We are rapidly coming to the end of 2014. I know this because of the three calendars surrounding my desk, every single one of them dog-themed! I bet you have at least one calendar that you or someone on your holiday shopping list needs to replace for the new year. That makes this the perfect time to share my favorite dog-themed calendars for 2015.
1. McCartney’s Dogs
Canine artist Mike McCartney has been creating calendars since 2002, and he tells us that each one takes about 20 weeks, with him working eight to 12 hours a day, seven days a week to put it together. He shared the above image with us, which can be found in his 2015 calendar. Look at the detail. No wonder it takes so long!
2. Pawprints on Your Soul
This calendar features works by contemporary artist BZTAT. Each beautifully unique portrait is digitally manipulated by using a variety of mobile-app filters.
3. The Amazing Dog Show
Featuring fantastical images by photographer Lisa Jane, this calendar takes you inside the wonderful world of an all-dog three-ring circus. The strongman — I mean strongpup — acrobats, clowns, and ringmaster all make an appearance.
4. Harlow and Indiana
This adorably expressive duo has won the hearts of followers on Facebook and Instagram. Now they have a calendar, too. For their most dedicated fans, there is even an appearance by Sage, who has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, and their newest addition to the pack, Reese Lightening.
5. Monika Melnychuk
Illustrator Monika Melnychuk brings out the personality of our favorite breeds. At her Etsy shop, she lists one of her hobbies as “dog herding,” and her love of animals shows in her work.
6. Bick’s Pits
Earlier this month, we highlighted Dogster Heroes the Boston Bruins and the team’s 2015 calendar to raise money for shelter dogs. They aren’t the only hockey players looking out for pups. Chicago Blackhawk Bryan Bickell and his wife, Amanda, run a foundation that helps increase awareness about the positive nature of Pit Bulls, including the work they do with the foundation to help abused children. Bick’s Pits 2015 Calendar pairs up his teammates with adoptable Pit Bulls to support the foundation’s efforts.
7. Flower Power
When photographer Sophie Gamand put flowered headbands on Pit Bulls looking for their forever homes and posted her pictures on social media, we all melted. Gamand’s series of photos were meant to present these dogs in a different light and to fight the prejudices that the breed often endures. A collection of these beautiful photographs can be found in a calendar that raises money to benefit the three rescue groups whose dogs are featured in the series: Sean Casey Animal Rescue, Second Chance Rescue, and Animal Haven.
8. Who Rescued Whom?
“Who rescued whom?” It’s a question asked by anyone who has given a forever home to a rescue animal. This calendar features the touching stories and pictures of 12 former shelter dogs and their humans. Proceeds benefit the Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.
9. Tiny Dog
The dogs in this tiny calendar, 5×10 inches, would make even the Grinch’s heart grow bigger! Teresa Berg, a Dallas-based artist, designs this stocking-stuffer-size calendar each year to support local animal rescues.
10. A Dog’s Life
Illustrator Gemma Correll highlights the parts of our dog’s personality that make us giggle, moan, and then giggle again. From the ongoing cycle of eating, throwing up, and eating again, to those accidents on the rug that your pup sees as “just a misunderstanding,” Correll shows us the funnier side of pup antics that sometimes make us crazy.
11. I Could Chew on This
Author Francesco Marciuliano‘s book of the same name inspired this humorous calendar. Inside, you will find portraits of mischievous pups along with poems that, in their own words, help you to better understand their behavior or, better yet, misbehavior.
Let us know what your favorite dog calendar is and why in the comments!
Read more gift guides on Dogster:
- 8 Hanukkah Gifts for Dogs and Dog Lovers
- 10 Holiday Gifts for Dogs and Dog Lovers That Cost $25 or Less
- 10 Holiday Gifts for Dogs and Owners Who Love the Outdoors
- 10 Thoughtful Holiday Gifts for New Dog Owners
- 9 Holiday Gifts for Dog Guys
- 10 Unique Holiday Gifts for Dog Lovers on Etsy
- Boston Bruins 2015 Pucks & Pups Calendar Benefits Shelter Dogs
About the author: Wendy Newell is a former VP of Sales turned Grade A Dog Sitter. After years of stress, she decided to leave the world of “always be closing” to one of tail wags and licks. Wendy’s new career keeps her busy hiking, being a dog chauffeur, picking up poo, sacrificing her bed, and other fur-filled activities. Wendy and her dog, Riggins, take their always-changing pack of pups on adventures throughout the Los Angeles area, where they live together in a cozy, happy home. You can learn more about Wendy, Riggins, and their adventures on Facebook and Instagram.
