The Happy Tail Gallery
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On February 23rd, we headed out to the beautiful Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre (BARC) to capture the launch of the PetRescue x Lyka partnership. On paper, it was a straightforward shoot - gather the teams, film some interviews, get some sweet doggo content, wrap it up.
In reality, it became something else entirely. A reminder of just how easy it is to form a connection in a matter of minutes, because anyone who says they can spend a full day at a shelter and not mentally rearrange their life for at least one (or one more) dog… is lying.
Launching the PetRescue x Lyka partnership at BARC
From PetRescue, Partnerships Coordinator, Merel was joined by COO, James Lolicato. The Lyka team rolled in with Kristina Boehm (VP of Partnerships), Emily Green (Senior Producer), April Gore (Social Media Lead), and Matt Grech (Senior Videographer), who bravely attempted to keep the camera steady despite constantly being interrupted by boops, licks and cuddles.
After a quick walkthrough of the centre, the team set up in one of the exercise yards to film interviews and capture content with the doggos. The conditions were perfect, the energy was high, and the dogs, as always were absolute scene stealers.
To wrap up the day, Lyka generously donated their fresh food to BARC as a gesture of thanks for the work they do every day for pets, and for letting both the PetRescue & Lyka’s team on-site!
On the way out, James couldn’t resist one last look at Tilly through the glass. A quiet reminder of why days like this are so hard to walk away from.
The real stars of the day
Riggs, the longest-waiting legend
First up was Riggs, BARC’s longest-waiting resident, and easily one of the most memorable dogs you’ll ever meet.
He has two wonderfully floppy ears - one that hangs over his head just right, and the other that dramatically flops across the top like it has a personality of its own. It’s impossible not to smile when you see him. He’s all heart, all enthusiasm, and completely unaware of how charming he is.
Tilly, the cuddle connoisseur
Then came Tilly.
Tilly made one thing very clear from the start: no one was leaving the yard without a cuddle. With those irresistible puppy eyes, she had a way of making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the world. And just like that, we all fell for her through those big, soulful eyes. James, in particular, was completely gone. You could see the internal monologue happening in his head:
Does she fit on the plane with me? Would my dog Bandit like her? Could this work?
Tank, the gentle giant
Next up was Tank - a calm, friendly boy with the sweetest little ears. He had a gentle nature that immediately put everyone at ease, and he was a huge fan of the Lyka treats (who could blame him?).
Tank loved spending time with us, loved his treats, and still made time for a cuddle - gentle, steady, and impossible not to adore.
“Baby Girl”, the sweetest little munchkin
And then there was a newer arrival - so new she didn’t even have a name yet. We called her ‘Baby Girl’. This little lady was pure sunshine. Her tail wagged constantly as she sniffed around the yard, and bounced happily from person to person.
Why partnerships like PetRescue x Lyka matter
More importantly, the day was a reminder of why partnerships like this matter. Behind every campaign, every piece of content, every treat sampled on camera, there are real dogs waiting for real homes.
And after a day like this, trust me, it’s very hard to leave without wanting to take at least one of them with you.
If you’re thinking about welcoming a pet into your life, there are many incredible pets still waiting for their match. And sometimes, a single visit is all it takes to feel that connection.
To celebrate our new partnership, Lyka is offering a special treat for the PetRescue community.
Get 50% off your first delivery and 30% off your second delivery!*
Use the code: PETRESCUELAUNCH Click here to get started!
*Lyka offer expires Tuesday, 19 May 2026 at 11:59 pm and is valid for new Lyka customers only. See here for full Terms & Conditions.
All Images Credited to: PetRescue Partner Coordinator Merel & Matt Grech (Senior Videographer)
