Esteemed Australian phodographer and dog travel adventurer Kerry Martin of Puppy Tales has captured 2-year-old Cydee, in training with Guide Dogs Tasmania, among Tasmania’s iconic turning of the Fagus in Mount Field National Park.

Released today to mark International Guide Dog Day (April 30), this rare and symbolic image aims to inspire dog lovers to book their own photo session with Kerry, as part of the Tails of the World global fundraising project, and support a cause that changes lives.

As Tasmania’s only winter deciduous tree, the Fagus once a year bursts into vibrant gold, rust red and orange in the state’s national parks. While dogs are generally prohibited in these protected areas, trained assistance dogs have special access, making these photos a truly unique moment.

“This beautiful photo is a powerful reminder of what Guide Dogs make possible. They open up a world that otherwise feels closed,” said Kerry. “Guide Dogs can go anywhere their handler goes, and it felt fitting to capture that idea among the Fagus—a beautiful moment and a symbol of the freedom, opportunity and independence these incredible dogs provide to Tasmanians living with disability.”

Cydee is in training with Guide Dogs Tasmania, photographed by Kerry Martin among Tasmania's iconic turning of the Fagus in Mount Field National Park – symbolising the freedom and access Guide Dogs provide.

Book a Pawtrait, Change a Life

Now, Kerry is inviting Tasmanian dog lovers to celebrate their own four-legged companions by booking a Tails of the World Pawtraits photo session this May, with proceeds supporting the training of more life-changing dogs through Guide Dogs Tasmania, the state’s only organisation raising and training Guide and Autism Assistance Dogs.

Session bookings are now open, with all participation fees and a percentage of photography artwork sales donated directly to Guide Dogs Tasmania.

The project is part of Tails of the World, a global collective of professional pet photographers united in a mission to celebrate the dogs of their region and raise funds for animal charities through stunning photographic coffee table books.

Dog Nalah at Mortimer Bay Reserve - Credit: Puppy Tales Photography

From now until May 2025, pups from across Hobart and beyond have the op-paw-tunity to take part in this worldwide movement and help raise funds for Guide Dogs Tasmania.

“For the fourth year running, it’s an honour and a thrill to be a part of the Tails of the World collective and selected as a contributing photographer to this amazing international book project,” said Kerry, who has scooped up national and international awards, including being the only Australian winner in the 2024 International Pet Photography Awards.

So far, the annual Tails of the World books have raised more than US$250,000 for animal charities across the globe and showcased more than 2,000 dogs in their pages. Funds are raised through photo session fees and book sales, with donations going straight to the selected charities.

Kerry will be photographing sessions throughout some of Tasmania’s most stunning locations, with dogs featured in the Tails of the World Volume 4. Spots are strictly limited with participation starting at $100. The full participation fee – plus 5% of photography wall art sales – will be donated to Guide Dogs Tasmania.

“I’m su-paw excited to photograph Tassie dogs for this global project,” said Kerry. “It’s a joy to use my photography to support people in need, while showcasing the natural beauty of this amazing island through the dogs who call it home.

Dogs Henri & Chilli at Mount Wellington - Credit: Puppy Tales Photography

“I chose to support Guide Dogs Tasmania because they truly change the world for Tasmanians living with disability. It means a lot to support local for a project that will be created right here in the local community.”

For more project details and to get your best furiend involved, please visit puppytales.com.au/tailsoftheworld

For Kerry’s travel itinerary in Tasmania, visit puppytales.com.au/puppy-tales-on-the-road

Tails of the World Collective

Tails of the World is an international collective of professional pet photographers. To date, over $250,000 has been raised for animal charities. 

To learn more about Tails of the World, visit www.tailsoftheworld.com

MEDIA RELEASE, 30th April 2025

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT campaign urges hospitality venues to address increasing refusal incidents

This International Guide Dog Day (Wednesday, 30 April), Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is collaborating with The City of Sydney to launch their ‘Is Inclusion on Your Menu?’ campaign, encouraging the community to better understand the legal access rights for Guide Dogs when navigating public spaces.

Over half a million Australians living with low vision and blindness are regularly being denied entry to public venues because of their Guide Dog. In fact, the latest research commissioned by Guide Dogs found that 80% of those living with blindness or low vision experience access difficulties when navigating their communities. [1]

Alarmingly, the research identified cafés and restaurants as the most common venues where discriminatory refusals take place with 25% of people living with low vision and blindness experiencing access challenges.

To help put an end to access barriers, the City of Sydney has pledged $30,000 to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT's campaign which aims to encourage the Sydney hospitality industry to educate staff on how to support customers with low vision and blindness.

Guide Dogs Client Karlee Symmonds
with her Guide Dog Isla

Sydney-based Guide Dogs Client Karlee Symmonds aged 22 says she has experienced multiple refusals with her Guide Dog Isla: “I have experienced so many access refusals and discriminatory experiences with Isla which make me feel so isolated and excluded. The worst is if I am catching up with friends, and everyone is welcomed in but I get refused entry, or get told we have to sit outside with my Guide Dog.

These experiences stick with you.

Every time I go out in public, there’s this underlying anxiousness that Isla will be refused entry or I'll face access barriers. I already have so many things to think about when I am out so this adds another level of stress. It’s disheartening to know that I have to plan my life around where I’ll be accepted, an issue most people will never need to consider.

If it's not an access refusal, there are other barriers to think about, staff grabbing me to direct me to a seat, A frames or chairs left out in the middle of the path, or as simple as not being told where the card machine is to tap. Such simple changes would make the world of difference.

Ultimately, Isla has completely changed my life. She gives me confidence, freedom, and independence when I’m out in the world.” 

“It’s heart-breaking that some businesses don’t recognise that — and instead, refuse our entry or treat us like a burden.”

Sarah Watts, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Campaigns Manager says, “For many people with low vision or blindness, something as simple as dining out or catching up with friends for coffee can become a major challenge. The harsh reality that they can be turned away from venues because of their Guide Dog. Access refusals aren’t just an inconvenience for Guide Dog handlers – it’s a barrier that excludes them from everyday life.”

“This International Guide Dog Day we’re shining a spotlight on these challenges and calling on businesses to step up. We want to see real change in the way hospitality venues and public spaces welcome people with low vision or blindness, ensuring that accessibility and inclusion are part of every customer's experience”.

In an effort to raise awareness about the access rights of Guide Dogs and to celebrate the indispensable role they play in guiding Handlers on their journeys, this International Guide Dog Day, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT will be taking over Martin Place for the day with 5-metre tall Ambassador Dog Gulliver right in the heart of the city!

City workers can come a capture pics of our huge Labrador Gully, pat some dogs, and learn more from the Guide Dogs community about access rights through Clients inspiring stories to help create a more inclusive world for all and break down barriers in public.

On 28th April, the campaign also came to life in the streets of Sydney, as Guide Dogs NSW/ACT took over The City of Sydney banner network to celebrate the day.

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT statement:

Student Zara Perry with Guide Dog
Quinland riding on a bus

Guide Dogs working with their Handlers have a right to legal access to any event, business, or public premises, and in Public Transport or rideshare vehicles at all times.

A person with low vision or blindness who is accompanied by a Guide Dog is permitted to:

• Travel on any form of public transport, including taxis, buses, planes, rideshare vehicles, trams and trains
• Enter any public place
• Enter healthcare or medical suites
• Visit any theatre
• Eat in any restaurant
• Shop in any store (including supermarkets and food stores)

Appendix:

[1] This is according to a recent EY Sweeney report commissioned by Guide Dogs Australia which surveyed people with low vision or blindness to explore access issues including digital barriers.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 is the law to provide fair access for those with a disability across Australia: https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A04426/2018-04-12/text

MEDIA RELEASE, 30th April 2025

RSPCA NSW is thrilled to announce the opening of a new dog sensory garden at the Sydney Adoption Centre, a dedicated space designed to enhance the wellbeing of dogs in care. The sensory garden will allow dogs to experience a rich and stimulating environment while waiting to find their forever home.

Senior Manager of Animal Care, Georgie Caspar, explains: “Encouraging dogs to explore the natural environment isn’t always easy to achieve in an urban shelter setting. Our new sensory garden provides an invaluable space for our dogs to engage with their surroundings, navigate the complex shelter environment, and meet some of their emotional needs.”

“By giving them a chance to interact with different canine-friendly plants, we’re creating a unique and enriching space for the dogs and puppies in our care.”

Research indicates that a dog’s sense of smell is directly linked to its emotional state (Rooney & Parr-Cortes 2023). Exposing dogs to novel scents not only increases happiness (Fountain et al 2025), but also actively reduces emotional arousal (Duranton and Horowitz 2019). 

This means that dogs who are given opportunities for scent exploration are more likely to benefit from an increased emotional capacity. This is key in helping them cope with any overwhelming emotions, such as anxiety or overstimulation, that they may encounter in a busy shelter environment.

Caspar adds: “We understand that shelter life can be overwhelming for many dogs. That’s why it’s important that our garden offers our dogs an opportunity to relax, explore, and express their natural behaviours. We allow them to engage with the garden at their own pace, as providing choice is an important part of the experience. 

The dog dictates the speed, direction, and route of their recreational sensory walks, giving them a chance to feel a sense of control and building their confidence with the environment, their carers, and themselves.”

The sensory garden offers a space where dogs can engage with a variety of natural elements, including different textures underfoot, the colours and smells of various plants, and the opportunity to engage with each other’s scents in a controlled and safe environment.

“We are excited about the impact our in-shelter garden will have on the psychological and cognitive health of our dogs. But while gardens like ours are purpose-built for our shelter, we also encourage pet carers to consider ways to optimise their own environments with scent-based options to give their dogs the same opportunities,” said Caspar.

Creating an exciting dog-friendly garden is easier than you think! 

Fragrant and non-toxic additions like peppermint, wheatgrass, rosemary, chamomile, and thyme can all contribute to a rich and varied smell-scape, while pet-friendly flowers, decorative objects, and interesting textures underfoot can engage your pup’s other important senses. 

Crepe myrtle, princess lilies, as well as rocks, logs, and footpaths made of materials like mulch or sand can excite your pup’s eyes and give them some variety when exploring.

Be sure to also pay close attention to the sounds your dog will encounter in your garden, doing your best to ensure that it is calm and free of distractions like noisy machinery.

For more information regarding our shelter or providing enrichment for our furry friends, please visit www.rspcansw.org.au

References:

Rooney, N.J. and Parr-Cortes, Z., 2023. Olfaction and Dog Welfare. In Olfactory Research in Dogs (pp. 205-234). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

Fountain, J., Fernandez, E.J., McWhorter, T.J. and Hazel, S.J., 2024. The Value of Sniffing: A Scoping Review of Scent Activities for Canines. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, p.106485.

Duranton, C. and Horowitz, A., 2019. Let me sniff! Nosework induces positive judgment bias in pet dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 211 (pp.61-66).

To see more photos of RSPCA Animal Sensory Garden & Walking Trail (Yagoona), visit:

www.outhousedesign.com.au/portfolio-items/animal-sensory-garden-walking-trail-in-progress

MEDIA RELEASE, 29th April 2025

Related Stories:

How to Create a Sensory Garden for your Dog

Tips for a Pet-friendly Garden and Choosing Plants

Make this Mother's Day truly special for the Aussie dog mums in your life with thoughtful book gifts!

Our May 2025 selection features a fantastic range of new releases, including inspiring biographies, fascinating insights into canine behaviour, a delightful recipe book for creating delicious and healthy homemade dog food, and much more. We also have a collection of educational and entertaining books perfect for younger dog enthusiasts.

Explore our top picks and help them celebrate their love for their furry friends. Happy reading!

TINA
The Dog Who Changed the World
by Niall Harbison

It's not every day you meet a Golden Retriever in Thailand.

When Niall came across a dog shackled to a short chain and in a poor state of health, something reminded him and his personal battle with addiction. He knew he had to rescue her immediately - Golden Retrievers are rare in Thailand but there was just something about this one in particular that told him she was special. He just didn't know how special she was going to be. He named her Tina and what she did next is an incredible tale of survival, hope and love.

Despite her terrible treatment at the hands of humans, she refused to distrust them and only opened her heart wider. She never once felt sorry for herself and instead made the most of every single second, showing everyone who met her how to just live in the moment. She taught Niall and everyone around her, how to be in this world, however confusing and hard we may find it. And always with her unique grin on her face - yes dogs can smile - and a reassuring wag of her shaggy yellow tail.

From the very minute Tina was freed of her chains, she got on with what needed to be done - changing the world and making it a better place for all the other dogs, whether they're street dogs from Thailand, or rescue pups in Montana. The movement behind Tina has not stopped.

It's only just begun.
This is her story.

Paperback, 320 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, 14th May 2025

Price: $24.95 (pre-order now) at www.booktopia.com.au 

NEVER LEAVE THE DOGS BEHIND
A Memoir
by Brianna Madia

The author of Nowhere for Very Long continues her story with this deeply honest, moving account of a woman walking the line between independence and isolation when she moves to the Southwest desert with nothing and no one but her four dogs.

In her debut memoir, Nowhere for Very Long, Brianna Madia reflected on her life as a nomad, free to roam some of the most beautiful land in America. Now, in Never Leave the Dogs Behind, the van life adherent faces the unfathomable darkness that comes from a life blown apart, her only solace the support of her dogs.

In the wake of a painful, public divorce and the ensuing fallout, Brianna moves from a pared-down van into a pared-down trailer. She reckons with her decision to be alone in the desert, living on a nine-acre plot of undeveloped land on the dusty outskirts of a small town in Utah, accompanied only by her four precious dogs: Bucket, Dagwood, Birdie, and Banjo. As she grapples with the anger, despair, and delicious freedom that comes from being wholly on her own, Brianna wonders where, exactly, the road less travelled has led her.

A powerful and poignant portrait of rebuilding and surviving, Never Leave the Dogs Behind is about finding the courage to start over when the dream life you thought you were living collapses around your feet.

Paperback, 208 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, 15th April 2025

Price: $33.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

WHAT YOUR DOG IS THINKING
The Science Behind Your Dog's Behaviour and How to Improve It
by Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Danny Wells

Discover what your dog is thinking in this ground-breaking book by a world-renowned neuroscientist and a highly respected dog trainer.

Combining cutting-edge neuroscience with expert practical advice, this book answers the questions every dog owner has wondered: Does your dog love you? Can dogs feel guilt? How do they learn, and what do they think when you talk?

Drawing on the latest research in animal learning and behaviour, this book unravels the mysteries of your dog's mind and helps you interpret their behaviour from their perspective. Understanding your dog's world makes it easier to address problems and build a stronger bond with your canine companion.

Packed with fascinating insights and actionable tips, What Your Dog Is Thinking goes beyond myth-busting to provide a comprehensive guide for enhancing your relationship with your dog. Whether you're curious about what makes you important to your dog or how to train effectively, this is the ultimate resource for any dog owner who wants to better understand and connect with their furry friend.

Paperback, 224 pages
Publisher: Little Brown, 10th April 2025

Price: $34.99 from www.amazon.com.au

REAL FOOD FOR DOGS: HOME COOK RECIPE BOOK
by Wellbeing for Dogs

Discover the ultimate companion to Wellbeing Essentials Complete 22 - the Real Food For Dogs: Home Cook Recipe Book!

Transform your dog's diet with the Real Food For Dogs: Home Cook Recipe Book, the ideal guide to home cooking dog food.

Whether purchasing for yourself or for the dog lover in your life, this comprehensive recipe book is packed with nutritious and delicious home cooked dog food recipes that will make mealtime a delightful experience for your beloved canine companion.

Featuring a variety of healthy dog food recipes, this book ensures that every meal is both wholesome and tasty. From the hearty Turkey Meatloaf and soothing Chicken Soup to the irresistible Healthy Crunchy Treats and Banana Peanut Coconut Treats, each recipe is crafted to provide optimal nutrition and flavour.

Inside, you'll find recipes supplied by Dr Kelly Halls from Bentons Road Veterinary Clinic, Mount Martha, alongside essential information on what makes a balanced serving and the principles of real food for dogs.

Learn how to create meals that meet your dog's dietary needs, support their health, and contribute to their overall wellbeing.

• Home Cooking Tips: With guidance on creating nutrient-rich dishes designed to support your dog's health and happiness.
• Healthy Dog Food Recipes: Easy-to-follow recipes for fresh, homemade meals that your dog will love.
• Expert Guidance: Tips on balanced servings and understanding real food for dogs to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

Give your dog the gift of health and happiness with the Real Food For Dogs: Home Cook Recipe Book. Elevate their diet with hearty, home-cooked meals that are as nutritious as they are delicious.

RRP: $14.40 (includes shipping) from wellbeingfordogs.com.au/pages/recipes

TED

A Pawtobiography
My adventures on GONE FISHING
by Ted the Dog

Ted, Bob and Paul's canine co-star on Gone Fishing, is putting paw to paper for the first time to reveal how he rose from humble beginnings to become a fan favourite on the hit BBC2 show.

Speaking toothfully.

Ted is putting paw to paper because he needs his voice to be heard. He loves Bob and Paul but, as 2m viewers of Gone Fishing will know, they put words in his mouth without knowing what goes on inside his head. Spoiler alert - Ted's view, supported by behind-the-scenes evidence, is that his co-stars are actually 'a pair of complete muppets'.

But first he tells you how life started for him. A skinny unwanted runt, abandoned outside a rescue centre in the freezing cold on Boxing Day, over a decade ago.

One of Ted's favourite television programmes is SAS - Who Dares Wins and, just like his hero Billy Billingham, he has developed the skills to adapt, survive and win.
This is the memoir of a truly remarkable mutt.

Hardcover, 160 pages

Publisher: Random House UK, 15th April 2025

Price: $32.69 from www.amazon.com.au

The Guide Dog Who Opened a Michelin Star Restaurant
by Freya and Mick Jobe

The Guide Dog Who Opened a Michelin-Star Restaurant is an adventurous and heart-warming tale of Max, a spirited guide dog with a passion for food, and his companion, Mr. James, a talented chef with a vision to bring the world's flavours together. Their journey takes readers on an unforgettable culinary adventure, as they travel across the globe, exploring the vibrant, diverse, and mouth-watering cuisines of various countries.

From the bustling markets of Morocco to the bustling streets of Tokyo, and the tropical islands of the Caribbean to the rich food culture of Italy, Max and Mr. James open bistros in each new destination, blending local traditions with their creative international twists. Along the way, they forge meaningful connections, share their love of food, and inspire those around them to experience the world through the joy of cuisine.

A delightful mix of heart-warming storytelling and culinary exploration, this book is perfect for readers who love food, travel, and heart-warming tales of friendship. Max's journey is not just one of flavour but of discovery, connection, and the beauty of cultures coming together around a shared meal.

Follow Max and Mr. James as they create unforgettable dishes, embrace new cultures, and discover that the true recipe for success is a generous helping of passion, creativity, and love. The Guide Dog Who Opened a Michelin-Star Restaurant is a testament to the transformative power of food and the bonds it can create across the globe.

Paperback, 136 pages

Publisher: ‎Freya and Mick Jobe, 11 April 2025

RRP: $27.40 from www.booktopia.com.au

101 FIRST WORDS FOR DOGS
by Odd Dot, illustrated by Bronwyn Gruet

This book is the ultimate ode to the canine-human connection, a tail-wagging twist on the traditional first words vocabulary book. 

Every word is a treat, illustrated with an adorable colour illustration. From "Sit" to "Fetch" and "Treat" to "Kiss," 101 First Words for Dogs is part practical guide, part parody, and 100% fun. Whether you're a seasoned pet enthusiast or a new pup parent, this illustrated extravaganza is a barking good time for all. Share giggles and create lasting memories as you and your four-legged companion explore the playful words together. Watch as your dog's tail wags in delight, matching the joy in your heart with each turn of the page.

Perfect for gift-giving, 101 First Words for Dogs is a delightful surprise for dog lovers or anyone welcoming a new fur baby into their lives. 

It's a celebration of the unique language we share with our pets, a testament to the happiness found in the simple joys of companionship, and an expression of the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine confidants. So, grab your copy, gather your pup, and get ready for a howling good time.

Board Book, 24 pages
Audience: General Adult
Publisher: St Martins Press, 1st April 2025

Price: $24.99 from www.amazon.com.au

KIDS' CORNER

PIERROT, DOG OF BELGIUM
by Walter A. Dyer (Author)

The story follows Pierrot, a dog belonging to a Belgian family living in a small village. As the war breaks out, Pierrot's family is torn apart, and the dog becomes separated from them.

Despite the chaos and danger surrounding him, Pierrot displays remarkable courage and loyalty. He finds himself involved in the war effort, assisting soldiers by delivering messages and even saving lives on the battlefield. Throughout his journey, Pierrot encounters various challenges, including the loss of his beloved master and the hardships of war.

However, his unwavering determination and bravery keep him going. The story also touches on the bond between humans and animals, emphasizing the comfort and companionship that animals can provide in times of crisis. 

As the war draws to a close, Pierrot's loyalty and perseverance are rewarded when he is reunited with his family. The book ends on a hopeful note, highlighting the resilience of both the dog and the people affected by the war.

Paperback, 63 pages
Publisher: ‎ Zinc Read, 24 September 2024

Price: $13.19 from www.amazon.com.au

TOO MANY DOGS
by Maura Finn, Lucinda Gifford (Illustrator)

Percy is tired of being one dog all alone in a house full of cats!

They are rude and messy and they blame Percy for things that definitely aren't his fault. He's leaving for a magical place where he can be free: the dog park?

Now he can have fun all day, with no cats to make a fuss! But it's hard out there for a top dog, and soon Percy realises that there might be something missing...?

With rollicking rhyme by Maura Finn and hilarious illustrations by Lucinda Gifford, Too Many Dogs is the perfect gift for dog lovers and cat lovers alike.

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Affirm Press, 29th April 2025
For Ages: 3 - 7 years old

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

TOP DOG SCHOOL
by Jan Ross, Lisa Griffin (Illustrator)

Jessie the Cat wants to join Top Dog School. He knows he is smart enough and strong enough he just needs to convince the dogs, too!
Can Jessie work his way to the top despite his feline flaws?

Expressive animal characters carry this story of triumphing through unfair adversity.

Hardcover, 32 pages
Publisher: Starfish Bay Publishers (AU), 4th April 2025
For Ages: 4+ years old

Price: $22.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

THE CLEVER KID'S GUIDE TO LIVING WITH DOGS
by Catherine Rains

Kids love dogs and dogs love kids, but sometimes things can go wrong and someone gets hurt. Written by a dog trainer, this book gives practical guidelines for how children should behave around dogs in a gentle and light-hearted way. Whether you are getting a dog or already have one, this book is a must-have for families, helping to ensure a safe and harmonious home for everyone.

This rhyming instruction book for kids covers important rules such as not going near dogs when they are eating or sleeping, and not hurting them by poking, pulling their ears and tail or by sitting/lying on top of them. This instils the importance of respecting and being fair to dogs, with clear guidance as to how to do just that.

Hardcover & Paperback: 24 Pages; Board Book: 20 Pages
For Ages: 1-8 years old

Price: $25.20. Save 10% on pre-order (shipping May 2025) at www.loueyslibrary.com

BLUEY: HIDE AND SEEK
by Bluey

Based on the hit ABC KIDS TV show!

It’s time to play Hide and Seek! Can Bluey find everyone without getting distracted? A gorgeous board book for kids of all ages.

Bluey is an award-winning preschool show about Bluey, a blue heeler pup, and her family. Airing on ABC KIDS, the show has amassed legions of dedicated fans and hugely popular ranges of books, toys, clothes, games and more.

Board Book, 24 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books Kids, Imprint: Puffin, 29th April 2025

RRP: $14.99 from www.penguin.com.au

DOG BEACH

by Julie Murphy, illustrated by Annie White

Look who's at the dog beach!

Strong dogs, long dogs,

Playing dogs, staying dogs,

Black dogs, brown dogs, go-to-town dogs,

Bit-of-a-clown dogs, upside-down dogs,

Mopey dogs, dopey dogs,

Shaggy dogs, waggy dogs...

Going to the beach is a big part of Australian culture and, for many people, so are dogs! This book doubles the fun, celebrating all of the different types of dogs that Australians love, from working dogs to lap dogs. Follow them as they run amuck along the sunny shores of Australia.

With bright and dreamy illustrations by Annie White, this short, rhythmic story will capture the attention of all beach and dog loving children, and even their parents!

Educational backmatter closes the book, with sections on Huskies in Antarctica, guide dogs, farm dogs, and more. Accompanying this text are images of both fun and wacky, and serious and strong dogs found in the National Library of Australia's pictures collections.

** Shortlisted, ABIAs 2025, Small Publisher's Children's Book of the Year **

Hardcover,‎ 32 pages

Publisher:‎ National Library of Australia, 1 November 2024
For Ages:‎ 4 years and up

Price: $19.25 from www.amazon.com.au

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22 Mother's Day Gifts for Aussie Dog Mums in 2025

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Australians volunteer nearly 14 million hours each month to help animals in need

CANA celebrates the heart and dedication of animal welfare volunteers this National Volunteer Week 2025

As National Volunteer Week (May 19 - 25) approaches, national animal welfare charity Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA or Australia CAN) celebrates the volunteers who are the lifeblood of its member agencies across the country and highlights the positive impact volunteering has on animals, communities and the volunteers themselves.

More than 6 million people volunteer through organisations across the nation, with 18.3% volunteering for animal welfare causes, according to Volunteering Australia. Australians are also estimated to contribute over 165 million* volunteer hours each year to support animal shelters.

“National Volunteer Week is a perfect time to reflect on the incredible contributions volunteers make, not just to animals in need, but also to the wider community and themselves,” says Trish Ennis, CEO of CANA.

“From walking dogs and fostering vulnerable pets to raising funds and providing vital behind-the-scenes support, volunteers from all walks of life play a crucial role in improving the lives of rescue animals and helping them find loving homes.”

Credit (& lead image): Animal Welfare League Queensland volunteer playing with a shelter dog

CANA members provide rescue, shelter, re-homing, fostering, health care and enrichment services to more than 50,000 animals every year, and include the Animal Welfare League QLD, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Saving Animals From Euthanasia Inc (WA) and Lort Smith Animal Hospital in Victoria.

Beyond the vital support volunteers provide to animal shelters, the benefits of giving back reach deeply into the lives of the volunteers themselves. According to Volunteering Australia, volunteering fosters social interaction, boosts mood and helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Giving back also strengthens relationships, encourages learning and deepens a sense of belonging within the community.

“We see older Australians, particularly retirees, thrive through the purpose and connection that volunteering in animal welfare provides,” says Ms Ennis. “Their kindness helps transform the lives of animals, and in return, many volunteers tell us the animals transform their lives, too.”

Volunteers find community in giving back

Approaching her 88th birthday, Jocelyn Sellers is Lort Smith Animal Hospital’s longest-serving volunteer, and her dedication is as unwavering as ever. 

Jocelyn Sellers excels at crafts sold to raise funds for Lort Smith Animal Hospital

For nearly 30 years, Ms Sellers has done just about everything to help animals, from knitting dog coats, blankets, and enrichment toys to handcrafting festive bone- and fish-shaped Christmas bags and button-eared sausage dogs that were a hit with children and pet lovers alike.

Her creations were sold to raise funds for the hospital. “Anything that could make a few dollars for the animals, I made it,” she said.

At the heart of Ms Sellers’ volunteering is a commitment to helping animals in need, far beyond simply raising funds.

“Animals never judge you. They don’t care how you look or what you’ve been through—they just know how to love. I do things where I feel help is needed. I feel animals need me,” she said.

Another Lort Smith volunteer, Jean Ford, 75, has also found purpose and community through giving her time to animals.

Lort Smith Animal Hospital's volunteers Lesley & Jean Ford (right) - Jean tackling the laundry!

Since 2016, Ms Ford has been volunteering two mornings a week, helping with the physically demanding work in the laundry.

“I had just retired and wanted to give something back, preferably doing clerical work, but I ended up doing a shift in the laundry. After my first day, I said, ‘I can’t do it’... and I’m still doing the laundry!” she laughed.

“I’m forever lifting, filling machines and dryers, stocking shelves, and taking out rubbish. It’s always busy, but it’s very rewarding. I’ve been behind a desk for years, so I do enjoy this. It keeps me fit.”

Through volunteering, Ms Ford has also built many friendships, fostering a “real feeling of community.”

“It gives me satisfaction to be able to give back, and it’s rewarding to know I can do something to help out,” she said.

Dogs' Homes of Tasmania Director
& volunteer Denise Bower and Chrysta

At Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, long-time volunteer and Director Denise Bower has spent decades making a difference.

Since 1977, Ms Bower has held leadership roles including Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President, as well as organising fundraising events, coordinating appeals, overseeing the Canine Commendation Awards, and producing the Dogs’ Homes calendar featuring hundreds of adopted dogs each year.

For Ms Bower, what makes the Dogs’ Homes community so special is its devotion to dog welfare.

“Some of our staff and volunteers have served Tasmania’s beautiful dogs for decades. We’ve walked together in good and difficult times. When facing difficulties, we always ask, ‘What’s best for the dog?’ We work together to make that happen, year after year,” she said.

Ms Bower believes volunteering—whether for a short or long term—offers benefits to both individuals and the organisations they support.

“If you feel passionate about a particular cause, do what you can for as long as you feel you are meant to contribute,” she said. “A benefit to the organisation is us having a background of understanding and experiences to call on as we continue to go forward doing our best for the dogs who need us.”

Do you want to be a volunteer?

Paralympic swimmer Maddie McTernan volunteers with the Animal Welfare League Queensland and Riding for the Disabled

If you’ve ever considered volunteering, now is the perfect time to get involved! Visit CANA’s website to find an animal welfare member near you and learn how you can help.

"Not everyone can give time, but they may wish to support volunteers through donations to fund resources, training or supplies. You can make a tax-deductible gift to the Australia CAN Foundation where funds are shared among our member organisations across the country. You can also fundraise to support CANA or one of our members in your state," says Ms Ennis.

To learn more or get involved, visit australiacan.org.au

References:

* 166.1 million volunteer hours per year in animal welfare. This figure is based on national volunteering data showing that 18.3% of Australia’s 6 million volunteers support animal welfare causes. Volunteers estimate they contribute an average of 151 hours each year—adding up to around 13.8 million hours every month spent helping animals in need.
[1] National Volunteer Week 2025 theme is Connecting Communities. www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/nvw/

[2] 18.3% of volunteers in Australia work for animal welfare organisations.
www.volunteeringaustralia.org/wp-content/uploads/Volunteering-in-Australia-Volunteering-Experiences-by-Sector-May-2023.pdf
[3] Volunteers aged 18 – 29 are more likely to volunteer for animal welfare organisations than average, accounting for 37.8% of volunteers in this sector.
www.volunteeringaustralia.org/wp-content/uploads/Youth-Volunteering-Factsheet-2023.pdf
[4] Volunteers aged 55 – 69 do account for approximately 24.9% of the volunteering population, and those aged 70 and over account for around 28%.
www.volunteeringaustralia.org/wp-content/uploads/Volunteering-Australia-Key-Volunteering-Statistics-2024-Update.pdf
[5] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/volunteers
[6] Volunteers estimate that they spent 151 hours volunteering on average
https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/wp-content/uploads/Ongoing-trends-in-volunteering-in-Australia-November-2023.pdf

About Companion Animal Network Australia

Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA) is a registered charity representing the companion animal welfare work of our member organisations across the country: Animal Welfare League QLD, Lort Smith (VIC), Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania and Saving Animals From Euthanasia Inc (WA). Our members provide rescue, shelter, re-homing, fostering, health care and enrichment services to more than 50,000 animals every year.

Through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, we advocate for the human-animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership. We use our national voice to lobby for the humane treatment of all companion animals and we rally support for our member programs that deliver high welfare standards. Australia CAN national campaigns include Pets in Aged Care, Rent with Pets and Pets in Business. To discover more, visit www.australiacan.org.au