Good Beer, Good Dogs & A Very Good Cause: DoggoBrau Returns for 2026

Victoria’s High Country is pouring some serious love for our four-legged mates this November as Bright Brewery and RSPCA Victoria celebrate the sixth year of their annual DoggoBrau collaboration.

First brewed in 2021, DoggoBrau combines two things the independent Victorian brewery loves: great beer and dogs. 

Returning in 2026, DoggoBrau is once again a Tropical XPA (Extra Pale Ale—think of it as a lighter, ultra-refreshing pale ale packed with sunny, tropical aromas), brewed in Victoria’s High Country and featuring some of Bright’s most beloved local doggos on its cans.

With 10% of all DoggoBrau sales donated to RSPCA Victoria, the annual release has become one of Bright Brewery's most anticipated beers of the year, helping fund vital work caring for, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals across the state.

Brewed for the Love of Dogs

For Bright Brewery, based in the dog-loving alpine town of Bright, the partnership is a natural fit. Dogs have long been part of life at the brewery’s riverside home, where four-legged visitors are almost as common as their beer-drinking owners.

Bright Brewery Operations and Brand Manager Evin Craney said the longevity of DoggoBrau was something the team was particularly proud of:

"The original idea was pretty simple. We love making beer, we love dogs and we thought we could bring the two together to do something genuinely useful. Six years later, DoggoBrau has become something our team, our customers and plenty of four-legged regulars look forward to every year. It's one of our favourite beers of the year and something our whole team gets behind. Every DoggoBrau sold helps RSPCA Victoria continue the incredible work they do for animals across the state."

RSPCA Victoria Senior Manager – Philanthropy & Corporate Partnerships Chris Doig echoed the sentiment, noting the shared commitment to animal welfare:

"Our partnership with Bright Brewery has been fantastic from the very beginning. Their entire team has shown genuine passion for the work we do, and our shared love of animals and the environment makes this such a natural collaboration. The funds raised through DoggoBrau and our other collaborations go directly towards supporting RSPCA Victoria's vital work. It's partnerships like this that make a real difference, helping us continue to care for animals in need across Victoria."

Release & Availability Details

And while the beer is strictly for humans, the reason behind it is all about their best mates:

• Style: Tropical XPA (brewed in Victoria’s High Country)
• Can Art: Features real, beloved local Bright dogs
• Launch Date: In stores, venues, and online nationally from Thursday, 12th November 2026
• Giving Back: 10% of all sales donated directly to RSPCA Victoria
• Where to Buy: Available nationally across independent bottle shops, select hospitality venues, directly on tap at Bright Brewery, and online via the Bright Brewery website.

When Times Get Tough, They Shouldn’t Have to Say Goodbye: How You Can Help Keep Pets and Vulnerable Owners Together

As Australians face their fifth interest rate rise this year—pushing the Reserve Bank’s official cash rate to its highest level in 18 years—mounting financial pressures are hitting home in the most heart-breaking way. For many vulnerable people, the surging cost of living is leaving them struggling to afford the most basic care for their beloved companions.

Melbourne-based charity Pets Of The Homeless is currently seeing record demand for its essential services, including pet food, veterinary care, and emergency shelter.

“These are people who love their pets dearly and are doing their absolute best,” explains Yvonne Hong, Founder and CEO of Pets Of The Homeless.

“Some are skipping meals so they can feed their dog or cat, while others are facing the impossible decision to surrender their pets. It’s our mission to prevent that from happening.”

Founded 11 years ago from a single suitcase of pet food, the state-wide Victorian charity has since provided over 3.3 million meals, helped more than 4,500 pets access vet care and temporary accommodation, and delivered over 47,000 nights of safe shelter.

A Lifeline for Kint and Hippo

For Melbourne local Kint, his Staffy Hippo has been his rock through some of the hardest chapters of his life. After facing homelessness during the pandemic, Kint was supported into housing. Craving companionship, he began fostering Hippo—and it didn't take long to realise she was already home.

“Hippo means everything to me. She's my best friend,” Kint says.

With Hippo by his side, Kint started rebuilding his life with hopes of eventually helping others in similar situations. But when Hippo suffered a severe knee injury, everything ground to an abrupt halt.

Hippo was in constant pain and required surgery—a costly procedure that Kint simply had no way of affording on his own.

“It was agonising to see her suffering,” Kint recalls.

Seeing his distress, Kint’s social worker contacted Pets Of The Homeless, who stepped in to fund Hippo’s surgery in full.

“When they said they could help, I was just so overjoyed,” says Kint. “I wouldn't have been able to get through it without their help.”

Triple Your Impact This Giving Day

Stories like Kint and Hippo's illustrate just how vital the human-animal bond is when hardship strikes.

“For someone facing homelessness, family violence, or financial hardship, their pet can often be their only source of comfort and stability,” says Yvonne.

“The thought of losing that companionship when they're already going through so much is heart-breaking.” To meet this unprecedented need, Pets Of The Homeless is holding its ‘Never Tear Them Apart’ Giving Day on Wednesday, 11 November.

Thanks to generous gift matchers, every single dollar donated on the day will be tripled, turning a $25 donation into $75, or a $50 gift into $150 worth of emergency food, vital veterinary surgery, and warm shelter.

“We know times are tough for everyone, and asking people to give when they're feeling the pinch themselves isn't easy,” Yvonne adds. 

“But the need for our support is growing, and no one should have to say goodbye to their pet when life gets hard.”

“With the community behind us, we can make sure they don't have to.”

To learn more or to have your donation tripled on Giving Day, visit Pets Of The Homeless.

Frontline Heroes, Rescue Animals & Global Giving: The 2027 Australian Firefighters Calendar Line-up

If there is one holiday tradition guaranteed to bring a smile to pet lovers’ faces, it’s the annual launch of the Australian Firefighters Calendar. The 2027 collection has officially arrived—and this year’s release is packed with rescue dogs, cheeky shelter kittens, horses, and Australian wildlife, all photographed alongside Australia’s frontline heroes.

Shot on the Gold Coast, the 2027 lineup features five distinct editions, each raising vital funds for animal welfare, rescue shelters, volunteer firefighter welfare, and wildlife conservation across Australia and overseas.

More Than Muscle: Over $3.5 Million Raised for Animals in Need

Since launching in 1993, sales of the iconic calendar have raised more than $3,500,000 for grassroots charities and animal rescue groups. Behind every glossy page is a real impact story:

• Rescue Dogs & Cats: The Rescue Dogs and Rescue Cats editions shine a spotlight on shelter animals looking for second chances. Every feline featured was fostered through groups like Best Friends Felines, helping raise awareness and funds for adoption.
• Saving Native Wildlife: The calendar provides vital multi-year support to Wildcare Inc in the Northern Territory (supporting a network of 140 carers rescuing sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife) and the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, home to Matilda—the world’s first 22-wheel mobile veterinary hospital capable of treating wildlife in disaster zones.

• Support for Rural & Volunteer Firefighters: Calendar proceeds directly support the Council of Australian Volunteer Fire Associations (CAVFA), funding equipment, mental health resources, and emergency financial assistance for brigades and volunteer firefighters who lost homes in bushfires.
• Global Animal Welfare: Support now reaches international sanctuaries, including disaster animal relief in the US, donations to Hong Kong Dog Rescue, and backing for European sanctuary L’Arca di Natalia in Sicily.

The 2027 Animal-Themed Editions

The 2027 calendar range offers four animal-centric options:

• ✔ Rescue Dogs Edition: Adorable rescue pups of all breeds and sizes paired with Australia’s frontline firefighters.
• ✔ Rescue Cats Edition: Playful rescue felines and kittens proving they run the show.

• ✔ Mixed Animal Edition: A celebration of Australian fauna and wildlife, featuring koalas, wombats, and native wildlife alongside firefighters.
• ✔ Horse Edition: Highlighting the quiet connection between firefighters and therapy/rural horses.
• (Plus the classic Hero Edition, spotlighting solo portraits of the firefighters themselves).

Where to Buy & Delivery Details

Whether you are getting a head start on your holiday gifting, picking up a secret Santa present, or treating your own wall to 12 months of rescue animals and frontline heroes, the calendars are available now.

• Price: $24.00 AUD (plus $5.95 standard shipping).
• Delivery: 5–10 business days tracked delivery (Express Post is also available for faster delivery).
• Order Online: Available directly via the Australian Firefighters Calendar official store as well as on Amazon Australia.

The Spoilt Oodle Christmas Experience 2026: Brisbane’s Festive Gathering for Pups & Their Humans

Looking for the ultimate way to celebrate the holiday season with your four-legged companion? 

The Spoilt Oodle Christmas Experience is arriving in Brisbane on Sunday 15th November, bringing together Cavoodles, Moodles, Groodles, Labradoodles, and all social, well-behaved doggy friends for two hours of festive pampering and holiday fun. 

Hosted by 3 Spoilt Dogs, the event is tailored especially for Oodles and small-to-medium pups (though friendly breeds of all kinds are welcome). 

From dedicated pamper zones to holiday treats and Santa snaps, here is what’s planned for the morning:

What’s Happening on the Day:

• ✔ MyCavoodle Spritzing Station: Freshen up your pup with a spritz of cologne so they are smelling sweet for their Christmas photo moment.
• ✔ ME Pet Photography Zone: Capture professional festive photo memories of your dog in their holiday best.
• ✔ Puptail Lounge: Drop by for a delicious dog-friendly pumpkin pupcup and some casual mingling.
• 

• ✔ Mrs Claus’ Barkery Zone: Because Christmas isn’t complete without stocking up on gourmet canine goodies and treats.
• ✔ The Naughty or Nice Confessional: A cheeky festive spot to confess your pup's mischief from the past year.
• ✔ Santa’s Village Markets: Browse bespoke pet accessories, dog wellness essentials, and unique holiday gifts from Australian pet businesses.
• ✔ Christmas Surprises: Every ticketed pup receives a special festive gift to take home.

Event Details & Essential Visitor Info

• Date: Sunday, 15 November 2026
• Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Location: St Gabriel's Church Grounds, 11 Bridgnorth St, Carindale QLD 4152
• Tickets: $44 – $110 per dog (human entry included). Every ticket also gives back, with $2 donated directly to Pets in the Park to fund vital veterinary care for pets whose owners are experiencing homelessness. Pre-booking is strictly essential as capacity is capped.
• Leash Policy: As the grounds are not fully fenced, all dogs must remain on a standard, fixed lead at all times (no extendable/retractable leads).
• Vaccination & Temperament: All dogs must be fully vaccinated (C5 or vet equivalent) and comfortable socialising in busy, lively group environments.
• What to Bring: Fixed lead, harness/collar, portable water bowl, poo bags, and your phone/camera for plenty of snaps.
• Bookings & Information: Secure tickets via the 3 Spoilt Dogs Event Page.

Rescue Dog Dougie Joins the Fight as Aussie Pet Parents Face Cost-of-Living Hardship

Aussie endurance runner, 2026 Young Australian of the Year, and Petbarn Foundation ambassador Nedd Brockmann is spearheading this year’s Tree of Hope Appeal. He’s joined by his faithful rescue dog Dougie, the foundation’s Chief Rescue Officer, to spotlight an urgent issue: the quiet sacrifices everyday Australians are making to keep their pets fed and cared for.

New findings from the Petbarn Foundation’s State of Sacrifice Report 2026 reveal a heartbreaking reality. While more than three-quarters of pet parents are cutting back on essentials to afford food and care for their animals, only one in five Australians knows that pet food banks and support programs exist.

Together, Nedd and Dougie are helping ensure that no loving owner feels forced to choose between feeding themselves and caring for their best mate.

The Hidden Sacrifices of Aussie Pet Parents

Conducted with Insight Studios and in partnership with the Animal Rescue Cooperative (ARC), the national research highlights just how far Australians are going to look after their four-legged companions amid rising cost-of-living pressures:

• 77% of pet owners are cutting back on themselves for the sake of their pet.
• 59% have prioritised buying an item for their pet over an essential need of their own.
• 54% have reduced their essential living expenses over the past 12 months to cover pet necessities.
• 1 in 4 pet parents have skipped meals so their pet can eat, while 46% buy cheaper groceries for themselves to maintain the quality of their pet’s food.
• 31% have delayed paying a household bill in the past year to cover pet food or care.
• Only 20% of Australians are aware that pet food banks or pet financial relief programs exist.
• 68% remain unaware of the true extent of food insecurity across the country.

“When I found Dougie, he had nothing. No one was looking out for him. Now he’s my best mate, and I can’t imagine life without him. That’s what a pet is to most people; they’re family,” says Nedd Brockmann.

“What I most want people to understand is how quietly it’s happening. There are people skipping dinner so their pet can eat, and they’re not telling anyone because they’re embarrassed.”

“Asking for help isn’t letting your pet down, it’s looking after them.”

Animal Rescues at Breaking Point

This silent struggle at home is placing unprecedented pressure on rescue groups and charities on the frontline. ARC’s national survey reveals that:

• 80% of rescue organisations have seen a surge in pet surrenders directly due to financial hardship.
• 76% of shelters and rescues are currently operating at or near maximum capacity.
• 69% report a decline in public donations over the past 12 months.

The crisis is especially acute for vulnerable Australians. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of rescue organisations report an increase in people experiencing homelessness seeking help for their companion animals. Furthermore, 78% of frontline groups emphasise that deep concern for a pet’s safety frequently prevents people from leaving domestic violence situations without pet-friendly crisis accommodation.

“For so many of us, our pets are family. When times are tough, people will do whatever they can to make sure their pets don’t go without, even if it means sacrificing their own needs,” explains Janelle Miller, National Petbarn Foundation Manager.

“Through our charity partners, we see first-hand what a difference a helping hand can make. Tree of Hope is about bringing communities together to ease that burden, helping people and their pets through difficult times, and keeping pets with the families who love them.”

Over a Decade of Keeping Families Together

Since 2012, the Petbarn Foundation has raised more than $40 million to provide shelter, veterinary care, food, and community outreach nationwide. This includes over $17 million in direct assistance to rescue organisations like the RSPCA, helping care for an estimated 320,000 animals.

Australia’s largest annual pet-related fundraiser, the Tree of Hope Appeal, aims to raise $1.8 million this festive season to support more than 80 partner charities—including VRA Rescue NSW, Second Chance Animal Rescue, Vets Beyond Borders, Lucky Paws Dog Rescue, and Empower Assistance Dogs.

How You Can Support the Tree of Hope Appeal

The Petbarn Foundation Tree of Hope Appeal runs until Saturday, 26 December 2026.

If you are in a position to help vulnerable pets and families stay together this Christmas, you can show your support in two simple ways:

• Donate in store: Add a $3, $5, $10, or custom donation at the checkout at any Petbarn store nationwide.
• Donate online: Visit petbarn.com.au/treeofhope to make a tax-deductible contribution or learn more about accessing community pet assistance.

Photography supplied by Petbarn Foundation.

With the festive season just around the corner, there is no better time to get ahead on holiday gifting with stories that celebrate our canine companions. For adult readers, our November 2026 Dog Lovers Book Club picks cover every angle of the bond we share with our dogs—from a star-studded essay collection and a globe-trotting vet memoir, to an art-history showpiece and a pocket-sized mindfulness guide that make thoughtful presents for any bookshelf.

For younger readers, our Kids Corner offers the perfect mix of adventure, laughs, and heart to unwrap on Christmas morning. From action-packed graphic novels and Aussie wildlife rescues for independent readers, to quirky playground squabbles, lessons in boundaries, and gentle bedtime tales for little ones, there is a feel-good story here for every young animal lover on your list.

THE BEST DOG IN THE WORLD
Essays on Love
by Alice Hoffman

Fourteen beloved authors celebrate the life-changing bond with their canine companions in this heart-warming essay collection edited by New York Times bestselling author and lifelong dog lover Alice Hoffman.

Anyone who has ever been fortunate enough to share their life with a dog knows the experience is both profound and transformative. Here, in this charming collection of essays, fourteen celebrated authors share unforgettable tales of the dogs who left their pawprints on their hearts.

With contributions from Isabel Allende, Chris Bohjalian, Bonnie Garmus, Roxane Gay, Emily Henry, Ann Leary, Tova Mirvis, Jodi Picoult, Elizabeth Strout, Amy Tan, Adriana Trigiani, Nick Trout, Paul Yoon, and Laura Zigman, The Best Dog in the World captures the full range of the canine-human connection, from the joy of welcoming a new puppy to the heartache of saying goodbye to a beloved friend.

A love letter to the loyal companions who enrich our lives and teach us about empathy, joy, and unconditional love, this anthology is the perfect gift for dog lovers everywhere, offering a blend of laughter, tears, and inspiration that will resonate with anyone who has been fur-ever touched by the love of a dog.

Hardcover, 240 pages
Publisher: Scribner, 10th March 2026

Price: $34.99 from www.amazon.com.au

FAR AND WILD
Adventures of the Worldwide Vet
by Dr. Cliff Redford

Full of unforgettable encounters, Far and Wild shines a light on the deep bond between humans and animals and celebrates empathy, connection, and the extraordinary impact one person can have on the world.

You might know Dr. Cliff Redford as the friendly veterinarian who answers burning pet questions on Canada’s Global News, but Dr. Cliff is also a globetrotter, a risk-taker, a marathoner, a black belt, a loving father, and a guy who just can’t sit down. But his best-known role is as a champion to animals the world over: the Worldwide Vet.

In this charming memoir, Dr. Cliff opens up about his life and travels as a veterinarian without borders, sharing insights from his surprising, funny, sometimes heart-wrenching, and often dangerous work. From well-fed Athens street cats, to a monkey in India in a dangerous situation, a cyclopean crocodile in Jamaica named one-eyed Jack, and people’s beloved pets around the globe — Dr. Cliff helps them all, with his vast veterinary knowledge, his jovial wit, and his big heart.

Part vet stories and part personal odyssey, Far and Wild shines a light on the trials and tribulations of veterinary medicine as Dr. Cliff carefully details the techniques and procedures he uses to diagnose and treat his patients. It will also teach you a little about that most enigmatic of animals — people — as he tells the story of his own journey and highlights passionate teams all around the world who dedicate their lives to fight for the creatures who can’t fight for themselves.

Trade Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: ECW Press, 10th November 2026

Price: $37.77 from www.amazon.com.au

THE DOG’S GAZE
A Visual History
by Thomas W Laqueur (Author)

From award-winning cultural historian, an enlightening and unique meditation on the presence of dogs in art, from the Paleolithic era to the present, and what our intertwined human-canine relationship reveals about human nature.

Long before the phrase man's best friend became common parlance, dogs were already standing beside us in art as in life. In The Dog's Gaze, the historian Thomas W. Laqueur invites us to explore why they feature more than any other animal in the ways in which we picture ourselves and our stories.

Dogs have been ubiquitous in the worldmaking of visual artists as far back as the Paleolithic age. Looking across the Western tradition, from Giotto to Goya and Rubens to Rego, Laqueur shows what their presence--as hunting partners, beloved friends, and even conduits to the afterlife--reveals about our own ways of seeing and how we want to be remembered.

Far from being mere motifs, dogs are an integral and intentional element of the images in which they appear: They provide narrative coherence; they look out and bear witness, often on the artist's behalf; they illuminate our understanding of morality and melancholy and some, like us, become celebrities. Indeed, as Laqueur reveals, dogs in art are our social doppelgängers, our companions in looking and being.

Hardcover, 400 pages
Publisher: Penguin Press, 2 June 2026

Price: $60.09 from www.amazon.com.au

THE DOG CODE
Ancient Wisdom: Live, Lead & Love Better
By Wendy Alexander

What if the secret to beating burnout and living with authentic joy has been snoozing at your feet all along?

While we spend our days chasing to-do lists and overthinking every step, our dogs have already mastered the art of simple living: they love without condition, take naps without apology, forgive in an instant, and find pure magic in the most ordinary moments.

Blending warmth, humour, and practical life advice, The Dog Code translates canine instincts into actionable lessons for busy humans. Inside, you'll discover how to set guilt-free boundaries, drop the emotional baggage you were never meant to carry, and approach each day with the joyful abandon of someone who just realized the front gate was left wide open.

Part mindfulness reset and part affectionate tribute to our four-legged companions, this charming, pocket-sized guide makes an uplifting stocking stuffer for dog lovers, overworked friends, and anyone ready to slow down and simply be.

Paperback, 157 pages (Free on Kindle Unlimited or $4.21 to buy)
Publisher: Independently published, December 12, 2025

Price: $12.92 from www.amazon.com.au

BOOK CLUB - KIDS CORNER

DOG MAN
A Sprinkle in Time
A Graphic Novel (Dog Man #15)
by Dav Pilkey (Author)

Power up with Dog Man: A Sprinkle in Time from the #1 global bestselling series by Dav Pilkey! 

Buckle up for the newest Dog Man space-capade! Mischievous villain Grampa is back with more lies and trickery as he alters the fabric of time, turning Dog Man's world upside down. And to top it off, Nurse Lady has been kidnapped by the Space Cuties and imprisoned on Planet Precious with Li'l Petey and Molly. 

Our heroes Dog Man, Petey, and Chief blast off aboard Petey's Space Shark to rescue their friends from the evil Professor Puddin' Pop. But when their spaceship is swallowed up and destroyed, their mission takes a dangerous turn. Who will light the way when hope dangles by a single, trembling thread? Who will step up and save the day? Action, suspense, time travel, and humour -- it's the saga of the century!

Hardcover, 240 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Inc, 4 November 2026
For Ages: 7 to 12 years

Price: $16.99 from www.booktopia.com.au

SNIFF SQUAD 
Maya Follows Her Nose
By Nic Gill, illustrated by Jake A Minton

When Maya the Border Collie is abandoned at the local animal shelter, she’s scared she’ll never find a forever home. But just as her hope starts to fade, Dr Romane ‘Rom’ Cristescu appears, looking for a dog with a keen nose to help with her research. Rom needs a pup to help her find koalas by sniffing out their poo – could Maya be the perfect dog for the job?

Join Maya and her new friends on a koala conservation adventure, as she faces her fears and learns some new tricks. Maya Follows Her Nose is a story of embracing your uniqueness, finding courage, and lending a paw for wildlife – one sniff at a time!

Paperback, 100 pages
Publisher: UWA Publishing, 1 September 2026
For Ages: From 7 to 12 years

Price: $16.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

DOGS AND BEARS
By Max Porter, Dorothee de Monfreid (Illustrator)

This third brawl just happened. Nobody knew why . . .

The dogs and the bears have been brawling for a while. No one knows quite how it started. 

Was it the jackets, cloaks and bandanas the dogs were wearing? Or the smell of the sickly sweets that the dogs were making? But today is the day of the third deciding brawl. The stage is set. NO snack breaks and no biscuits.

But halfway through the world is interrupted by an unexpected airborne event - raining squid! This will change the relationship of the dogs and bears forever . . . 

A funny and sublimely ridiculous story about playground squabbling and peace - and a first children's book from a bestselling author and world-renowned French illustrator.

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Faber, 20th October 2026
For Ages: 3 - 7 years old

Price: $21.75 from www.amazon.com.au

WAFFLES & JULIUS
No Hugs Please!
by Ed Vere

Introducing Waffles and Julius: a new grumpy/sunshine duo and the stars of this brilliantly funny, brand-new picture book. 

Focused on friendship and respecting each other's differences, No Hugs Please comes from the mind of Ed Vere, the bestselling creator of Max the Brave and How to Be a Lion.

Meet Waffles and Julius. Waffles loves hugs. Julius does not. Waffles would love a hug right now. Will Waffles get a hug?

Paperback, 32 pages
Publisher: Penguin UK, Picture Puffin, 16 June 2026
For Ages: 3 - 7 years old

Price: $16.75 from www.amazon.com.au

INVISIBLE DOGS
By Kiah Thomas, Jake A Minton (Illustrator)

Have you ever seen an invisible dog?

You’ll never meet a better dog than Charlie. He always comes when he’s called, never needs a bath and is always allowed in the car… even when he’s soaking wet! 

Sometimes it’s a little lonely when no one else can see your dog. But best friends have a funny way of helping you find exactly what you need.

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Little Book Press, 27th October 2026
For Ages: 3 - 7 years old

Price: $21.75 from www.booktopia.com.au