5 Things We’re Loving This Week

From Normandy escapes to hand-thrown hounds – here's our Friday round up of things we're loving right now.

Each week, we gather a handful of things we’re genuinely excited about – for you, your home, and, naturally, your dog. This week’s edit features heartwarming art, charming ceramics, and a food-filled bank holiday weekend. Here’s what’s caught our eye.

1. Fine Stays: Château de Saint Paterne

The big travel news? Pet passports are (finally) making a comeback - meaning that hopping on the LeShuttle and heading to France with your pup just got a lot less complicated.

First stop? The dreamy Château de Saint Paterne, just outside Alençon in Normandy. It’s dog-friendly, effortlessly chic, and full of old-world charm. Think sweeping lawns, ivy-covered stonework, and interiors that make us want to Escape to the Château. 

2. Soul-Soothing Art: Charlotte Windsor

Charlotte Windsor’s mixed media collages are quietly insightful, gently humorous, and portray the deeply familiar moments that come with sharing your home with a dog.  Each piece captures those moments:Titles like Keeping My Seat Warm and Please Cover Me With the Blanket are deeply relatable and feel like little love letters to dog life, adding warmth and character to your home.

We love these for hallways, bedrooms, or that cosy corner that your dog has stealthily claimed as their own. View the collection →

3. Gourmet Getaways: Blenheim Palace Food Festival- 24–26 May

   
   

Images courtesy of: beagleandbraccoboys

Dog-friendly, food-filled, and set in the spectacular grounds of Blenheim Palace - this is what long weekends are made for.

The annual Blenheim Palace Food Festival returns with chef demos, tastings, and independent producers galore. Pups are welcome throughout the parkland, which makes it an ideal day out. Grab a picnic blanket, sample something you’ve never tried before, and let the dog sniff every tree on the estate. As the ancestral home of Winston Churchill – one of Britain’s most famous dog lovers – it’s practically their palace too.

4. Fit Checks: The Distinguished Dog Company

We discovered The Distinguished Dog Company at Goodwoof last weekend and fell in love with their joyful, design-led approach to both human and houndwear.

Their range includes playful slogan jumpers and dog accessories that feel considered, well-made and full of personality - without tipping into novelty. The sweatshirts are made from organic cotton, come in sizes from X-Small to Double XL, and can even be personalised – perfect for gifting… especially to yourself. 

Lovely quality, great fit, and an impeccably British sense of humour. 

5. Ceramic Curiosities: Dogs on Sofas by Rida Does Things 

This ceramic series by Rida Does Things is everything we didn’t know we needed. Hand-sculpted dogs, perched humorously on charming sofas - Wes Anderson meets Wallace and Gromit but some how even more charming.

Each piece is one-of-a-kind, with commissions available if you’d like your own dog immortalised in clay.

They’re beautiful, funny, and an ode to pets who rule the house (and steal your seat).. We’re very much obsessed.

Spotted something wonderful we should feature next time? Send it our way - we love a good recommendation.

Have a wonderful long weekend!

- Laurian & the Fauna team