Dogs @ Home
I grew up with German Shepherds — Bruno, Jeff, and Cody — who each had their own larger-than-life personalities.
Most of my family’s dogs were photographed lounging on sofas, bringing back beautiful memories of how I loved each of them and how German Shepherds enhanced my family’s homes.
Bruno, sharing the sofa at the cottage with Mum in the 1960’s
Jeff is playing with his tennis ball on the floral sofa in the redecorated living room of the 1970’s
Bruno in the Living Room
When I moved to the UK, a black lab mix puppy found me in a pub, hopped onto the table, and helped herself to my beer. I took her home after being told that having a dog in London was essential. I named her after that wise woman, Sarah Ponsonby.
Sarah shared 14 wonderful years with me in the UK and Canada.
Sarah, in her holiday collar, with Mum lounging on my sofa at Christmas in the 1980s
Photos: Barb Ivey
I did not get another dog, and I often wondered about my hesitation. Then I had an A-HA moment: I had been waiting for a dog to find me, just as Sarah had — though not necessarily in a pub.
Recently, a client gave me a photo of a visiting yellow lab lounging on a lilac-coloured sofa in a room I had designed for her.
That opened a delightfully chaotic Pandora’s box: tweaking my website and finally deciding to digitise my family photos, a project I had been waiting for the right time to tackle.
My favourite part is still the “Our Dogs” album. I have photos of all our family dogs relaxing on a sofa, looking far too pleased with themselves.
The dog and the fabric on the sofa became a window into my history — and sparked a new idea for a blog on my website. It also unlocked a lifelong desire to write, which I had kept secret until now. I wasn’t ready until now.
Dogs make every room feel better — and every story more interesting.
Hank @ The Benny
Fraser puppies
Photo: Cam Brickenden
Finn @ the cottage
Mr. Green on Lake Simcoe
Photo: Barb Ivey
I can help design a space with your furry friends in mind. Reach out to chat!