Australia’s Best Independent Pet Retailers Honoured at Just For Pets 20th Anniversary Awards

Whether you're after expert nutritional advice, high-quality gear, or just a friendly chat about your dog’s health, local independent pet stores remain the heartbeat of Australia’s pet community.

Celebrating a major milestone, Just For Pets recently marked 20 years of supporting independent pet retailers across Australia at their national conference at Melbourne’s RACV City Club. The highlight of the event? Recognising the outstanding family-owned businesses setting the benchmark for service, expertise, and community care.

Here are the standout independent retailers taking home Australia’s top pet industry honours this year—and why local dog lovers rate them so highly.

Retailer of the Year: PetCare Warehouse (Caringbah, NSW)

Owners: George & James Galopoulos

Voted directly by leading pet industry suppliers, brothers George and James took out the prestigious Just For Pets Retailer of the Year Award. Their family business has served the Sutherland Shire for over 40 years, building an unmatched reputation for expert customer service, product knowledge, and deep supplier relationships.

PetCare Warehouse Caringbah was also recognised as the number one independent retailer for both Royal Canin and Eukanuba, proving that decades of experience pay off when it comes to keeping local dogs healthy and thriving.

Member of the Year: Uncle Tom’s Pet & Poultry (Nerang, QLD)

Owners: James & Nicole Wood

Operating from their Nerang location since 2011, James and Nicole won the Just For Pets Member of the Year Award for their unwavering commitment to community connection, collaboration, and group support.

Known across Gold Coast pet circles for warm, personalised service and genuine passion, Uncle Tom’s exemplifies what makes independent family pet stores so irreplaceable to local pet owners.

Retailing Excellence Award: ClawsnPaws Pet Supplies (Montrose, VIC)

Owner: Rob Thompson

Awarded the Boehringer Ingelheim Retailing Excellence Award, ClawsnPaws was recognised for innovation, adaptability, and a positive vision for future growth.

Serving Victorian pet lovers since 2012, Rob recently expanded the business into a brand-new store in Montrose.

The award highlights his dedication to evolving alongside pet parents' needs while delivering high-grade advice and animal health solutions.

Why Independent Pet Retailers Matter to Australian Pet Parents

Behind every great independent store is a local family genuinely invested in your dog’s well-being.

"They are family-owned and independently operated businesses whose owners are personally invested in their customers, their teams, their communities and the future of the Australian pet industry," says Janine Yeates, Just For Pets Group Manager.

"What makes these awards particularly meaningful is that they recognise more than sales performance. They celebrate collaboration, strong supplier relationships, innovation, engagement and a willingness to continually improve."

Established in 2006, Just For Pets gives independent shop owners the collective buying power and training of a major network—allowing local shops to stay competitive while retaining the personalised, expert service dog owners rely on.

Summary of 2025–2026 Just For Pets Award Winners

Award Category	Winning Business	Location	Store Owners
Retailer of the Year	PetCare Warehouse	Caringbah, NSW	George & James Galopoulos
Member of the Year	Uncle Tom’s Pet & Poultry	Nerang, QLD	James & Nicole Wood
Boehringer Ingelheim Retailing Excellence	ClawsnPaws Pet Supplies	Montrose, VIC	Rob Thompson

Photo credit: Images (all) credited to Just For Pets Australia (supplied).

Why Aussies Say Great Pet Insurance Isn't Just About Price

When a pet emergency strikes, true value isn't measured in monthly premiums—it’s measured in compassion, reassurance, and support when it matters most.

When a pet is rushed to the vet, most owners aren't thinking about policy documents or comparison spreadsheets. They're sitting in a waiting room, hoping someone will guide them through one of the most stressful days of their pet's life.

That emotional reality sits at the heart of Pet Insurance Australia's latest national recognition: taking out top honours as the winner of Canstar's 2026 Most Satisfied Customers – Pet Insurance Award.

Real Aussie Voices, Real Experiences

Unlike awards judged by closed-door corporate panels, Canstar’s recognition is driven entirely by independent consumer research.

For the 2026 awards, Canstar surveyed 1,797 Australian pet insurance policyholders to evaluate 13 leading providers. Using statistical regression analysis rather than a simple overall score, Canstar measured the exact factors that drive real-world customer satisfaction.

For Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson Nadia Crighton, the consumer-led nature of the award makes it uniquely meaningful.

“This award means so much because it hasn't been decided in a boardroom or by a judging panel. It comes directly from the people who matter most: our customers,” says Crighton.

“When Australians trust us during some of the most emotional moments they'll experience as pet owners, knowing they've walked away feeling supported is the greatest recognition we could receive.”

Beyond the Policy: Why Customer Experience Wins

While price often dictates where pet owners begin their search, Canstar's research highlights a growing shift in consumer expectations: ultimate satisfaction is decided during the claims journey.

Crighton notes that the study's findings directly reflect what the Pet Insurance Australia team handles on the frontlines every day.

“Nobody contacts their insurer because they're having a great day,” she explains. “They're often sitting in a veterinary clinic after an accident, facing unexpected surgery, or worrying about whether they can afford life-saving treatment for a beloved family member.”

“Those conversations aren't just about insurance. They're about compassion, reassurance, and helping people navigate incredibly stressful moments.”

Supporting Care in an Era of Advanced Vet Medicine

As veterinary medicine rapidly advances across Australia, pets now have access to sophisticated diagnostic tools, specialist procedures, and life-saving treatments that were unimaginable a decade ago.

While these advancements dramatically improve health outcomes, they also highlight the vital need for an insurer that offers genuine, compassionate backing when medical bills arise.

“Anyone can sell a policy. But what truly matters is how you show up when your customer needs you the most,” says Crighton.

“We're incredibly proud that Australians have recognised not just what we offer, but how we care for people throughout the entire experience—this is the core of Pet Insurance Australia. As pet industry experts and pet lovers, customer experience is at the forefront of our business and the entire reason we exist.”

A Commitment to Putting Pet Parents First

Pet Insurance Australia views the Canstar win as a direct reflection of every single interaction—from helping prospective customers pick a plan to guiding families through critical claims.

“Every phone call represents someone who loves their pet. Every claim represents a family hoping for the best possible outcome,” Crighton adds.

“To know our customers believe we've made those moments easier is incredibly humbling, and we'd like to sincerely thank every Australian who took the time to share their experience.”

“Our focus has never simply been on insuring pets. It's about supporting the people who love them, giving them confidence when life takes an unexpected turn, and continually finding ways to improve the experience for every customer who trusts us with their pet's wellbeing.”

REAL-LIFE "WHAT IF" SCENARIOS & VET COST GUIDES

■ Self-Funding an Emergency: Read how one Aussie pet owner faced a sudden Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) crisis without insurance and had to fund thousands in emergency care straight out of savings.
Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE) in Dogs: Real Emergency Vet Costs & Care »

■ Cost of Living Impact: Navigating unexpected veterinary bills during tough economic times and how Australian families are coping.
The Cost of Living Crisis & Unexpected Vet Bills in Australia »

■ Postcode Vet Bill Variations: Did you know vet costs can vary wildly depending on where you live? Discover the postcodes facing the highest bills.
Australian Postcode Lottery: How Where You Live Affects Your Vet Bills »

About the Canstar Most Satisfied Customers Awards:

Canstar's Most Satisfied Customers Awards are based on independent consumer research conducted through ISO-accredited research panels. For the 2026 Pet Insurance Award, 1,797 Australian pet insurance customers evaluated 13 pet insurance providers across the factors that most influence customer satisfaction. Rather than relying solely on an overall score, Canstar uses statistical regression analysis to determine which aspects of the customer experience have the greatest impact on satisfaction, creating an award based on what matters most to consumers. Source: Canstar Pet Insurance Awards.

Disclaimer: Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time prior to 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s Authorised Representative (AR) Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 85 113 507 850, AR 326233 (PIA). Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time on or after 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, PIA. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au.

When Premium Surgical Expertise Meets a Life-Saving Mission: Introducing Dr. Ben Mielke

When top-tier surgical expertise meets a life-saving mission, every patient wins.

Finding out your dog needs complex surgery—whether it’s intricate airway correction, spinal treatment, or orthopaedic repair—is every pet parent’s nightmare. You want the absolute best surgical care available, delivered by someone who understands just how deeply you love your four-legged family member.

Enter Lort Smith Animal Hospital's newly launched Specialist Surgical Services, commencing August 10.

Led by European Board-Certified Specialist Surgeon Dr Ben Mielke, Lort Smith is expanding its in-house capabilities to care for complex neurosurgery, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), urogenital, and musculoskeletal cases under one trusted roof.

Even better? Choosing Lort Smith for your dog’s specialist care creates a powerful ripple effect: funds generated through these full-fee specialist services flow directly back into supporting Lort Smith’s essential community programs, helping Aussie families doing it tough keep their beloved pets healthy. High-end care for your dog directly fuels hope for another.

Meet the Champion: Dr Ben Mielke

Behind the impressive academic credentials and European board certification is a vet who genuinely loves the puzzle—and the passion—of surgical medicine.

“I have always been fascinated with how things work,” says Dr Ben. “As a surgeon, I am often able to fix things that are broken, remove things that are not where they are supposed to be, and help people in what can be really hard times. Understanding how the problem develops allows us to create solutions... The more I learn, the more I realise there is to learn.”

Dr Ben brings a special focus on training future surgeons, expanding community access to high-level care, and building a world-class surgical reputation at Lort Smith.

His deep expertise in complex ENT and soft tissue cases—including Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)—makes him a vital lifeline for owners of flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Frenchies who need expert airway intervention. (If you're caring for a flat-faced dog this season, be sure to catch up on our essential guide on Bulldog winter breathing warnings and BOAS symptoms).

Off-Duty Dr Ben: Lego, Chickens, and Cold Water Swims

When he’s not in theatre performing life-changing surgeries, Dr Ben is living full-throttle pet dad life at home with:

• Herman the Lab: A very friendly, slightly silly black Labrador named Herman who loves beach trips and has an unfortunate habit of trying to eat the kids’ Lego.
• The Backyard Crew: Three lively chickens—Frida, Hermione, and Rosemary—who spend their days digging up the garden and chasing the kids.
• A Chilly Routine: Every Saturday morning, rain or shine, you’ll find Dr Ben taking an icy dip in the bay with a childhood friend. (“We are not very brave, but we are always there!” he laughs).

Advanced Surgical Capabilities

Beginning August 10, Lort Smith’s specialist surgical unit will officially handle complex cases across:

Dr Ben conducting a BOAS
airway check on a Bulldog

✔ Neurosurgery: Advanced spinal and neurological conditions.

✔ ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat): Specialised airway surgery, including BOAS correction for brachycephalic breeds.

✔ Musculoskeletal & Traumatology: Intricate orthopaedic repairs, fracture care, and joint surgeries.

✔ Urogenital Surgery: Soft tissue repair and specialised urinary tract procedures.

How Pet Parents Can Access Specialist Care

If your dog is facing a complex surgical condition and you want specialist care backed by a legendary social mission, accessing Dr Ben and the team at Lort Smith is simple.

You can access the specialist service via:

1. Direct Contact: Call the Lort Smith team directly on (03) 9328 3021 to discuss or arrange a specialist surgical consultation.
2. External Vet Referral: Ask your primary care veterinarian to refer your dog directly to Lort Smith Specialist Services.
3. Internal Referral: Existing Lort Smith patients can be referred internally by their attending veterinarian.

All photography supplied by Lort Smith Animal Hospital.

How Advanced Venom Immunotherapy Is Saving Dogs from Life-Threatening Stings

As warmer weather approaches and Australian backyards begin to buzz, dog owners know the dread of a curious pup getting too close to a bee or wasp. While most stings result in minor swelling, a severe sting can trigger sudden, life-threatening allergic shock.

Now, an exciting medical breakthrough overseas is giving pet owners new hope: specialist veterinary centres are using Hymenoptera Venom Immunotherapy (VIT)—a disease-modifying treatment that retrains a dog’s immune system to tolerate stings safely.

The Hidden Danger: Why Subsequent Stings Are Worse

Insect venom allergy is one of the most severe acute conditions in canine medicine. While a first sting might cause localised pain or mild swelling, research shows that almost two-thirds of dogs who suffer one severe reaction go on to experience the same or worse symptoms with future stings.

Reactions can escalate within minutes, progressing rapidly from hives and facial swelling to:

• Sudden, severe vomiting and diarrhoea
• Respiratory distress and pale gums
• Sudden collapse and anaphylactic shock

To learn more about recognising these red flags, see our complete guide on anaphylaxis in dogs, including key symptoms and causes. Without preventative care, families with highly allergic dogs live in constant fear during spring and summer.

Case Study: How Amber the Vizsla Survived an Indoor Bee Attack

Family Bond: Amber, a Hungarian Vizsla, is pictured outdoors with her dedicated owners, Claire and Matthew Preece. (Image courtesy of Claire & Matthew Preece)

The real-world impact of this breakthrough is best shown through Amber, a Vizsla who became the first patient in the UK to undergo venom desensitisation at the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital.

In July 2021, Amber was indoors at her home when an unseen bee flew in through an open window.

A Warning for Every Pet Owner

"Amber became unwell very quickly at home—we didn’t even realise at the time that she had been stung by a bee that had flown in through an open window," explained her owner, Claire Preece.

"Her behaviour changed first, then things escalated rapidly. It became clear within minutes that this was extremely serious."

“We chose immunotherapy to reduce the risk of another reaction and to regain a sense of control.”

"The anxiety never fully went away—we simply wanted to do everything possible to protect Amber."

Amber developed widespread hives and rapid vomiting before collapsing. Her owners rushed her to an emergency veterinary clinic, where intensive resuscitation saved her life. Seeking a permanent solution, they enrolled Amber in the venom immunotherapy programme led by Professor Ana Rostaher, a world-leading expert in veterinary dermatology.

Prof. Rostaher added: "Amber’s story underlines why this treatment matters. For some dogs, these reactions are sudden, severe, and deeply distressing for families."

“Venom immunotherapy offers a way not just to treat the condition, but to prevent the next emergency before it happens.”

Breakthrough Team: Clinical lead Professor Ana Rostaher (left) is pictured outside the Small Animal Hospital alongside student vet nurses Rebecca Hattie and Kerry Burns, holding the smiling success story, Amber. (Image courtesy of the University of Glasgow)

How Venom Immunotherapy (VIT) Retrains the Immune System

First developed for human medicine, Hymenoptera Venom Immunotherapy goes beyond emergency symptom management. It is currently the only medically proven treatment that targets the underlying allergic response rather than just treating symptoms after the fact.

The treatment follows a carefully managed process:

1. Diagnostic Stage: Precision allergy testing is performed under monitored sedation to confirm the exact venom sensitivity.
2. Induction Phase: Micro-doses of purified bee or wasp venom are administered in gradually escalating amounts during a closely monitored hospital stay.
3. Maintenance Phase: Regular maintenance injections are given over several years to solidify long-term immune tolerance.

"Venom immunotherapy represents a major advance in how we can manage severe insect sting allergies in dogs," says Prof. Rostaher. "For affected animals, a single sting can make them very ill and even die. However, this treatment offers a proactive way to change that risk profile and provides owners with peace of mind."

What This Means for Australian Dog Owners

With spring around the corner, native Australian bees, introduced European honeybees, and paper wasps become far more active in backyards and parks across the country.

Curious Minds: Young puppies exploring blooming garden beds and paper daisies in spring are often at the highest risk of bee and wasp stings. (Photo: Hendo Wang via Unsplash)

• Is this treatment available in Australia?

  Yes. Specialised veterinary dermatology centres—including university teaching hospitals and private referral clinics in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth—offer insect venom testing and VIT desensitisation.

• Can my local vet perform this procedure?

  No. Primary care vets provide essential emergency treatment (such as adrenaline, steroids, and antihistamines), but VIT requires referral to a board-certified veterinary dermatologist due to the specialist nature of venom administration.

• Which dogs are candidates for immunotherapy?

  This therapy is reserved specifically for dogs with a confirmed history of anaphylactic or severe systemic reactions, rather than those who experience minor local swelling.

First Aid: What to Do If Your Dog Is Stung This Spring

If your dog gets stung by a bee or wasp, taking prompt action can prevent further venom from entering their system:

✔ Remove the Stinger Immediately: Scrape it away horizontally using a credit card or fingernail. Avoid squeezing with tweezers, as this can squeeze the venom sac and force more venom into the skin.

✔ Apply a Cold Compress: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a clean towel to help soothe local swelling and discomfort.

✔ Monitor Closely for 30–60 Minutes: Keep a close eye on your dog. If you notice swelling around the face or neck, widespread hives, sudden weakness, or vomiting, transport your dog directly to the nearest emergency vet clinic.

Upload your pup’s photo to raise vital mental health funds for Lifeline Loddon Mallee

It takes $39 to answer a life-saving phone call, $3,500 to train a single volunteer crisis supporter, and this August, marvellous mutts across the region are stepping up to help cover the bill—one paw at a time.

Lifeline Loddon Mallee has officially launched its 2026 Lifeline Dog of the Year photo competition and fundraiser. Running throughout the month of August, the initiative turns the unconditional love we share with our dogs into crucial support for people doing it tough.

While the contest is light-hearted and fun, the financial reality for the local charity is serious. Lifeline Loddon Mallee receives no direct federal government funding and relies on community generosity to cover 80% of its operating costs. Last year alone, local volunteer crisis supporters answered more than 22,000 calls on the 13 11 14 national hotline from people experiencing anxiety, loneliness, relationship stress, and moments of acute crisis.

“The campaign celebrates the positive impact pets have on their owner’s mental health, while raising awareness and funds for Lifeline Loddon Mallee’s crisis support and suicide prevention services,” said Lifeline Loddon Mallee CEO Lisa Renato.

“We know there is a special bond between people and their pets, so this is a fun and meaningful way for pet lovers to celebrate the unconditional support of their furry family members while helping a great local cause.”

Top Dogs Already Leading the Pack

Local canines are already filing their "resumes" online to compete for the crown. Early local contenders include:

• Mars: A gentle rescue greyhound currently leading the leaderboard.
• Rocket the Rockdog: A valued researcher and regular guest on Phoenix FM's Aussie Trove, Perk Up, and The Phatt radio shows.
• Schnoodle Coco: A plucky princess with attitude, charisma, and a sassy swagger.
• Brandy: A 10-year-old local pup whose favourite thing is getting out and about to meet people.

Rewards for Pawsome Fundraisers

Entries are completely free, and your dog doesn't even have to leave the couch to make a difference. Owners simply register their pup online, upload a favourite snap, share their fundraising profile, and collect tax-deductible donations (for amounts over $2) from friends and family.

To thank participants, Lifeline is offering fantastic milestone rewards:

✔ $100 Raised: Earns an exclusive, custom-engraved "Lifeline Superstar 2026" collar tag personalised with your dog's name.

✔ $250 Raised: Receives a bespoke, hand-crocheted miniature replica of your dog, complete with their very own miniature Lifeline Crisis Supporter headset.

✔ Top Fundraiser: The dog that collects the largest amount of donations will be officially crowned Lifeline Loddon Mallee Dog of the Year 2026 and win an exclusive custom portrait painted by renowned Bendigo artist Rhayven Jane.

In addition to phone support, Lifeline Loddon Mallee delivers practical skills across the region, including Mental Health First Aid, domestic violence awareness, and suicide prevention training.

How to Get Involved

Whether you have a do-good doggo or a playful puppy, you can enter your dog's photo or back a local participant throughout August.

• Enter or Donate: Visit the Lifeline Dog of the Year Competition Page or head to Lifeline Loddon Mallee Events.
• Follow on Facebook: Lifeline Loddon Mallee on Facebook
• Follow on Instagram: @lifelinedogoftheyear on Instagram

Need Support?

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. You don't have to face your toughest moments alone.

🐱 Got a feline friend at home, too?
Don't let your kitty miss out on the spotlight! You can also enter your cat in the 2026 Lifeline Cat of the Year Photo Contest over on Australian Cat Lover.

If you’ve ever reshaped your routine, sacrificed a social life, or felt the heavy weight of love and guilt that comes with caring for an anxious pet, this month’s giveaway is going to hit very close to home.

Thanks to our friends at Hachette Australia, we are giving away 4 copies (total prize pool $140.00) of Anna Heyward’s moving, deeply relatable memoir: Living with Freddie: How a Dog Taught Me to Be Human.

Why Every Dog Lover Needs to Read This

When Anna Heyward adopted Freddie, an Italian Greyhound, she expected the usual joys and challenges of dog ownership. What she didn't expect was a pup with a severe, 30-second separation anxiety limit—a condition that completely upended her career, her relationships, and her everyday life.

Set against the bustling backdrop of New York City, Living with Freddie is a poignant, witty, and raw exploration of what happens when the bond with a pet demands everything you’ve got. It’s a book for anyone who has:

• Felt isolated by a pet’s behavioural challenges or struggled with the guilt of feeling overwhelmed.
• Wondered about the deep inner life of their dog and how canine sensory perception differs from our own.
• Loved an animal unconditionally, even when things got impossibly tough.

Exclusive Q&A: In Conversation with Author Anna Heyward

We were lucky enough to catch up with Anna to ask a few burning questions about her journey with Freddie, isolation, and how her understanding of animal consciousness evolved.

Q1: You reshaped your entire life, your career, and even your relationships to accommodate Freddie's 30-second anxiety limit. Looking back, what was the exact moment you realised you were no longer just managing a pet, but completely viewing the world through his eyes?

Anna: "This question is unexpectedly difficult to answer. I don’t think there was a single moment, or perhaps there were distinct moments but I wasn’t able to recognise them at the time, because I think I was in denial.

In terms of managing him: There were a lot of small moments that probably should have caused me to think a bit harder about what was happening. When I tried to miss my brother’s wedding to stay home with Freddie, maybe. Several 'small' lies I told Aaron to make it seem like Freddie wasn’t the driving factor behind my decisions—things that didn’t even make it into the book. I should probably have realised sooner that what was happening wasn’t sustainable.

In terms of actually being able to view the world through his eyes? Well, that ability remains elusive, of course, but there probably were distinct moments when I realised the way I saw things had changed. Those were smaller moments. In the middle section of the book, when I found him in the woods and realised I had been filtering out certain sounds, maybe. I began to see the metropolis of New York City very differently, too, the longer I considered how he experienced it."

Q2: Severe separation anxiety can make owners feel incredibly isolated and trapped. For anyone currently sitting in a room they feel like they can't leave because of their dog, what is the most important truth you hope they take away from Living with Freddie?

Anna: “That it’s really hard. That they’re experiencing something quite difficult. A lot of people around you won’t get it, and will think you’re exaggerating, or that you’re worrying too much, or that you’re being dramatic. I don’t blame them, because I wouldn't have been able to understand it before I went through it either.” 

“Living with an animal with SepAnx can become an extreme burden, and the feelings of isolation, or of being trapped, are very valid and understandable. It’s terribly bad luck, and it’s not your fault. I’m sure you’re doing the best you can, and I’m sure you feel guilty anyway.”

 Q3: Freddie completely changed how you view animal consciousness. What is one thing you now know about the inner emotional life of dogs that the science textbooks completely missed?

Anna: "I wouldn’t say that there are things that I know that science textbooks don’t! Getting acquainted with the science of animal behaviour, going to grad school, those were part of changing how I saw things.

One completely transformative element thereof has been understanding the spectrum of physical sense that other animals possess that we don’t. Dogs’ sense of smell, for example, is how we’ve been able to test and demonstrate their sense of self-awareness. It’s quite hard for us to understand, even if we know the information intellectually, that the primary way they 'view' the world is olfactory. We’ve known this for a long time, but only recently managed to design experiments that help us understand how dogs relate to their own smell vs. those of others.

Can you imagine getting around the world being able to sense the earth’s magnetic core? I can’t, but birds can. Platypuses are able to detect electrical fields and pressure changes around them; a kind of 'intelligence' that we’re pretty much numb to. There are a lot of complex behaviours in the animals we live with that we still don’t have good answers for.

Then again, there was a lot of dog behaviour that, in reality, turned out to be simpler than I’d built it up to be in my mind, because I’d been complicating it with my human assumptions."

HOW TO ENTER

To be in the running to WIN 1 of 4 copies of Living with Freddie by Anna Heyward, simply follow these steps:

1. Like our official giveaway post on Facebook or Instagram (published Monday 03/08/2026).
2. Follow our Facebook Page and/or Instagram Account.
3. Answer the Entry Question in the comments:

   In 25 words or less, what’s the biggest compromise or lifestyle change you’ve made to keep your dog happy?

Terms & Conditions

• Dates: Competition opens on Monday 3rd August 2026 (6:00pm AEST) and closes on Tuesday 11th August 2026 (11:59pm AEST).
• Eligibility: Open to Australian residents only.
• Delivery: Please allow 1–2 weeks for direct delivery from the publisher, Hachette Australia.
• To Enter: Like the giveaway post (03/08/26) and submit your answer to the entry prompt via the Facebook or Instagram page.
• Judging: This is a game of skill. Entries will be judged by the Australian Dog Lover team based on the most creative, original, or heartfelt statements.
• Limits: Entrants may only enter once per platform.
• Claiming: Winners will be notified on social media. Prizes not claimed within 48 hours will be redrawn.

*Entry into the competition is deemed acceptance of all terms and conditions.