Dudley the pug firmly believes that you shouldn’t judge another pup without having first walked a mile in their shoes. Thus it only makes sense to install a gorgeous Chinese-silk lined Victorian armoire to house those precious paw vessels.  Linens as liners are always a terrific touch!

This next photo epitomizes what we always dream a fashion designer’s office to look like. Bold colours, rich textures and layered effect sprawling for as far as the eye can see. Little Toby the cockapoo also seems smitten with this space, making himself perfectly at home upon the deliciously over-sized striped chaise lounger. 

Photo by Pieter Estersohn

Comfort and charm dominate this sleepy understated apartment.  Seymour, a Labrador retriever and Leo, a shepherd mix agree that if one must work from home, one must cultivate a bit of comely style. Exotic prints and rustic furniture marry to bring forth the nostalgic feeling of a quaint country escape.  

Presenting a smooth operator, who is very energetic, continuously happy and always raring to go, just like the family convertible. Meet Nero! Doesn’t he look dashing sitting in those slick red leather seats. This is one very cool, we mean, hot dog, and definitely a ‘pawsh’ pet!

1)  No Cars
This is probably the most obvious, but never leave your pet in a stifling car for any period of time on a sweltering day. Even if you crack a window the internal temperature of the car rises extremely fast and can be very harmful to your pet. If you do see an animal locked in a car report the incident immediately to your local animal agency, such as the Humane Society.

2)  Air Conditioning
If you’re lucky enough to have air-conditioning in your house or apartment, leave it on for your pet during the day. Even if its just a window air conditioner in one room, your pet will thank you for an opportunity to cool off.

3) Basement Bliss
There are options for households without air-conditioning too. For instance, keep your pet in the basement during the day. Be sure to provide them with toys, a sleeping area and water to keep them ultra comfy.

4) Hire a Babysitter
If you have no basement and no air-conditioning, it’s not enough to simply keep the blinds closed and the sun out of your house. The high temperatures combined with the high humidity can be torture to a pet left inside all day. So plan ahead for your pet. On really hot days take your pet to a friend’s house who has air-conditioning or a reputable doggie daycare.

5) Hair Cut
Now going bald is a bit extreme, but booking your pet in for a hair cut can really help some breeds stay cool. Keep in mind however that some dogs’ coats act as natural insulators and cooling systems, so only require a good brush to get rid of excess winter coat. Be sure to consult closely with your groomer to make sure you are doing what is best for your particular pup and their furry coat.

6) Water
If you can, take your pet to play in the water. Some cities allow dogs to play pools before they are drained for the evening. If a pool isn’t in sight, head for the lake or play in the sprinkler or padding pool. Or just give your pup a refreshing spray with the garden hose or dip in the bathtub. Water fun is something you and your pet can have together!

Do you have any tricks for keeping cool?

{Photography by Laura L. Benn}

There’s a new face scampering around 24 Sussex Drive — an unnamed smokey grey kitten!  Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his family adopted little yet-to-be-named and are asking for the public’s help in picking just the right title to accompany this sweet furball’s disposition. The Harpers are avid cat lovers and have provided foster care to numerous cats over the years, as well as supported the foster program run by the Ottawa Humane Society.