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B ro u g h t to y o u by T e a M D o g
HOW TO TAKE
brilliant
PICTURES OF YOUR DOG
2 HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG
What’s it all about?
Welcome to the new Team Dog digital book where we’ll be teaching
you how to take the pawfect photograph of your best friend!
We know how hard it can be to capture brilliant pics of pups. Flashes can
make your dog look like a demon and natural lighting can be so dark you
can’t tell where your dog ends and your sofa begins. And that’s before
you’ve even managed to get them to sit still or look at the camera.
So we’ve lined up some of the best tips for amateur doggie snappers,
from catching them in action to the best props for doggie shoots. And
we’ve got advice from the pros as well as a showcase of those dog
owners who are already nailing it on Instagram.
6 11
15 20
Written by Danielle Elton Created by Lisa Walsh
Copyright © Reachplc
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise without the prior permission in writing of the copyright holders, nor
be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than in which it is published
and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent publisher.
A book by
HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG 3
Team Dog is your weekly dose of doggy stories,
tips and tricks brought to you by our very own mascot Ziggy.
You can catch up with Ziggy’s antics every week through the Team
Dog newsletter along with stories about your four-legged friends
and some of your most adorable pictures.
We’d love to know more about the dogs in your lives.
Email your pictures, stories and top tips to
teamdog@reachplc.com
MEET ZIggY
“Ziggy’s been the perfect model ever since he
was a pup, always more than happy to pose for a
picture and have attention lavished on him, “ said
Samantha Cope, Ziggy’s owner. “I always felt it was
important to capture Ziggy through his life as I know
he won’t be around forever. I’ll always treasure the
cute pictures I have of him as a pup. As well as all
those firsts. From his first day at doggy day care,
when going to the office was a thing, to the ZIGGY SAYS
first snap of him with our daughter Bea, every
Christmas, the amazing country walks – I’ve A dog treat is
got pictures of them all. And I’ve not stopped
at pictures, I have videos of his first walk in the sure to keep me
park, his horrendous snoring after he nicked a
whole loaf of bread off the table and ended up
focused!
in a carb coma. Videos of him swimming in the
sea and riding along on my paddleboard.”
4 HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG
Whether it’s on your camera or mobile phone, capturing the perfect
photo means more than simply snapping the best angle. From keeping
you dog still to the best camera setting, our experts gave their advice
on photographing your four-legged friends...
What makes a
great picture?
‘Make use of
natural light in
the great outdoors
and shoot at your
favourite
beauty spot’
HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG 5
Top tips from the experts
COLIN LANE Martine Xerri
Colin, based in Martine has specialised in
Merseyside, has been a everything from newborn
photographer for 31 years babies and animals to sports
with 25 years at the and media. She has travelled
Liverpool Echo. In that the world photographing
time he has covered her way around. She is also
major news and sporting the only female paparazzi in
events with his career Essex, so when you see your
highlight being awarded favourite Essex celebrities
the UK Regional there’s a good chance she’s
Photographer of the Year stood in the rain or cold to
in both The Picture find them for you.
Editors’ Awards and UK
Regional Press Awards.
Martine’s top five tips
Colin’s top five tips
1 Know your dog
You know what brings out the best in your
1 Always think about the final image
A few minutes looking at both your background
and your camera settings will make a huge difference
pet so look to photograph their expressions and to the final image.
manners to bring that image to life. Capture a
cherished moment and show off their fun loving
personalities. 2 Take a photo of the backdrop before you
get your dog ready
Look at the image. Are there bins or rubbish in the
2 Think good lighting and location
Make use of natural light in the great outdoors
and shoot at your favourite beauty spot so it’s
background? If the shoot is inside, are there sun rays
hitting the wall or shadows? Small things can ruin an
image.
special to you and your dog. Get creative at a
natural landmark near you for a magical memory.
3 Sellotape a dog treat to your camera
When I want my dog’s attention I get his
3 Patience is key in keeping your dog
relaxed and alert
Grab their attention, wait for a moment and if
favourite treat and I give him one, then I put one on
some clear sellotape and stick it to the camera! I let
the dog see it and sniff the camera and then move
needed reward them with their favourite treat. into position – your dog will focus on your camera
Sometimes playing the waiting game reaps intently with an eager face waiting to be snapped.
rewards so keep your camera to your eye at all
times to capture that spontaneous reaction.
4 Stay level with your dog
All too often we stand up and point our camera
4 It’s a dog’s world...
Experiment and try different perspectives
while taking pictures. Why not shoot on their level
at our dog. However you will only get the top of your
dog rather than his or her features. If you want to
capture floppy ears and grinning face then crouch
to get up close and personal to their eyes on the down and take your image face on.
world. The use of a telephoto lens makes
wonderful action shots and makes a simple
portrait of your dog look stunning. 5 Raise the shutter speed
Unless your dog is the most docile dog in the
world you will only get a few seconds to get that
5 Remember photography basics
With active and energetic dogs, take pictures
at a faster shutter speed to freeze the action for
image that you want, so keep your shutter speed
high. You can amend your ISO to compensate for the
reduction in light, but without that high shutter
that perfect action shot. Think about your speed you will get blurry photos. Understand the
composition, perspective and beware of the importance of aperture. If you would like just your
backgrounds when taking your photographs to dog’s face to be in focus and a soft blur around them
capture that stand out shot. then you should look at F2.8 to F3.5.
Over the next five pages, following a nationwide search for 12 dogs to feature in a 2021
calendar, our expert photographers point out what makes the winning snaps so great...
6 HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG
‘A tender moment
is captured
brilliantly as Cash
takes a nap’
golden The
CASH Golden Retriever
shot
Cash was the overall winner of the 2021 Star Paws Martine says: This photo is beautifully framed.
photo calendar competition winning a holiday, Who doesn’t love a smiling puppy? I like the way the
doggie pack and vouchers. photograph was taken up close so Cash is in full detail.
Here our expert photographers Colin Lane and
Martine Xerri give a photo critique on what makes the COLIN says: Cuteness and that tender moment are
winning 12 snaps so great... captured brilliantly as this puppy takes a nap.
HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG 7
BRUNO Rottweiler
Martine says: One of the
hardest photos to get is a puppy
sitting still and looking at the
camera. I like the use of bokeh
(the way a lens renders out-of-
focus points of light) keeping just
the face in full focus to command
attention.
COLIN says: The photographer
has done a good job of lighting
the subject with natural daylight,
reflecting light in those beautiful
eyes by staying level with Bruno.
COOPER Golden Retriever
Colin says: This picture portrays Cooper as a
loyal, loving companion. Once again it was shot on
eye level to give a personal view of Cooper’s eyes
on the world.
Martine says: One of the best ways to draw our
attention to what we want our audience to look at
is to eliminate everything else. The beauty of this
image is all we see is Cooper’s adorable face
without distraction.
‘All we see is an adorable face without distraction’
8 HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG
‘A fantastic
use of high
shutter speed’
Roobarb
Wirehaired Vizsla
Colin says: Wonderful days
out and an enjoyable moment is
captured in this athletic action
shot of Roobarb on the run!
Martine says: Everything
about this photo made me smile.
A fantastic use of high shutter
speed to capture Roobarb in full
motion and the water splash.
MEG Dalmatian Mowgli German Shepherd
Martine says: If ever a dog was born to model Martine says: Fantastic use of a higher aperture to
it’s Meg. I love the choice of background. Although keep all of the dog in focus while allowing the flowers
beautiful, it’s plain allowing Meg to look almost to drop into a soft focus. I am instantly drawn to
statuesque. Mowgli.
Colin says: Majestic Meg! Stunning light and COLIN says: A splash of colour and a beautiful
location. composition.
HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG 9
CLOVER
Cocker Spaniel
Martine says: The
background of this image only
serves to enhance the photo. I
‘Clover’s personality like how the photographer has
lowered the camera to capture
shines through this the dog’s ears in full motion.
Colin says: Playful days out on
image with those fun the beach and a flying puppy.
Clover’s personality shines
flapping ears’ through this image with those
fun flapping ears.
RAVEN
Jack Russell
Martine says:
Once again we see
an amazing use of
both nature and
bokeh. When there
are so many things
that we could focus
on within this
photo I am drawn
to Raven’s face and BUDDY Cairn Terrier
wonder what is he
daydreaming about.
Colin says: Alert Martine says: This image goes
and standing tall, to show you don’t have to focus on
Raven is caught a dog’s eyes to see his beauty. The
keeping a watchful photographer has made the dog
eye on proceedings. the only focus and crouched down
to get a fantastic angle that
captures what a playful dog Buddy
is.
Colin says: Buddy is reaching
out and grabbing the attention. The
photographer has caught a fleeting
moment with this paw wave and
great detail of a lovely coat of fur.
10 HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG
BENJI Jack Russell
Martine says: I love that Benji
almost looks like he is levitating.
Again we see a great use of angle,
focusing on not just the dog but
his surroundings. I can feel how
happy Benji is just by looking at
this photo.
COLIN says: There’s fast pace
and energy in this athletic shot of
Benji.
‘I can feel how
happy Benji is just by
looking at this photo’
BEA Dachshund
Colin says: Beautiful Bea is
captured in that candid moment in
lovely natural light.
Martine says: I love how this
photo follows the rule of thirds.
Having Bea off centre means that
our eyes have to explore the whole
image but will always be drawn BERTIE Mixed breed
back to the subject as the
photographer wanted. Martine says: I love the use of the daisies, not
just in the background but in his little daisy chain.
Making the most of the situation around us often
makes great photography.
Colin says: Kind eyes, loyal companion and
some summer fun for Bertie with a garland of
daisies – what’s not to like!
The 2021 Star Paws calendar
is on sale for £7.99 at
www.grangecommunications.co.uk
All profits donated to Blue Cross to help animals in needHOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG 11
Dogs of
INSTA
You might have seen the meme - a man holds up a sign in a
crowd saying: “Your dog doesn’t need an Instagram.”
“Yeah but what if he WANTS one?” I typed ironically on my own Instagram!
It started as a joke – then @Enzo_Cairn was born when I stuff is done with a knowing nod and a wink.
decided I wanted to show off my adorable pup’s every As well as the joy of another waggy-tailed new arrival,
move without boring my friends too much, writes Lorna there’s the shared outpouring of grief when someone
Hughes. loses a dog. After our elderly Cairn terrier (who featured
Sometimes when I’m typing out another caption in many of Enzo’s early photos) died, I found it a real
pretending to be a dog who can both speak English and comfort to see the supportive comments pouring in.
work an iPhone, I can’t quite believe that this is how I live I’ve also come to see it as a brilliant way to create a
my life. permanent record of Enzo’s life. One day I’ll cry my eyes
But I have no regrets. Besides, pet Instagram is one of out over his journey from pup to old man.
the friendliest corners of the Internet. You won’t find My advice? If you’re going to start a page for your dog
arguments over politics there. don’t take it too seriously, but equally don’t expect much
I frequently wake up to lovely comments from love back if it’s all one-way traffic. Take the time to show
strangers on the other side of the world admiring my dog your support for other accounts – and there’s a lot of
and wishing him a nice day. them!
I’ll exchange comments with other owners Ultimately, as any social media user knows, it’s all just a
masquerading as their dogs, without either of us ever highlights reel. So let’s not talk about Enzo’s nasty habit of
knowing who’s on the other side. For most of us, the silly trying to eat poo on walks!
Here are some very good boys (and girls) you’ll love following on Instagram...
@dougalandfergus
There’s something about Instagram dog
double acts, and Dougal and Fergus are
among the best. They’re a Cairn Terrier
and a Boxer and joke in their bio that “only
1
our mother can tell us apart”.
@two_cairns_of_melbourne
Charlotte and
Toby share daily
updates on their
life Down Under
– and playtime
with their many
friends.
212 HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG
3
@jessyandthewonderdogs
Border terrier Toby is a “self-
appointed seeing eye dog” for
Amos who was born blind.
Together, they’re adorable.
@viviennewestiewood
Westie Vivienne (who has
arguably the best name on dog
4 Instagram) shares her life around
Leeds with her human/PA.
@ronniebarker
Described as a “crazy working
Cocker Spaniel”, Ronnie’s big
smile means he’s a regular on
#tongueoutuesday. 5HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG 13
9 12
@brawny.the.bernedoodle
@westiepool This giant Bernedoodle (a Bernese
The adventures of
two sassy Liverpool-
6 Mountain Dog and Poodle cross) is
never without a smile on his face.
Brawny’s posts follow his life in
based Westie sisters Idaho, USA.
named Elsa and Arna.
7
10 @laducb
Blogger Bryce shares some jaw-
droppingly beautiful photos of her
@goldengoodnessinfinity @luna.and.gryff dogs Arlo and Finn. Finn had a
Pippin & Frankenstein are a dog North Wales-based Border Terriers stroke that left him partially
and guinea pig and they’re Luna and Gryff are head tilting paralysed and he now uses a
inseparable. through life together. special set of wheels to get around.
8 11
13
@muffins.and.sadie @bestboybrodie @wilma_cairn
Who says dogs and cats don’t get Partially-blind rescue pup Brodie Why should puppies have all the
along? Muffins and Sadie – both lives in Canada with his fun? 14-year-old Wilma is loving her
rescues – are the best of friends photographer owne who’s life of food, outdoor adventures
and you’ll often find them snapped him in some stunning and napping in Norway.
snuggled up together. mountain scenery.14 HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG
From lighting to
capturing the perfect
pose, Lorna Hughes
uses her phone to
take photos for the
Instagram account
@Enzo_Cairn.
Here are her tips...
Practice makes perfect Look for different
You don’t need the very latest smartphone perspectives
or fancy camera - really! A basic Consider the way your dog is seeing life. Try
understanding of the features on your to get down to their level so the focus is on
camera or smartphone will get you started them. Focus on their eyes and expressions
– and practice really does make perfect. for that all-important aww factor.
Be spontaneous Capture personality
Take a lot of photos and be prepared for Let your dog be him or herself. Big smiles
some spontaneous snapping - the best are cute but your pet might be a more
pictures often aren’t planned in advance. serious soul, and that’s fine. Let their
Don’t wait for that perfect pose. It won’t personality shine through. Know your dog’s
happen on demand and you’ll be frustrated. routine. When they’re more relaxed, it’s
usually a good time to get a portrait shot.
Avoid the flash
Stick with natural light and avoid direct Learn on the job
sunlight and flash. Be comfortable with not being the best
animal photographer in the world at first.
Your expertise and photographic style will
evolve over time, as will your understanding
of how to get the best snaps of your dog.
Reward them
If all else fails – snacks! It’s amazing what a
few pieces of chicken will do when your dog
is looking at anything but you.HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG 15
The adorable dog who became a star for the
day thanks to a professional photoshoot
Buddy
LOVE
F
or those who’d rather leave the photos to the
professionals, an easy way of getting some
fantastic shots of your dog is by taking them
on a professional photoshoot.
With different props and locations, and a
pro behind the camera, you’ll end up with
some photos of your pet you can coo over for many years
to come.
Someone who knows all about this is Karen
Clydesdale. She splashed out on a photoshoot for her dog
Buddy, a bassetoodle (a basset hound crossed with a
poodle). With pictures taken in a Manchester city centre
location, Buddy was a star for the day.
Keen to find out how it went, we spoke to Karen to hear
all about it. From unusual dog treats to being mistaken
for a doggy model, she told us just how much she and Thankfully for Karen, all it took was a few sweet treats
Buddy enjoyed the experience. from the photographer and Buddy was the perfect
At just 10-months, Buddy has bundles of energy and model.
plenty of character. Karen told us: “There was a photographer and an
Karen said: “He loves to play, especially with other dogs assistant and they specialise in dog photography so they
of around the same age. His hobbies include chasing were great with gaining his trust quickly – the copious
squirrels across the park, chasing birds across the beach amounts of peanut butter helped too!
and sitting and looking out of the window for hours on “He behaved like a dream and did pretty much
end, watching the world go by.” everything we asked him to.”
And just like children of the same stage in their lives, Buddy’s lead was left on throughout with the
Karen told us how he likes to test boundaries. photographer able to later edit this out.
She said: “He’s an adolescent... so 90% of the time he’s Wanting some urban-style photographs, Karen
the cutest little thing ever and 10% of the time he’s a right decided on a city centre location.
pain in the ass... especially when you’re trying to work “I live in West Kirby, Wirral, so I’ve got loads of pictures
from home. of him by the beach and outdoors and I wanted
“He’s destroyed the sofa in my home office by trying to something a little different,” she said.
get my attention while working.” There was also another reason for choosing that
So how would a lively and characterful dog fare in front specific location for the shoot.
of the camera? It takes a lot more than simply getting Karen added: “I thought that taking him into
them in position to get a good snap. Manchester city centre on a Saturday afternoon would be
Wondering how your dog might behave on a good socialisation training for him.”
photoshoot could undoubtedly cause a few nerves. After The shoot itself lasted for four hours, longer than Karen
all, dogs can be unpredictable. But Karen wasn’t nervous was expecting, but that wasn’t the only surprise on the
at all, she was excited. day.
She said: “Buddy is really well behaved for a puppy so I Karen explained how Buddy’s shoot attracted a lot of
wasn’t worried about that.” attention.16 HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG Karen said: “People kept stopping us and asking if he how that good behaviour did waver when she later visited was a doggy model and what he was going to appear in. the studio. Obviously we strung them along telling them to watch out “On the shoot he was perfectly behaved, he just decided for him on billboards soon. People were actually taking to let himself down when we went to the studio a few pictures of us taking pictures of him.” weeks later to view the photos. He decided to hump the Although Buddy behaved well on the shoot and Karen photographer, steal anything that was within reach and his was able to purchase some lovely photos, she did tell us parting shot was peeing on the carpet,” she recalled. Photo: CatsDog Photography About CatsDog Photography... Going on a professional dog photoshoot may have been said: “It’s the dogs and the adventures we get to go on. a first for Karen and Buddy, but someone who knows all Buddy is a basset hound crossed with a poodle, how about them is photographer Cat Race with her business often do you see dogs like that?” CatsDog Photography. Cat told us she absolutely loves shooting urban Specialising in dog photography since 2013, Cat had environments so she was happy with Karen’s suggestion previously worked in a family portrait studio before of Manchester as a location for the shoot. deciding to start her own business and focus solely on She told us: “Buddy was a darling. He was so good. You dogs. Her own dog Poppy is the team mascot at the want to take your time with them and let them get to business. On what she loves the most about her job, Cat know you but he was a dream to work with.”
HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG 17
‘Snapseed has a
number of tools that
allows you to edit
and adjust your
pictures to help you
achieve professional-
looking photos’
Photo: CatsDog Photography
How to take professional looking
pictures with your iPhone
Always equipped and ready to take the perfect shadow and warmth, you can move the sliders to adjust
photograph, most of us carry around our camera in our the image.
back pocket. You can also edit the image using the vignette tool.
Humble in comparison to the kits of professional This allows you to select the subject and adjust the
photographers, we often rely on our mobile phones to outer brightness.
capture those special moments. Another useful tool that Cat points out on the app is
But with many mobile phones featuring extremely the healing brush.
high-spec cameras, our phones are capable of more than This can be used to edit out any distractions, especially
simply capturing our holiday snaps. helpful if you need to remove your dog’s lead or anything
From smartphone features to editing your photos, in the background from the photo.
professional photographer Cat Race, of CatsDog Other tools on the app include tonal contrast, crop and
Photography, has some tips which she shares on her the brush tool.
TikTok account. It’s worth playing around with Snapseed to help
When taking photos on an iPhone, Cat advises her familiarise yourself with its features.
followers on how to adjust the exposure. Cat also had another important tip for taking photos of
She said: “Tap the subject until the little sun appears your dog, whether that’s using a camera or a smartphone.
and then drag it with your finger up and down until She told us: “The most important thing about any dog
you’ve got the perfect exposure.” photography – including iPhone photography – is to
Once you’ve taken your shot, you can use various make sure you keep rewarding your model between
different apps to edit your photos. Cat recommends shots so that it is a positive experience for them.
Snapseed. “If they are enjoying it, they will look bright-eyed and
Snapseed has a number of tools that allow you to edit happy in the photo and will be full of glee when you point
and adjust your pictures to help you achieve professional a phone at them because they know as soon as that
looking photos. button has clicked they will get a treat.”
In another of her TikTok videos, Cat highlighted some She also added: “Be sure to treat them quickly and
of the useful features on the app, one of the first being the don’t wait until they get bored before you reward them.
tool that allows you to tune the image. Even if you haven’t got the shot yet keep paying them and
With options including saturation, ambiance, contrast, it will pay off for you in the long run too.”18 HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG AdorablePROPS Although dogs are adorable all by themselves, adding a few props can help make for a super-cute photoshoot. From items they can sit in to favourite toys, here are a few prop ideas... Their favourite toy Whether it’s a ball or a cuddly toy, letting them play with their favourite toy will help you capture some playful and natural snaps. Plus, it will keep them happy and content while you get the shot. A chair Just one chair has the ability to completely change the photo. You could choose something modern, rustic or vintage. Dogs love an excuse to climb up on the furniture.
HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG 19
Signage
Wooden signs or chalk boards can
add a rustic look to the photo and
can be fully customised to
welcome a new baby, an
engagement, a wedding, or
whatever you want it to.
You
There’s no better way to make your
dog feel comfortable in front of the
camera than by you joining them.
Make a fuss of them and capture
your bond.
Baskets
If your dog is only small, a basket is
a perfect way to emphasise their
size. Imagine how cute they’d look
sitting inside a wicker basket.
Shoes
Another way of capturing your
dog’s size, especially with smaller
breeds, is to photograph them
next to a pair of your shoes or
maybe inside some wellies. You
can change the look of the shot by
using different shoes.
A blanket
Either cocoon them in a blanket
or wait for them to settle down
and get comfortable for a cosy
looking photo.
Peanut butter
You might not see the peanut
butter in the photo but if you
want a shot of them licking their
lips, this sweet treat is the way to
do it.20 HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG
These dogs
certainly weren’t
worried about
upstaging the
bride and groom.
Don’t they look
fetching?
Dogs who stole the show
From photobombing and absolute comedy timing to simply just an overload of
cuteness, these dogs definitely know how to get noticed. Hilarious and adorable,
some of the photos will definitely have you laughing out loud. Literally!
This curious chihuahua The perfect tourist shot until
obviously didn’t get the memo a curious dog casually strolled
about upskirting. in front of the camera.HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG 21
Sit back, relax and enjoy the
wind in your face. Just
chilling, this dog is obviously
enjoying the journey.
Duh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-
nuh-nuh-nuh, Batman.
This super cute
pomeranian sure knows
how to make an entrance.
Dogs will just about eat anything
given half the chance. This one has
that ice cream firmly in its sights.
Meanwhile, are you seeing double?
This pooch was the star of the
show on her birthday.
This adorable pooch
obviously wanted in on the
birthday celebrations.
And who wouldn’t want a
slice of that delicious
looking cake?22 HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG
Helping pets in crisis for over
100 YEARS Blue Cross treated more
than 18,000 dogs during
World War One
In World War Two it
provided quarantine
and reunited dogs
befriended by soldiers.
It also paid dog licence
fees for poor war
widows and soldiers
A sailor is reunited with his dog (1940s) Soldiers greet a German Shepherd
B
lue Cross has been helping pets during cri pets for companionship, support and a sense of purpose.
tical times since the Balkan War and then More than ever, our services are needed to keep pets and
the First World War when the charity set up owners together and find homeless pets the loving
animal hospitals on the front lines and families they deserve.”
provided essential veterinary kits to soldiers By the end of the war more than 50,000 horses were
for their horses. Today, the charity continues treated in Blue Cross hospitals in France alone and
to support pet owners in need and helps thousands of veterinary supplies were gratefully received by more than
sick, injured and homeless pets and horses every year. 3,500 units of the British Army – many letters of thanks
Originally named ‘Our Dumb Friends League’, the were received from the front.
charity formed in 1897 and has been crucial to the lives of Blue Cross funds also cared for the dogs who were
millions of animals since it’s early work helping the trained to seek out the wounded, pull injured men on
working horses of London. Special fundraising efforts carts through trenches to first aid stations and lead men
provided water troughs placed all over the capital and who were blinded to safety. From 1917 the charity also
‘trace’ horses to assist weaker horses carrying a heavy load took sole responsibility of caring for 18,000 war dogs used
up steep hills. The Blue Cross animal hospital in Victoria, by the French army.
London, opened in 1907 to help both working animals Many soldiers befriended war dogs and were
and pet owners on a low income and is thought to be the devastated to be forced to leave them behind if they
first of its kind in the world. couldn’t afford the quarantine fees. Blue Cross stepped in
‘The Blue Cross Fund’, led by Mr Arthur Coke, worked to offer kennels for dogs needing quarantine and reunited
tirelessly to raise cash towards helping animals at home them with soldiers after the six months was up. Many
and overseas in wartime. In World War One animal were so grateful for the charity’s help they wrote moving
hospitals were set up across France and Italy and animal letters of thanks to Blue Cross relaying their joy at seeing
ambulances, marked with a blue cross to distinguish their beloved four-legged friends again.
them from the ambulances for injured soldiers, were In World War Two the charity’s help was needed again
funded to collect animals on front lines needing urgent and staff regularly worked long and exhausting hours
treatment. Eventually, the charity changed its name to risking their lives to rescue pets from dangerous bombed
Blue Cross in the 1950s. buildings and rubble during the Blitz and bringing them
Mark Corbett, Head of Fundraising and Retail at Blue back to the animal hospital for emergency treatment by
Cross, said: “We are immensely proud of our heritage and candlelight during blackouts. One dog was found
how we have long understood the deep relationship underneath rubble where he had been trapped for six
owners have with their pets. weeks and was thought to have only survived by licking
“Especially during difficult times, many rely on their drips of rain water.HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG 23
The final year of the war, in 1945, saw a record number licence fees to help them stay together. Blue Cross knew
of over 200,000 animals helped by the charity nationwide. the support and comfort pets give to their owners is
Pets whose owners were in active service were also cared invaluable.
for in the kennels, with their owners visiting them when Blue Cross cares for more than 40,000 pets every year
on leave. Quarantine kennels were again provided for across 11 rehoming centres, four rehoming and advice
pets from overseas, including those of refugees who could units and four animal hospitals. As a charity it receives no
not bear to leave their pets behind. Owners made government funding and relies on donations from animal
homeless due to bombing could also place their pet in lovers to continue its vital work.
care with many volunteer foster carers stepping in to help For more information about Blue Cross helping
pets without a home – much as they continue to do today. the animals of war, to see pets needing a new
Soldiers in service and grieving war widows on a low home or to make a donation towards their care
income were supported by the charity who paid their dog visit www.bluecross.org.uk
Dogs and kennel staff at Charlton Kennels, pictured in the1940s
The perfect gift for your dog...
What could be lovelier than treating your pet to a
Love Louie pack made up of toys, treats and
accessories to enjoy? By ordering using the special
Blue Cross code, you can save 15% on your first order.
As well as receiving a tailored Love Louie box at a
special discounted price – you’ll also be supporting
the sick, injured and homeless pets that Blue Cross
cares for. Blue Cross receives at least £5 from the sale
of each box. What’s not to love?
To purchase your box at a discounted price simply go to lovelouie.co.uk and
click on the Blue Cross page to view all of the boxes available. Pick a box and
use code BXBOX at the checkout to receive your 15% discount.
You can choose to buy just one box or have a regular subscription order.
The subscription boxes contain six high quality, hand-picked goodies
including healthy treats, chews and biscuits, toys, health supplements,
hygiene and grooming products.
Why not take a photo of your pet opening their Love Louie box and email it
to vanessa.rossiter@bluecross.org.uk at Blue Cross.Make your dog
24 HOW TO TAKE BRILLIANT PICTURES OF YOUR DOG
front page news
Want to commemorate a doggy celebration or maybe pay
tribute to the life of a wonderful four-legged friend?
We can help you remember a special day
with a digital front page cover
for just
£3.99
we will create the cover
and send it to you
via a jpg file
Your dog could be the star of one of your favourite newspaper
or magazine titles including the Manchester Evening News,
Liverpool Echo, The Mirror or OK! Magazine, to name a few
For more details visit bit.ly/dogfrontcoversYou can also read
