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This Sydney Life

Tag Archives: Pets

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! 

A Very Doggie Christmas…

10 Tuesday Dec 2013

Posted by Joanna in Dogs

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

Bella, Christmas, Dog, Homemade dog biscuits, John Grogan, Jonathan Carroll, Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog, Pets, Poodle, Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

Bella the poodle

Bella
(Image by TSL)

It’s just the most amazing thing to love a dog, isn’t it? It makes our relationships with people seem as boring as a bowl of oatmeal. (John Grogan, Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World’s Worst Dog)

Bella turns 9 on Christmas day. That’s 9 in human years. In dog years, she’s 63. Granted, she may have become a little less tolerant of some of the more scatty dogs we encounter when we’re out on our daily walks, but I guess that’s her prerogative – middle-aged spinster that she is. I hope I’m as fit and sprightly at 63…

I mentioned yesterday that I’m making a few of my Christmas pressies this year. Well, Bella features on that recipient list, too. I mean, it’s a double whammy for her – birthday AND Christmas, all rolled into one. I could hardly leave her off the list, could I?

LM laughs at me for anthropomorphising, but I spend more time with Bella than I do with almost anyone (LM excepted). I can’t imagine my life without her. And, let’s not go down that road. So, of course she needs to be considered for Christmas.

Pumpkin Doggie Biscuits a la TSL

Pumpkin Doggie Biscuits a la TSL
(Image by TSL)

Bella's Pumpkin Doggie Biscuits a la TSL

Bella’s Pumpkin Doggie Biscuits a la TSL
(Image by TSL)

This year, she’s getting homemade dog biscuits. And, since I picked up my doggie bone biscuit cutter from the Essential Ingredient this morning, I couldn’t resist whipping up the first batch today.

Let me tell you, they went down a treat!

Bella (Appears to) Wait Patiently for her Treat

Bella (Appears to) Wait Patiently for her Treat
Hand model – LM
(Image by TSL)

Please Sir, Can I Have Some More…?

Please Sir, Can I Have Some More…?
(Image by TSL)

The next batch are going to be stuffed full of mint and parsley to give her minty fresh breath. I’ll let you know how they go!

Julian Wolkenstein Horses Around…

12 Saturday Oct 2013

Posted by Joanna in Art, Australia

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

Animal Photography, Art, Design, Horses, Interior design, Julian Wolkenstein, Megan Morton, Pets, Photography, Rachel CAstle, The School

Florence by Julian Wolkenstein

Julian Wolkentein’s ‘Florence’
(Image from here)

A horse is a thing of beauty… none will tire of looking at him as long as he displays himself in his splendour. (Xenophon)

Sometimes, I’m a little behind the eight ball. Sometimes, it takes me a while to catch on. Clearly. This is one of those times…

I was having a mooch around the School*, that most fabulous site that is the brainchild of the lovely Megan Morton. To be honest, I was looking for Rachel Castle’s next screen printing class (It’s on 15 March, 2014, if you’re interested!) and then I found these splendiferous wee horsey pics by the talented Julian Wolkenstein. I kind of love them.

That is to say, I kind of love them, despite the fact I don’t fall into that ‘I love horses‘ camp that some girls belong to. They make me smile.

Misty by Julian Wolkenstein

Julian Wolkentein’s ‘Misty’
(Image from here)

Apparently, Mr Wolkenstein had the idea of experimenting with horses’ manes after a conversation with another advertising mate.

With a background in advertising photography and used to working with a very specific client brief, Julian also thinks, “It is important to do personal projects just for fun, not to sell anything, but just to remind you why you make images, but mostly, and simply, to make you smile.”

Harmony by Julian Wolkenstein

Julian Wolkentein’s ‘Harmony’
(Image from here)

Apparently, each horse took around four hours to groom, with hair extensions being added by hair-stylist Acacio da Silva. Wow!

You can order prints of Julian’s horses from The School. They come in 3 sizes: 

The small print is 20cm x 26cm and retails for $125

The medium print is 42cm x 52cm and retails for $580

The large print is 72cm x 102cm and retails for $1,250.00

*If you live in Sydney (or Melbourne or Auckland! – there are road shows!) and consider yourself the teeniest bit creative, it’s illegal not to know about the School. If you don’t happen to live in the region, it’s still worth a look-see. I’d quite like to be like Megan Morton when I grow up…

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.

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.

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)

 

Ren Netherland Photographs Poodles in Drag…

18 Monday Jun 2012

Posted by Joanna in Dogs

≈ 32 Comments

Tags

Animal Photography, Best in Class, Breeds, Colour, culture, Dog, Dog Show, George Jean Nathan, Pets, Photography, Poodle, Recreation, Ren Netherland, Rita Rudner, Show Dog

Bella the poodle

Bella, the miniature poodle
(Image by TSL)

Love is the emotion that a woman feels always for a poodle and sometimes for a man. (George Jean Nathan)

Regular TSL readers will know about Bella, the miniature poodle. There’s a bit of a story about when I met LM. Bella was his dog, and frankly while I love dogs, I couldn’t imagine getting excited about, what was in my mind at the time, a slightly effeminate breed.

Oh, how wrong could a girl be…? I have fallen so hard for this poodle. I now cannot imagine life without her.

We all know that a dog can only have one master. Well, Bella has proven to be just the teensiest bit of a turn-coat, and has chosen me to be her master instead of LM. This may have something to do with the fact that I feed her every day… She is now very much my dog. You can even occasionally hear LM say, “I used to have a dog…”

Anyhoo, I am a poodle convert. Just love ’em.

I’m not so sure how Bella would feel all dressed up for a photograph session with pet photographer extraordinaire, Ren Netherland, tho’… Oh the indignity!

They’re not dogs [poodles], they’re art. (Rachel Leigh)

Pirate by Ren Netherland

Pirate Poodle taken by Ren Netherland
(Image © Ren Netherland)

Panda by Ren Netherland

Panda Poodle taken by Ren Netherland
(Image © Ren Netherland)

Camel by Ren Netherland

Camel Poodle taken by Ren Netherland
(Image © Ren Netherland)

Bison by Ren Netherland

Bison Poodle taken by Ren Netherland
(Image © Ren Netherland)

Pittsburgh Steeler by Ren Netherland

Pittsburgh Steeler Poodle taken by Ren Netherland
(Image © Ren Netherland)

I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult. (Rita Rudner)

According to his bio, Ren Netherland of Animal Photography is a highly sought after pet photographer. He travels the length and breadth of the States for eight months of every year in his mobile digital studio bus.

To be fair to Ren Netherland, he has many wonderful images of pets on his website (and these are not limited to poodles in drag, although there are more of these, too). If you’d like to see more, you can access his site here.

Dog Wisdom III

22 Thursday Mar 2012

Posted by Joanna in Dogs

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Bella, Dog, Franklin P.Jones, Humor, Pets, Photos, Poodle, Quote

Scratch a dog and you’ll find a permanent job.(Franklin P. Jones)

Image of Bella asking for a belly rub

"Scratch my tummy. Go on - you know you want to..."

Ahem…. Atelier Abigail Ahern lights up

07 Wednesday Mar 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Abigail Ahern, Arts, bulldog, Dog, Elle Decoration, Fashion, Interior design, Islington, kitsch, lamp, London, Pets, porcelain, style

Atelier Abigail Ahern Bulldog Lamp

In my mind I have designed my own self-styled oasis of gorgeous-ness.  And in this dream-place are two of these so-kitsch-they’re-cool Abigail Ahern bulldog lamps. (Swoon!)

London-based (where else?) Abigail Ahern says, “The best interiors are those that don’t take themselves too seriously.”  Hence her brilliant bulldog lamp, part of a series of dog lamps, which reference both the English love of canines — the collection was inspired by her Welsh Terrier, Maud — and her fondness for mixing granny-style kitsch with sleek modern pieces. It’s a sleight of hand design approach that’s earned her Islington atelier the title “one of the coolest places to shop in the UK” from Elle Decoration. But despite their adorable retro appeal, these aren’t your grandmother’s ceramic knick-knacks. Made from high-quality porcelain, these pooches are most definitely Best In Show.

You can check out Abigail Ahern’s Atelier here.

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