Pups turn fancy dress influencers to raise funds for animal charity
Tasha Quinn has set up online dog show to raise money for NoMoreDogMeat - Credit: Tasha Quinn
A Stevenage animal-lover has turned her posing Pomeranians into social media influencers to help raise money for a charity close to her heart.
Tasha Quinn loved to spoil her dogs Dexter and Bailey and create unique outfits for them. But in 2020 when the lockdown bit she came up with the idea for Crafty Pom Pom, a fun online dog show and Facebook community which raises money for the NoToDogMeat charity.
Tasha Quinn has set up online dog show to raise money for NoMoreDogMeat - Credit: Tasha Quinn
Dexter and Bailey are the faces of the site, and regularly appear wearing fabulous costumes.
Tasha has kitted out her Pomeranians with a full wardrobe - Credit: Tasha Quinn
From Willy Wonka to Elton John, the puppy pair love to pose in front of the camera, and are pawfect spokes-dogs for the important fundraising effort.
The online dog shows were set up to raise money for the NoMoreDogMeat charity - Credit: Tasha Quinn
"I am a massive dog lover and Dexter and Bailey love to pose," the 32-year-old supermarket worker said.
"So, I decided to create the online pageant so that other dog lovers could take part too.
"Winners get a certificate and a crown, and some brands like Jolleys have even donated prizes too which has been amazing."
Tasha has kitted out her Pomeranians with a full wardrobe - Credit: Tasha Quinn
Tasha continued: "When I first saw footage of the dog meat trade I couldn't believe it, it really stayed with me and I couldn't overlook it and do nothing, so Crafty Pom Pom was born and we haven't looked back."
Tasha Quinn has set up online dog show to raise money for NoMoreDogMeat - Credit: Tasha Quinn
So far the fundraising effort has raised more than £1,000 for NoToDogMeat, which works with people in countries which have a dog meat trade, and runs shelters in China and Cambodia.
Tasha added: "When I look at Dexter and Bailey and the life that they have, and then think about the dogs suffering in the meat trade it's beyond horrible.
Posing Pomeranians Dexter and Bailey have been raising money with their online dog shows - Credit: Tasha Quinn
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"I wanted to support NoToDogMeat because in my opinion what those dogs are going through is the worst thing I have seen in my life."
The Crafty Pom Facebook group has now become a real community of dog lovers, and previous pageant winners proudly post pictures posing in their crown and rosette.
Posing Pomeranians Dexter and Bailey have been raising money with their online dog shows - Credit: Tasha Quinn
But it is the fancy dress aspect that is most popular with followers, and many of the pets proudly display amazing handmade outfits, which are created with their welfare in mind as well as looks.
"I am so happy that I started Crafty Pom Pom, as it's a real force for good," added Tasha.
Julia de Cadenet, CEO of the NoToDogMeat charity, said: "Well done Tasha for doing such an amazing job with Crafty Pom Pom.
"People like Tasha are what our charity is all about, doing it ourselves to highlight these important animal issues, and raise money to help the dogs.
"We have just been part of some major rescues in the run up to the Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China and many of the dogs need care. So this money will help directly with our work on the ground."
To find out more about NoToDogMeat go to www.notodogmeat.com
