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This Sydney Life

Tag Archives: Dogs

Get a Dog!

03 Thursday Apr 2014

Posted by Joanna in Dogs, Random Stuff

≈ 20 Comments

Tags

Companionship, Dogs, Health, Health benefits of owning a dog, Life, Love, Pets, Poodles, Spondylosis in dogs, Stress Management

Bella the poodle

(Image by TSL)

If you don’t own a dog, at least one, there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life. (Roger A. Caras)

Bella, the fluff-bucket is in doggie hospital as I write this. She woke up this morning very wobbly and unable to walk. A far cry from her usual morning licks and kisses. Frankly, it was a little scary. We don’t yet know how serious her problem is. 

I am not coping very well.

And, because I am not really thinking about much besides my lovely little Bella today, you get a post about what I’ve discovered since she came into my life…

Bella on the Spit to Manly walk

Bella on the Spit to Manly walk
(Image by TSL)

Bella was originally LM’s dog. He had her when we first met. I remember actually being disappointed that she was a Poodle. I thought a more ‘dog-like dog’, something like a Staffie’, would have been better than a fluff-bucket like her.

I no longer feel that way. Of course I love her because she is uniquely herself. But there are some added practical benefits to choosing a miniature poodle. She doesn’t shed. She doesn’t drool. She’s very neat and clean. She’s intelligent. And, she doesn’t scare wee kidliwinks at the park. And – despite the fluff – she is still very much a dog-like dog.

Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer. (Dean Koontz, False Memory)

Bella in repose

Bella in repose
(Image by TSL)

Did you know that owning a dog comes with added health benefits?

Dogs are hugely affectionate. They love nothing more than a really good cuddle. Dr Alan Beck, director of the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine and his co-researcher Aaron Katcher found in the early ’80s that when people interact with dogs, “[they] actually get a drop in blood pressure – a true relaxation response”. And, researchers in Japan found that when dog owners just met their dogs’ gaze, they experienced a spike in oxytocin – a neurotransmitter that helps us cope with stress.

Dogs are social. And fluffy miniature poodles attract kids. Guaranteed. When you’re walking with your dog, you meet people. They are conversation starters. A 2000 study found that someone walking with a dog had three times as many social interactions than when that same person walked alone. Pretty amazing, I reckon’.

And, since I’m currently on the Autoimmune Protocol, and stress management is a big part of the programme, let me also say that owning a dog is GREAT for helping to manage stress. According to Alan Beck, “[playing with your dog] keeps you in the moment. So when you’re talking and playing with your dog, your mind is not free to worry. We intuitively try and do this anyway – we listen to music, we sit in a coffee shop, we watch TV – just to keep our minds focused on what’s going on right now. But if that focus is nature or an animal, it’s that much easier.”

Dogs force you to take time out of your day. And, they love to play. Bella’s favourite activity is when LM and I take her to the park (together!) and she can play with her ball. There are days when I really don’t want to do this, but I just know how disappointed she will be if we don’t go. And, I always feel better for having done it. There’s something about being outside playing with a dog that makes your problems seem less significant.

And, dogs don’t care how silly you are. As with small children, playing with dogs allows you to remove some of your inhibitions.

Of course, it’s a no brainer that owning a dog also forces you to exercise every day. Dogs will never willingly turn down a walk. So, in addition to lowering stress levels, walking your dog can give you a stronger heart, lower blood sugar, more restful sleep, lower cholesterol and better memory.

For me, the very best thing about Bella is the unconditional love she gives me. At the markets on a Saturday morning (where stall-holders know her by name), when I return from picking up my veggie haul, she greets me as if she hasn’t seen me for a week. And, nothing beats the excitement of a dog greeting you at the door when you return home. And, that joy is infectious.

Bella on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk

Bella on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk
(Image by TSL)

I had never had a dog before Bella. I didn’t realise how life-changing a dog can be. Now, I can’t imagine life without her. Here’s hoping she’s on the mend very soon…

Update: Bella has returned home from doggie hospital. X-rays and bloods have been taken. She has been diagnosed with spondylosis (she has a bone spur on one of the vertebrae of her spine) and probably moved in an awkward way that cause her significant pain.

We’re supposed to keep her quiet and walk her on the lead for the next three weeks. She will not be happy! 

M.Pup – Designing for You AND Your Four-legged Companion

04 Friday Oct 2013

Posted by Joanna in Design, Dogs

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

Design, Dog Bed, Dogs, Interiors, Korea, Korean Designer, M.Pup, Pet, Rita Rudner, RSPCA

A sofa for you and your dog

Dog Sofa by M.Pup
(Image from M.Pup)

I just love dogs, and there really is no better companion than an animal. (Rita Rudner)

I know this blog is called This Sydney Life. And, I know I said I would be focusing on Australasian stuff. But, I saw this wonderful couch by Korean design-house M.Pup and I just loved it. It made me smile. And, Korea is kind of in the region. And, I had dogs on my mind because the lovely curator of the Australian Garden Show left a message on my NOT the Australian Garden Show post saying he was going to think about how to better cater for our four-legged friends in next year’s show. (Yay! One wee voice can make a difference) And, just because, really…

So, here’s to M.Pup who design “for you and your companion”. And, by companion, they definitely mean the four-legged variety.

Dog Sofa by M.Pup (Image from M.Pup)

Dog Sofa by M.Pup
(Image from M.Pup)

Dog Sofa by M.Pup (Image from M.Pup)

Dog Sofa by M.Pup
(Image from M.Pup)

Dog Sofa by M.Pup (Image from M.Pup)

Dog Sofa by M.Pup
(Image from M.Pup)

From what I can gather, the dog sofa is the brainchild of Seungji Mun, design director of M.Pup. Their design ethos was born out of the continued growth in nuclear families, and with animals increasingly co-existing with people. For M.Pup, pets are companions for everyday life. For me, too!

Here in Australia, we have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. According to the RSPCA, a whopping 38% of Australian households have a dog. Perhaps I should tell M.Pup…? From what i can see, they don’t yet distribute their very cool dog sofa down under.

Dogs have boundless enthusiasm but no sense of shame. I should have a dog as a life coach. (Moby)

And. M.Pup don’t just design dog sofas…

Pet Bed by M.Pup (Image from M.Pup)

Pet Bed by M.Pup
(Image from M.Pup)

Dog House by M.Pup (Image from M.Pup)

Dog House by M.Pup
(Image from M.Pup)

You can check out M.Pup’s website here. I think their designs are seriously groovy. What do you reckon?

Christmas Haircut Time at Casa TSL…

19 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by Joanna in Dogs

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

Bella, Christmas, Christmas wishes, Dogs, Haircuts, Holidays, New South Wales, New Zealand, Pets, Poodle, Sydney, the poodle

Bella - before(Image by TSL)

Bella – before
(Image by TSL)

When I was a child in New Zealand, I always knew Christmas was only a few sleeps away because my Dad would get his ‘Christmas haircut‘. The Christmas haircut was a super-short, low maintenance number which was more convenient for boating and swimming and other summer pursuits.

Today, Bella received her Christmas haircut. We are heading to the beach for a couple of weeks in January, and Bella is a water-baby. Short is best. In addition to this, it is tick season in a big way on the New South Wales coast over the summer. We don’t want to take any chances with our beloved pooch, so this year, we have gone extra short.

Bella now resembles a rat…

Bella - after(Image by TSL)

Bella – after
(Image by TSL)

I think this will be the last post for a while as we get ready for the summer break down here. A very happy and safe Christmas to everyone.

I look forward to catching up with you all again in late January.

Marc Gafen – PhoDOGrapher

23 Friday Nov 2012

Posted by Joanna in Dogs

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

Australia, Dogs, Gifts, Pet Photography, Pets, Photography, Sydney, the Phodographer

Image by Marc Gafen 'Phodographer'

(Image © Phodographer)

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.(Anatole France)

In case you haven’t worked it out yet, Bella the poodle is part of our wee family here in Sydney. She is much loved (and she knows it). I’m thinking she deserves a spot of her own on the photo table.

I did some googling and I came across this dude. Marc Gafen, the Phodographer. Whadda’ you reckon? should we see about getting a session?

Image by Marc Gafen 'Phodographer

(Image © Phodographer)

Image by Marc Gafen 'Phodographer'

(Image © Phodographer)

Image by Marc Gafen 'Phodographer'
(Image © Phodographer)

Image by Marc Gafen 'Phodographer'

(Image © Phodographer)

Marc Gafen is apparently a notorious dog lover, an ward-winning photographer and editor of Australia’s professional photography magazine, Capture. He created the Phodographer business in 2008 to combine his love of photography with his love of four-legged friends.

The only question I have is, could he beat this image taken by LM…?  (Quite probably! I’m just a tad biased)

Bella Bear

(Image by TSL)

The Phodographer has a studio in Rosebery, Sydney. You can e-mail him at marc@thephodographer.com.au.

The ‘Man Chair’ Saga Continues…

22 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design

≈ 14 Comments

Tags

Chair, Dogs, Furniture, Furniture Design, Great Dane Furniture, Man Chair, mid-century design, Shopping, Wikkelso

You may recall a post I did back in July – yes, that’s 4 1/2 months ago now – on LM and the ‘Man Chair’ Saga. Well, LM’s new ‘Man Chair’ – the ever-so-beautiful Wikkelso V11 Easy Chair and Footstool arrived this afternoon. Minus the footstool. It seems it was too much for them both to be delivered at the same time…

Despite this, I gotta’ say, the chair is GORGEOUS! Bella thinks so, too.

Bella Bear in Papa Bear's Chair

Bella Bear in Papa Bear’s Chair
(Image by TSL)

Who’s been sitting in MY chair…? (Goldilocks and the Three Bears)

Fortunately, LM is away for the week, so hopefully the complete ‘Man Chair’ package will be in situ for him when he arrives home.

One of the last things he said before departing was “When my Man Chair arrives, tell the dog it’s not her chair”. I don’t think she was listening…

Update: Great Dane Furniture have sent the footstool by courier. The ‘Man Chair’ saga is concluded in time for LM’s return…

Happy snap of the Wikkelso V11 Easy Chair AND Footstool

Happy snap of the Wikkelso V11 Easy Chair AND Footstool
(Image by TSL)

Alexander & Pearl – Kind of Kitsch but Worth a Wee Look All the Same…

09 Friday Nov 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design, Retail

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

Alexander & Pearl, Christmas Gifts, Dogs, Elle (magazine), Gifts, Interior design, Interiors, Online Shopping, Shopping, UK

"The Marquis" Large Framed Dog Portrait from Alexander & Pearl

“The Marquis” Large Framed Dog Portrait from Alexander & Pearl
£150.00
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

I know ‘The Marquis’ is kitsch. I know he can hardly be considered original art. But, I kind of love him, all the same. I found him when I was checking out the Alexander & Pearl website, after seeing ‘The Yetti, a white fur armchair in the latest edition of UK Elle Decoration.

The Yetti - White Fur Armchair from Alexander & Pearl

The Yetti – White Fur Armchair from Alexander & Pearl
£395.00
Not exactly the most practical piece of furniture…
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

The Alexander & Pearl e-boutique was launched in early 2010.  The business was started with one goal in mind – convenience (At least – convenience for the UK resident. Not so much the wee blogger from down under…).  What could be more convenient than a 24 hour shop whose door is open 365 days a year AND who delivers to your door?

Apparently, at Alexander & Pearl, they pride themselves in offering customers a very friendly and personal experience. If I lived a little closer, I might have tested them on that. Since I don’t live in the UK, I can only look at their website and share some of the products with you…

Club Lights - A to Z from Alexander & Pearl

Club Lights – A to Z from Alexander & Pearl
£80.00 each
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

Louis Black Leaner Mirror from Alexander & Pearl

Louis Black Leaner Mirror from Alexander & Pearl
£425.00
Who doesn’t love a leaner mirror? I know I do!
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

French Green & Pink Lola the Bulldog Armchair from Alexander & Pearl

French Green & Pink Lola the Bulldog Armchair from Alexander & Pearl
£375.00
Heaven only knows where a girl would put such a chair, but…
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

Theresa Bone Inlay Chest Console from Alexander & Pearl

Theresa Bone Inlay Chest Console from Alexander & Pearl
£950.00
(Image from Alexander & Pearl)

Alexander & pearl DO deliver internationally – and, if you live in the Southern Hemisphere, shipping will no doubt cost you a pretty penny. But, have a squizz at their site anyway. It made me smile. You can check it out here.

Gillie and Marc Like to Challenge and Amuse…

07 Wednesday Nov 2012

Posted by Joanna in Art, Dogs

≈ 11 Comments

Tags

animals, Archibald Prize, Art, Australia Zoo, Dogs, Florence Biennale, Gillie and Marc, Marc, Painting, Sculpture, Sculpture by the Sea, Steve Irwin, Sydney, The Crocodile Hunter

'It Takes Two' by Gillie and Marc

‘It Takes Two’ by Gillie and Marc
Bronze
Acquired by Woollahra Council for permanent display in Paddington, Sydney.
This sculpture is installed on the corner of Glenmore Road and Cascade Street 
(Image from Gillie and Marc)

It feels like the world has sort of been conspiring to get me to investigate Gillie and Marc’s sculptures since I posted about the 2012 Sculpture by the Sea exhibition and their entry for this year held pole position. Just in case you need a nudge to remember it, here it is…

'The Travellers Have Arrived' by Gillie and Marc

‘The Travellers Have Arrived’ by Gillie and Marc
Bronze Paint, fibreglass
Featuring in this years 2012 Sculptures By the Sea, Bondi
(Image by TSL)

So, I saw the Travellers and posted its image, then received lots of comments about the work AND then, LM and I went to Paddington for lunch over the weekend and drove past ‘It Takes Two’ (top). I went for a wee ferret and this is what I learned about the artists…

As husband and wife, Gillie and Marc Schattner collaborate to create art as one, applying the now iconic imagery of the dog/human hybrid to celebrate the powerful spiritual relationship that exists between man and animal. So far so god, me-thinks!

Gillie and Marc reference their own love story in their works, perpetuating a pursuit of happiness and encouraging us to challenge the status quo and the perceived safety of societal convention. They say their love is the cornerstone of what they are and of what they create.

They apparently met in Hong Kong. According to their bio, “She was a nurse from England and he, a boy from the ‘burbs’ of Melbourne. They wanted only to find a soul-mate with which to share their passions for art, travel and adventure, seven days later they were married at the foothills of Mount Everest.  They not only share an unsurpassed dedication to their art but also love for their two children, whom Gillie describes as their ‘best friends’ – along with their mutt, Moby, of course.” Have to admit, just the weeniest bit schmaltzy for this cynical Kiwi, but I do kinda’ like their kooky animal hybrids… (LM always accuses me of anthropomorphising Bella.)

Initially, Gillie and Marc painted and designed, but they have now become very interested in sculpture. They produce sculptures in a variety of mediums including bronze, brass, steel, wood, fibreglass and polyresin.

In 2006 they were Archibald Prize finalists. Their ‘He’ll never be famous but he doesn’t give a damn, he’s a musician’ painting (below), earned them first prize at the 2009 Chianciano Biennale, set in Tuscany. This work features a Dalmatian dog/man hybrid, playing guitar.

'He'll never be famous but he doesn't give a damn, he's a musician' By Gillie and Marc

‘He’ll never be famous but he doesn’t give a damn, he’s a musician’
By Gillie and Marc
Acrylic on Canvas
Winner of 2009 Biennale di Chianciano, Tuscany, Italy
(Image from Gillie and Marc)

Their life-like fibreglass sculptural piece, Bondi Coffee Dog, appeared in the Florence Biennale in the same year. Stretching controversy further is their work, If Jesus was alive today he would be a skateboarder, which featured in the inaugural 2009 Blake Prize Director’s Cut, an online exhibition.

And, if that’s not enough, Gillie and Marc have been commissioned by a number of zoos in Australia and New Zealand to create sculptural works. Their latest can be seen below…

Crikey means gee whiz, wow! (Steve Irwin)

Run For Your Life By Gillie and Marc

‘Run For Your Life’ by Gillie and Marc
Bronze
For permanent installation at Australia Zoo, Queensland. This massive bronze crocodile was created in memory of Steve Irwin to be unveiled on Steve Irwin Day, November 15, 2012 – a day for remembering the Crocodile Hunter
(Image from Gillie and Marc)

If you’d like to see more of Gillie and Marc’s work, check out their website here.

Helena Seget Creates Quirky Porcelain Tiles for Animal Lovers

06 Tuesday Nov 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

Arts and Crafts, Ceramic Art and Pottery, Ceramics, Crafts, Dogs, Interior design, Pets, porcelain, Shopping, Tile, Unique Gifts

Paw Print Tiles by Helena Seget

Paw Print Tiles by Helena Seagate
(Image © Helena Seget)

According to Helena Seget, it’s a unique idea (and perhaps only animal lovers will understand it)… I think its wonderful.

One day, by chance, Helena’s pet rat ran across some floor-tiles she had been making. She noticed two things – that the running lines created an indelible memory of the living creature she had already struck up a relationship with; and that the accidental nature of the pattern produced a fascinating yet organic design in its own right.

Helena experimented further by laying the floor-tiles in a bathroom area, where she noticed a third thing – the fact that the prints were made by a creature she knew meant that, curiously, she never felt alone when in that room. The creature’s ‘genius’ inhabited the room.

And from there, the Paw Print Floor Tile project was born.

Helena’s tiles apparently attracts two kinds of buyers. Firstly, those who simply request paw-print patterns for kitchens, utility rooms, conservatories & bathrooms. As each set is custom-made, the patterns too are always different, and designed to fit the area and the clients’ own ideas.

But secondly, there are people who want their creatures to be fully involved in the process. Helena works with them and their pets (from gerbils to dogs!) to make fully individual tile-sets.

Helena says: “As someone who knows how significant the relationship can be between a human being and an animal, I find this way of working the most satisfying. And it’s amazing how the animal ‘lives on’ this way – even after it may have died.”

Paw Print Tiles by Helena Seget

Paw Print Tiles by Helena Seget
(Image © Helena Seget)

Paw Print Tiles by Helena Seget

Paw Print Tiles by Helena Seget
(Image © Helena Seget)

The tiles are made of porcelain fired to a high temperature, which makes them hard-wearing and resistant to discolouration, and can be ordered in any amount.

Helena does not lay the tiles herself, so you will need a competent floor tiler.
On the other hand, you could just buy one or two (or three or four) and use them for decoration!

Helena Seget is based in Newcastle upon Tyne. If you’d like to learn more about her work, or if you’d like to order some tiles, you can find out how here.

Chase and Wonder Screenprints are Just Lovely

05 Monday Nov 2012

Posted by Joanna in Art

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Art, Cats, Christmas, Christmas Gifts, Design, Dogs, England, Graphic Design, London, Printing, Retail, Screen printing, Shopping, Silly season, Worcestershire

We are officially in the run up to the silly season now. I’m hearing on the news here in Oz that retailers are expecting online sales to be up for the Christmas buying rush. So, with that in mind, today’s wee offering comes to you from the deliciously quirky duo at Chase and Wonder – all delivered to your door at the touch of a few keyboard strokes, wherever you may be…

Dandy Lion by Chase and Wonder

Dandy Lion by Chase and Wonder
Limited edition of 400
2 colour Screenprint
Paper size – 210mm(w) x 300mm(h)
(Image from Chase and Wonder)

Faye Pearce and David Aspinall founded Chase and Wonder in late 2010 with the simple aim of creating finely designed products with British personality. They design and print all of their products in their converted cow shed in rural Worcestershire.

It also sounds as though they might just be soul-mates, given they met at primary school and reconnected in their early twenties while in London. That just makes me like their lovely screen prints even more (what can I say – I’m feeling the love today!)

Anyhoo, these lovelies have quite a reasonable price-point for the silly season – and are especially great as potential gifts for those hard-to-buy for boys in your life…

Sophisticated Dog by Chase and Wonder

Sophisticated Dog by Chase and Wonder
Limited edition of 400
2 colour Screenprint
Paper size – 210mm(w) x 300mm(h)
(Image from Chase and Wonder)

Manners Maketh the Man by Chase and Wonder

Manners Maketh the Man by Chase and Wonder
Limited edition of 400
2 colour Screenprint
Paper size – 210mm(w) x 300mm(h)
(Image from Chase and Wonder)

Sophisticated Cat by Chase and Wonder

Sophisticated Cat by Chase and Wonder
Limited edition of 400
2 colour Screenprint
Paper size – 210mm(w) x 300mm(h)
(Image from Chase and Wonder)

Chase and Wonder have lots more to see at their store. You can check it out here.

Dog Wisdom IV

30 Tuesday Oct 2012

Posted by Joanna in Dogs

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown, Dog, Dogs, Pets, Photography, Poodles, Quotes, Reflection

Bella Bear

Bella 
(Image by TSL)

Yesterday I was a dog. Today I’m a dog. Tomorrow I’ll probably still be a dog. Sigh! There’s so little hope for advancement. (Charles M. Schulz)

 

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