Swissridge DoodleRomp

Swissridge DoodleRomp

Saturday, August 17, 2019 was the date selected for the 6th annual Swissridge DoodleRomp. Looking at the weather during the couple of days beforehand, it was forecasting the worst of weather. I had therefore emailed the organizer to ask her if we had a Plan B in case of terrible rain. She, of course, had thought of everything, but ended her email with “It never rains for long on this special day 😉

I’ll be honest; I was not so sure. We woke up on Saturday to torrential rain where I live. But, as we made our way north to the Pinetree Pet Care Centre in Guelph, Ontario, the skies began to clear. By the time we arrived, we had sun! She had been so right.

All For A Good Cause

Each year the pups and humans of Swissridge get together to have one huge play date and raise money to support the training of a therapy dog for a special child. This year was no different.

It is a tradition to take a ‘group shot’ during the last half of of the event which is always a challenge with so many pups and people. A wide-angle lens is a must!

CB2 Dog Photography

I really love this next photo. This is the moment after I called out, “we got the shot!” and everyone released their dogs. Luma ran straight for me – she knows who has the treats.

CB2 Dog Photography

It is always remarkable to me how well the doodles behave with one another. One large off-leash park and not one scuffle. That is due, in large part, to the attention each human pays to their dog. If someone is getting a little too excited, they can easily be brought outside the fenced-in area for a moment to calm down, before trying again. I wish all dog parks had owners like these!

I had a small booth this year and it was busy. As a result, I did not get out to photograph the dogs as much as I would have like. However, enjoy this small gallery of the fun event. See you all next year!

Find the full photo gallery here (click on photo, below):

Ice Cream Social | Studio Opening

Ice Cream Social | Studio Opening

We opened our studio with a bang on August 23, 2019 with an Ice Cream Social in our new studio, located in Brampton. We had lots of furry visitors, met up with old  clients, and made tons of new friends. And, of course, enjoyed ice cream courtesy of Barker & Snouts.

Here are some of the sunny, bright summery photos from the day!

CB2 Dog Photography
MAUJI (@mauji.the.airedale)  I photographed this handsome boy when he was just a wee pup!
Stormy & Akita
Alice
Seamus
Myca (@myca_in_to) Also a boy I photographed a few years ago.
Ducky & Nimbus
Teddy
Murphy
Thanks to everyone who came out – we loved seeing you all!
Park & Bark Event | May 11, 2019

Park & Bark Event | May 11, 2019

We had a ton of fun last Saturday with Andrea Bertucci, a real estate agent who serves the Leslieville area, at the first Park & Bark event of 2019. For those who do not know, Park & Bark is a dog festival and outdoor market that works its way around Toronto parking lots on select Saturdays throughout the year. The event is free and well-behaved dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome. There will be 3 more events this year, so be sure to check one of them out!

This past Saturday, the weather was near perfect and the dogs were plentiful. Andrea and I shook paws with lots of happy dogs, met awesome owners, doled out treats and gave cuddles. We photographed so many great pups and raised money for a good cause – the Toronto Humane Society. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday!

Here is a roundup of the visitors we met…

Celebrity Sightings

We had some bonafide dog celebrities show up and show us their best side. This is DEXTER and pretty mum who coordinated their denim outfits just for their photo. He is kind of a big deal in these parts – Dexter was named #TorontoTopDog for 2019! But for all of his fame, he is really a down to earth kind of guy. Go follow his Instagram (@dexosaurus)  to follow his adventure and see where you can meet him next. (hint: it is the biggest dog festival in North America)

CB2 Dog Photography

Next, was GUCCI and WINTER, also known as @thefloofywoofs on Instagram. Photographing dogs in a parking lot with lots of other pups and distractions around is never easy…getting two together is even more of a challenge. But these two made it happen because they are stars!

BEAUFORD (@bisforbeauford) is a senior snout near and dear to my heart. While we have *known* each other for years on Instagram, this was our first time meeting in real life! Three years ago, Beauford was given a devastating diagnosis and prognosis. Since that time, he has been checking items off of his #bucketlist, all the while defying the odds. It was so good to see this precious boy! And his winning smile is second to none!

Tiny Paws Dog Rescue Canada

These two are best friends in real life and absolutely had to have a photo together. HARLEY is the tri-colour corgi on the left (@harleythecuriouscorgi) and MYLO, Duke of Eglinton (@mylo_corgi) is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi on the right. Both smiley, happy boys eager for their model turn!

Not to be forgotten is CHARLIE (@charchar_westie) who also chose to wear denim for the occasion.

Find the full photo gallery here:

There were so many more beautiful, happy, furry faces, so take a look through the whole set here. The first one is ALICE, the sweetest little puppy who, even though it was her first time at such an event, showed she is a natural when it comes to being photographed.

Want a chance to have your pup, kitty, ferret or…  photographed in studio by us? Find out about our in-studio sessions, below.

LIMITED EDITION PETITE SESSIONS

Available on only select days during the year. Shorter sessions perfect for those looking for a couple of portraits of their favourite family member. Find out when the next one is by signing up for the invite list.

 

3 Tips for a Successful Bring Your Dog to Work Day

3 Tips for a Successful Bring Your Dog to Work Day

Tomorrow is a special day – it’s Bring Your Dog to Work Day! And I thought what better way to celebrate than by speaking with Sharon Jennings from The Office Dog. She is the go-to person for aspiring office-friendly dogs and dog-friendly offices and is a wealth of information on the subject. If you are thinking of bringing your dog into your workplace, here are 3 tips from her to ensure the day is a smooth one.

Bring Your Dog to Work Day is not about you. Put your dog’s needs first.

Only participate in Bring Your Dog to Work day if you honestly think that your dog will be happy there. If your pup is unsure, or fearful of new people or dogs, then it’s not the right thing for your dog – no matter how much YOU want to do it.

If there’s something your dog doesn’t like, for example, being stroked by strangers, make sure your colleagues know ahead of time – and stick up for your dog on the day if anyone crosses that boundary.

If you’re working on keeping your calm, don’t let people rough-house, or playfight with him.

If he’s on a special diet, make sure no one’s giving him treats on the sly.

Have a backup plan for if your dog is unhappy in the office. Either a friend or family member on hand to come and collect him (someone he knows well). Or advance permission to take him home – it’ll be better for everyone to get him out.

Plan ahead.

Clear your schedule for the day so that you don’t have to disappear off to meetings leaving your dog alone or in the charge of someone else.

Make sure you know where you can and can’t let your dog go to the toilet.

Find out what other dogs will also be in the office – especially ones that will be near you. If there are going to be a few dogs in a small area can you work at a different desk for the day?

Do you know where the closest vet is in case of an emergency?

Take in a bed or crate the day before, so you don’t have to struggle in with that AND your dog.

If you commute, has your dog used that mode of transport before? Could be worth a few bus or train trips ahead of time.

Take toys and treats.

Presumably you’re going to have to get some work done on the day! So, take toys and treats that will keep your dog occupied for periods of time. Avoid squeaky toys that’ll annoy your colleagues, or anything that’s liable to get him over-excited.

Try freezing some food in a Kong the night before, that should keep him occupied for a while.

A Snuffle Rug allows your dog to self-soothe as he roots around for food – and something like dried parmesan is nice and smelly, while not adding too many calories to his diet.

Well, there you have it! Thanks Sharon for taking the time to share this information with us. And if you have brought your dog to work, please share with us in the comments any things that you have found that have worked well. Have a great day tomorrow!

A bonus…

Want to capture these all of action during Take Your Dog to Work Day? Sign up here for the Tips for Taking Drool-Worthy Pictures of Your Pet With Your Phone – a free pdf showing how to work with your phone to get great imagery. Have fun out there!

Spring Forward | Daylight Saving Time Guide for Pets

Spring Forward | Daylight Saving Time Guide for Pets

daylight saving time tips for dogs and cats

This Saturday evening, in Canada, we will officially begin daylight saving time (DST). Good news: That means Spring is just around the corner! 

Now, the bad news: if you are anything like me, being robbed of an hour of my sleep, even just once a year, has me moaning, groaning, and struggling for a few days.  At least we know why we are suddenly changing our schedule…what about the dogs and cats in our homes who see us alter our behaviours for no reason at all?

Why Daylight Savings Time affects us all, including pets

Dogs and cats will not be checking the clock, but they will certainly feel the effects. Why? Simply put, it is all about you. After all, a change in your routine, or a hiccup in your schedule, can affect your pets.

Our pets are creatures of habit and their habits keep them happy, calm, and comfortable. Their lives revolve around you; they love you, you are their world. Rising even 60 minutes earlier, where the natural cues of how much morning light is available, tell them something is different. Certainly, receiving breakfast earlier is a sure sign that something is off.

It’s also important to remember that our pets are are incredibly intuitive: your stress is their stress. Just a small amount of frustration or time-change slump can set your poor guy and girl reeling for the rest of the day feeding of your emotions and even thinking that he did something to upset you.

So, the best thing you can do to help your pets make it through daylight savings is to quickly and smoothly adjust your own schedule.

How to make the transition smoother

  1.  This is a hard one. Go to bed at least half an hour earlier. It will give you a leg up on the hour you’ll be robbed on Sunday morning. It might cramp your style on Saturday night, but you will be much happier come the next day.
  2.  Wake up when your alarm goes off even if you didn’t manage the extra sleep you were hoping for. It is easy to hit the snooze button thinking that it is only Sunday. But, you will only be delaying the pain until Monday morning, and no one wants that.
  3.  Eat breakfast and drink some coffee if that is your normal routine. The fuel gets your metabolism and brain going.
  4. Stick to your routine. Even if you feel the drag of that missed hour out of your day, actively think of your pet and how your decisions will affect them.
  5. Get a little exercise. Of course, take your dog for his normal walk. But adding just a few minutes of exercise, will have your heart pumping and energize you for the day ahead.
  6. Go to bed another extra half-hour on Sunday night. That will leave you ready to transition on Monday morning.

So, as appealing as it is to drag through the day blaming it all on that missed hour of sleep, don’t do it! Lace up your walking shoes, grab the pet toys, put a smile on your face. Daylight Saving Time is here…get ready to spring forward!

 

2018 Family Day | Pet-Friendly Ideas in Toronto

2018 Family Day | Pet-Friendly Ideas in Toronto

Family Day pet friendly Toronto
Family Day is the youngest statutory holiday in Ontario, as it was only added in 2008. The official reason for another holiday? Well, according to the website, it is because people “work very hard and they deserve more time to spend with the people they love”. What’s this about only people? Because in my books, family definitely includes the dogs and cats and any other furry creatures we share our lives with.

So, without any further ado, here is my rundown on how and where to create epic Family Day weekend memories with your pet.

1. Get outside

Yes, we may have snow, but that is no reason not to take some time to go ambling, sniffing and building that human-canine bond. We live in Canada, after all. Bundle up your dog in any one of the fashionable dog coats you can find these days, bring a ball and get a little fresh air and exercise.

dog photography GTA family day

2. Visit the park that celebrates dogs

If you love dogs, then you need to go and visit Berczy Park, on Wellington Street, just east of Yonge. Not only is it completely dog-friendly, but there is a two-tier fountain featuring 27 different dogs (lots of pugs) and one incredible cat (look for him and the birds he is watching!) There is a designated area for dogs to do their business in the shadow of some pretty awesome wall art on the side of Toronto’s flat iron building. Grab a coffee and meet the other pet lovers who congregate there.

dog photography GTA

3. Enjoy the night life

The Toronto Light Festival in the Distillery District is being held from January 19 – March 4, 2018. Completely pet-friendly, come out at night and see the place lit up! If you choose to go Sunday night, you can enjoy sleeping in Monday. Your pet will love the luxurious decadence of lazing about in bed with you. Bonus tip: Hashtag your photos with #TOLightFest.

dog photographer GTA samoyed

4. Stay inside

It’s a day off! So, what is better than curling up by a fire or under some blankets with a good book and your happy, cuddly pup or lazy cat by your side? Every day they watch you get up and leave them to go to work (those treats cost money, you know!) – today they will be thrilled to know you are spending all day cozy, inside with them.

dog photography Richmond Hill

5. Do some serious shopping

A lot of retailers of all things pet allow dogs and cats in their stores. But, it does not have to stop there. The Bloor Street location of Holt Refrew has a dog-friendly policy so that your favourite canine can help you pick out the perfect outfit. Afterall, their bark of approval is everything. Woof!

Holt Renfrew on Bloor Street, Toronto

A bonus…

Want to capture these Family Day weekend memories for all time? Sign up here for the Tips for Taking Drool-Worthy Pictures of Your Pet With Your Phone – a free pdf showing how to work with your phone to get great imagery. Have fun out there!

Tail of 20 Cities | Toronto Dog Photography

Tail of 20 Cities | Toronto Dog Photography

toronto skyline posh pets photography

This is our city. These are the dogs.

Posh Pets® Photography is thrilled to be participating in Rover.com’s Tail of 20 Cities, featuring our very own Maddie and some quintessential Toronto dog photography. We were pleased as punch to be selected along with 19 other photographers from around the world for this great virtual #travelwithdog adventure.

Check out all of the photographs here in the Tail of 20 Cities Photo Journey and feel free to join the fun by posting your own pic of your dog repping your city with the hashtag #RoverCities!

Maddie and the Toronto skyline

Toronto dog photography cn tower

Maddie represents the 6ix in front of one of the most recognizable skylines in the world.

Maddie is a true Toronto dog. She was adopted 2 years ago from Toronto Animal Services and now lives downtown in the heart of it all. She spends her days exploring this city by four paws, TTC and ferry. She embraces all four seasons; sporting her doggles for those Summer days, fashionable jackets for crisp Autumn strolls or bundling up to run through Winter’s snow. Click through the gallery below to see some of her adventures.

We are the home of Toronto dog photography

It’s our speciality. And we love it! Our clients often work with us because they specifically want to showcase Toronto in their final images.

For example, Sumo travelled from New York City with his family to get photographed with the skyline and the Toronto driftwood sign. Seeing as this incredible piece of art has since disappeared, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But, Sumo will always have the memories from the Summer of 2017.

Toronto sign dog photography

The Humber Bridge is a landmark and is well-travelled by people and pets alike. Creating an image like this with no people in the background takes some planning and getting up early to greet the sun. Mischa and Nala did it in style!

Toronto dog photography dog fountain

Toronto’s waterfront is Lake Ontario and, when we have a willing participant, we go all-in. Myca spent the last half-hour of his session swimming and fetching sticks. There is nothing quite like the joy of a dog whose coat is now full of sand.

toronto dog photography lake ontario

Speaking of sunrise, there isn’t anything quite like it. Despite the fact that we were told that Lebron might not know how to work with a photographer, he proved everyone wrong. This gorgeous boy was the best model!

And just to show you that no two days are the same, here is Myca in front of his purple sky, just before the sun made its appearance.

pet photography Toronto

Want a piece of Toronto dog photography art featuring your dog? Posh Pets® Photography is the bespoke portrait experience for the urban dog and cat. Start designing your session today by clicking here.

Or, for the ultimate memory-making adventure, specifically designed for those out-of-town clients who #travelwithdog, check out flydographer™.

We cannot wait to meet you!

2018 Colour of the Year: Ultra Violet

2018 Colour of the Year: Ultra Violet

Ultra Violet Pantone

The start of a new year and the folks at Pantone have determined that Ultra Violet is the Color of the Year for 2018. If you have never checked out the Pantone page, you really should. Lots of resources and tools on how to incorporate the colour into your design, fashion and beauty lifestyle. Of course, because we are Posh Pets® Photography and love all things dog and cat, we have also scoured the city to come up with a few ways to ensure your dog or cat is current and on-trend in 2018.

1. The Fashion Accessory

A beautiful purple bow tie for the ever-fashionable dog or cat by Toronto’s own Rover Boutique. They have such a gorgeous selection of styles and colours for your pets and they are all designed and sewn in Toronto. They also have beautiful bandanas, coats and leashes.

Ultra Violet Pantone dog and cat bowtie

2. The Winter Necessity

Another great Toronto company is Canada Pooch. Stylish and warm outwear, knits, and accessories will keep your dog cozy as they brave the elements on their daily adventures.

ultra violet pantone canada pooch

3. The Harness

I stumbled upon the designs of Bowl & Bone Republic one day and have been smitten ever since. They create luxurious bowls, beds and accessories for dogs.

Ultra Violet Dog Harness Bowl & Bone

4. The Silverware

This beautiful dog bowl by Snooty Pets features the ultra violet colour and silver. You’ll wish they created dishware for humans too.

Ultra Violet Pantone Dog Bowl

5. The Home Decor

And do not forget about the kitties! A purple litter mat by Pet Safe will ensure that your feline is appropriately modern and your home is free of litter. What more could you ask for?

Ultra Violet Cat Litter Mat

Any dog or cat accessories you love?

Feel free to let us know the details in the comments, below.

PS: There’s more! We have lots of other ultra violet ideas for your pet on our Pinterest page.

 

Join us…

Once you have purchased all of these stylish accessories, you’ll want to show them off with great photography. Sign up here for the Tips for Taking Drool-Worthy Pictures of Your Pet With Your Phone – a free pdf showing how to work with your phone to get awesome photographs. Have fun out there!

4 Steps to Choosing the Right Dog Walker

4 Steps to Choosing the Right Dog Walker

The following is a guest post by Sarah El Sherbini of PetsGo Pet Care, a professional pet sitting and dog walking business serving the downtown West End of Toronto. We, at Posh Pets Photography are thrilled to have her!
Toronto dog walker
Finding the right dog walker is no walk in the park.

If you work long hours, you’re probably used to seeing sad puppy eyes every morning as you get ready to leave. Or maybe you’re forced to say no to after-work events because your dog is crossing her legs waiting to be let out.

If this sounds like you, a dog walker could be the perfect solution to give your pooch a much-needed break in the day.

It can be daunting to choose someone to come into your home to look after your babies. After all, you’re putting a lot of trust in an individual to not only provide loving care to your pets, but also to respect your home, and keep your keys secure.

Did you know that dog walking in Toronto is almost completely unregulated? That’s why it’s so important to choose wisely. From a professional pet sitter to you, here’s my guide to break through the “decision paralysis” and find your perfect dog walker:

dog walker ontario canada

Step 1: Know Your Options

There are two main types of dog walking services. It’s important to know what you need in a dog walker first—it will make your search much easier:

Private Dog Walks

This is what most people imagine when they think of a dog walker: one human, one dog, a quiet stroll around the block. Private walks are great for dogs who love routine and would prefer not share their walker’s attention with other pooches. They are also perfect for senior dogs and those with special needs, who need a more customized approach rather than a “one-size-fits-all” solution.

Group/Pack Walks

I would estimate that about 99% of Toronto dog walkers offer this service, in which 3-6 dogs are picked up in a vehicle and walked together in a public or private park. Depending on the company, dogs may be walked on leash or allowed to run in an off-leash area. There are several reasons that pack walks are so popular: they are cost-effective for both walker and client, and they offer high-energy exercise and socialization rolled into one.

If you’re still torn between private or group walks, I wrote an article delving deeper into the pros and cons of each option.

small business photographer Toronto

Step 2: Where to Look

Now that you’ve narrowed down your search to one type of dog walker, where do you find them?

Recommendations

Think about who you already trust to care for your dog, and don’t be afraid to ask! Your veterinarian, groomer and local pet store will most likely have a dog walker to recommend.

Online

The next best source is the internet! Google is a great place to start, but try also searching on Yelp, or on your neighbourhood Facebook groups.

Pet-specific apps

Mobile apps are a lesser-known way to find a great pet care provider. PetVibe is a social network for pet owners, while Bark ‘N Yapp is a reviewing platform—similar to Yelp, but for pet businesses only.

dog leash photographer ontario

Step 3: What to Look for

  • They are a legitimate business
  • They have a great online presence with positive reviews (or they are able to provide references)
  • They are involved with professional associations
  • They respond to your emails and return your calls quickly and professionally
toronto dog walker photographer

Step 4: Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dog Walker

  • How long have you been in business?
  • Who will be walking my dog?
  • Will you ever let my dog off leash? If yes, where?
  • Are you insured?
  • How often can I expect an update about my dog?
  • What is your backup plan if something happens and you can’t make it to a dog walk?
  • What is your plan in case of a medical emergency with my dog?
  • What measures do you take to keep my dog safe during a walk?
The Toronto dog walking industry is quickly expanding—it seems every day there’s a new dog walker in town. It’s a business that’s relatively easy to start, but I can tell you from experience that it’s a whole other story to properly maintain. 

The right dog walker can make an immensely positive impact on your dog’s life: providing enrichment and exercise during a time that they would normally be sitting bored waiting for you to come home.

Now that I’ve given you the tools, you can go out there and find your dog walker! Your furry friend will thank you for it.

The above was a guest post by Sarah El Sherbini of PetsGo Pet Care, a professional pet sitting and dog walking business serving the downtown West End of Toronto. PetsGo operates under the value of quality over quantity: pet visits and dog walks are 100% private, un-timed, and completely customized to each individual pet. Visit their website to learn more: www.mypetsgo.ca

 

SwissRidge Doodle Romp of 2017 | Toronto Dog Event

SwissRidge Doodle Romp of 2017 | Toronto Dog Event

What a day was the SwissRidge Doodle Romp of 2017. Each year the ‘doodles’ of SwissRidge Kennels come together to raise money for a worthy cause and enjoy one huge ‘play date’ in Guelph for their extended family. I met pet parents who packed up their doodle(s) in a car or van, arranged travel documents and crossed the border from Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maine and Massachusetts, got on planes from Calgary, and in cars from all over Ontario and the GTA. Getting a photo of such a large group is a lot of fun!

Below, you can find some of the individual furries I was able to capture as they went about meeting old and new friends, running about and sniffing butts. I tried my best to remember the names of those I met, but without having written anything down, it is quite likely I have mixed some up. And then there were those who I did not know who mum and/or dad were. If you can provide further information, I would be happy to make the corrections.

So, without any further ado, please meet…

Toronto Service Dog Photographer

Jack

Best dog photographer in GTA

Tiny little Rowdy!

George

Emma

Toronto pet photographer, Posh Pets Photography

Finn – the kind of chocolate that is perfectly GOOD for you!

Best Toronto Dog Photographer

Stella

Premier Toronto Dog Photographer

Blizzard

Noah

Pearl

Someone receiving a little cuddle from a reassuring hand.

This is Rocky who is never far from his mum’s side.

Lola

Wylie

Friends meeting…

Zolo

Toronto exclusive dog photographer

Bernie – the beautiful black beauty!

Toronto commercial animal photographer

Eala, running with the wind in her hair!

Dog action photography in Toronto, Canada

Buddy

Toronto commercial pet photographer

Rocky getting a well-deserved belly rub.

Toronto commercial dog photographer

Pearl & Stella

tiny doodle photographer

Brittany

Would you know your doodle by their “doodle butt”?

 

Thanks for making it such a good time and see you next year!

A bonus…

Want to capture these types of memories every day? Sign up here for the Tips for Taking Drool-Worthy Pictures of Your Pet With Your Phone – a free pdf showing how to work with your phone to get great imagery. Have fun out there!

Annual Shelter Support Day @ CB2 | Toronto Dog Event

Annual Shelter Support Day @ CB2 | Toronto Dog Event

In case you missed, it, last Saturday was a day to meet new friends and and sniff a few butts in the big city of Toronto!

Wait…What?

It’s not as strange as you think if you are a dog. And, we, the humans of Posh Pets® Photography, had the absolute pleasure of meeting tons of urban Toronto dogs coming into the CB2 store (located at Bathurst & Queen) for the dog photography event of the day – all for the Annual Shelter Support Day. There were little ones, big ones, young puppies, old souls and many, many wagging tails. And no wonder – every participant got to enjoy tasty treats and went home with an awesome tennis ball, all courtesy of CB2.

CB2 Dog Photography

The Crate and Barrel/CB2 annual event provides financial assistance to a local rescue/shelter organization who do so much in caring for dogs and helping them find their forever homes. For the Toronto event, Tiny Paws Dog Rescue was chosen. As a bonus, we all got to meet Oscar who is currently in their care and eagerly awaiting a home to call his own. (Want to have a part in finding him a home? Please share his photo.)

Tiny Paws Dog Rescue Canada

Find the full photo gallery here:

In amongst all of the excitement, we were able to create beautiful images of all of the smiling, happy faces of the many well-loved dogs who already call this great city their home. Here’s the complete gallery…please scroll through to find your pup and share with the world!

For some behind-the-scenes footage, check out the video, below:

Five Ways to Enjoy Family Day With Your Pet | Toronto

Five Ways to Enjoy Family Day With Your Pet | Toronto

Toronto skyline with CN Tower.
girl with golden retriever dog

Family Day is the youngest statutory holiday in Ontario, as it was only added in 2008. The official reason for another holiday? Well, according to the website, it is because people “work very hard and they deserve more time to spend with the people they love”. What’s this about only people? Because in my books, family definitely includes the dogs and cats and any other furry creatures we share our lives with.

So, without any further ado, here is my rundown on how and where to create epic Family Day weekend memories with your pet.

1. Get outside

Got a favourite park or discover a new local spot! Take your time ambling, sniffing and building that human-canine bond. If you have a dog that loves to run, bring a ball, a frisbee or find a stick. No matter what you do, you will both enjoy the fresh air and get a little exercise.

Family Day at High Park in Toronto, Canada.

2. Discover a National Park

This might take a bit more than a day to do and some advance planning, but you have the whole weekend together! Did you know that there is free admission into Canada’s National Parks this year? You do have to apply for the Discovery Pass, which, in my experience, takes a few weeks to come in. But, this could be one of those amazing #travelwithdog memories you will remember for years to come.

Discovery Pass Canada - Travel With Dog

3. Enjoy the night life

The Toronto Light Festival in the Distillery District is being held from January 27 – March 12, 2017. Completely pet-friendly, come out at night and see the place lit up! If you choose to go Sunday night, you can enjoy sleeping in Monday. Your pet will love the luxurious decadence of lazing about in bed with you.

4. Appreciate warmth

For the ones who are not fans of the cold, spend the day at Purina Paws Way for their Family Day celebrations. The Woofjocks Canine All-Stars will be performing at 12 pm, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm. There will also be special games, crafts and activities for the whole family, including furry ones. Free admission.

Family Day at Purina Paws Way in Toronto, Canada

5. Do some serious shopping

A lot of retailers of all things pet allow dogs and cats in their stores. But, it does not have to stop there. The Bloor Street location of Holt Refrew has a dog-friendly policy so that your favourite canine can help you pick out the perfect outfit. Afterall, their bark of approval is everything. Woof!

Holt Renfrew on Bloor Street, Toronto

A bonus…

Want to capture these Family Day weekend memories for all time? Sign up here for the Tips for Taking Drool-Worthy Pictures of Your Pet With Your Phone – a free pdf showing how to work with your phone to get great imagery. Have fun out there!