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.
Dexter and Bailey are the faces of the site, and regularly appear wearing fabulous costumes.
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.
"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 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."
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.
"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.
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
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here