Have you ever adopted a Dogs Trust dog?
A bit of a random question, but read on and all will become clear.
You may have already read or seen somewhere that our card and gift company the little dog laughed has now turned twenty five. Woohoo, happy anniversary to us!
The run up to this milestone got us thinking about how we’d most like to mark the occasion. For the middle aged grumpy ones among us, it would be all too easy to give into No big deal apathy and, to be honest, there is more than enough to be getting on with simply dealing with the day to day. However, we said NO to apathy, some milestones demand a bit of effort!
Happy Anniversary Little Dog
So, to celebrate our humble 25 years of existence, we wanted to do something to get the paint flowing and the grey matter tingling again. Something that sums up who we are, what we love and why we do what we do. The business began with Anna drawing rescue dogs at her local animal rescue centre, ADAWS in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Coming from a family who have only ever had rescue dogs it made sense to start at that memorable, life enhancing, magical moment of getting your dog.
An idea was mooted, a chatty email sent and a hop, skip and a jump later we have embarked on a partnership with Dogs Trust. It officially launches in September but there is some ground work to be done first and that’s where we need you. We hope, via Anna’s artwork, to raise some decent (and always needed) pennies for this much loved and respected animal charity. Inspired by an art project Anna did some 16 years ago with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, she is having another go at creating a book*. This time it will have 50 illustrations of dogs who have been rescued and re-homed via Dogs Trust and staying faithful to our unique calendar format, each dog illustrated will have their story told alongside the artwork. The hope is the book will be the focal point for a complete Dogs Trust collection and all the accompanying cards and gifts will help in reaching and hopefully surpassing our Dogs Trust total.
September may seem like a long way off but the production clock is already ticking and the deadline is looming. If you have ever adopted a dog from Dogs Trust, past or present, and would like the chance to see your furry one feature in Anna’s book A Dog’s Life, you can email your colour photos and story to
partnerships@dogstrust.org.uk by midnight Sunday 5th March.
Those with dogs featured in the book will each receive a signed copy that will go on sale nationwide in September 2023 and a limited edition 10″ x 12″ print of their artwork.
Not sure where to start with the text? These questions might help!
Why is your dog special, what made you choose them? What is their back story? What are their loves, likes, funny quirks, and personality traits? Has there been any challenges, how have you dealt with these? Have they supported you through any difficult times?This art project will take the place of our annual Search for A Superstar Calendar and Diary project 2024 … BUT don’t panic, Anna has something extra special planned for the summer which ANY dog or cat can enter, more on that nearer the time.
In the meantime, if you have a Dogs Trust pooch or know someone who does, do consider entering the project.
Email your photos and story to partnerships@dogstrust.org.uk by midnight Sunday 5th March.
We’d be thrilled to hear from you and would love you to be part of our anniversary year.
Best wishes
Gavin, Anna and Nathan
The Little Dog Laughed
*Nb: Illustrations in this post are mock ups and for working visual purposes only. The final cover may be subject to change.
Wonderful idea!
My rescued pom is not a Dogs Trust boy, but I look forward eagerly to buying the book, reading the stories and being swept away by the artwork!
Wishing you all a very successful outcome.
Your amazing priducts make the world a brighter place…….thank you!
Evening
I just wanted to say thank you for the 25 year celebration idea, I’ve just submitted my story about Darcy.
Sadly not able to have a dog – the cats would not approve! But when you’ve finished this book, how about doing the same with Cats Protection. Just don’t wait till the 50th anniversary as I won’t be around then.
Anita, you have made my giggle with your excellent idea and advice. I shall bear both in mind!