Flo and Lily, two impeccably dressed cockapoos, have captured hearts and the top prize in a festive dog attire competition hosted by the housing association LiveWest. The “My Festive Moment” initiative encouraged residents to showcase their unique seasonal celebrations, and Julie Turnbull’s entry of her pets dressed for their annual holiday walk stood out among the rest.
Every year, Julie and her friends in Street gather for a scenic winter stroll, dressing their dogs in festive woolly jumpers to celebrate the season together. This charming tradition began during the lockdown and is now in its fourth year, carefully timed on the coldest days near Christmas to keep the dogs comfortable.
Julie shared, “We started this with a group of dog-walking friends, inspired by Christmas jumper days at schools and workplaces. We thought, why not do it for the dogs? The pups absolutely love it—they run, play, and enjoy the crisp winter air while sporting their festive wear.”
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The winning photo not only features Julie’s cockapoos but also includes a rescue dog from Romania and several other furry friends, showcasing the group’s diversity and camaraderie. Julie described the dynamic: “The Romanian rescue is slower, so she often walks alongside my two cockapoos, and the collies tend to speed ahead. It’s a lovely little pack.”
The prize—a brand new air fryer—has Julie excited about making homemade treats for her beloved pets. “I found a recipe online for gingerbread for dogs and want to try making it, maybe in the air fryer if it works!” she said enthusiastically.
Capturing the perfect group photo is no small feat, requiring tricks and treats to get all dogs looking at the camera simultaneously. Julie appreciates the beautiful local fields where the dogs can roam freely and create lasting holiday memories. The group also sometimes includes foster dogs, adding another layer of joy to their gatherings.
Reflecting on the simple happiness of dogs, Julie said, “They’re not asking for extravagant gifts—they just want to be part of the fun, enjoying the moment with their friends and owners.”
LiveWest, which provides homes across the South West, from Gloucestershire to the Isles of Scilly, continues to support community engagement alongside its housing developments, planning over 5,000 new homes in the next five years.