The dogs of PR Dispatch
There’s no secret that we love dogs at PR Dispatch. And we’re oh so very lucky to support a number of brilliant independent businesses, who also happen to have dogs. That’s why we thought it would be rude not to put the spotlight on our members and the dogs behind their brands.
In this blog post, we chat to some of our members (in addition to our PR Dispatch founder Rosie and Press Database Manager and Creative PR Assistant Kate) to get to know their fluffy companions (and their quirks) a little bit better.
Laura, Ponco Thanos and Marshall Ronan
Laura Brooks lives and works in Derbyshire, running her online stationery retailer and quarterly stationery subscription service The Paper Collective. A haven for stationery addicts, the carefully curated collection of products comprises notebooks, diaries, planners, greeting cards and much more.
In her studio you’ll find her two 2 1/2-year-old Dalmatians - Ponco Thanos and Marshall Ronan, who are brothers.
Tell us about your dogs and how they came into your life:
We had Ponco from 10 weeks old (Jan 2019) and in August 2019, I noticed a Dalmatian for sale on a pet selling site and instantly recognised him as being from the same litter as Ponco.
“Ponco sticks his nose under your arm whilst working to demand your attention.”
We got in touch and found the couple who had taken him at 10 weeks had split up and neither of them were able to take him, so we collected Marshall and reunited him with his brother.
How would you describe Ponco and Marshall in three words?
Ponco Thanos - ‘I am Inevitable’
Marshall - Loving, Cuddly, Excitable
How do Ponco and Marshall fit into your workday?
They work with me in my home office and have been given the following business titles:
Ponco Thanos - Chief Product Tester
Marshall - Head of Quality Control
What's your dogs’ funniest habits?
Ponco sticks his nose under your arm whilst working to demand your attention. Marshall always wants attention and sits as close as he can.
Follow The Paper Collective on Instagram here
Browse The Paper Collective’s products here
Antonia and Hugo
Antonia is the founder of eponymous jewellery brand Antonia Guise. Each of her pieces is inspired by female stories from the past and celebrate the unheard stories of incredible women.
On her side, is demanding, but very well-behaved 9-year-old Bassetdoodle Hugo (Miniature Poodle Crossed with a Basset hound), who makes sure Antonia and her husband get enough breaks during the day.
Tell us about Hugo and how he came into your life:
My mum actually bought him from Harrod. She went in to visit my sister who was working in the toy department and came away with Hugo by accident.
How would you describe Hugo in three words?
Just the best.
“He won’t eat his dinner until everyone around him has told him he’s a ‘Good Boy’.”
How does Hugo fit into your workday?
He’s quite demanding as he’s very intelligent, and we’re very aware that our flat is small, so we take him on at least 3 walks a day, which takes up a lot of time.
My partner also runs his own business from home so we tend to take it in turns, depending on who is busier. Other than that he fits in easily and provides us with much-needed breaks, as it’s tempting when you work for yourself not to!
What's Hugo’s funniest habit?
He won’t eat his dinner until everyone around him has told him he’s a ‘Good Boy’. So well-behaved!
Follow Antonia Guise on Instagram here
Browse Antonia Guise’s products here
Sophie, Gekko and Dizzy
Sophie de Taranto is the owner of Surrey-based Shutter Jewellery, which she founded in 2015. Sophie’s handcrafted jewellery celebrates birds, botanicals and butterflies and have become little symbols of countryside escapism.
Making her day-to-day that little bit more exciting (read: distracting), are Sophie's two studio assistants, the exceptionally cute duo; Gekko and Dizzy.
Tell us about Gekko and Dizzy and how they came into your life:
Gekko is a pug crossbreed, she is 5 and we rehomed her from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Dizzy is only 3 months old, she is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and we brought her home just a few weeks ago
How would you describe Gekko and Dizzy in three words:
Gekko - Cuddly lazy potato Dizzy
Tiny - Cute rascal
How do Gekko and Dizzy fit into your workday?
Gekko plods around behind me or snoozes in the corner of the studio while I work. Dizzy still doesn't understand that I can't play with her all day long.
“At the moment Gekko’s pet peeve is definitely Dizzy.”
What are your dogs’ pet peeves?
At the moment Gekko's pet peeve is definitely Dizzy.
As a puppy, Dizzy doesn't have a pet peeve. She thinks everything is the most exciting thing in the world!
Follow Shutter Jewellery on Instagram here
Browse Shutter Jewellery’s products here
Leah and Blitz
Leah Williams works as a Virtual Assistant at Ooohh PA (our partner VA company) handling the press outreach on behalf of some of our lovely members and being a saviour to a number of businesses, supporting them with everything from administrative tasks to social media management.
Being a VA, Leah can work from pretty much anywhere and she enjoys switching up her digital office. But on the days she works from her home in Hertfordshire, she’s got her 3-year old office assistant, Pomeranian Blitz to keep her company.
Tell us about Blitz and how he came into your life:
Blitz is a cheeky character, with many nicknames. My favourite nickname of his is Mr. Bear, due to him looking like one and having the squishiest bear paws!
He's very scared of strangers and other dogs therefore, he doesn't have many four-legged friends, however, he does have our 5-year-old ginger Pomeranian Spitz (who is also his auntie), Millie to keep him company.
How would you describe your dog in three words?
Mischievous, handsome, and the best boy!
How does Blitz fit into your workday?
A lunchtime treat with a cup of tea for us both, as well as afternoon cuddles (which leads to arm aches from stretching over his body to get to the laptop!)
“My favourite nickname of his is Mr. Bear, due to him looking like one and having the squishiest bear paws! ”
What's Blitz’s funniest habit?
The funniest habit would be the way he sleeps. I've never seen a dog like it! He lays on his back, paws up in the air however, somehow twists his middle so he's half lying on his side - he looks like me after I've had one too many cocktails
Follow Ooohh PA on Instagram here
Learn more about Ooohh PA here
Rebecca and Rieko
Rebecca is the designer, maker and founder behind eponymous South East London-based brand Rebecca Thickbroom. Growing up on the east coast of Australia, Rebecca’s seaside upbringing has influenced her collections of wearable art and home decor.
Keeping her on her toes is 1-year old Rieko Ioane, a miniature labradoodle (although not so miniature and not so doodle) who loves his time in the water and in the studio.
Tell us about Rieko and how he came into your life:
We wanted a pup for years and actually had a Cocker Spaniel lined up before Covid hit, but the breeder was a tad odd so didn't go through with it. Covid hit, the search went on hold but as time went on I decided not to let covid impact our lives in that sense so restarted the search and fell in love with Rieko. He was the cheekiest one of the litter, it was instant love.
For any rugby fans, they'll recognise his name. He's named after Rieko Ioane an NZ Rugby all-black players (one of my kiwi fiancées favourite players). Plus, many moons ago I had a Japanese penpal (yes old skool snail mail) during my Japanese studies at school whom was also named Rieko. Surprisingly easy to agree.
How would you describe Rieko in three words?
Rieko is happy, handsome and mischievous - the perfect combo.
“He’s addicted to frozen blueberries. I can’t open the fridge or freezer without him expecting one. ”
How does your dog fit into your workday?
He loves time in the studio, wanting to get involved in whatever I'm focused on, and is a saviour as he reminds me throughout the day of the importance of breaks. Not only for him, but for my mind to be refreshed.
What’s Rieko’s funniest habit?
Rieko loves the water whether it's swimming in the sea or trying to get in the shower. He's addicted to frozen blueberries. I can't open the fridge or freezer without him expecting one. He'll steal tennis balls and footballs ️from anyone and at times he brings me, my trainer, if he is overdue his walk. He loves to lay like a turkey on a platter or spread-eagled - no manners.
Oh, he's partial to nicking the loo roll too, but I'm hoping he grows out of that though as his timing leaves a lot to be desired
Follow Rebecca Thickbroom on Instagram here
Browse Rebecca Thickbroom’s products here
Gosia and Dela
Trained skincare and haircare formulator and qualified pharmacist Gosia Suchojad founded Bunch Skincare and Haircare in 2020. Her business was born after noticing that quality natural skincare and haircare products became increasingly complicated in terms of formulas, packaging and having names that don’t mean anything.
Based in Letchworth Garden City, Gosia work from home full-time, with the company of her part-time dog/assistant, Chihuahua, Dela.
Tell us about Dela and how she came into your life:
Dela is my part-time dog. I look after her for most days of the week for my boyfriend's mum. Dela is my desk dog, every day after breakfast she comes to my office and will not settle down until she's snuggled up in her blanket next to my keyboard!
“Every day after breakfast she comes to my office and will not settle down until she’s snuggled up in her blanket next to my keyboard!”
How would you describe Dela in three words?
Funny, brave and snuggly!
How does Dela fit into your workday?
I work from home full time, Dela is my perfect office buddy, albeit a bit needy one. At least she doesn't spread gossip! She spends most of the day under a wooly blanket on my desk, keeps everybody entertained during meetings (by showing her face on the screen) and also looks after my wellbeing by taking me for a walk during lunch hour. Perfect pet, do you agree?
What's Dela’s funniest habit?
Actively seeking bits of dry, uncooked pasta or frozen peas on the floor and eating it.
Waking me up at ungodly hours by licking my face!
Follow Bunch Skincare and Haircare on Instagram here
Browsw Bunch Skincare and Haircare’s products here
Sarah and Coco
Sarah Smith is the founder of sustainable art and homeware business The Dartmoor Artist. Living and working on a Dartmoor farm, her handmade pieces are hugely influenced by nature. But also by her trusted companion Coco (otherwise known as ‘big ears’ an 18-month-old Sprollie (Springer x Collie).
One of Sarah’s new pieces of work is completely inspired by ‘big ears’. ‘Her ears should have their own postcode and I'm convinced that one day she might fly’, says Sarah.
Tell us about Coco and how she came into your life:
She was born on the 17th March last year, officially the first lockdown puppy! I found her through the power of Instagram after we'd lost three of our old girls and wanted a new addition to our family. We finally picked her up when restrictions eased and from day one she's certainly made her mark.
She suffers from anxiety. Having not had the opportunity to socialise last year. We've been in "calm and confident dog classes" over the last few weeks. Literally feels like an AA meeting "Hi I'm Sarah, this is Coco, we're here to be CALM and CONFIDENT!)
How would you describe Coco in three words?
Coco is energetic, anxious, and an absolute DIVA!
Cathryn and Nelly
With the tagline ‘Positive clothes for awesome women’, it’s hard not to feel empowered by Cathryn’s business Wild Like Her, whose collections include beautiful and comfortable everyday wear.
The Tetbury-based founder and designer juggles family and business, with the help of her loveable assistant, Cocker Spaniel Nelly (who is just about to turn 1).
Tell us about Nelly and how she came into your life:
I sadly lost my best friend Tilly (a Collie cross) three days after my third baby was born. So after about a year, I was ready to start looking for a new pup to join our family. We wanted a puppy rather than rehoming because we have young children. We found a breeder who was fabulous and she had two pups left. We decided to go for it so agreed and then three days later we were put into lockdown!
“She likes to sit in my office but most of the time she’s a bit stinky so she has to sit at the door away from all the clothes!”
So three kids - two of which were homeschooling, a business and a new puppy - what was I thinking! Anyway, she is the sweetest thing ever and has the most beautiful nature. So soft and gentle and is such a good girl. She is just like my Tilly.
How would you describe Nelly in three words?
Funny, beautiful and loveable.
How does Nelly fit into your workday?
Nelly comes on the school run, then for a lovely walk before we get home and settle in the office. She likes to sit in my office but most of the time she’s a bit stinky so she has to sit at the door away from all the clothes!
What's Nelly’s funniest habit?
Nelly eats everything. Plastic, rubber bands…literally anything. And unfortunately, we see them all again when they’ve passed through. So rule number 1 with the kids is don’t leave your toys on the floor!
Follow Wild Like Her on Instagram here
Browse Wild Like Her’s products here
Roz and Mud
Roz Stone is the owner of kidswear brand Pickbu who creates bright and colourful clothing, featuring plentiful of eye-catching patterns like this. All pieces are handmade by the former theatrical dressmaker herself.
Roz lives in North Devon with her family, including 6-year-old Lurcher (Greyhound/Deerhound/Collie cross) Mud.
Tell us about Mud and how she got into your life:
We got the dog when my twins turned 1, I thought she would be a companion for my husband on his work journey. Turns out she hates London.
How would you describe Mud in three words?
Dappy, timorous and gentle.
“I thought she would be a companion for my husband on his work journey. Turns out she hates London. ”
How does Mud fit into your workday?
My dog is my excuse to get out of the house, go to the beach and get some air on my face.
What’s Mud’s funniest habit?
She likes to run. Her greatest loathing is having her fur brushed - she will allow it for maybe 5 mins and then will take it from your hand and run off and hide it in the house somewhere.
Follow Picku on Instagram here
Browse Pickbu’s products here
Emily, Oli and Bo
Based in South East London, Emily runs independent brand NINA, with her husband Oli and the duo recently launched their first collection of artist-designed, organic muslins.
Their 18-months old attention-seeking, but very charming studio assistant Bo Rascal Orlik (who is a Cavapoo, of some kind) is a core part of the team.
Tell us about Bo and how he came into your life:
Bo came into our lives in the darkest days of the first lockdown last year. He loves meeting new people (can't get enough of the attention and the extra cuddles), he loves his Nelly the Elephant toy, and he particularly loves olives. He dislikes the hoover.
How would you describe Bo in three words?
Kind, loving, sleepy
“His crazy moments after a wash when he scarpers around the house causing absolute mayhem”
How does Bo fit into your workday?
He goes to doggy daycare once a week, it was mainly to socialise him at first, but it's handy with work too. The rest of the days, Oli takes him out for a morning walk before work starts and I'll take him out later on. He does sleep a lot too, or he'll find a sunny spot in the garden to sunbathe.
What's Bo’s funniest habit?
His crazy moments after a wash when he scarpers around the house causing absolute mayhem. We're constantly having to put the sofa and cushions back together.
Follow NINA on Instagram here
Browse NINA’s products here
Kate and Nancy
Kate recently joined team PR Dispatch (lucky us!) and while we didn’t hire her based on the fact that she has a dog, it is definitely a massive bonus.
Our Press Database Manager and Creative PR Assistant lives in the Lake District with her partner and 7-months old Cockapoo Nancy. With plenty of walks right on her doorstep, Kate’s always out and about enjoying countryside adventures with her pooch.
Tell us about Nancy and how she came into your life:
We saw a picture of her with her brothers and sisters when they were just born. My boyfriend pointed her out straight away (we didn't check how far away she was from us) but we wanted to make sure she was coming from a good home, we drove 3 hours to get her on Easter weekend.
How would you describe Nancy in three words?
Loyal, fluffy, loving
“She always has to have a sock in her mouth when she gets excited. She can’t greet someone until she has a suitable sock!”
How does Nancy fit into your workday?
Nancy loves to play with squeaky toys whilst I work and sleep when I finish work.
What's Nancy’s funniest habit?
She always has to have a sock in her mouth when she gets excited. She can’t greet someone until she has a suitable sock!
Follow PR Dispatch on Instagram here
Rosie and Milo
Rosie Davies-Smith is the founder and director of PR Dispatch. She recently relocated from South East London to South Devon where she lives with her family, including her 8-year-old Maltese Terrier, Milo.
Despite having the grand title of Company Chairman, we often question Milo’s hard-working attitude. But he does frequently join our Zoom meetings and loves making an appearance on our Instagram.
Tell us about Milo and how he came into your life:
I grew up with dogs so I always knew I’d get my own dog at some point. When I started freelancing and setting up my business, I wanted to get a furry friend to keep me company and enjoy walks with - someone that would force me to take screen breaks!
I researched and looked into different breeds and quickly fell in love with the Maltese breed. I found a family in Wiltshire that had a small litter of Maltese Terrier puppies (Milo’s got a bit of Yorkshire Terrier in him) and the same week I went and collected Milo, he’s now 8 years old!
How would you describe Milo in three words?
Loyal, introverted and knowing.
How does Milo fit into your workday?
I recently relocated my home office to a studio shed in our garden and Milo’s quickly made himself extremely comfortable in there. When he’s not upside down snoozing the day away in his bed, he’s watching the world go by. It’s safe to say he enjoys the quiet life.
“He’s a peculiar little man with many quirks. One being his intense stares that can go on for minutes. It’s like he stares right into your soul.”
He’ll tell me when he needs to go for a walk and it’s always an urgent request (read: demand).
He used to come into the office with me every day when we lived in London so he’s very accustomed to office life and is incredibly patient. Milo is great company and definitely brightens up my workdays.
What's Milo’s funniest habit?
He’s a peculiar little man with many quirks. One being his intense stares that can go on for minutes. It’s like he stares right into your soul.
He also digs his bed, a lot. Mainly to get as comfortable as possible, before enjoying one of his many daily naps.
It’s not a habit as such, but his biggest fears are storms (as with many other dogs). From heavy rain and wind to thunderstorms. Living by the coast with temperamental weather, it’s a constant challenge for Milo, bless him. But relaxing music for dogs on full blast normally does the job.
Follow Rosie on Instagram here
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