Dog mums, this is the one London dog-friendly event you don’t want to miss…the Marc Jacobs Pet Portraits – also known as Bark Jacobs – and they are officially back in town this Christmas!

For a limited time, until the end of December 2025, you can transform your new Marc Jacobs bag into a one-of-a-kind keepsake featuring a hand-painted portrait of your dog. Whether you’re a proud dog mum (or a lovely dog dad looking for a dog mum gift), this unique experience will make your new Marc Jacobs bag the most personal and beautiful keepsake. And it’s not just for dog parents; any pet can be painted…dogs, cats, even a meerkat (yes, it’s been done).

Read on to find out how, where and when you can get your Bark Jacob portrait painted…

What is the Marc Jacobs Pet Portraits Event?

The Marc Jacobs Pet Portrait experience (aptly named Bark Jacobs) at Regent Street is a bespoke service where talented artists paint your pet’s portrait directly onto your new Marc Jacobs bag. The artist in residence for Bark Jacobs this Christmas is Becky Carpenter, and Becky’s portraits are simply stunning!

Here’s why it’s so special:

• Your dog, your way: choose to have your portrait painted on the front, back or side of your bag
• Pick your bag style: featured in this post are the Cristina Messenger bag and the Tote bag, but the Dual bag, Sack bag and more are all available
• Truly bespoke: each portrait is hand-painted from your favourite photo
• Dog-friendly shopping: Regent Street’s Marc Jacobs store welcomes dogs, so bring your pup along
• Nationwide delivery: Can’t make it to London? Order your bag and portrait to be delivered anywhere in the UK
• If you have more than one pet you’d like to include in the portrait, please discuss this when you contact the Marc Jacobs store to book to see if it will be possible in the 30-minute portrait slot.

When and Where is it Happening?

Bark Jacobs Pet Portraits will be at the London Marc Jacobs store (110 Regent Street) every weekend until the end of December.

Bark Jacobs Pet Portraits are available on the following dates with with each portrait slot lasting 30 minutes:

• Saturday 29th (November): 10:30 – 18:00
• Sunday 30th (November): 12:00 – 18:00
• Friday 05th, 12th, 19th (December): 10:30-18:00
• Saturday 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th (December): 10:30 – 18:00
• Sunday 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th (December): 12:00 – 18:00

Location:

• Marc Jacobs, 110 Regent Street, London W1B 5RU
• Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus (3 mins)
• Nearest Parking: Q-Park Burlington (a 5-minute walk)

How to Book: Call 0207 952 6991 or email regentst@marcjacobs.com to secure your slot. Walk-ins are welcome on the event days if there are any portrait slots left, but walk-in slots are subject to availability, and it’s very popular!

Why London Dog Owners Love Bark Jacobs

Not only is the Marc Jacobs dog bag the ultimate dog mum treat, but it’s also one of the most dog-friendly fashion events in London. The Regent Street store is so welcoming to pups, so your dog can be part of the experience while you choose your perfect bag.

And with your new bag customised with a hand-painted portrait, you’re guaranteed a timeless piece that celebrates your best friend in style.

My Bark Jacobs Experience

This year, I chose the Marc Jacobs Cristina Messenger bag – not only is it stunning, but as a dog owner whose hands are always full, being able to wear my bag crossbody is essential. The Cristina bag, which can be worn on the shoulder or crossbody, is the perfect combination of style and practicality, meaning I can proudly show off my new Marc Jacobs Pet Portrait bag everywhere we go.

And if you’re anything like me, once you’ve seen your pup’s face hand-painted onto your bag, you’ll never look at your handbag collection the same way again!

I have to say that I absolutely LOVE it! My new bag is so special, and I will treasure it for years to come!

Why You’ll Love Your Marc Jacobs Pet Portrait…

How to Secure Your Spot – All You Need To Know

The Bark Jacobs events are always incredibly popular, and slots book up fast. So, if you want to turn your bag into a forever keepsake, make sure you:

• Choose your weekend slot
• Book by phone or email as soon as possible (regentst@marcjacobs.com or 0207 9526991)
• Bring along your favourite pet photo and then just decide on your bag style (this is the really hard part!)

If you are based outside the UK, you can find Marc Jacobs stores worldwide participating in the Bark Jacobs activation here.

Bark Jacobs: Celebrating Your Pup

A Mark Jacobs pet portrait is the perfect way to blend iconic fashion with your love for your dog. Whether treating yourself or gifting a fellow dog lover, a hand-painted pet portrait on a Marc Jacobs bag is truly special and a wonderful way to celebrate your pup.

Will you and your pup be heading to Marc Jacobs on Regent Street this Christmas? If so, don’t forget to tag @thedogvine on Instagram —we’d love to see your portraits!

Remember, pet portrait customisations are available during Bark Jacobs every weekend until the end of December, so don’t miss the chance to get your bespoke pet portrait done!

The post Marc Jacobs Pet Portraits Are Back For Christmas! appeared first on The Dogvine.

Calling all dog lovers in London! This summer, we are thrilled to present a unique and enchanting event exclusively for you and your four-legged best friend. Join us for the exclusive Blossoms and Bonds Event, a rare opportunity to celebrate National Human-Animal Bond Awareness Day on 28th July and immortalise the special bond you share with your dog through a professional photo shoot and a precious paw print keepsake.

Honour Your Unbreakable Bond

Prepare to be swept away in a magical 20-minute photo shoot with the renowned Andrew Richardson of Raven Imagery at the iconic Wild At Heart Turquoise Island in Notting Hill. Let Andrew capture the laughter, love, and unique connection you share with your pup amidst stunning floral arrangements. This is more than just a photoshoot—it’s a joyous celebration of the profound love only a dog can give.

When: July 28th, 2024

Where: Wild At Heart Turquoise Island, Notting Hill, W11 2RH

Cost: £100, with all proceeds going to Wild at Heart Foundation and ZEM Rescues

For more information and to book Blossoms and Bonds, click here

Included in Your Blossoms and Bonds Photoshoot Session

– Timeless Photographs: Andrew will capture the most precious moments with his signature style, providing you with memories to relive over and over again.

– Iconic Floral Backdrop: Pose with an iconic Wild At Heart bouquet, adding a touch of elegance to your photos.

– High-Resolution Portrait: Receive one fully retouched, high-resolution digital portrait. Should you wish, additional purchase options for print products, wall art, and digital files are also available.

– Cinematic Video: Receive a beautiful 20-second cinematic video, ‘Moment in Motion,’ that captures the essence of your bond with your dog.

Exclusive Extras for Blossoms and Bonds Attendees

– Paw Print Keepsake: Capture your dog’s paw print at the event (with a Daniella Draper Paw Print Ink Pad for up to two dogs included) and use it to create a sustainable, hand-made piece of Daniella Draper personalised gold or silver jewellery, with beautiful silver jewellery pieces starting at just £40. As a Blossoms and Bonds attendee, enjoy a 10% discount on your choice of this precious keepsake, ensuring you always carry a piece of your dog with you.

Bouquet Discount: On the event day, receive an exclusive 30% discount on any luxury Wild At Heart flower bouquet from Turquoise Island.

– Goodie Bag: Take home a goodie bag from Creature Comforts, the innovative vet clinic transforming the vet experience in Notting Hill and St John’s Wood.

Supporting Great Causes

All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Wild at Heart Foundation and ZEM Rescues, two incredible organisations dedicated to the welfare of stray dogs.

Blossom and Bonds – Join Us and Make Memories

Celebrate the extraordinary bond with your dog in a way that’s as special as the love you share.

The Blossoms and Bonds event is a perfect way to cherish your unique bond with your dog, support a good cause, and walk away with beautiful memories and keepsakes. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience—we hope to see you there!

Book your Blossoms and Bonds slot here

The post Celebrate Your Bond with Your Dog: Blossoms and Bonds Event appeared first on The Dogvine.

Meet the next of our Second Chance Stories here on The Dogvine: Becca & Susan (@snaughtysusan), a rescue dog from Bosnia. Becca & Susan live in London, and this is Susan’s story about how she came to give Susan a second chance…

Tell us about yourself…

My name is Becca, and I live in East London (Hackney) with my partner, Pietro. We live in a flat with no garden or outdoor space. We have a rescue cat from Morocco, our Susan from Bosnia and foster dogs on a regular basis. Currently, we have a foster called Davy from Morocco.

I am a freelance Brand Strategist, so I work from home full-time. I often bring Susan to projects like photoshoots or basic consultations when they occur. I also work part-time with dog and cat shelters abroad on their branding and marketing strategies. I work with them to develop adoption campaigns for long time residents or to launch new fundraisers. When I have the funds, I visit and create months’ worth of content and then act as a flight volunteer or travel foster on my way back to London (that’s how Davy, our current foster, and our last foster, Lucy, from Bosnia, came to London).

Tell us about your rescue dog…

Susan (aka Big Potato or Suze) is a 6.5-year-old rescue dog from My Paws Bosnia. She is referred to as a Serbian Hound in the area she was rescued from, but most people think she looks like some sort of bloodhound or hunting dog. A lot of people say she looks like a giant sausage dog, which is what we refer to her as now (ironically). We’ve had her for just over two years now.

Susan lived in rural Bosnia outside of Brčko for 2-3 years. She was sighted wandering around on farmland and around highways that connect Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia over the span of a few years, but she was terrified of people and would run at the sight of them.

3 years ago, she became pregnant during the late fall and wound up giving birth to puppies (4 or 5) on farmland. The farmer called My Paws, asking them to remove Susan and her puppies from their property as they didn’t like dogs and would dispose of them themselves if needed.

Vesna, who runs My Paws, immediately went to pick them up. Susan wouldn’t approach adults so the young son of the the farmer had to lure her into a slip lead with food. She had mange above one of her eyes and road rash on her back legs, likely from being hit by a motorcycle or car at some point.

Her puppies were immediately adopted to the UK, but Susan waited for a year in the shelter. She was still terrified of people and becoming increasingly depressed in the shelter, so they sent her to a foster in Bournemouth.

What made you decide to rescue?

While my family bought from breeders when I was growing up, I had always been against it. I didn’t understand how people could buy puppies born for capital when shelters (and streets) around the world were brimming with dogs, desperate for homes. But it wasn’t my choice then. I wanted to adopt, but, until a few years ago, I wasn’t in a stable enough living situation to have a dog of my own. During more stable work periods, while I was studying and working, I would foster to fill that doggy-sized hole.

My partner had never had a dog before and had no clue what to expect. He actually suggested we adopt a dog after a few years of being together because he knew how much I missed my dogs back home (in the US). He also was in support of rescuing as he had been exposed to a lot of strays while growing up and traveling with his family. He’s big on second chances and wanted to give a stray or rescue a second chance at a happy life.

How did you choose your rescue dog?

We had been wanting to adopt a dog for quite some time but struggled to get approved by local rescues, like Battersea because we didn’t have a garden. We started looking into other options, and adopting from abroad seemed like the most fitting choice because those rescues were more focused on finding dedicated families and less concerned with how many square metres their gardens were. 

We went back and forth with 3 different rescue organisations abroad about a few different dogs, trying to figure out if we were the right fit for the dogs they suggested. In the end, none seemed like a great match. Eventually, one of the rescuers sent pictures of three dogs who had just come over from Bosnia to foster homes. Two were puppies, and one, Susan, was more mature and looked terrified. We knew the puppies would get adopted immediately, so we asked to meet Susan (then Emie). And that was it! We spent two days getting to know her and drove her home to London the second night.

Tell us about the rescue/shelter you adopted from

Susan is from My Paws Bosnia. My Paws is a small rescue in Brčko run by a woman named Vesna. She runs the whole organisation together with her husband and their in-laws. She has two young daughters (under 3) who are at the shelter with her every day.

She traded her future career and life abroad to move home and start the shelter, which now houses 65 dogs, max and about 10 cats. She works extremely hard to make sure the dogs and cats are well-fed and taken care of. They’re constantly building new structures, repainting, adding hay to enclosures for warmth, etc. Her life revolves around keeping them happy and healthy.

She manages to get 2-3 of her dogs sent abroad (EU and UK) most months, and every once in a while, someone local adopts one of her dogs or cats. Her goal is to “clean house” on a yearly basis, excluding some resident dogs who, due to their breed and size, won’t be adopted outside of Bosnia.

She also organises spay, neuter and release clinics multiple times per year. In addition, she goes door to door to locals with dogs and cats who are allowed to wander and offers to spay them free of charge. This is a constant effort as many of the street dogs in the area come from roaming dogs and cats with owners.

We actually went to visit the shelter with Susan in January. We were able to volunteer for 2 weeks and bring a foster back with us. Susan was able to see her old buddies (some of which are still there, unfortunately), and we were able to see where she came from and understand why she is the way that she is.

How easy was it to get your rescue dog to the UK?

Easy! After we filled out our application, we were given a few options who were already being fostered. We went to meet her, decided to adopt, and drove her home. We paid the adoption fee via bank transfer (online), all of which went back to My Paws to enable another dog to travel abroad, and that was it.

What did you think about rescue dogs before adopting?

We both have soft spots for rescue animals, in general. But my partner had no experience aside from meeting my dogs back home and seeing videos on The Dodo.

What do you think about rescue dogs after adopting?

I still love them and would only ever rescue, as opposed to buying. My partner now adores every rescue dog he meets and is very supportive of rescue work and fostering. He now knows the challenges that come with adopting a dog that has lived as a stray and experienced trauma, so he is even more understanding and always trying to convince people to go the route of rescuing or adopting a dog in need of rehoming. Since adopting Susan, we have both become a lot more involved with various rescue organisations abroad (Morocco and Bosnia). We also foster regularly now as we didn’t know the value before adopting. If Susan hadn’t gone to a foster home, she’d probably still be at the shelter, so she’s given us the inspiration to try and do the same for dogs like her when we can. 

What is your message to anyone who is thinking of getting a rescue?

Make sure that you’re willing to put in the work and not just infatuated with the idea of “rescuing” an animal. I think social media and accounts like The Dodo can create this idea that rescuing will result in instant gratification and a quick bond. Sometimes, it does work this way, but often, there are many unexpected challenges to overcome as you get to know the unique character of your dog. For us, the adoption process itself was easy, but it took a lot of work and stress (working through reactivity to people and dogs) to get to where we are today. And though I want to demystify adopting a rescue, I think setting real expectations are so important in order to avoid dogs being passed between adopters and fosters over and over again.

Susan was my first rescue who was terrified of every sound, person and animal. Trying to help her feel comfortable in a chaotic city like London wasn’t easy, but throughout the process, she taught me to slow down and to nourish what I am feeling, even if that’s fear or anxiety. We spend so much time just sitting together outside, observing the world around us, which is something that we too often forget to do living in a city like London. This always calms her down if she’s feeling especially jumpy or stressed by other dogs. 

What are your favourite things to do in London with your rescue dog?

Susan loves public transportation (overground and bus), so it’s always a joy to take her anywhere on trains and buses. She’s just so excited when a big, red bus pulls up and opens its doors to her.

She loves the Regent’s Canal so every week, we do a long walk starting at London Fields to Victoria Park via the canal. She loves checking out the houseboats and watching ducks, so I try to take her on this walk, specifically on weekdays, to avoid bike congestion on the canal. This way, we can take our time and even sit on the edge of the canal. I love to see her sniffing the boats and birds. She’s just so happy in that environment! And there are tons of great dog-friendly places to stop along the way.

This is oddly specific, but shortly after we adopted Susan, we met the owner of Rouge (Lei) through some work I was doing. We would often stop by Rouge on our weekend walks to help Susan socialise (this is when she was terrified of people) in an indoor setting. Rouge is very peaceful and the team is very gentle and welcoming to dogs. Susan became obsessed with going to Rouge and now expects any overground trip to take us there. 

So now, as a tradition, every Friday morning, we walk from London Fields through Hackney Downs to Stoke Newington. Susan leads the walk there from our doorstep as she’s determined to get to her friends at Rouge. We go before they open, so when we arrive at the door to wait for Lei, Susan starts standing on her back legs and jumping with excitement. She doesn’t do this for anyone else.

Stoke Newington, in my opinion, is one of the best places to take dogs. There are so many dog-friendly shops and cafes and two great parks: Clissold and Abney Cemetery. We love to shop around, get dog ice cream, and end the day by sitting in one of the parks and watching people and dogs go by.

Second Chance Stories: Becca & Susan

Thank you, Becca & Susan, for sharing your Second Chance Story; we love how Susan has blossomed so much from when she was in the shelter and been instrumental in your & Pietro’s growing love of rescue dogs.

“We also foster regularly now as we didn’t know the value before adopting. If Susan hadn’t gone to a foster home, she’d probably still be at the shelter, so she’s given us the inspiration to try and do the same for dogs like her when we can“.

It really is much harder to visualise the future and adopt a dog who’s looking terrified in a shelter (and who may be overseas) than when you meet them more relaxed here in a home in the UK, so please consider fostering if you can’t adopt right now. Remember, fostering saves two lives…the life of the dog you welcome into your home and the dog who now has a spot in the shelter instead of being left on the street or, worse, euthanised.

Rescue Dogs of London

In the days that led up to our inaugural Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup in Kensington Gardens this past Sunday, 12 May, together with Miss Darcy’s Adventures, we have shared Second Chance stories and will share their stories on Rescue Dogs of London until the week of National Rescue Dog Day on the 20th May.

With thanks to our Rescue Dogs of London Event Sponsors:

• Wagworks: WagWorks is the happy place for city dogs. Dog daycare, dog grooming, training and vet services in West London.
• Biome9: Gut microbiome test and health report for dogs. Unlock the complex biology of your dog’s inner world using cutting-edge AI.
• PAWD DRINKS: PAWD DRINKS is a range of preventative and functional liquid health supplements for dogs scientifically designed to target common health-related issues.
• The Rockster: Rockster quite simply has established a new standard in calibre of ingredients, dog nutrition and palatability never seen before in the industry. Hailed as “more than just food”, Rockster is the only Bio-organic dog food in the world that is certified as a superfood in its own right, having transformed the lives of many dogs.
• Raven Imagery: Renowned dog photographer Andrew Richardson from Raven Imagery captures stunning portraits of pups against a backdrop of the capital and beyond.
• Darcy’s Bakery: Darcy’s Bakery is an artisanal dog bakery specialising in catering for parties, events and brand collaborations in Central London.

And the wag-tastic goodie bag partners: Beautiful Joes, Caboodle, Wunderdog Magazine, James & Ella, Pawer Water and Project Harmless

The post Second Chance Stories: Becca & Susan appeared first on The Dogvine.

Tell us about yourself…

I am a freelance writer and editor, so I spend a LOT of time at home. When I adopted Goldie, I was living in the same one-bedroom flat, without a garden, that I lived in before when I had my first rescue dog, Pippa. The area I live in, on the Hackney-Islington border, is extremely dog-friendly, with many other home-working dog people around. We don’t have that many amazing green spaces, but walking along Regent’s Canal is a good way to get around.
I met my partner through our dogs (both rescues, of course), and we now live together in the same area, but with a small garden. 

Tell us about your rescue dog…

My dog Goldie is from Romania and is a typical village dog. Romanian dogs have a look about them – a fluffy tail and lots of attitude! She was found wandering around in a village near the southern city of Constanta at around four months old, and she had a chain around her neck that had grown into her skin. She was in bad shape when Romanian Rescue Appeal took her in. Fortunately, they did an amazing job in clearing up wounds. Their vet has a yard, and he always keeps some dogs as foster dogs and for observation. Goldie was on one of them, which is why she is very good at the vets! I knew from the pictures that Goldie was very friendly and sociable – a wiggly puppy who had a rough start.
My partner rescued his Podenco Tara from a charity near Andalucia, Spanish Stray Dogs UK. We believe that Tara was just under one year old and had been a pet before she was abandoned. She was very timid but friendly.

What made you decide to rescue?

I’d never consider buying a dog. I object to everything that is associated with breeding – the forced “coupling”, the money-making, the many health issues that breeders know about and still decide to breed for profit. People often talk about ‘ethical breeders’, but I consider that a contradiction in terms. If they did it for the health of the bitch, they’d donate the proceeds of the puppy sales to a dog charity. I’ve also been to Crufts once – as a research trip – and I really had nothing in common with the breed exhibitors.
If you haven’t already, I strongly suggest you watch the movie Best in Show, with Christopher Guest.
And why wouldn’t you rescue when there are so many homeless dogs in the world? Every year, around 120,000 dogs in the UK need rehoming, and that’s not even considering the 660 million stray dogs worldwide.

Not all of them need a home – many are quite happy as free-roaming or village dogs – but those that do need a home make amazing pets. 

How did you choose your rescue dog?

My first rescue dog, Pippa, had been found in Camden and was brought to me as a foster dog. I was a fosterer for a smaller charity called Pro Dogs Direct, which doesn’t run kennels and has all its dogs in foster homes.  We had time to get to know each other before I adopted her. She was initially very shy and didn’t make a peep. It took her around two months to come out of her shell, but she turned into a very funny, intelligent, cool pooch. Previously, I hadn’t thought about her type – a mid-sized collie cross – and was set on a smaller dog, but fate brought us together, and I am so grateful it did. 

With Goldie, since she is from Romania, it was slightly different. You can agree with most dog-importing charities to “foster with a view to adopt”, which is a trial run before signing on the dotted line. I had my heart set on another dog on the website of Romanian Rescue Appeal, but that dog was quite happy where she was, so they decided to keep her there. My friend and I looked through their list of available dogs again, and my friend said: “What about Goldie?” Goldie was already spoken for, but luckily for me, the other person dropped out. When Goldie arrived on the van from Romania, she was placed into my arm, and when she put her head on my shoulder, the ‘foster’ period ended, I knew straight away that she was my girl.

Tell us about the rescue/shelter you adopted from

I don’t want to go, “Don’t you know who I am?” but since I run Wunderdog Magazine and spend my life writing, thinking and talking about rescue dogs, I really thought I could adopt any dog! Not so.

After Pippa died, I contacted 15 charities big and small – all of them with a personalised email, explaining my situation and that I was happy to foster or volunteer for them before adopting. I was ignored by practically everyone, including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. Two charities that I had personal relationships with through the magazine didn’t have dogs suitable for inner-city life, and Dogs Trust very kindly came back to me explaining about volunteering at a shelter that was too far away for me, and they also didn’t have any suitable dogs for me. The only charity that had properly read my email and replied in a kind, sensible way was Romanian Rescue Appeal. It’s so important that the relationship with the charity is off to a good start – adopters don’t want to feel like beggars, and rescue staff don’t want to deal with time-wasters. We had fruitful discussions about my shortlisted dogs.

I later learnt that Romanian Rescue Appeal has around 1,000 dogs in its care across several shelters in Romania. It was founded by Briton Lindsey Church, who has since stepped down from running the charity to concentrate on her family. I interviewed her for Wunderdog’s website, and it became clear that hers is quite a typical story: a kind-hearted person sees dogs in need and decides to do something instead of walking away. Lindsey has saved thousands of dogs, and Romanian Rescue Appeal is a wonderful charity.

One thing that still makes me laugh about the adoption process was when I was home-checked, the volunteer brought with her two lurchers that immediately peed against all my furniture. I think that was a test!

How easy was it to get your rescue dog to the UK?

The charity needs to sort all that out. Since Brexit and the brucellosis incident a few years ago, Defra has greatly strengthened the import protocol. UK-registered charities that import dogs from overseas need to be licenced, as does the transport company (if the charity doesn’t use its own vans).
Adopters really need to check that the charities comply with Defra’s new regime, and I also strongly recommend that dogs coming in from countries where leishmaniosis is present are tested before travelling. Leish is a degenerative disease that needs to be managed carefully and as soon as it’s detected. You can find out more about the testing protocols on Wunderdog Magazine here.

As for dogs coming in from outside of Europe, there’s a chance that your dog may be flown to continental Europe and then brought to the UK. In this case, the paperwork may be different, and I would advise you to ensure the charity is aware of that. Soi Dog Foundation in Thailand is a leading dog charity that is always very helpful.

How easy was it for you to adopt?

My first rescue dog, Pippa, as mentioned above, was my foster dog first, so the charity knew we were a good fit. I definitely recommend fostering first! I often hear that charities reject applications outright because of the lack of a garden. I reject that argument – sadly, many dogs do have access to a garden, but then what? If there’s nobody to play with and nothing to do, a patch of grass isn’t enrichment. What matters is that this little pack animal we’re adopting has a pack and plenty of stimulation.
Adopters with small children also find the process difficult, and I have more sympathy with charities on this matter. The risk of something bad happening with a toddler and a new dog is simply too big, and the charity risks bad headlines and reviews online.

What did you think about rescue dogs before adopting?

I never bought into the idea that rescue dogs had more behavioural issues than bred/bought dogs. After all, if it was just the adopted dogs that had issues, dog trainers and behaviourists would be out of most of their work!
In truth, most rescue dogs have hit a rough patch, most likely because a human let them down. This made them more resilient – they experienced ups and downs in a more pronounced way than dogs that never had to go through this trauma. They also had to be more resourceful and learn to trust again. So, rescue dogs have – through their bout of tough luck  – become more interesting, more characterful and unique. If you want a ‘cookie-cutter’ dog, sure – get one from a breeder. If you want a real character, get a rescue dog. I always wonder what stories they could tell if they were human!

What do you think about rescue dogs after adopting?

It hasn’t changed my mind, but affirmed my belief that rescue dogs have far more character than traditionally bred/bought dogs. And because their experiences are different, the outcome is different too. You can generalise rescue dogs to a certain degree – some are fearful of men, some are fearful of the outside, etc. – but beyond these broad generalisations their true character is unique.
What I really enjoy seeing is the different groups of rescue dogs that live in London interact with each other. Goldie, for example, who is from Romania, always spots fellow Rommies whenever we bump into them on walks. Especially on Walthamstow Marshes, we often bump into other dogs from south-east Europe. They have a look about them – the confident walk, fluffy tail, and quite often an underbite. And when I chat with their owners, I realise that Goldie is both unique and not – all Rommies have character quirks, they are all individuals. It reminds me of the scene in the Life of Brian: “You are all individuals!” “I’m not!”

What is your message to anyone who is thinking of getting a rescue?

Go for it! You won’t get the dog you think you want; you’ll get the dog you didn’t think you deserved! You’ll get a little canine being whose DNA has, for 15,000 years, been selected to be your best friend. And since you adopted that little canine being, they will be your grateful best friend who thinks of you as the best thing since sliced treats!

What have you learnt from rescuing your dog?

Well, Goldie is very funny and also quite bossy. Apparently, she got the latter from me! Seriously, I have a unique dog who is unlike any other dog I’ve ever met, and she surprises me every day. Rescues, especially village dogs, have a strong character and can be quite independent, so you have to work for their affection and sometimes just learn to let them be their quirky little selves. I would never have a dog of a specific breed, as their DNA has been meddled with too much. I feel sorry for these cookie-cutter dogs that all look the same and act the same.

What are your favourite things to do in London with your rescue dog?

We love Hampstead Heath as it’s huge and has so much to do for the dogs. Goldie always comes back completely muddy and sleeping for the rest of the day. Walthamstow Marshes isn’t pretty, but it’s also great for the dogs, and we always meet other rescues from southeast Europe. Goldie also loves to go to the shops on Upper Street with me, although I wouldn’t take her into busier shopping areas.
Last Christmas, we took advice from The Dogvine and went to the Egerton Hotel for Doggy High Tea. The girls absolutely loved it!

Second Chance Stories: Nina & Goldie

Thank you, Nina & Goldie, for sharing your Second Chance Story and also some of Pippa and Tara’s, too. Belinha and I were lucky enough to meet beautiful Pippa, and it’s been wonderful watching Goldie continue Pippa’s legacy at Wunderdog Magazine.

We still have more of these inspiring Second Chance Stories to share from our Rescue Dogs of London Community, together with Miss Darcy’s Adventures (they feature on alternate days on our blogs), so look out for them in the run-up to our Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup on 12 May and National Rescue Dog Day on 20 May.  

Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup

And if you would like to join us for the Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup on May 12th, you’ll find a copy of the brilliant Wunderdog Magazine in your goodie bag, and that’s not all…

The inaugural Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup is on 12 May from 11 am, at the Queen Caroline’s Temple in Kensington Gardens. Tickets are just £20 (+ Eventbrite fee), and you can get yours on Eventbrite. 100% of the event proceeds go to two deserving charities ZEM Rescues in Greece (the Animal Welfare Association of Megara)and Harbin Slaughterhouse Survivors in China.

Here’s what’s included with your ticket:

• Meetup at the Queen Caroline’s Temple in Kensington Gardens – there’s plenty of space and plenty of leafy shade too.
• Making memories – included in your ticket is a photo of your pup (or you & your pup) taken by legendary London dog Photographer Andrew from Raven Imagery. Photos will be emailed to attendees after the Meetup.
• Knowing your doggy social life is helping dogs in need, as 100% of proceeds from this event will go to two amazing dog rescues/shelters, as mentioned above.
• Respected London Dog Behaviourist and Trainer Emilia O’Hara will be at the meetup to share her expertise and answer any dog training or behaviour questions.
• Plus, there will be surprises from our pawsome Meetup partners The Rockster PAWD DRINKS Biome9 & WagWorks and treats to take home with a brilliant Goodie Bag from Beautiful Joes, Wunderdog Magazine, James & Ella, Caboodle, Project Harmless & Pawer Water.
• Don’t forget, you can treat your pup to a box of special edition Rescue Dog Cookies from Darcy’s Bakery, created especially for the Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup.

All dogs are welcome for this Meetup – rescues and friends of rescues, so we hope to see you there!

Our Partners for the Inaugural Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup

With Thanks to our Meetup Partners

• WagWorks: WagWorks is a new and unique concept challenging traditional canine care. Our premium membership club for dogs conveniently incorporates all aspects of care under one roof, all led by highly knowledgeable and passionate industry experts.
• Biome9: BIOME9 has launched a revolutionary gut health test for dogs. GutDiscovery® is a simple, at-home test using pioneering science to analyse what’s happening inside your dog’s gut. It removes the guesswork from their diet and helps to support their long-term well-being.
• PAWD DRINKS: PAWD DRINKS is a range of preventative and functional liquid health supplements for dogs that are scientifically designed to target common health-related issues.
• The Rockster: Rockster quite simply has established a new standard in calibre of ingredients, dog nutrition and palatability never seen before in the industry. Hailed as “more than just food”, Rockster is the only Bio-organic dog food in the world that is certified as a superfood in its own right, having transformed the lives of many dogs.
• Raven Imagery: Renowned and internationally published London dog photographer Andrew Richardson from Raven Imagery, with a long background of working with rescue dogs, has a stunningly unique way of storytelling through his canine portraiture. For the modern city dogs to the rescued jet setters.
• Darcy’s Bakery: Darcy’s Bakery is an artisanal dog bakery specialising in catering for parties, events and brand collaborations in Central London. We make bespoke dog-friendly cakes, pupcakes, cookies, brownies and donuts.

And our Goodie Bag Partners

• Beautiful Joe’s Dog Treats: Beautiful Joe’s offers a range of irresistible, completely natural, handmade treats. Whenever someone buys a bag of our delicious dog treats, we give some to a rescue centre. To date, we have given away over £700,000 worth.
• Wunderdog Magazine: Wunderdog is an independent magazine for rescue dogs and their people. Published twice a year in London, Wunderdog covers international stories of dog rescuers and those who work every day to make the world happier and safer for our canine companions.
• Caboodle: Delicious meals in daily boxes, perfectly portioned for your pooch. High in protein and with 100% natural ingredients, it’s doggie delight delivered!
• James & Ella: We’re James & Ella, by James Middleton. A happiness and well-being company for dogs.
• Project Harmless: Project Harmless offers the award-winning Harmless Poop Bag, made of medical grade, water-reactive, and non-toxic material. It can rapidly disintegrate in landfills and our oceans, posing no harm to the environment, marine and wildlife.
• Pawer Water: Pawer Water is the new hydration supplement for your dog’s wellness. Our pocket-sized 4.5g sticks are packed with electrolytes to hydrate faster and 7 pawerful active ingredients to strengthen their bones, skin, and coat.

The post Second Chance Stories: Nina & Goldie appeared first on The Dogvine.

Tell us about yourself…

I came to London 11 years ago. It was supposed to be a one-to-two year thing, and here we are still! I work in advertising. Before the pandemic, I used to go to the office every day, but now, I go once or twice a week. We (Avena and I) live in a one-bedroom flat in SouthWest London.

Tell us about your rescue dog…

My dog’s name is Avena. She was found in the middle of a motorway in Mexico, trying to drink water from a puddle. A lady heading to a dog rescue home was driving by; she stopped and took Avena to her shelter in Mexico City. She was seven months old.

We suspect she was put in a rubbish bin, along with her siblings, as she had signs of canine distemper. The area where she was found is known for non-regulated dog breeding. So it looked like they were disposed of, as they would probably die anyway, and they wouldn’t have been able to sell them.  It breaks my heart. 

She clearly survived. I have never did a breed test on her, but the vets think she has a bit of Malinois in her…and something else.

What made you decide to rescue?

There are loads of stray dogs in Mexico, so it is common to adopt the dog that sleeps by your door. My family always did that. When I moved out of my parents, I really missed having a dog buddy, so it made sense to rescue one.

How did you choose your rescue dog?

Ha! Avena chose me. There were loads of dogs lined up in a park. The rescue house had brought them all there on a Sunday so people could meet them, walk them and fill in the adoption form. I was looking at them, and Avena came straight to me and jumped up to say Hi. The rest is history!

Tell us about the rescue/shelter you adopted from. 

It is called ‘Por los que no tiene voz’ (In the name of those who don’t have a voice). It is in Mexico, and they do a lovely job rescuing animals and trying to get them into the best family possible.

How easy was it to get your rescue dog to the UK?

There is a company called Pet Air, which is run by Melissa. They are experts in getting animals to any destination and love them to bits. Melissa helped me get Avena to the UK. The fee was higher than getting them from Europe to the UK, but it was totally worth it. Also, there are different ways now to bring them over that are cheaper and safe.

What did you think about rescue dogs before adopting?

They are the best. Loyal, funny, smart and just want to love and be loved. All my dogs have been rescue dogs.

What do you think about rescue dogs after adopting?

I still think they are the best!

What is your message to anyone who is thinking of getting a rescue?

Don’t think twice about it. Sometimes, we think we are rescuing them when they are actually rescuing us. Every day.

What are your favourite things to do in London with your rescue dog?

I love taking Avena for long walks in parks, heaths or by the river. She travels on the District Line, buses, overground and trains. Anything too deep and noisy, i.e. the Northern Line, is not for her.

We once went to Scotland by train, and she slept all the way. We also like going to restaurants, pubs and shops. London is super dog-friendly, and I love that. There’s so much you can do with your dog!

Second Chance Stories: Fernanda and Avena

Thank you, Fernanda and Avena, for sharing your precious Second Chance Story! We first met Avena and Fernanda in our local park when Belinha and Moleque were still with me, and Avena had, and still has, the most stylish collection of scarves & bandanas that she wears around London!

Avena’s is just one heartwarming story of the difference you can make by choosing to rescue a dog in need, and each story deserves to be celebrated. Together with Miss Darcy’s Adventures, we will continue sharing some of these wonderful Second Chance Stories from our Rescue Dogs of London Community over the next couple of weeks in the run-up to our inaugural Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup on 12 May and National Rescue Dog Day on 20 May.  

Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup

And if you would like to join us for the Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup on May 12th, where rescue dogs, friends of rescue dogs and their humans will be coming together, read on…

The inaugural Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup is on 12 May from 11 am, at the Queen Caroline’s Temple in Kensington Gardens. Tickets are just £20 (+ Eventbrite fee), and you can get yours on Eventbrite. 100% of the event proceeds go to two deserving charities; here’s what’s included with your ticket:

• Plenty of space for sniffing, socialising & zoomies
• Meeting new four-legged friends 
• Making memories – included in your ticket is a photo of your pup (or you & your pup) taken by legendary London dog Photographer Andrew from Raven Imagery. Photos will be emailed to attendees after the Meetup.
• Knowing your doggy social life is helping dogs in need, as 100% of proceeds from this event will go to two amazing dog rescues, ZEM Rescues in Greece (the Animal Welfare Association of Megara) who rescued Piccolina & Harbin Slaughterhouse Survivors in China where Lulu was rescued from. Every ticket sold and every contribution made directly impacts the lives of more deserving dogs these charities rescue, offering them hope for a brighter future.
• Especially for the Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup, you can treat your pup to delicious special edition Rescue Dog Cookies from Darcy’s Bakery.
• Got a training or behaviour question? Respected London Dog Behaviourist and Trainer Emilia O’Hara will be at the meetup to share her expertise.
• Plus, there will be surprises from our pawsome Meetup partners The Rockster PAWD DRINKS Biome9 & WagWorks and treats to take home with a brilliant Goodie Bag from Beautiful Joes, Wunderdog Magazine, James & Ella, Caboodle, Project Harmless & Pawer Water.

Don’t forget ALL dogs are welcome for this Meetup – rescues and friends of rescues, so we hope to see you there!

Our Partners for the Inaugural Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup

With Thanks to our Meetup Partners

• WagWorks: WagWorks is a new and unique concept challenging traditional canine care. Our premium membership club for dogs conveniently incorporates all aspects of care under one roof, all led by highly knowledgeable and passionate industry experts.
• Biome9: BIOME9 has launched a revolutionary gut health test for dogs. GutDiscovery® is a simple, at-home test using pioneering science to analyse what’s happening inside your dog’s gut. It removes the guesswork from their diet and helps to support their long-term well-being.
• PAWD DRINKS: PAWD DRINKS is a range of preventative and functional liquid health supplements for dogs that are scientifically designed to target common health-related issues.
• The Rockster: Rockster quite simply has established a new standard in calibre of ingredients, dog nutrition and palatability never seen before in the industry. Hailed as “more than just food”, Rockster is the only Bio-organic dog food in the world that is certified as a superfood in its own right, having transformed the lives of many dogs.
• Raven Imagery: Renowned and internationally published London dog photographer Andrew Richardson from Raven Imagery, with a long background of working with rescue dogs, has a stunningly unique way of storytelling through his canine portraiture. For the modern city dogs to the rescued jet setters.
• Darcy’s Bakery: Darcy’s Bakery is an artisanal dog bakery specialising in catering for parties, events and brand collaborations in Central London. We make bespoke dog-friendly cakes, pupcakes, cookies, brownies and donuts.

And our Goodie Bag Partners

• Beautiful Joe’s Dog Treats: Beautiful Joe’s offers a range of irresistible, completely natural, handmade treats. Whenever someone buys a bag of our delicious dog treats, we give some to a rescue centre. To date, we have given away over £700,000 worth.
• Wunderdog Magazine: Wunderdog is an independent magazine for rescue dogs and their people. Published twice a year in London, Wunderdog covers international stories of dog rescuers and those who work every day to make the world happier and safer for our canine companions.
• Caboodle: Delicious meals in daily boxes, perfectly portioned for your pooch. High in protein and with 100% natural ingredients, it’s doggie delight delivered!
• James & Ella: We’re James & Ella, by James Middleton. A happiness and well-being company for dogs.
• Project Harmless: Project Harmless offers the award-winning Harmless Poop Bag, made of medical grade, water-reactive, and non-toxic material. It can rapidly disintegrate in landfills and our oceans, posing no harm to the environment, marine and wildlife.
• Pawer Water: Pawer Water is the new hydration supplement for your dog’s wellness. Our pocket-sized 4.5g sticks are packed with electrolytes to hydrate faster and 7 pawerful active ingredients to strengthen their bones, skin, and coat.

The post Second Chance Stories: Fernanda & Avena appeared first on The Dogvine.

As a proud owner of rescue pups for many years, I know the joy these special dogs bring into our lives. That’s why I – Teresa, founder of The Dogvine, and May, founder of Miss Darcy’s Adventures, teamed up to fill the gap in London’s dog community. Together with our own rescue dogs, Piccolina from Greece, George from Hungary, and Lulu from China, we’re excited to introduce Rescue Dogs of London!

Creating a space where rescue dogs and their owners can connect, share stories, and make memories will be at the heart of what we do. But it won’t just be all about playdates and social get-togethers; we also want to give back to help other rescue dogs in need. Through our meetups, we hope to foster a sense of community, friendship, and love for rescue dogs while giving back to shelters in need and inspiring others to open their hearts and homes to one of the thousands of dogs looking for a home.

Second Chance Stories

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Rescue Dogs of London will be the opportunity to share Second Chance Stories. Every rescue dog has a unique journey, and we’re here to celebrate those stories of resilience, love, and transformation. Whether overcoming past traumas, finding a forever home against the odds, or simply learning to trust again, these stories inspire us all. Look out for our new Second Chance Stories series starting this week on The Dogvine and Miss Darcy’s Adventures in the run-up to National Rescue Dog Day on 20 May.

Our Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup

We’re thrilled to announce and invite you to our very first Rescue Dogs of London…and Friends Meetup on 12 May at Queen Caroline’s Temple in Kensington Gardens. This will be a paws-itively fabulous ticketed event filled with fun and special four-legged friends! Whether you’re a proud rescue dog owner or simply a proud friend of rescue dogs, everyone is welcome to join us for this one. Here’s what you can look forward to…

• Plenty of space for sniffing, socialising & zoomies
• Meeting new four-legged friends 
• Making memories – included in your ticket is a photo of your pup (or you & your pup) taken by legendary London dog Photographer Andrew from Raven Imagery. Photos will be emailed to attendees after the Meetup.

• Knowing your doggy social life is helping dogs in need, as 100% of proceeds from this event will go to two amazing dog rescues, ZEM Rescues in Greece (the Animal Welfare Association of Megara) who rescued Piccolina & Harbin Slaughterhouse Survivors in China where Lulu was rescued from. Every ticket sold and every contribution made directly impacts the lives of more deserving dogs these charities rescue, offering them hope for a brighter future.
• Especially for the Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup, you can treat your pup to delicious special edition Rescue Dog Cookies from Darcy’s Bakery.
• Got a training or behaviour question? Respected London Dog Behaviourist and Trainer Emilia O’Hara will be at the meetup to share her expertise.
• Plus, there will be surprises from our pawsome Meetup partners The Rockster PAWD DRINKS Biome9 & WagWorks and treats to take home with a brilliant Goodie Bag from Beautiful Joes, Wunderdog Magazine, James & Ella, Caboodle, Project Harmless & Pawer Water.

Tickets are just £20 (+ Eventbrite fee), and you can get yours on Eventbrite.

Don’t forget that ALL proceeds from this event will go to Zem Rescues & Slaughterhouse Survivors and that ALL dogs are welcome for this Meetup – rescues and friends of rescues, so we hope to see you there!

Look out for our future Meetups, too, as we’ll be planning a mix of outdoor get-togethers and indoor meetups in dog-friendly London venues. 

We hope you are as excited about this new community as we are and that you’ll join us in celebrating the incredible bond between rescue dogs and their owners at the inaugural Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup.

Together, we know we can create a wonderful community sharing the love for our own amazing rescue dogs whilst helping those left behind. Find Rescue Dogs of London on Instagram @rescuedogsoflondon.

Our Partners for the Inaugural Rescue Dogs of London & Friends Meetup

With Thanks to our Meetup Partners

• WagWorks: WagWorks is a new and unique concept challenging traditional canine care. Our premium membership club for dogs conveniently incorporates all aspects of care under one roof, all led by highly knowledgeable and passionate industry experts.
• Biome9: BIOME9 has launched a revolutionary gut health test for dogs. GutDiscovery® is a simple, at-home test using pioneering science to analyse what’s happening inside your dog’s gut. It removes the guesswork from their diet and helps to support their long-term well-being.
• PAWD DRINKS: PAWD DRINKS is a range of preventative and functional liquid health supplements for dogs that are scientifically designed to target common health-related issues.
• The Rockster: Rockster quite simply has established a new standard in calibre of ingredients, dog nutrition and palatability never seen before in the industry. Hailed as “more than just food”, Rockster is the only Bio-organic dog food in the world that is certified as a superfood in its own right, having transformed the lives of many dogs.
• Raven Imagery: Renowned and internationally published London dog photographer Andrew Richardson from Raven Imagery, with a long background of working with rescue dogs, has a stunningly unique way of storytelling through his canine portraiture. For the modern city dogs to the rescued jet setters.
• Darcy’s Bakery: Darcy’s Bakery is an artisanal dog bakery specialising in catering for parties, events and brand collaborations in Central London. We make bespoke dog-friendly cakes, pupcakes, cookies, brownies and donuts.

And our Goodie Bag Partners

• Beautiful Joe’s Dog Treats: Beautiful Joe’s offers a range of irresistible, completely natural, handmade treats. Whenever someone buys a bag of our delicious dog treats, we give some to a rescue centre. To date, we have given away over £700,000 worth.
• Wunderdog Magazine: Wunderdog is an independent magazine for rescue dogs and their people. Published twice a year in London, Wunderdog covers international stories of dog rescuers and those who work every day to make the world happier and safer for our canine companions.
• Caboodle: Delicious meals in daily boxes, perfectly portioned for your pooch. High in protein and with 100% natural ingredients, it’s doggie delight delivered!
• James & Ella: We’re James & Ella, by James Middleton. A happiness and well-being company for dogs.
• Project Harmless: Project Harmless offers the award-winning Harmless Poop Bag, made of medical grade, water-reactive, and non-toxic material. It can rapidly disintegrate in landfills and our oceans, posing no harm to the environment, marine and wildlife.
• Pawer Water: Pawer Water is the new hydration supplement for your dog’s wellness. Our pocket-sized 4.5g sticks are packed with electrolytes to hydrate faster and 7 pawerful active ingredients to strengthen their bones, skin, and coat.

The post Introducing A New Dog Community: Rescue Dogs of London appeared first on The Dogvine.

In our latest dog-friendly hotel review, we’ll share our experience of this beautiful country retreat, where luxury, relaxation, and spending quality time with your dog come together. From scenic walks in the sprawling estate to sumptuous dining experiences, Tewkesbury Park Hotel promises an unforgettable stay for you and your canine companion. Read on to find out why your dog will enjoy their stay as much as you do, if not more.

Where is the Tewkesbury Park Hotel?

Tewkesbury Park Hotel enjoys a truly idyllic location perched on a hill in the heart of the breathtaking Gloucestershire countryside. Set in 165 acres of grounds, with an award-winning golf course and overlooking the historic town of Tewkesbury, its peaceful setting provides the perfect blend of tranquillity and accessibility, making it an ideal destination if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while remaining within easy reach of the stunning beauty of the Cotswolds. This picturesque backdrop sets the stage for a perfect getaway, whether travelling with your best four-legged friend or simply seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the English countryside.

How dog-friendly are the rooms?

We stayed in one of the new dog-friendly rooms at Tewkesbury Park, and our benchmark for how dog-friendly a hotel should be has now risen significantly as each room has its own private, enclosed terrace designed with dogs in mind. 

There are six dog-friendly rooms at the Tewkesbury Park Hotel, and they do not disappoint. The hotel has gone above and beyond in creating a room that makes dogs feel as welcome as humans, with thoughtfully designed rooms equipped with a memory foam dog bed, food/water bowls, a quick-drying pet towel and a pack of welcome treats. 

However, the luxury dog-friendly welcome doesn’t stop there, as all the dog-friendly rooms have a private enclosed terrace offering a safe and secure space for your dog to relax and enjoy the fresh air whilst enjoying the stunning views of the Tewkesbury Park Hotel grounds.

Whilst having enclosed outdoor space for your dog is more common in non-hotel accommodation, e.g. cottage stays, we found this to be a real game-changer for a hotel stay. We loved being able to head straight onto the beautiful grounds with Piccolina for a walk or if needed, a doggy toilet break during the night; plus, there are doggy waste bins outside the rooms, too.

And did we mention that wellies for humans to keep their feet dry on walks are provided in the room? Tewkesbury Park really has thought of everything dogs and their owners may need!

Our room was spacious and very comfortable, and we thoroughly enjoyed relaxing on the terrace, too.

Dining with your Dog at the Tewkesbury Park Hotel

Dogs are encouraged to dine with you in the Piano Bar at The Tewkesbury Park Hotel. If you would prefer to eat in the main restaurant, you can, but your dog will need to stay and relax in the room whilst you do. 

Of course, we chose to eat dinner in the Piano Bar with Piccolina. I’m so glad we did, as Daniel, the restaurant manager, gave Piccolina the warmest welcome we have had in a restaurant in a long time. Daniel had not only reserved our table but also ensured there was a perfectly Piccolina-sized memory foam dog bed and water bowl next to it.

However, the best part is that Daniel brought Piccolina a delicious dinner of chicken, vegetables and potatoes and personally served it to her. Piccolina couldn’t believe her luck!

The human food was delicious, and dining in the spacious and relaxing Piano Bar was just what we needed after a long day exploring the Cotswolds, so much so that we decided to eat at the Piano Bar for both nights that we stayed at the hotel.

Our breakfast experience also surpassed expectations! The humans could choose from an extensive buffet of cooked and continental breakfast options in the main dining room (to eat in the Piano Bar), whilst Piccolina once again had her own breakfast dish.

This time, on the dog menu was sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs or any combination of those your dog desires. Well, Picciolina desired them all, and once again, Daniel served Piccolina her breakfast in style.

As you can probably tell, we loved dining in the Piano Bar at the Tewkesbury Park Hotel and how much effort there was to make the dining experience as special for Piccolina as it was for us.

What Dog-friendly walks and things to do are nearby?

With 165 acres of parkland on your doorstep (literally), you won’t be short of dog-friendly walks to explore. Dogs should be on the lead when exploring the grounds (we used a long line) as you share the stunning parkland with the award-winning golf course The Deerpark.

Once you’ve finished exploring the grounds (it may take a while), you can take a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute drive to Tewkesbury, where Tewkesbury Abbey is dog-friendly; however, sadly, it was closed for renovations when we visited. You will also find many dog-friendly places to eat in Tewkesbury, such as The Tewkesbury Abbey Tea Rooms, The Hide, Rosada Lounge and Coffee Mer Med.

Located on the edge of the beautiful Cotswolds, the Tewkesbury Park Hotel is a short drive (30-40 minutes) from Cotswold towns such as Broadway (our favourite), Snowshill, Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter, all of which lived up to our expectations of Cotswolds towns.

We also visited the popular Bourton-on-the-Water; however, we would only recommend visiting here if you go very early in the day, as by lunchtime, there were already bus-loads of tourists in town, which detracted from its beauty.

Cheltenham is also nearby (about a 20-minute drive) if you fancy exploring a larger town.

Relaxing at the Hotel

Tewkesbury Park has an 18-hole par 72 parkland golf course, squash and tennis courts, as well as a fully-equipped leisure club with a gym, steam room, indoor swimming pool, and an outdoor Scandinavian-style sauna with a secluded terrace and hot tub. If you’re using any of these facilities, your dog won’t be able to join you, so it’s probably best to tire them out with a long walk around the grounds first, so they can relax in the room!

Although we spent a lot of time exploring the Tewkesbury Park Hotel grounds and the nearby towns, we would have also loved to spend more time relaxing at the hotel in the sauna, hot tub, pool or spa – we just ran out of time in one weekend!

What Piccolina loved about the Tewkesbury Park Hotel

The private room terrace especially for her, the doggy dinner and breakfast in the Piano Bar and the fuss from the staff, especially Daniel!

What we loved about the Tewkesbury Park Hotel

The warm welcome, the thoughtful design of the dog-friendly rooms with the terrace and all the small dog-friendly touches, the doggy dining experience, and the acres of grounds to explore!

Why the Tewkesbury Park Hotel is the ultimate dog-friendly retreat

The Tewkesbury Park Hotel offers you and your pup an experience that goes above and beyond with its dog-friendly welcome! From dog-friendly rooms designed for your pup with a fabulous fully-enclosed private terrace, plus 165 acres of parkland right outside the door, and providing your dog with their own breakfast and dinner in the Piano Bar, it’s hard to deny that this hotel offers an exceptional dog-friendly experience. For us, it’s evident why the Tewkesbury Park Hotel is one of the best dog-friendly hotels in the Cotswolds. 

How to book a dog-friendly stay at The Tewkesbury Park Hotel

Prices for the dog-friendly rooms at Tewkesbury Park cost £258, including breakfast (based on double occupancy), a memory foam dog bed, food & water bowls and treats for your pup. Don’t forget when dining in the dog-friendly Piano Lounge; the hotel team will serve your dog breakfast and dinner, too, which is also included!

For more information or to book, visit the Tewkesbury Park Hotel website.

The post Indulge in Dog-Friendly Luxury at The Tewkesbury Park Hotel appeared first on The Dogvine.

This Dog-friendly Pumpkin Patches Near London Guide has been updated for 2023.

Nothing says Autumn like piles of brown leaves in the park or pictures of perfectly round orange pumpkins in the run-up to Halloween, right? So this time of year is perfect to borrow a tradition from our US friends and head to a pumpkin patch to add some pumpkin spice to your Autumn photos. The question is, are there dog-friendly pumpkin patches near London where your dog can join in the pumpkin picking fun with you? We decided to find out…read on to see what we discovered.

Can you take your dog to a Pumpkin Patch Near London?

Pumpkin patches are not as widespread in the UK as they are in the US, but they are a growing trend. However, based on our research, we discovered that many don’t allow dogs, with most venues citing health and safety reasons for this decision.

Also due to the nature of a pumpkin patch (the large fields needed to grow the pumpkins), they tend to be outside of London on farms or in rural areas. However, don’t despair – that ‘Pups and Pumpkin’ pic for the ‘gram is still an option as the answer is yes, you can take your dog to some dog-friendly pumpkin patches near London as long as they are kept on leads.

Dog-friendly Pumpkin Patches Near London

After getting in touch with more than fifteen pumpkin patches near London, we found several pumpkin patches that are dog-friendly and do allow dogs in the actual pumpkin patch rather than just on the farm or not at all.

We should also mention that all of the dog-friendly pumpkin patches offer wheelbarrows to carry all the pumpkins you pick, have refreshments available to purchase onsite and make an effort to put on pumpkin-themed attractions for kids, especially during half-term week.

So without further ado, here they are…

Tulleys Farm – Crawley

Geat news, Tulleys Farm are now welcoming dogs again for the 2023 Pumpkin Patch season. Tulleys Pumpkin Farm is a great option for South Londoners, is extremely well organised and very popular with families due to the child-friendly entertainment options that are put on. There are over 20 acres that produce around 150,000 Pumpkins and Tulley’s have created 30 Instagram pop-up photo opportunities around the farm and are the leader of the Pumpkin Patch Pack when it comes to Pumpkin photo opportunities. Plus there are both Pumpkin Day and Pumpkin Night sessions for some extra spookiness! Read all about our visit to Tulleys Pumpkin Patch here.

New for 2023! Tulley’s now has products for dogs in their shop – you can purchase a pumpkin-themed collar, lead or harness from The aDoraBle Pooch Co. as well as tasty treats for your pup.

• When: Tulleys is open from 09:30 am to 5:30 pm and then from 6 pm-to 8:30pm on many dates throughout October, see the Tulleys Pumpkin Farm dates and times on the website.
• Entry: Ticketed (between £6-£8 per adult for the Pumpkin Day sessions and between £10-£12 for the Pumpkin Nights sessions, depending on dates) and then you pay for what you pick. Booking online is essential and slots are selling out fast!
• Where: Tulleys Farm, Turners Hill Rd, Turners Hill, West Sussex – use RH10 4PD for sat navs.
• Getting There: Comprehensive directions can be found here and it’s approximately an hour’s drive from South London. Onsite parking is free.
• Food and drink is available onsite.
• Pumpkin Patch Pup Etiquette: Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and you should clean up after them.

Milebush Farm – Maidstone, Kent

Milebush Farm in Maidstone, Kent is open daily throughout October and has a Pumpkin Patch you can visit with your pup. Our good friend Pie (@a_slice_of_frenchpie) went to check it out and had a fabulous time, not only helping her humans choose the pumpkins but also saying hello to the farm goats and guinea pigs and generally being made a fuss of by the farm staff. Pumpkins range from £1 to £8 depending on the size you choose. Food and hot drinks are available on-site.

• When: Daily throughout October // 10:00am – 4:00pm
• Where: Shingle Barn Ln, West Farleigh, Maidstone ME15 0PL
• Entry: Free – pay for what you pick. There’s no need to book.
• Getting There By Car: Driving from East London will take you about 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic.  If driving, there is car parking available.
• Getting There By Public Transport: Pie and her humans travelled to Milebush Farm by public transport from Stratford International to Strood and changing trains to East Farleigh. You can then take a bus service but unfortunately, it’s not very regular, so you can walk (for about 45 minutes) through some beautiful country lanes, making friends with horses, donkeys and sheep along the way. Pie’s humans told us that there are sections without pavements where you’re walking along the road/grass verges so be aware of this. The whole journey on public transport took about 2.5 hours from East London.
• Pumpkin Patch Pup Etiquette: Please keep your dog on a lead and clean up after them.

Pie’s Top Tip: My humans would recommend visiting The Horseshoes Pub in East Farleigh while you’re there. The Horseshoes is about a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive from Milebush Farm, is dog friendly (obviously), with a cosy old-school English pub interior and even has its own separate vegan menu.

Meopham PYO – Meopham, Kent

Meopham PYO is on Broomfield Farm in (you guessed it), Meopham, Kent. This family-run farm offers several PYO opportunities for different fruits and vegetables throughout the year, with Pumpkins being the ones we’re interested in. Meopham is a dog-friendly farm and there is also a tearoom on-site.

• When: Saturdays and Sundays in October, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Where: Meopham PYO, Broomfield Fruit Farm, Ifield Road, Meopham, Kent, DA13 0QH
• Entry: Free – pay for what you pick. There’s no need to book, and everything you pick is charged at a price per kg. Please bring your own bags or boxes with you to take the pumpkins away.
• Getting There: Take the train from London Victoria) towards Ramsgate, to Meopham then the 306 bus. Depending on which train you take, the journey will take between 1 hour to 1 hour 20 mins. If driving, there is free car parking on-site
• Food and Drink: BBQ available this year! As well as the White Finch tea rooms which will be open 9 am until 3 p.m.
• Pumpkin Patch Pup Etiquette: Please keep your dog on a lead and clean up after them

Pumpkin Jim’s – Ickleton, Cambridge

A good option for North Londoners is Pumpkin Jim’s in Ickleton near Cambridge which is open for ten days for their ‘Big Pumpkin Pick’. 

• When: 21st-29th October 2023 // 10:00am – 3:00pm
• Where: Grange Road, Ickleton, Cambridge CB10 1TA
• Entry: £1.80 for a two-hour slot – pay for what you pick – booking online is essential and tickets are selling out fast!
• Getting There: Accessible by car with free parking onsite, circa 1 hour 15 minutes from North London
• Pumpkin Patch Pup Etiquette: Please keep your dog on a lead and clean up after them

Hatter’s Farm – Bishop’s Stortford

Another good option for North Londoners (or for those in Essex or Hertfordshire) is Hatter’s Farm in Bishop’s Stortford, which is open on the 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, and 21st to 29th of October 2023. New for this year will be Hatter’s Fun House (included in the ticket) which is a spooky clown-themed walkway.

Hatter’s Farm offers both day and night sessions, with thousands of pumpkins and squash at their Pumpkin Patch for you to come and choose from. The Pumpkin Nights events will be open on the 21st to 23rd and 26th to 29th of October 2023.

• When: 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, and 21st to 29th of October 2023
• Entry: £2-£4 for the Pumpkin Day sessions and £5 for the Pumpkin Night sessions – pay for what you pick, booking online is essential
• Where: Hatter’s Farm, Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford, CM22 6NP
• Getting There: accessible by car with free parking onsite, circa 1 hour 15 minutes from North London
• Food & Drink: You are welcome to bring your own and there will be food & drink available to purchase
• Pumpkin Patch Pup Etiquette: Please keep your dog on a lead and clean up after them

Undley Farm Pumpkin Patch – Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

***Unfortunately Undley Farm is CLOSED for the 2023 Pumpkin Patch Season but will be back for 2024***

Boasting over 20 varieties of pumpkins to pick, and with thousands of them on offer, Undley Farm Pumpkin Patch may be a bit further away this is another option for North Londoners. Undley Farm is also very vocal about its dog-friendly policy which we love.

• When: Saturdays and Sundays in October 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Entry: Free – pay for what you pick, booking online is essential
• Where: Pumpkin Patch & Maize Maze, Undley Road, Beck Row, IP28 8BX 
• Getting There: Accessible by car with free parking onsite, circa 1 hour 45 minutes from North London
• Pumpkin Patch Pup Etiquette: Please keep your dog on a lead and clean up after them

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Top Tips for Taking Your Dog to a Pumpkin Patch

If you’re going to be taking your pup along to a pumpkin patch then here are our top tips…

Pumpkin Patches are popular with children and families so if your pup is nervous in those situations, perhaps avoid weekends and the half-term week for your visit as these times will be busier than normal.
All the dog-friendly Pumpkin Patches ask you to keep your dog on a lead so for photos, choose a lead that will complement your pictures…colour co-ordination with orange is key!
Add some pumpkin flair to your photos with a bandana or bow tie, but please only dress up your dog in costumes if they are comfortable with this.

Happy Pumpkin Picking Puppers!

Let us know in the comments below if you are planning to visit one of the dog-friendly Pumpkin Patches near London.

The post 5 Dog-friendly Pumpkin Patches Near London To Visit appeared first on The Dogvine.

Read on for details of our pawsome ‘trip’…

Our ‘Trip’ Hosts

With the help of the most fabulous and dog-friendly team, Ollie and his pack of dog-loving staff helped us treat pups and their pawrents to tropical vibes, heaps of fun and tempting hound and human menus in their gorgeous venue.  

On this occasion, we had a lot of guests book tickets to come on their own – plus their pups, of course. We thought this to be brilliant as we had a social mixer for all in our heads when we first set out to organise this event. Ollie helped us devise a seating plan to accommodate our solo diners that paired people together, and judging by the noise levels and smiling faces, dogs really are the ultimate ice- barkers.

The Faraway Fun

Serving paradise for pups 24:7 with their amazing dog-friendly holidays, our pals at PetsPyjamas brought us a slice of their getaway fun by taking over our main photo area.

With a brilliant doggy sun-lounger as the centrepiece, pooches big and small lined up to play with the Love My Hound tropical toys and holiday props to capture a memento of their trip to Paradise.

The Fabulous Food

A huge portion of the success of our Paradise Supper was the menus – with lip-smacking dishes for both our furry and fuzz-free guests.

Thanks to our fabulous food partners, doggos tucked into a five-serving menu, kicking off with a Trop-i-ccino, courtesy of healthy and natural treat company Denzel’s. Next up was an amuse-bouche of WOOF&BREW’s Posh Pooch Luxury Infused Steak Bites. When the entrée came out, it was a case of blink, and you’ll miss it, as pups speedily scarfed down the ‘Free Roaming Wild Boar’ recipe from sustainable pet brand Beco.

With the savoury dishes devoured, four-legged friends then moved on to desserts of assorted BILLY+MARGOT natural doggy iced treats and a beautiful tropical-themed, hand-decorated doggy biscuit from artisan treat company Fluff & Crumble.

With the dogs’ appetites satisfied, the humans were the next to get their fill. All guests were treated to a non-alcoholic Paradise Punch, a delicious Asian-influenced buffet and a dreamy dessert station.

Paying Forward the Pups’ Paradise Escape Fun

Integral to our idyllic supper party was a brilliant raffle in aid of Animal Rescue Kefalonia (ARK), a small Greek Island dog charity, who we support whenever possible here at The Dogvine, having volunteered with them on several working summer holidays. Top prizes included a £250 PetsPyjamas Travel Voucher, a doggy photoshoot with Raven Imagery and a beautiful luxury dog bed from Charley Chau.

Plus, an epic line-up of hound and human prizes from generous brands, including Beautiful Joe’s Ethical Dog Treats, Beco, Bradt Guides, Caboodle, Collar Club, David Yarrow, Denzel’s, Hoop N Loop, Leaps & Bound Wine, Love My Hound, Love My Human Town House, Maison Le Lou, Ollie’s House, Pet Teezer and Tangle Teezer, Poppy & Ted, Raven Imagery, The Distinguished Dog Company, Vanity Fur Magazine, Wild for Dogs and WOOF&BREW.

We’re delighted to tell you that the raffle and event raised a fantastic £1,300 for Animal Rescue Kefalonia (ARK); thank you so much! 

The Far-out Goodie Bag

Of course, no brilliant barker night is complete without a doggy bag, and our guests got theirs in the format of an amazing goodie bag filled with food and lifestyle gifts from Beco, BILLY+MARGOT, Caboodle, Denzel’s, Pet Teezer, PetsPyjamas, Poppy+Ted and Wild for Dogs.

Plus, all the humans were gifted with a bottle of Leaps & Bounds Wine, a brand that pairs great wine with legendary tales of dogs.

The Holiday Snaps

In addition to the PetsPyjamas area, renowned London dog photographer Andrew Richardson of Raven Imagery was on hand to capture the gorgeous dogs, fantastic outfits and the general fun-time tropical vibe!

The Final Thanks

Before we call time on our tropical trip, the final shout-outs go to…

The cutest dog model, Kenji and his lovely human Natalie, who went above and beyond to help support this event.

The wonderful JoJo, who, on hearing the news of Belinha’s passing and having volunteered at Animal Rescue Kefalonia (ARK) earlier this year, immediately reached out to help.

The fantastic Peter, who has spent many a working summer volunteering at Animal Rescue Kefalonia (ARK) and who we couldn’t quite simply do our events without.

And, of course, a BIG thanks to all the wonderful guests who came for fun and friendship at our Pups’ Paradise Escape. We hope that everyone who came along had a great time!

Teresa ~ The Dogvine and Alex ~ Bark+Beyond PR

Hosting the Pups’ Paradise Escape…Without Belinha

As most of you now know, in the run-up to the event, I lost my beautiful girl Belinha, who passed away at approximately 16 years old (15 years and 10 months or so), leaving me absolutely bereft. Losing Belinha has been one of the hardest things I have ever dealt with, and at one point, I didn’t know how I could continue to plan a party when feeling so devastated. 

However, with the support of some good friends, I realised it would be a disservice to Belinha’s love of food, fun and socialising, a loss to Animal Rescue Kefalonia (ARK) and a disappointment to all of you not to press ahead with our plans. So, I hope you were with us in spirit, Belinha, watching all the ‘barking’ fun from above and that we did you proud.

The post Our Tail-wagging ‘Trip’ To Paradise at the Pups’ Paradise Escape appeared first on The Dogvine.

When: Sunday 13th November 2022, 16:00-19:00

Where: Ollie’s House, 236 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NB

Tickets include a premium lip-smacking five-serving supper menu for dogs, an Asian-themed buffet and a non-alcoholic Paradise Punch for humans, plenty of four-legged fun, PLUS a fantastic goodie bag worth more than £60!

There will also be a raffle with fabulous hound and human prizes in aid of Animal Rescue Kefalonia (ARK). 

And if you’re not sure whether to join us on this ‘tropical trip’, here are five reasons why our Pups’ Paradise Escape Supper Party will be the ‘ulti-mutt’ supper party for pups, parents and pup-loving friends…

1. There’s A Fabulous Five-Serving Pup Supper

Pooches will be spoilt rotten at the Pup’s Paradise Escape Supper Party, starting with a five-serving supper of doggy delicacies, including…

• A Trop-i-ccino, where the Puppuccino gets a flake-style makeover with Denzel’s Tropical Soft-Baked Chews made of white fish, mango, coconut & ginger
• Posh Pooch Luxury Infused Steak Bites, made purely of minced biltong from WOOF&BREW and infused with the brand’s famous ‘Posh Pooch Tailwagger Creek’ doggy wine
• Free Roaming Wild Boar with Pumpkin & Broccoli courtesy of sustainable pet brand Beco
• Delicious natural iced dog treats from BILLY+MARGOT – choose from Coconut Crème, Apple, Banana + Carrot or Strawberry + Apple
• A beautiful tropical-themed all-natural dog biscuit from artisan treat company Fluff & Crumble

2. Four-legged Faraway Fun & Holiday Vibes Await

Expect plenty of four-legged fun from the UK’s #1 for pup paradise escapes closer to home and best-in-show dog-friendly holidays, PetsPyjamas, who will be serving up serious holiday vibes with their pop-up doggy sun-lounger area, where pups can take holiday-themed snapshots for a memento of their ‘trip’!

And renowned London dog photographer Andrew Richardson of Raven Imagery will be the resident puparazzi for the evening, capturing all the fun. Although very much optional, we encourage four and two-legged guests to dress to impress and get into the tropical party spirit!

3. Delicious Dining for Pup Parents

Humans will be spoilt too, enjoying a laid-back buffet supper of edits of Ollie’s House’s Asian-influenced menu, including delicious options such as:

• Warm Spicy Edamame
• Chicken Gyozas
• Vegetable Spring Rolls
• Salmon Tacos
• Nasi Goreng
• Mini Fish & Chips
• Asian Lamb or Jackfruit Wraps 
• A selection of Cheesecake & Brownie dessert delights

Dietary preferences can be catered for.

You will also be treated to a non-alcoholic Paradise Punch, which you can pimp up with an optional shot of Rebellion Rum served at £5 a shot.

4. Take Home A Doggie Goodie Bag Like No Other

Pups won’t leave empty-pawed either, being treated to an incredible Pups’ Paradise Escape Supper Party ‘Doggy Bag’ worth more than £60, full of food & lifestyle goodies from pawsome premium pet brands such as Pets Pyjamas, Beco, Pet Teezer, Poppy +Ted, Caboodle, Wild for Dogs and Billy + Margot. Plus, each bag features a bottle of Leaps & Bounds Wine – a brand that pairs excellent wine with legendary tales of dogs so that pups can reward their human with a treat too.

5. Pay Forward The Pups’ Paradise Escape Fun

Whilst we’re busy having fun here in London, we want to pay forward the fun to pups who don’t yet have a home. So our Pup’s Paradise Escape Supper Party includes a brilliant raffle of hound & human prizes in aid of Animal Rescue Kefalonia (ARK), a small Greek Island dog charity, home to circa. 350 dogs at any time. We have spent several summer holidays volunteering at ARK (read all about what we got up to here) and have seen how difficult it is to fund basic items such as dog food month to month, so it’s a cause close to our hearts.

We hope to see you at The Pups’ Paradise Escape Supper Party for a night of tropical vibes & faraway fun!

The post 5 Reasons Not To Miss Our Pups’ Paradise Escape Supper Party appeared first on The Dogvine.