Welcome to Newshound, as we celebrate our first birthday this week’s edition is all about ‘us’. By ‘us’ I mean those who have supported, believed in, and inspired us over the last 12 months. As we continue to grow and prosper, we dedicate this week’s NewsHound to all of you, without you we wouldn’t be who we are today.
12 Months of PAAW….
It’s certainly been a rollercoaster since we launched just one short year ago. We have grown to a team of 5, accumulated more than 50k social media followers, have a broad spectrum of fans, from celebrity supporters & political allies, to our homeless friends and charities, and of course our members, ambassadors and partners, who all share our ethos and love for pets. Being the party animals that we are, we even managed to squeeze in a couple of cheeky parties and make a few pounds for our charities, Streetvet & The Wild at Heart Foundation.
Then lockdown happened, rather than rest on our laurels, we rallied the troops, pulled lots of favours, the result PAAWstival 2020. We are not gonna say it wasn’t chaotic and a little stressful, yet it’s the event we are most proud of. Why so? PAAWstival represents our belief in collaboration and positive vibes, we brought together a host of guests from all walks of life, all with one thing in common, empathy, respect, and love for animals.
Massive thanks to all who have supported and shared our journey including, Burly Bear Pom, Anna Webb, ByBenji, You and The Dog, House of Denna, PetsLets, Pride Radio, Chapter Design, Butternut Box, Drake & Morgan, Holly & Lil, Ben Oakley & David Bray, Barketplace, Joe Collins Nutkins, Total Thrive Productions, an0 Technology and all the entertainers who took part in PAAWstival.
What have we learned in the past 12 months?
Flexibility has been key to our success, learning and adapting quickly. Has it all been plain sailing? Of course not! We’ve got things wrong; we’ve got people wrong. The great thing about getting things wrong is experiencing and having the opportunity to own, learn, and move on from your mistakes! Our website will be getting a massive makeover in 2021 with PetsNet taking on a whole new identity. We are super excited about PAAWstival 2021, our biggest event to date will be held on the aptly named Isle Of Dogs in London (paws crossed).
We are also very excited about the progress Jasmine’s Law has been making, and will continue to support this cause which is so close to our hearts. We are hugely grateful to all who have given us the chance to share our campaign and beliefs including; A Dogs Life Podcast, The Express, The Sun, Pick Me Up Magazine, BBC Radio, River Magazine, Southwark News, Dog Desk News, The Bermondsey Biscuit, The Urban Fox, and a number of pet blogs, thank you.
So, our hopes for 2021; to grow and develop, listen to our friends and members, support our charities and one another, continue to challenge the status quo and party hard of course.
Pets in Parliament – Kratu
Last week we introduced Pets in Parliament, in addition to the dogs of our parliamentarians, there is another very special dog. If you haven’t already heard of him, meet Kratu. Kratu is a dog of many talents, assistance dog to his human Tess, viral internet sensation worldwide for his antics at Crufts, ambassador and friend to numerous animal charities.
Kratu attends the APDAWG (All party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group) with Tess, as they both support the group. Kratu is looking forward to his new role as the first ambassador for APDAWG. He is currently the star of a charity Christmas card range in collaboration with Jo Scott Art. All the proceeds from his card will be donated to Wetnose Animal Aid, who support small rescues who are struggling during these times.
Andrew Rosindell MP
Andrew Rosindell, Conservative MP for Romford, recently took the campaign to end pet discrimination to another level. In ten short minutes he introduced a bill to parliament to be known as ‘Jasmine’s Law’, which summed up everything we believe in. Andrew has owned two Staffordshire bull terriers, “Spike” and “Buster” and is a huge lover of animals. Andrew says “Jasmine’s Law means a lot to me because it is the right thing to do. It also means a lot to me as a dog owner of decades. I was never forced to choose between my beloved Staffordshire Bull Terriers and a home, but countless numbers face this choice because of pointless ‘no pets’ clauses that are in most cases completely unnecessary.
If I can play a small part in bring an end to this horrible, largely ignored, situation, it would mark a significant achievement for me personally, and for the pet-owners all over this animal-loving nation who depend on the companionship of their pet, regardless of whether they can afford to purchase a property. I want to take a chance to thank PAAW House and Gabby Kuehn for all their hard work on this issue, and the support they have given me as I attempt to allow a pet in every home.”
PAAW Charities: StreetVet & The Wild at Heart Foundation
We would like shine a light on the great work of our charities StreetVet and The Wild at Heart Foundation, which in these unprecedented times has never been more important. It’s an honour and a pleasure to support these guys and we hope to be able to continue to make a difference, and contribute to their work for many years to come. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank them for their support and belief in PAAW House and our values. Great relationships and friendships are a two-way street. Thank You.
Report from Burly Bear
I have known Vinnie and his lot since before he set up PAAW House. I feel quite privileged to have been with the team since the start, I haven’t missed one party and I know they love having me around. As chief ambassador I also love working with the other ambassadors and hope we will all have a chance to get to meet up next year.
Not a lot happening this week Burlings, my Dad did get a bit of a surprise earlier in the week when he googled me and realised someone had written about me in the Daily Mail! They thought I was Eve Hewson’s dog and I would be spending Christmas with Bono, as if, WOOF WOOF. Just because I like flirting and getting my photo taken! My Christmas cards arrived this week too, they look great, if you would like one you can sign up on Instagram and share the joy, @burlybearpom.
Lots of Love, Burly Bear.
Message from Vinnie
Did you know that Battersea Dogs and Cats Home have identified housing issues as the second biggest reason for pets being given up to their care? Its an issue I have been barking on about for years! I’ve been to court, been plastered all over the newspapers and even been on the news, all because I wanted to live in peace with my humans in our own home! So, friends I’ve gone the full Monty this year and created a Christmas Advert in the same genre.
The PAAW House Christmas Advert 2020 has a simple message, we are promoting tolerance for those who chose to love a pet as part of their family. We encourage those who share our beliefs to support #JasminesLaw. It’s also a good time to reflect on those pets who are not so lucky as us, animal charities are struggling during this pandemic. I know what I will be asking for this Christmas, a donation to one of these wonderful charities.
Thanks to my co-stars Burly Bear, Digby, Barry and Bibi for putting up with my movie star moods! The ads got a great tune too, maybe us dogs could make ‘Love Shine a Light’ by Katrina And The Waves no 1 for Christmas? Cheers, Vinnie x .
House of Denna
This year more than ever it’s so important to support local businesses. We love the unique handmade creations from House of Denna. Denna finds inspiration for her jewellery from everything she sees, and many of her pieces are named after friends and foe of her adorable sausage dog Digby. We’ve bagged ourselves a beautiful pair of paw print earrings for under the tree. Check out her website for available pieces or to get in touch about a bespoke commission.
Bookclub; Lucy’s Law
Our pick this week is Lucy’s Law, the true story of one little dog and some very determined humans who helped bring an end to puppy farming in the UK. An emotional and informative read, as well as giving the reader an insight into the cruelty and horror of puppy farms it also opens your eyes to politics and hidden agendas that might surprise. Respect to Marc Abraham for his unwavering commitment to his campaign, sometimes against the odds. A great read!
Finally we would like to thank those who inspire us every day, the dreamers, the doers, the rule breakers and all who believe the impossible is possible.
Gabby, Vinnie & The PAAW Crew
If you have something you would like to share with our members relating to pets, pet/animal welfare, pet friendly or your favourite pet brands get in touch at newshound@paaw.house
For updates and information on getting involved in PAAWstival you can contact paawstival@paaw.house. We welcome like-minded brands and businesses, who may like to feature on our online PAAWstival marketplace, take a stand at our live event or join our pack of sponsors.