Theodore The Female Min Pin

Vegan and dog-friendly restaurant in Eastbourne!

Recently, I accompanied my mother on a work trip to Eastbourne, where she photographed other dogs for WeatherBeeta Dog. Usually, I would be furious at others being in front of the camera, considering I’m the perfect dog specimen in miniature pinscher form, but she treated me to lunch at The Good Grub, a completely vegan and dog-friendly restaurant!

Not only is this bar and restaurant super aesthetically pleasing, with their bare brick walls and plants throughout, they may just have one of the coolest bathrooms I’ve ever been in. Never thought I would say that 😂

If that doesn’t sell you, you’ll be happy to know that there is a separate and considerate dog-friendly menu! I went with the peanut butter and strawberry pudding 🤤

We hear they get super busy (rightfully so), so it’s best to book in advance if you’re ever around, but the food is DELICIOUS so definitely prioritising eating there over everywhere else, thanks bbs!

Now the bad news: mother is returning to Eastbourne again tomorrow and this time I’m not invited 😩 a bit rude if you ask me!

What’s everyone else doing this weekend while I’ve been abandoned?

Which way to the stage?

Yep, that’s once again a musical theatre reference, do you know from which? 🤦🏻‍♀️

Theo is always so eager to model; whenever the backdrop is set up, she’ll just wander over and sit on it expectantly. It’s the same if she sees me holding my camera. And don’t even get me started on when she sees me photographing other dogs… if looks could kill 😂

While Bugalugs Pet Care vegan pet care line makes this little diva shine as bright as the star she is, no photoshoot with Theo is complete without her Arden Grange treats.

It’s important to always pay your models, and actually, the taster liver treat is always in my camera kit bag, even when I’m photographing other dogs as it’s the perfect high value treat for dogs that is also easy for me to use while keeping my hands clean handling my camera gear.

We have a discount you can use for anything from ’s product line. We always recommend the liver paste and the new training treats (Theo is still crying and climbing for them every day 😂) - the code for your discount is: LITO15

📸: Amie Barron Photography

National Pet Day, isn't that just every day for us dog parents?

I don't know about you, but I would spend every day of my life with a dog if I cou... wait, I have done that! And I am lucky enough to spend all day with dogs for my job too! I have the best job! 🤣

Anyone who knows me knows how obsessed I am with my little Theodore, but I'd like to take this moment to talk a bit about each dog I've shared my life with that has made me who I am.

It started with a cat 😽 I know. My mother will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Glenn came first. Glenn and I barely knew each other as he decided to go live with the woman down the street who fed him...

So then came Solo. Or did Shenna come first? Who knows, I was a fetus 🤷‍♀️ Solo was MY first dog. Again, not really mine as I could barely function as the laziest baby ever, but she lived in my house. A dachshund who was there from the moment my brain function kicked in, creating memories until I was a teen.

Shenna indirectly led to Theodore. She was my grandma's chocolate & tan Doberman and my childhood best friend. She was the most gentle of dogs and the reason I fell in love with the breed. I am now ashamed to report that I was one of those children that rode her around like a pony... don't let children do that.

As a teenager, Flick joined us. She was an adorable, loving, cuddly Staffordshire Bull Terrier. She was joined by Elphaba, my gorgeous black and tan Doberman.

Shortly after came Jersey... Oh Jersey... My brother wanted a pug; he got a pug x jack russell x actual monkey. No, really, a child once asked me how I was walking a monkey on a leash. She is still with us and lives with my mom and grandma now and is thriving after having both her eyes removed recently!

Then came the second love of my life. Oscar. Words can't describe Oscar & all he did for me but I will post some photos in my story.

And of course Theo. My obsession.

I am conscious that I am running out of characters in this caption for the first time ever, so please let's continue this conversation in the comments. I want to hear about how your pets have shaped you and your lives, so let's celebrate them below.

It's me! She's obsessed with me!

❤️ 🐕 LOVE YOUR PET DAY 🐕❤️

Everybody knows I love dogs. I spend all day every day with dogs. But there is one I love the most. One that has shown me a capacity for love I never knew possible and one that inspires me, makes me laugh and is just all around everything to me.

Of course, that is my little Theodore, aka . If it weren't for her, I would not be hanging out with dogs as much as I am, and I definitely wouldn't be your friendly neighbourhood dog photographer. 📸

Those of you that know me more than others will know that for the last year and a bit, I have been struggling with an ever-worsening leg... something. Nobody seems to know what the cause of the pain is, and some days are really, really, really hard. But Theo is there on all of them, reminding me to keep going, do what I love, and capture the personalities of London's dogs the way she taught me to see them.

Thank you, Theodore; though today we celebrate you as a "pet", you are so much more than that. You are my best friend, and I will continue loving you daily.

---

How are you celebrating your pet today? How about treating them to a photoshoot with me?

❤️

It's almost my birthday and I'm not too sure what to do for it. Has anyone ever done anything extra special that you would recommend?

The alternative is to be smothered and eaten up by vegans 🙏🏻

This weekend I started the year off right with my bestie Athena coming for a little cuddle date. We watched a terrible movie, which she left in the middle of and got to escape…

What are you watching / reading at the moment? We need some inspo

🎉 Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉

In 2022, we weren't around as much as we used to be; this is because my mom's leg pain is ongoing and mentally draining, but also she's been really busy with two businesses that she runs. She's been telling me for months to do my own admin if I want to be successful but I'd much rather sleep and eat!

🎁 2022 is officially over now, and it's all about the countdown to my birthday! Should I finally organise that minpin meetup?

Merry Christmas everyone ❤️🎄

🎅🏻 Arden Grange have helped me set the holiday scene with my Christmas sweater, stocking, and gifts this year! 🎄

And we want to celebrate with you too! They’ve just launched their brand new fancy web shop, and to mark the occasion they’ve given me a code to share for you all to get some of my absolute fave liver paste for cheaper! Just use HOMEILIT10 when checking out!

What are you hoping to find in your presents this year? 🎁

Hey everyone! Hope you’re having a great weekend. I hope you don’t mind if I ask for a little help with a personal project of mine here.

In 2023 I am taking on a side project of sorts to create a directory of dog-friendly spaces across the capital and putting them together in a very easy-to-digest guide so that you don’t have to spend 15 mins reading a blog article, only to realize the restaurant is no longer open or accepting of dogs.

To help with this I have created a VERY SHORT questionnaire, and I’d love to know what I should be asking venues when I reach out to them in the new year.

For example: will dogs be provided a bed at the hotel or should I bring my own?

It would really mean a lot to me if you could fill in this little survey, it honestly takes less than a few mins.

Thanks in advance ❤️

London Dog Spots This interactive content has been created with involve.me

Who can relate?

Theo is not impressed with the snow and has taken herself to hibernation. Does your minpin love their blankets? Theo loves them no matter the weather 😅

Is everyone ready for Christmas?

My mom and I have big plans for 2023 so we have been super super busy. I've been doing some modeling for brands in preparation, and if you would like to stay up to date with our latest news, check back here or Amie Barron Photography where our big news will be announced!

What brands have you been getting your pup gifts from this year? 🎄

🖤 Happy Black Friday 🖤

Get 20% OFF EVERYTHING including sale & handmade 🐶 Use code BLACKFRIDAY at the checkout 🛍

How gorgeous is this pic btw 📸

Physiotherapist Theo here to say “less stretching, more napping”

Hello 👋

Mom’s had a long day working and we have no internet so I’ve been lounging with my copy of Vogue, studying the models poses to add to my repertoire. This months issue features Arden Grange] and their special line of food for sensitive tummies. Read all about it in this months Vogue or visit https://www.vogue.co.uk/vogue-retail/gallery/gifts

https://www.ardengrange.com/grain-free-food/c-9.html

Arden Grange]

Thank you for being wonderful company this week .and.snugs, it’s been lovely ❤️

You could win a dog friendly adventure from Arden Grange in their 2023 calendar competition! The theme for all you dog models is “adventure time in the great outdoors” and there’s some fantastic prizes to be won!

We never go anywhere without their tasty liver treat. It’s an incredible aid for training, grooming, giving medication, and of course dog modelling! As you can see from the third image, it’s always in moms kit bag when we go on a photoshoot.

📸: aka mom1

Competition open to residents of UK over 18 years. Begins 12.09.22 and closes 03.10.22. Full Ts & Cs on entry site

This is for all of those I love ❤️ for from

🐶

Just one of those days…

When you’re too happy to care about modelling professionally… Tyra didn’t teach us to smize for nothing, after all.

I had an absolutely amazing time yesterday accompanying mom () to work at the first ever - not only did I get to pick up some amazing treats from the likes of , , .paws.and.claws, , ice cream from with toppings, and of course the most stunning doggy cheesecake you will ever see in your life from …

I lost my train of thought just thinking about my snacks! I was going to say I took my job as personal security from their fans on the streets very seriously but let’s be real I was too distracted eating and looking at everything 🤷🏻‍♀️

Thank you so much for organising an incredible day; I’m already counting the sleeps until next years event 👏🏻

Thank you to everyone who made yesterday pawfect ❤️

I will tag them in the comments!

Happy to everyone! In my house, every day is all about me, but it’s always good when it’s official so that you get even more treats and snacks!

What is everyone doing to celebrate?

Sorry we’ve been absent - we’ve been incredibly busy and Instatiktok hasn’t been all that alluring recently. How is everyone doing?

Instagram ➡️ Reality

has been the best heatwave companion one could ask for!

How are you doing?

Thank you to for sending me everything I need to celebrate MY royal birthday or whatever the hell a jubilee is… 👑 it’s a 4 day weekend for us minpins - the king of toys… right?

What will you be doing this weekend to celebrate me? I’m off to tomorrow to support (mom1) during an exciting weekend of photographing lots of other dogs at the jubilee street party (also in my honour, obvs) hosted by ! Make sure you come by for some amazing food (I heard treats will be at the street party so you better come and eat some before I demolish them all!)

It’s gonna be amazing! ❤️

Prepping for a big weekend at , who’s going?!

Mom1 () will be there doing her thing with so follow her there and come have your photo taken and meet meeee if you’re attending! 📸

I’m so excited to FINALLY be going to this year! 👏🏻

Current vibes.

Smiling up at the sun, begging it to stay…

Reaping the benefits of mom1 spending the day in the hospital yesterday getting tests on her leg after the knee became very swollen over the weekend (confirmed no infection and no blood clot.) She’s had to take the week off of work to rest so it’s all about nap time with meeee for 6 days straight 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻

I’m here! We’re okay! Sorry we went MIA again, so much has been happening with mom1 (she runs my account) with her legs and career and life in general! So she had to take a step back from my account because the real me is where her attention should be and not on the gram but we’re back now! How have you all been?! What’s the latest?

I take it back, springs not here… it’s FREEZING. Mom’s straddling the radiator and I’m thinking back to my lovely stay in Eastbourne last year at the amazing dog friendly hotel. Oh what we wouldn’t give to spend the evening in that bathtub again tonight 🥲

Happy first day of spring! Sorry we’ve been away from the grid, Instagram is so broken nowadays that we haven’t felt very inspired to post.

A little update on things here:
Mom1 is making good progress health wise thanks to the amazing Ari of . Her legs are feeling HEAPS better than they have been. She’s also on a health kick with daily smoothies, dietary changes (still vegan, ya dirty carnists), and meditation. Things on her front are really looking up.

As for the one you care about, me, I joined Twitter and am just patiently waiting for the days to stay dry and become longer and warmer so that I can start my 3 months of adventuring every weekend with mom. We’re thinking of taking a day trip to Bristol soon. Does anyone have any recommendations for places either in London to visit or somewhere accessible by train?

We’ll be around more often soon, promise! How are you all doing?

This weekend has been the complete opposite of last week’s shenanigans where we partied with some fabulous queens and friends. Genuinely some of the most fun we’ve ever had at a dog friendly event!

We can’t wait for the theatre day, you know mom loves her showtunes 😂👏

If you didn’t make it to Date With Your Dog on 12th February, there are two more upcoming dog friendly brunches for the coming months:

Theatre Day | The Happenstance | Sunday 27th March | 1pm – 4pm
Marking World Theatre Day, dress your pooch in a musical theme costume and sing (or howl) the day away with West End Drag performers.

The Beauty Contest | The Happenstance | Sunday 24th April | 1pm – 4pm
Glam up your pup and participate in a dog beauty contest alongside fabulous West End Drag performers.

If I may, I’d like to talk to you about . It was actually last year that they very kindly sent us two personalised items. You may remember us showing the process of capturing Theo’s paw print in our stories.

It has taken me this long to post this photo, because the beginning of this year has been incredibly tough for me. As some of you may know, I have been struggling with pain in my legs, and general exhaustion since the end of December. I’ve finally been diagnosed and apparently I have a post-covid variation of autoimmune myositis. What this means, is that my immune system is attacking the muscles in my legs and there is apparently nothing I can do to treat it until it decides to go away. Before I knew what was going on, my mental health was being impacted as much as my physical health. I was waking up every day with a plan, and would then need to cancel everything and go to bed in the early afternoon.

Over the past few months Theo has adapted to my capabilities and as always our bond means everything to me. I have had to put walking other dogs ahead of her longer walks as that is my main source of income, and she has never once complained. In a year where I promised great adventures for her, I’ve started it asleep by 8pm most nights.

This becoming a bit of a downer or a post, sorry! The sentiment I am trying to convey, is that Theo means the world to me. She changed my life when I met her. I decided to quit a job where I was under-appreciated and start my own business which would mean I would be able to spend much more time with her. I started this account way back in the day to share my obsession with my puppy with everyone who would see it because I had searched for her for 10 years and I wanted everyone to know I’d found her. I taught myself photography (something I was always interested in but never sure how to pursue) because not only is she so cute, she makes me see the world through her eyes.

(Caption is too long apparently lol! This will be continued in the pinned comment)

My dog is my Valentine, and the love of my life all year round, so her health and safety is paramount to me. If you're looking to insure your pet, we'd like to let you know about Purely Pets Insurance. For as little as £7.09 a month for dogs. you can gain access to 15 levels of Lifetime cover up to £15,000. They have an online system to make claims super easy, and you'll also get access to a 24/7 helpline where you can talk to a dedicated team of veterinary nurses. With a 5* Defaqto rating on their Gold cover, you should give this award winning pet insurance company a look. Check out my story for a further look at their website. and if you're interested, head on over to now to get a quote.

🎉 GIVEAWAY 🎉

Because they’ve been such a hit with Theo, we want to share the love of .instincts.treats with everyone! Vanessa has kindly offered to give away everything you see in the images (swipe) to a very lucky pup! That’s 12 bags of treats of varying sizes!

Theo has been obsessed with these biscuits since she first tried them! The smaller ones are perfect for training treats while out on a walk too as they don’t crumble or get your hands mucky!

🎟 To Enter 🎟
1. Must be following and .instincts.treats
2. Tag as many friends as you want in the comments (1 tag = 1 entry)
3. Share this post to your story for an extra 10 entries.

Giveaway will close at midnight this coming Sunday and the lucky winner will be revealed on Monday!

🌎 UK only

Hey it’s my birthday!