Life’s a treat: How to spoil a well-loved dog
Some people have children. I have my dog Baker—a poodle with a better social calendar than mine and a talent for convincing me that he needs things. Not wants. Needs. The right carrier for his “clingy dog” tendencies. A harness that looks good in photos. A toy that matches his personality (and apparently his stubborn streak). And, of course, a birthday cake so pretty it could make a Parisian pâtissier weep.
To be fair, I’m not alone in this. Ask any fur parent and they’ll tell you that the line between pet and child blurs fast. Before you know it, you’re saying things like “he deserves the best” and booking car seats that cost more than your own.
Here’s how I’m making sure my four-legged family member lives a life of safety, comfort, and just the right amount of spoiling.
The Paperbunny dog carrier: The Porter in Sunday Blue
My dog is the textbook definition of a velcro dog. If I walk from the kitchen to the living room, he follows. If I so much as glance at the front door, he’s already sitting there, ready to go.
The Porter in Sunday Blue is structured, cozy, and comfortable enough for him to stay close—without me juggling him in both arms. The design is pretty, polished, and nothing like the bulky, awkward pet carriers you try to hide. Plus, it could easily pass for a chic everyday tote. The roomy interior means he can curl up, peek out, or snooze, depending on his mood. It’s basically his mobile living room, and he knows it.
Ollie Bowls: Ollie walkies set in seaweed
Admittedly, my dog is not the walking type. He prefers to ride in his stroller and be pushed around like the spoiled baby he is. But on his more active days, we bring out the Ollie walkies set.
The seaweed green harness and leash look fresh and stylish, with sturdy hardware that can handle the occasional burst of energy (usually involving a suspicious leaf or passing cat). The fit is also snug without being restrictive, while the colour has a modern charm that works no matter the day or destination.
It’s the kind of gear that looks just as good in photos as it does after many park trips, even if our “many” is more like once in a blue moon.
Anko: Dog toys
Anko is one of those stores you step into for a “quick browse” and somehow leave with a cart full of things you didn’t know you needed, for both you and your dog.
Some toys are passing distractions, while others become lifelong companions. Baker’s sausage dog from Anko falls into the latter category. It’s roughly his size, yet he carries it everywhere with the dedication of a child hauling around a favourite stuffed animal. Months of tugging, chewing, and dragging have barely left a mark—thanks to its solid stitching and plush material that’s firm enough to last, but soft enough for naps. It’s proof that a well-made toy can be both charming and practically indestructible.
Tavo’s Maeve™ pet travel system
Road trips with dogs can be a mix of joy and chaos, but the Maeve™ travel system tips the scale firmly towards joy. This crash-tested carrier is the pet equivalent of a high-end child car seat—offering both safety and comfort without compromise.
It works as a plush and breathable crash-tested car seat for safe rides, clips securely into its base using an ISOFIX system for stability on the road, and even transforms into a lightweight stroller that glides effortlessly through errands or park strolls. It looks sleek, feels effortless, and saves you from the whole “multiple bags and gear” scramble.
Furry Flour Pet Cakes
No celebration feels complete without cake, and yes, that absolutely includes the dog’s. Furry Flour turns these moments into something extra memorable, with confections so beautiful you could almost mistake them for human desserts.
Each creation is decorated and made with wholesome, dog-friendly ingredients, so pets get to indulge, while owners get the joy of watching tails wag and cameras click. Whether it’s a birthday, a gotcha day, or simply a midweek pick-me-up, their cakes have a way of making the day feel just a bit more special.
Bravecto® 365
Some luxuries are showpieces; others work quietly in the background. Bravecto® 365 is one of those quiet essentials, giving pets a full year of flea and tick protection with just a single vet-administered dose.
It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes care that keeps life simpler, so you can focus on the cuddles, park strolls, and road trips without worrying about pests.
