Petstock Foundation Finds 1,000+ Happy Homes & Raises $113k for Rescue Charities

The Petstock Foundation has proudly shared that as a result of its annual National Pet Adoption Month campaign this May, a staggering 1,038 vulnerable pets have been welcomed into loving new homes across Australia and New Zealand.

Alongside finding forever homes, the Foundation successfully raised more than $113,000 across both nations, thanks to donations from generous pet lovers. 100% of these funds will go directly to over 230 grassroots rescue organisations. The money will be put towards critical costs associated with pet wellbeing—including veterinary services, food, and shelter—which are vital to these charities' ability to provide quality care for animals still waiting for permanent homes.

Small Actions, Huge Impact

The Petstock Foundation is incredibly passionate about the life-changing impacts of pet adoption.

Adoption Month works to raise awareness of the massive challenges rescue charities are currently facing, encourage people to consider adopting or fostering, and raise much-needed funds through direct donations or the purchase of the popular plush 'Buddy' pet toy.

Petstock Foundation’s Community Engagement Lead, Naomi Mancktelow, says the collective generosity of the community has arrived at a vital time:

Our Adopt-a-Buddy campaign shows just how powerful small actions can be. Whether you adopted a rescue pet, donated, or purchased a Buddy toy, you have helped give animals a second chance!

"Our communities have been essential in supporting the local rescue groups who care for these pets in need every day. We’re incredibly grateful to our community of pet lovers—together, you’re helping ease pressure on rescue organisations and creating brighter futures for pets and the people who love them."

This year, Petstock stores right around the country hosted adoption days over various weekends throughout May, allowing rescue pets to meet potential adopters and foster carers in-store.

Where the Adoptions Happened

Despite the challenging economic environment many households are currently facing, the pet community stepped up. All proceeds from the initiative go directly toward giving local rescue groups the resources they need most—from everyday care to essential desexing programs that reduce unwanted litters.

State-by-State Adoption Breakdown (May):

Location	Number of Successful Adoptions
Victoria	248
Queensland	196
South Australia	178
Western Australia	153
New South Wales	138
New Zealand	105
Australian Capital Territory	19
Tasmania	6

Since its inception in 2007, the Petstock Foundation has worked tirelessly to strengthen the bond between pets and people, having found homes for more than 50,240 rescue pets to date.

CASE STUDY: How Olivia Found a Forever Friend in Foster Fail Darcy

To understand the real-world impact of the Petstock Foundation's initiatives, look no further than the beautiful bond between Queenslander Olivia Bryant and her gorgeous dog, Darcy.

Olivia Bryant with her beloved "foster fail" Darcy, a 16-month-old Bull Arab x Boxer. Photo supplied.

Darcy, a 16-month-old Bull Arab x Boxer, started life as a vulnerable rescue puppy born in the remote town of Weipa. To give him the fighting chance at the forever home every rescue dog deserves, he was flown to Cairns.

Olivia originally came to foster Darcy through the local rescue charity Stray to Stay. From the very moment they met, she felt an instant, undeniable connection.

What drew me to Darcy most was his nature,” Olivia explains. “He is affectionate, loving and has such a calm, gentle presence.”

"I felt it was rare to come across a dog with his temperament. He never needed to be the loudest or most confident dog in the room—he was just himself, patiently waiting for someone to truly see him."

Exactly Where He Was Meant to Be

It didn't take long for the temporary fostering arrangement to turn into something permanent. Olivia officially became a proud "foster fail," deciding to adopt Darcy for good.

"It quickly became clear that he wasn't just passing through my home, he was exactly where he was meant to be," says Olivia. "Knowing that he is safe, cherished, and loved unconditionally is everything I could have hoped for, and I feel incredibly lucky to be the person who gets to give him that."

Fostering and adopting Darcy opened Olivia’s eyes to just how many incredible animals are out there waiting to be chosen. There are thousands of beautiful, loving dogs sitting in rescue shelters who, through no fault of their own, are just waiting for a family to give them a go.

"Campaigns that raise awareness for adoption, like the Petstock Foundation’s Adoption Month, bring meaningful change to the lives of animals without a permanent home, and help take the pressure off rescue charities," Olivia notes.

For me, adopting felt like the most meaningful choice. It is not just about what a dog can bring to your life, but also about changing theirs.”

How to Help Year-Round

While Adoption Month takes place in May, adoptions can happen year-round! If you are thinking about adding a furry family member to your home, animal lovers are encouraged to visit their local Petstock store or head to www.petstock.com.au to find out more information about adopting from a local rescue charity in your area.

All photography credited to Eugene Hyland for the Petstock Foundation.

Is Your Dog One of Australia’s Rarest Breeds? Project Dogalogue™ Wants to Find Out

Award-winning Melbourne dog photographer and Puppy Tales Photography founder Kerry Martin has launched an ambitious national mission: to locate and photograph Australia’s rarest purebred canines.

Named Project Dogalogue™, the initiative aims to build a comprehensive photographic archive of the nation's immense canine diversity. With more than 230 recognised breeds alongside an endless variety of beloved mixed breeds, the archive is designed to capture a complete portrait of contemporary Australian dog-loving culture.

However, a special nationwide APB—All-Paws Bulletin—is currently underway to track down the country's most elusive, vulnerable purebreds before they disappear from Australian shores entirely.

Chasing Chapters of Unwritten History

The Black Russian Terrier is a rare, powerful guardian breed originally developed in the mid-20th century for military and working roles. Photo: Puppy Tales Photography.

Drawing on Dogs Australia’s National Animal Registration Statistics across an eight-year window, Martin identified the rarest dog breeds currently residing in the country. Worryingly, some of these unique breeds have recorded registrations in previous years but none recently, suggesting that the remaining individual dogs in Australia may be ageing.

Among the rarest breeds identified are the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound (recording just one registration in eight years), the Porcelaine (three registrations), the Ibizan Hound (six registrations), and the Otterhound (seven registrations).

“Photographing a breed for the first time in the project feels like meeting a chapter of Australian dog life that hasn't been written down,” Martin says. 

“There are breeds in Australia most people will never see or won't recognise—breeds with tiny communities of devoted guardians that originate from far corners of the world. If one of these breeds shares your home, I want to photograph them, hear about them, and add them to the project. They belong in the picture of who we are as a nation of dog lovers.”

Hold Your Woofs! All Companions Welcome

If your dog is a beautifully unique rescue mix or an everyday family companion, don't worry—Project Dogalogue wants them in the picture, too.

The ancient Šarplaninac (Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog) is a highly protective, large livestock guardian breed originating from the Balkan mountain region. Photo: Puppy Tales Photography.

Martin stresses that the project is a celebration of the everyday human-canine bond, not a show-ring competition.

“I’m not looking for show champions or milestone medals,” says Martin. 

“I'm looking for the everyday, from-the-heart story.” 

The funny way your woofer greets you at the door or the way your senior soulmate sighs when you sit down at night. It’s the small, quirky things that make us love our dogs.”

Giving Back to Rescue This Winter

Throughout July and August, Project Dogalogue is pairing its archival goals with a massive seasonal fundraising drive to support independent rescue organisations during their toughest months.

Every participant’s $98 session fee will be donated directly to a rescue group connected to their dog’s specific breed. For guardians of mixed-breed dogs, you can choose to nominate a rescue associated with one of the breeds in your dog's mix or select a general dog rescue group.

“Winter is a hard season for rescue groups across Australia with cold weather, full kennels, and stretched resources,” Martin explains. 

“It’s a beautiful way for the dogs we love to give a little back to the dogs still looking for homes.” 

How to Get Involved

While official photography sessions are hosted at the Puppy Tales Photography studio in Melbourne, dog guardians from all states and territories are highly encouraged to register their interest. If a specific city or regional area generates enough participant interest, Martin plans to take Project Dogalogue on a nationwide road trip.

To apply, register, or view the project, visit puppytales.com.au/project-dogalogue

The 20 Rarest Dog Breeds in Australia

Based on Dogs Australia National Animal Registration Statistics, filtered for fewer than 60 total registrations over an 8-year period with ongoing presence since 2020.

1. Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound (1 registration) - Hound
2. Porcelaine (3 registrations) - Hound
3. Ibizan Hound (6 registrations) - Hound
4. Otterhound (7 registrations) - Hound
5. Sussex Spaniel (14 registrations) - Gundog
6. Cirneco Dell'Etna (17 registrations) - Hound
7. Sloughi (18 registrations) - Hound
8. Bolognese (21 registrations) - Toy
9. Glen of Imaal Terrier (22 registrations) - Terrier
10. Finnish Spitz (22 registrations) - Hound
11. Black and Tan Coonhound (27 registrations) - Hound
12. American Hairless Terrier (30 registrations) - Terrier
13. Bluetick Coonhound (34 registrations) - Hound
14. Azawakh (37 registrations) - Hound
15. Belgian Shepherd / Laekenois (45 registrations) - Working
16. Bloodhound (46 registrations) - Hound
17. Yakutian Laika (53 registrations) - Utility
18. Wirehaired Slovakian Pointer (54 registrations) - Gundog
19. Bergamasco Shepherd Dog (57 registrations) - Working
20. Peruvian Hairless Dog / Small and Medium (58 registrations) - Non-Sporting

Photography Credit (all): Puppy Tales Photography

About the Creator: Kerry Martin

Kerry Martin is the founder of Puppy Tales Photography™ and the visionary behind the Australian Dog of the Year Awards. An international award-winning master photographer, Kerry was named the Australian Pet/Animal Photographer of the Year and won the Pets and People category at the International Pet Photography Awards.

Operating a certified carbon-negative business, Kerry travels the country with her Border Collie, Scout, and Exotic Shorthair cat, Mr Magoo, creating content that champions dog-inclusive lifestyles, animal welfare, and the profound bonds we share with our pets.

Can AI Really Understand Your Dog? Bestselling Behaviourist Launches Expert-Led Training App

If you have ever found yourself staring at your dog at 2:00 am wondering why they are suddenly refusing to sleep or barking at nothing, you are not alone.

Typically, the modern dog guardian faces a frustrating dilemma: type the problem into Google and get hit with dozens of conflicting opinions, ask a general AI that might spit out harmful advice, or book an expensive professional consultation and wait weeks for answers.

Bestselling Australian canine behaviourist and author Sarah Rutten is changing the game. She has officially launched an AI-powered dog training app designed to give guardians instant, expert-backed guidance without the premium price tag or the wait time.

The Problem with General AI

When a dog does something unexpected, turning to basic search engines or general AI platforms like ChatGPT can be a gamble.

"The problem is general AI has no grounding in animal behaviour, it doesn’t know your dog, and has no filter for whether the advice it generates could cause harm," Sarah explains.

Alternatively, seeking advice from an accredited trainer means booking a consultation and waiting for an appointment, which can leave people stuck when overwhelmed, confused or trying to manage a behaviour issue in the moment.

Introducing The Pawfect Training Companion

Built upon Sarah’s 20 years of accredited, force-free expertise, her app, The Canine Perspective: Pawfect Training Companion, creates a personalised training plan around each dog's age, breed, personality and the guardian's goals, adjusting daily as the dog and guardian progress.

"Guardians get the convenience of AI with the reassurance that what they are reading actually comes from someone who knows dogs," Sarah says.

"It is a bit like having a trainer-bot in your pocket. If your dog does something at 2am and you are lying there wondering what on earth is going on, you can ask the app and get an answer that actually applies to your dog, not just any dog."

Early testing demonstrated the app's capacity for specific, tailored guidance. A guardian with two Border Collies sought help with a dog that refused to engage with toys and barked whenever the other dog played. Instead of returning generic training advice, the app produced a step-by-step plan that named each dog individually and specified precisely when and how to introduce the second dog into the process.

A Win-Win for Humans and Hounds

Rutten says the app responds to a problem she sees constantly in her work. Dog guardians are overwhelmed with advice, often finding that one person says one thing, another trainer says the opposite, and Google gives another 40 opinions. It can be incredibly confusing, especially for new guardians who just want to do the right thing by their pet.

The app acts as a first-response resource for guardians who need support outside of business hours or between professional consultations. It is perfectly suited to new dog guardians, busy households, and anyone wanting to build a stronger relationship with their dog without relying on conflicting online advice or outdated, punishment-based methods.

"When guardians understand their dog better, everything gets easier," Sarah says.

"The dog’s needs are more likely to be met, the human feels less lost, and the behaviour often starts to shift. That’s the win-win I want this app to create."

Subscription Details and Local Pricing

The Canine Perspective: Pawfect Training Companion is now available globally for download on both iOS and Android platforms.

The app is accessible via subscription for USD $74 per quarter or USD $179 per year (approximately AUD $107 per quarter or AUD $260 per year, subject to exchange rates). A 20 per cent launch offer discount is currently available through the official download page.

About the Founder

The Canine Perspective founder Sarah Rutten is a thought leader pushing for real change in how humans and dogs connect. With a no-nonsense, science-backed approach, she is on a mission to educate dog guardians, challenge outdated training myths, and advocate for ethical, force-free methods that strengthen the human-canine bond.

For more expert advice on dog behaviour and force-free training, you can visit Sarah’s website or pick up a copy of her book, The Canine Perspective: Using Force-Free Methods to Unleash Your Dog’s Paw-tential.

Follow Sarah Rutten and The Canine Perspective:
Website: www.thecanineperspective.com.au
Facebook: @thecanineperspective
Instagram: @thecanineperspective

From Wobbly First Steps to Certified Super Dogs: Meet the Newborn 'V' Litter Training to Change Australian Lives

Six newborn Labrador puppies have just begun an extraordinary two-year, $60,000 journey to provide life-changing independence for Australians living with disabilities.

It takes an exceptional level of dedication, science, and community support to transform a playful puppy into a certified Assistance Dog. For Australians living with PTSD, autism, or severe physical disabilities, a highly trained canine companion is more than a pet—they are a gateway to independent living, confidence, and community connection. 

However, the path to producing these elite working dogs is an immense undertaking. It requires two full years of intensive training, expert veterinary care, specialised equipment, and precise early socialisation, amounting to a total cost of upwards of $60,000 per dog.

To help meet a rapidly growing national demand and achieve an ambitious goal to double its canine placements over the next three years, Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) has officially launched its Puppy Academy initiative. At the heart of this exciting new launch is a major milestone: the arrival of the "V" litter. Six healthy, newborn Labrador puppies—Venetia, Virgil, Vanilla, Volt, Velvet, and Vienna—have officially taken their first breaths, representing the future of independent living for six Australian families.

The Ivy League of Puppy Education

The very first step on the V litter's journey will take them to ADA’s purpose-built Puppy Kindergarten facility at their Waterfall campus in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire. Far from a simple playtime group, this facility houses up to 20 puppies at a time and operates an early-stage socialisation and training curriculum based on cutting-edge canine research from Duke University in the United States.

Developed alongside world-renowned canine behaviour experts like Dr. Brian Hare, the program ensures that when the V litter puppies reach eight weeks old, they will spend 10 weeks in a structured "head start" environment designed to meet their specific behavioural and enrichment needs at an individual pace.

A typical day for these young champions in training involves breakfast followed by off-site socialisation excursions. 

Long before they graduate, the puppies are exposed to the sights, sounds, and textures of real-world environments, learning to confidently navigate travelators, public buses, and busy trains. 

After a midday nap, they return to the training shed to master essential foundation cues such as sit, down, wait, leave, come, toilet, stand, and even the highly specialised dress cue (learning to calmly slip their heads into their working harnesses).

Early data from the program reveals that puppies graduating from this specialised kindergarten learn significantly faster and demonstrate vastly superior confidence compared to dogs raised strictly in traditional home environments during their first 10 weeks.

Easing the Burden on Volunteers

Beyond building better behavioural foundations for the dogs, the Puppy Kindergarten serves a vital human purpose: supporting the dedicated community volunteers who take the puppies into their homes next. Caring for an eight-week-old puppy is notoriously challenging—involving sleepless nights, teething, and rigorous toilet training. 

By instilling basic house manners, crate boundaries, and calming techniques during their time at the Kindergarten, ADA ensures that when the V litter puppies are placed with their temporary foster families, the transition is smoother and far less overwhelming for the handlers.

How the Puppy Academy Works

Through the newly launched Puppy Academy, dog lovers across Australia are invited directly into the inner circle to help fund this vital pipeline of working dogs. Rather than operating as a standard, detached donation program, the Academy is a regular giving community where monthly supporters get an exclusive, front-row seat to the V litter's entire developmental journey.

Supporters can choose to join as a Bronze, Silver, or Gold member.

In return for their monthly sponsorship, members receive exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes videos from the trainers, and progress reports tracking the puppies from their sleepy newborn days, through their kindergarten milestones, and all the way to their final advanced training and emotional graduation day.

Every contribution directly funds the expert trainers, specialised equipment, and medical care required to shape these six playful pups into focused, life-changing champions.

Want to watch the V litter grow up and change a life? Learn more or sign up to join the community today at: give.assistancedogs.org.au/puppy-academy/join

Deep Dive: Understanding the Assistance Dog Journey

Launching a new Puppy Academy is a massive step forward, but what does it really take to raise and train these elite working companions? Explore the reality behind the vest with our essential deep-dive features:

• Could You Open Your Home? What It's Really Like to Become a Life-Changing Puppy Raiser
  From basic socialisation to massive emotional rewards—discover the essential role volunteers play in preparing service pups for their working vests.
• Behind the Vest: The Legal, Ethical, and Emotional Reality of Owner-Trained Assistance Dogs
  An honest, grounded look by industry experts at why this challenging, non-linear pathway is a vital avenue to independence.

With the winter school holidays upon us and July officially marking Anti-Boredom Month, our latest line-up is all about beating canine cabin fever and keeping the whole family engaged indoors.

For the adults, we are tackling behavioural science and modern dog culture from every angle. Our selection ranges from a witty, behind-the-scenes training memoir and practical indoor enrichment games to a deep, thought-provoking look at the ethics of modern pet ownership. We have also included an advanced clinical reference text to perfectly complement our July features on separation-related behaviours and attachment science, rounded out with a touch of artistic mindfulness for those quiet afternoons.

Over in our Kids Corner, we’ve lined up a vibrant mix of storytelling and interactive fun sorted strictly by age. Younger readers can dive into gorgeous local adventures on Kangaroo Island, hands-on therapy dog activity workbooks, and a stunning emotional-awareness alphabet guide. We finish with a beautifully soothing bedtime read designed to wind down the littlest members of your pack after a busy day inside.

Explore our top July picks and discover your next favourite winter read!

MISADVENTURES OF THE WORLD'S OKAYEST DOG TRAINER
25 Cases to Guide Dog Trainers & Behaviourists in Their Career

By Melissa McCue-McGrath

If you’ve ever said, ‘I love dogs, but I hate people’, this book is for you.

Following the lead of Dr. Nick Trout and Dr. Phillip Schott, who brought readers behind the scenes in busy animal hospitals, Misadventures follows quirky and (eventually) confident McCue-McGrath into people’s most intimate spaces, their homes, through a decades-long career in dog training and behaviour.

This part-memoir, part-career guide is the first of its kind to put readers in a behaviourist’s seat, feeling the flush of embarrassment when explaining humping to second graders, the shock of finding adult toys on client’s countertops, and the stab of anxiety when aggression cases go sideways. This book is more than a day in the life of a dog trainer, but a look at the rapid evolution of understanding canine behaviour over the last twenty years.

The interplay between the author’s often comical, and sometimes heart-breaking, personal journey into a still unregulated industry perfectly mirrors the global shift from outdated, dominance-based training to modern behavioural sciences. The payoff is a hopeful look at what we can do for animals, what these pets already do for humans, and what we humans can do for each other.

Melissa’s personal journey through the world of dog training offers great insight to those curious about picking up a leash and entering the industry. Alongside her experiences are practical and technical advice for the behavioural professional including signposted resources and coverage of relevant industry bodies. Through the 147 dogs (and one cat) Melissa demystifies this rewarding profession. But most importantly, these beloved pets teach us what saved means, what love means, what hubris is, and remind us all that animals truly make us more human.

Paperback, 352 pages
Publisher: Nottingham University Press, 15 April 2026

RRP: $39.99 from Amazon Australia 

FUN TRAINING & GAMES FOR DOGS
By Bruce Miller

Training a dog doesn't have to feel like work, and learning doesn't have to feel like pressure. With July officially marking Anti-Boredom Month just as we hit the grim depths of the Australian winter, this vibrant release is the ultimate antidote to canine cabin fever.

A joyful, practical guide that shows families how to train, bond with, and truly enjoy their dogs through play-based learning, simple games, and everyday activities, this book transforms essential training skills into fun, confidence-building experiences designed for real life.

Covering everything from house training, loose-leash walking, and reliable recall to brain games, enrichment activities, and family-friendly challenges, Miller seamlessly blends modern canine science with warmth, humour, and clarity. Each chapter offers easy-to-follow games that help dogs learn faster and stay emotionally balanced without harsh methods or complicated routines. Emphasising communication, trust, and connection rather than strict obedience, it is a perfect lifesaver for getting the kids involved over the school holidays to tire out a cooped-up pup indoors.

As Book Three of The Family Dog Series—following The Science & Secrets of Dogs and How to Speak Dog—this title is a natural fit for libraries, schools, and any dog lover looking to encourage calm behaviour, confidence, and deeper bonds during the frosty months ahead.

Series: The Family Dog Series
Paperback, 126 pages
Publisher: Pacific Trust Holdings NZ Ltd., 26th February 2026

Price: $35.79 from Amazon Australia

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS TO LOVE DOGS
A Cultural And Ethical Exploration
By Melina Jacques

What does the modern dog represent?

In contemporary life, the dog has taken on a symbolic role that extends beyond companionship. It carries ideas about virtue and belonging, as well as moral identity.

This shift has reshaped public space and social expectations, along with the quiet rules that structure everyday life.

What It Really Means to Love Dogs examines the cultural structure behind this change. It traces how sentiment becomes normalised expectation, and how devotion can function as an unspoken social standard.

The result is a set of contradictions that are widely experienced but rarely named. Certain forms of intrusion become routine, while those expected to accommodate them are often left without a clear way to articulate what is happening.

The book asks what is usually left unexamined: what changes when an animal becomes a cultural ideal, and who bears the cost of that transformation.

Paperback, 182 pages
Publisher: Melina Jacques, 15th May 2026

Price: $22.86 from Amazon Australia

CANINE AND FELINE BEHAVIOUR (3rd Edition)

Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion 

Edited by Amy L. Pike and Debra F. Horwitz

For the training professionals, rescue workers, and serious behaviour nerds who love diving into the deep end of animal science, this newly released third edition is the ultimate desktop reference. 

Structured for fast, evidence-based navigation, this clinical companion equips readers with the latest diagnostic tools and treatment protocols to unpack complex canine and feline behaviours from a veterinary medical perspective.

This textbook is the perfect scholarly accompaniment to our feature articles in this month's magazine. If you are currently reading our deep-dive into The Velcro Dog: The Behavioural Science Behind Separation-Related Behaviours, you will find Pike and Horwitz's clinical breakdown of anxiety and hyper-attachment incredibly illuminating. 

Likewise, for those exploring the shifting dynamics in From Trainer to Parent: The Attachment Science of Transforming Behaviour, this text provides the essential scientific backing to bridge the gap between practical handling and advanced behavioural medicine.

Hardcover, 1280 pages
Publisher: Wiley (3rd edition), 3 April 2026

RRP: $191.95 at Amazon Australia

COSY CATS ‘N’ DOGS
By Cherry Lam

Begin your new cosy, creative hobby!

Unlock childlike joy with delightful scenes printed on high quality paper.

The 40+ bold and easy colouring images feature peaceful afternoons, playful antics and heart-warming moments shared with cats and dogs. With single-sided pages to avoid bleed-through, all you need are your favourite pencils or markers to get started.

Whether you are part of the colouring community on TikTok or looking for a fun activity away from screens, Cosy Cats 'n' Dogs is ideal for anyone seeking moments of artistic mindfulness.

Find a four-legged friend, smile and colour with an array of drawings designed to celebrate the joys of life with our furry companions.

Paperback, 96 pages
Publisher: Penguin Australia Pty Ltd, 16th June 2026

Price: $12.00 from Amazon Australia

BOOK CLUB – KIDS CORNER

DOG! 

A Book about Feelings, Alphabet-Style
By Karen D Gelhaar, Melinda A Cowen (Designed by), Donna Victor (Photographer)

Little kids and big emotions - it's a tough combination many parents struggle to navigate. That challenge inspired Dog! A Book About Feelings, Alphabet-Style - a joyful, visually captivating picture book that helps children explore emotions through the eyes (and faces!) of man's best friend. 

Each page pairs expressive black-and-white dog portraits with bold colours and playful rhymes, creating an alphabet of emotions kids will love. Dog! sparks empathy, connection, and emotional awareness - giving children a fun way to name their feelings, and parents an easy path to keep the conversation going.

Dog! aligns beautifully with stories that help children understand themselves and the world around them. We also know that this book can be enjoyed by adults who appreciate photography, dogs, poetry, humour, and whimsical graphic design. Dog! is the ultimate coffee table book for those who appreciate all these elements.

Hardcover, 58 pages
Publisher: Cowen Design, Inc., 6th May 2026
For Ages: 0 - 12 years old

Price: $37.71 from Amazon Australia

HARPER HELPS: A Therapy Dog's Tale
By T. Henry Marks, Nicole Reasonda (Illustrator)

Harper is a therapy dog who always knows who needs her. From hospitals and airplanes to schools and homes, Harper brings comfort with a gentle nudge, a patient wait, and a warm, steady presence. 

Through beautiful illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, Harper Helps shows children that kindness doesn't have to be loud, sometimes, the best help is simply showing up and staying close. 

Perfect for children ages 4-8, families, educators, and anyone who believes in the power of empathy and compassion. A portion of proceeds support therapy dog training programs.

Hardcover, 38 pages
Publisher: Stolen Socks Publishing LLC, 1st June 2026
For Ages: 4 - 10 years old

Price: $23.07 from Amazon Australia

LOOKING FOR MILO ON KANGAROO ISLAND
By Louise Custance

When Milo, a cheeky little black rescue dog, goes missing on Kangaroo Island, he embarks on a wild adventure across one of Australia's most stunning natural sanctuaries. As he playfully evades the local police dog, Sergeant, Milo explores rugged coastlines and native bushlands, meeting the remarkable locals along the way—including sea lions, wedge-tailed eagles, and, of course, plenty of kangaroos.

Beautifully written and illustrated by first-time author and landscape architect Louise Custance, this vibrant children's picture book captures the true heart, colours, and character of KI through her deep connection to her island home. 

It is a delightful read for young nature enthusiasts and dog lovers alike, with the bonus that a portion of every sale is donated directly to the KI Wildlife Network to support ongoing conservation on the island.

This wonderful holiday read was recently accepted by the ALS Library Network, meaning you can look out for it at your local library, and you can sneak a peek at the gorgeous pages via the author's Instagram preview link here Instagram Preview.

RRP: $31.95 (hardcover) and $21.95 (softcover) from Looking for Milo Official Site

ENZO’S STORY - A THERAPY DOG’S JOURNEY
By Dana Tozzi

Join Enzo, a lovable toy poodle, on an inspiring adventure as he discovers what it takes to become a certified therapy dog!

Designed for children aged 4–8, this engaging book follows Enzo’s heart-warming journey from an energetic pup to a community hero bringing comfort, smiles, and support to schools, hospitals, and libraries. Along the way, young readers will learn meaningful lessons about kindness, empathy, and the positive impact animals have on our emotional well-being.

More than just a story, this interactive book invites children to participate in Enzo's journey through hands-on activities, including word searches, colouring pages, mazes, puzzles, and drawing prompts. It perfectly blends storytelling with educational entertainment that fosters creativity and problem-solving. 

Ideal for home, classrooms, or therapy visits, Enzo’s story celebrates the special bond between dogs and humans, showing kids that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Paperback, 52 pages
Publisher: Dana Tozzi, 5th June 2026
For Ages: 4 - 8 years old

Price: $20.89 from Booktopia

THE ART OF HOW DOGS SLEEP
By Alison Kim

Dogs can fall asleep at any time: right after breakfast, in the afternoon, or in the evening. But how do they do it? 

Let's pay attention closely, as there are quite a few details to observe, such as finding and preparing the perfect spot, stretching each toe bean eeeextra wide, and breathing long and slow.

Hardcover, 40 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers US, 30 June 2026
For Ages: 4 - 6 years

Price: $28.99 from Booktopia

Did you miss any of our recent selections?

Catch up on the latest canine-centric memoirs, practical training guides, and fiction picks from our recent editions:

• 📚 June 2026: Dog Lovers Book Club – June 2026 Selection
• 📚 May 2026: Dog Lovers Book Club – May 2026 Selection
• 📚 April 2026: Dog Lovers Book Club – April 2026 & Kids' Autumn Holiday Guide