With a wag of a tail or a gentle purr, pets have provided immeasurable comfort and companionship through the uncertainty of the last year. And in line with pet ownership soaring during the pandemic, as the public made the most of their extended time at home to welcome four legged ‘babies’ into the family, so too are card publishers finding they are barking up the right tree with their new doggie and moggie ranges.
PG Buzz takes the ‘lead’ in sharing some of the latest additions to the greeting card menagerie as well as indulging in lapping up the love from some lockdown ‘pawrents’ in the industry…well it is Friday today!
Michael Apter, owner of Paper Tiger, two shops in Edinburgh: “Our new puppy is called Clementine and she is a Border Collie. She’s just six months old, and we can’t imagine what life was like without her. Getting a dog had been a discussion in our house for a long time – I was the principal objector! My younger daughter Scarlett produced a pros and cons list last year that persuaded me that I needed to fall in line with the rest of the family! I am now Clem’s Number One fan, even creating an Instagram account for her! (@clementinecraigleith).”
Secrets & Lives
Woodmansterne is continuing its collaborations with celebrated designers Ralph Lazar and Lisa Swerling to create two pet-related ranges – A Dog’s Life and Secrets of being a Cat. With eight designs in each, the designs celebrate the nation’s obsession with their pets and the funny side/challenges of pet ownership.
Louise Mulgrew, founder of Louise Mulgrew Designs: “I absolutely was one of those people who decided as soon as lockdown arrived that I needed to get a dog! I hadn’t thought it through of course, and I think George (a German Shepherd) has probably made my year of the pandemic harder rather than easier, having never had a dog before and with him not being far off my own weight at 10 months old. Fortunately, he is adorable and hilarious and the best company I could hope for.”
More Margo Mayhem
In acknowledgement of the growing pet adoration, Cinnamon Aitch has extended its Margo range. Designed in the depths of the first lockdown last year, the range now comprises 55 designs which encapsulate the loveable antics of our furry friends. From the disdainful tendencies of our aloof cats, to mischievous and excitable dogs, with the occasional chameleon thrown in for good measure, the 140mm square, contemporary designs pop with colour and pattern.
Pennie Bryant, co-founder of Tache: “Our little Boux has definitely been an uplifting bundle of joy in all this doom and gloom. Having a puppy really is like having a little child, (or at least I think it is 😂) – toys everywhere, a wire play pen for playtime, puppy pads on the floor to train her to go to the toilet!! It’s chaos sometimes.”
Bright Eyed And Bushy Tailed
Super talented photographer Rhian Ap Gruffydd has welcomed some stunning new designs into the Gruff Pawtraits menagerie. Rhian’s ability to capture people’s dogs faces straight on results in some incredibly arresting designs. Among the newbies are a Whippington Terrier, a Working Cocker Spaniel, a Shar Pei and a Cockerpoo and a Miniature Dachshund.
More pet loveliness to follow next week on PG Buzz…woof woof!
Top: Tache’s Pennie Bryant with baby Boux.
