfully diverse as our nation and have also made an incredible impact in the lives of people, the environment or other animals,” she said.
“We want to recognise pooches from across Australia for services they provide in communities, to humans and their unyielding devotion in the face of sadness, tough times and the occasional vacuum cleaner!”

Prizes valued over $10K, including $1,250 to preferred charities!

In its fourth year, 2024 Australian Dog of the Year winners, nominees and voters will receive prizes worth more than $10,000.

“The Australian Dog of the Year Award pays it forward with a generous donation from Puppy Tales to the winner’s preferred charity and recognises the work they do for communities across the country, particularly in these challenging times,” said Kerry.

2023 Australian Dog of the Year Winner, seizure alert dog Baloo with owner Dani Stevens
Photo Credit: Puppy Tales Photography



Winner

· $1000 Donation to Charity / NFP of their Choice
· Photography Session & 'The Bailey' Collection from Puppy Tales (minimum value $4,000)
· Personalised trophy of the winning dog (value $300)
· Media Campaign with Pet Journo announcing your title to the Australian Media
· $250 Pet Circle Gift Card
People's Choice 2022 Guide Dog Poppy

People's Choice

· $250 Donation to Charity / NFP of their Choice
· Photography Session and Large Canvas from Puppy Tales (Value $1250)
· Media Campaign with Pet Journo announcing your title to the Australian Media
· $100 Pet Circle Gift Card

Nominee Prize Draw (x10)

· $450 Puppy Tales Photography Gift Card


Voters in the People's Choice Prize Draw (x10)

· $450 Puppy Tales Photography Gift Card

Which dogs can be nominated?

Some of the kinds of dogs that are encouraged to enter are (but not limited to):

✔️ Guide dogs or hearing dogs

✔️ Therapy dogs visiting ill people in hospitals

✔️ Dogs who have helped someone with disabilities or health challenges

✔️ Dogs in reading programs or assistance at schools

✔️ Dogs involved in wildlife detection or protection

✔️ Dogs who have located, rescued or saved people, or other pets

✔️ Police and combat dogs

✔️ Other working dogs

✔️ Dogs that are blood donors

✔️ A best friend who has gotten you through a tough time!

Rocky was Pet Circle's Bonus Prize in 2022

“ALL the amazing dogs who've been a support, best friend or true companion are encouraged to enter!” said Kerry.

“Not all have an incredible, special talent, but there’s no doubt they have all changed the lives of their humans.”

If your dog represents the true spirit of Australia by being courageous, loving or in any way amazing, nominate them now for a chance to be recognised for the awesome doggo they are and win fabulous prizes to spoil them silly!

Important dates

  • Nomination deadline is 8pm on Sunday, 14 January 2024
  • Finalists will be announced on Tuesday, 16 January 2024
  • Voting for the People’s Choice of the finalists will also commence on January 16th and will close at 12pm on Thursday, 25 January 2024.
  • Winners will be announced on Australia Day (Friday, 26 January 2024) on Puppy Tales' Facebook Page.


About Kerry Martin & Puppy Tales

Photodography™ you'll adore - Pet Travel & Adventures you'll Dig

Kerry Martin of Puppy Tales considers pets very much part of the family so lives this adage to help and inspire fellow pet parents to create incredible memories of a most pawsome life together!

Kerry's Melbourne-based but is often on the road throughout Australia offering her award-winning dog photography. She's known throughout the country for her seasonal photography experiences, most notably Snow Dogs, and her studio-based Project Dogalogue. Of the many national and international photography awards she's received over the past decade, the highlights have been Master of Photography and Australian Pet/Animal Photographer of the Year.

As she travels with her own adored furry companions Keiko & Summer, Kerry writes to share her knowledge and experiences of all things dog, photography and travel. She published Dog Tales of Australia - a 290 pages bucket list guide of dog friendly travel and destinations throughout Australia - in 2023.

Kerry also creates content for the Puppy Tales website, a social media community of over 500,000 and other publications to promote the wonderful relationships between dogs and people. All accompanied by stunning photography!

Puppy Tales is a business for good with a mission to make a paw-sitive difference. Puppy Tales operates as carbon negative; supports many local organisations through photography, fundraising and more; and plays a part in the global community’s effort to protect the planet, take action on climate change and care for animals and wildlife. To discover more, visit puppytales.com.au

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