
Puppy Love: Valentine’s Day
While many are French kissing their lovers this Valentine’s Day, there are some that will be smooching with their fur babes. Our Assistant Editor (and crazy dog lady of the Sunshine Coast) Carlie Wacker felt it was her duty to share the ways in which you can show your love to your canine bestie on 14 February.
INFORMed dog owners know the way to build on that bond between puppy and person is through exercise, food, play and pampering. When dogs and humans INDULGE in play it releases oxytocin in the brain (the love hormone) so it’s not surprising that around 5.1 million dogs are a much-loved part of Australian families. These INSPIREd creatures are so cute because they are like having a permanent toddler in your life – it’s been said they are as smart as a two-year-old human understanding up to 250 words and phrases.
So, here’s a list of PUPPENTINE’S DAY activities you can share with your fur kid.
BEACH DATE
From North Shore to Marcus Beach and everywhere in between there are lots of really cool dog friendly beaches in our region. Here is a council link that gives you exact locations!
Make sure you pack water, poo bags, a life jacket for less experienced swimmers and sunscreen (for you and the pooch). You can get Petkin Doggy Sun Stick and Sunmist from Peticular at Peregian Beach. They also have life jackets and raincoats. By the way, Peregian Beach village is one of the pet friendliest areas in the world. Dogs are welcome at almost every shop and restaurant in the square with water bowls at every turn and an annual Doggy Vibes Festival.
DOGGY DINING
Treat your mate to a super stylish dog dinner. The legends at local Rawlly Pet Food handmake human grade food by Michelin-starred chefs. Peticular have a bottle of Pawsecco to go with your fancy meal.
Noosa Dog Cakes can whip up something special for your doggo – some treats, a cake or a whole Pawty Pack.
Huds and Toke are based in Coolum and do a Doggy Love Cake amongst other treats.
DESIGNER FASHION DOGGOS
Peticular has the most extensive range of designer dog accessories including the new Wildling Pet Co ranges which are designed in Noosa and are simply the COOLEST dog harnesses, leads, collars and bandanas ever! They have plush toys, candy heart cookies and the cutest love heart onesie for your fur baby.
DOGS LIFESTYLE
I like to ensure my dog’s décor matches mine, so it’s great to see local Sora Caldwell of Indi Boho has created beds, travel blankets and other accessories to match our lifestyles. She has just launched a new range of doggie towels including one called Noosa Nights.
Weaver Green do some super stylish dog beds and cushions made entirely from recycled plastic.
Lovely Things Gift Shop loves to dress up our dogs in ways which are comfy and cool. Spoil your pooch with a fashionable harness, lead, towel hoodie or even a funky bandana. Keep an eye out for Frank Barker Pet Products, where you can buy any three products and receive a Free Dog Tag!
DOG MODEL
Why not organise a photoshoot for you and your dog to capture the love forever. Hinterland photographer Jennifer Chassagnol of Concept Photography and Wavell Bush do amazing work capturing your one true love.
PUPPY PAMPERING
Your dog loves a massage as much as you do. A good wash, brush and massage is the perfect way to spend time together – plus, your pupper will smell so delicious you’ll want to eat him/her/them! I like Caloundra-based Bone-A-Fide dog shampoo by Clean Dog. Their 2 in 1 dog shampoo and conditioner is great for sensitive skin and won’t strip natural oils and moisture in your dog’s coat – the papaya and passionfruit shamps is divine.
Oh, and if your feelings fall in the paws of felines rather than canines, check out Ziggy Belle – a Sunshine Coast-based online business that caters to all things kittens. Ziggy Belle is a gorgeous one-eyed tuxedo rescue cat and the inspiration behind this pawsome business. There is also the sweetest shop in Noosaville named The Pussycat Junction which is brimming with purrfect homewares, gifts and goodies for cat lovers on the coast.