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I always find New Year’s related posts the most difficult to write, because this time of year channels a peculiarly intoxicating brew of inspiration, nostalgia and sense of enormity. I never quite know what to say for fear of not saying enough or saying too much. Nevertheless I will do my best to express what 2012 has meant to me by recounting a few of my favourite Pawsh moments.

Where do I even begin?

With your support Pawsh was able to produce three brand new editions, each packed with colourful photoshoots, drool-worthy dog-friendly recipes, helpful health articles, funky pet products and more! Each issue made me fall in love with Pawsh’s purpose to celebrate a life lived well with dogs even more and I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with so many talented photographers and writers.

Pawsh was able to work with some incredible organizations and individuals to help raise awareness about important pet issues, such as efforts to combat rabies in developing countries by WSPA, the inspirational 13 Project and the R.E.A.D program that helps children learn how to read.

By partnering with Hopeful Hearts Dog Rescue, Pawsh was able to help 24 dogs in foster care find new loving homes, a feat that was only possible thanks to you who share, tweet and repost each week’s Dog in Need profile. Thank you, thank you! The fact that 24 of the dogs Pawsh featured have been adopted into new homes is proof that a simple click to share a dog’s story can make all the difference in a dog’s life! It can help save a life!

It was beyond flattering to find out this year that Pawsh was featured on Canadian Living‘s fashion and beauty blog, our favourite dog site ever, Dogmilk, and interviewed for an article in The Toronto Star. Looking back now I can hardly believe that it happened and am so grateful for the opportunities to share Pawsh’s mission of celebrating a life lived well with dogs.

Talented pet photographer Liz Bradley and myself put out a book as a means to raise money for Humane Society International and bring attention to the many inspirational lessons that dogs teach us by simply being. Take Paws: Whiskered Wisdom About Life & Love is still available for purchase should you be interested. It was such a joy to write a book that children and grownups can enjoy together and once again I feel so lucky to be able to embark upon these types of projects.

Pawsh interviewed some incredible pet artists this year including DoodleDog Paintings, Michael Brian and Crazy Rebels. We reviewed all sorts of terrific pet products including the only truly indestructible dog toy I’ve ever found and a beautiful eco-friendly dog bed. Pawsh even started exploring the real homes of real pets and how to incorporate dog-friendly interior design into your own nest!

I could go on and on (and on!), but I won’t. In short it has been an amazing year! Of course it hasn’t all been sunshine…I have made some mistakes along the way — we all do at some point — but I hope to have learned from them along the way and take what I’ve learned to new places in 2013.

The new year is looking bright here at Pawsh thanks to your overwhelming love, support and encouragement. Keep your eyes peeled for lots of new columns, exciting features and even a few more surprise announcements in 2013, starting first thing in January! There will be dog contests, funnies, expert advice, doggie casting calls and more cuteness than you can handle here on the blog and in the magazine moving forward.

Thank you everyone — sponsors, writers, photographers, designers and readers — for everything this year. You have made it a complete blast that I will always look back upon with great fondness! May you and your furbabies have the best New Year imaginable! xoxo

PAWSH PERKS: The most popular 2012 Pawsh post. Plus the second most popular post and the third most popular post!

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Wishing you and your entire family a very merry Christmas! May your day be filled with laughter, delicious food, warm snuggles and hot cocoa! xoxo

It’s official! The weather outside is now frightful and winter has officially arrived, which means pup may be in need of a new winter coat! This year there are all dozens of beautiful options to choose from. Here are Pawsh’s top five picks:

1. Hip Doggie Alpine Ski Vest  2. FouFouDog Reversible Fouski Parka  3. Red Wool Plaid Coat  4. Reversible Detachable Hood Dog Parka  5. Canada Pooch Everest Explorer Vest

PAWSH PERK: My favourite winter dog coat from last year!

Thank you for your patience over the past few days. I became completely consumed with an unexpected volunteer project to help a shelter and was entirely too drained to post here. I missed you all greatly and am happy to be back.

Today’s giveaway, our final holiday 2012 giveaway, is the ‘piece de resistance’ valued at $300! It is a custom 11 X 14″ pet painting by Kari of Pet Portraits. These pieces are so intricate and unique that I thought it best if Kari explain here style and approach…

How would you describe your artistic style?
My artistic style, that’s a tough one! I try not to over think it, my pet portraits are almost exclusively commissioned so there has to be a more realistic and representational element to them than some other work I do but I try to keep them as loose and expressive as possible, my goal is not to re-create the photograph I work from but to give the recipient a fun and sometimes quirky representation of their pet. Definitely colour and texture play a big part.