Zuma the Dog Launches New Website

SMALL DOG GROWS WITH NEW MERCH 

 Bertish and Company Ltd, the creator and owner of children’s character brand Zuma the Dog, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new website, www.zumathedog.com. A website update that was long overdue and tells more of the brands story.

 

Welcome to our Homepage

The site, now character lead tells the story of Zuma the real dog along with everything the character dog represents. It focuses more on diversity education, tolerance and antibullying, which has always been a part of the brands philosophy since its creation in 2009, It incorporates an activities section full of resources designed to help teachers and parents. These can be downloaded free of charge and used within a classroom or homeschool environment.

 

Diversity Education worksheets

There’s a contact section for all to get in touch with the brand for further educational resources and discussion. The blog section gives Zuma a voice to tell stories as he adventures with his human family. Written in Zuma’s point of view the brand hopes to give Zuma the Dog fans an insight into the Zumaverse in a subtle, humorous way. The site is light and bright with clean, concise easy-to-use functions and not to forget all the new Zuma the Dog merchandise now available to buy. Remaining true to the brands original philosophy the basic product range is kept gender neutral with seperate ranges for traditional customers. Keeping sustainability in mind, the new merchandise works on a make on demand basis, eliminating the need to buy in stock and keep the brand carbon footprint down with direct to customer distribution.

 “We are all very excited about this new website,” said Samantha Bertish, brand creator. “We really feel we can get Zuma the Dog’s story across in a big way and bring Zuma the attention he deserves. Our focus has been to grow our export market and with a website that works for both desktop and mobile shopping with international landing pages and currency options we really feel this can be achieved.” 

Bertish and Company has invited visitors to explore the new website. Paying particular attention to Zuma’s blog for funny and entertaining stories and the shopping page for all the new merchandise. 

 For licensees who want to collaborate with Zuma the Dog on new products for the website shop and concessions, please contact Brand Manager Sarah Camp at sarah@contagiousmediagroup.com

Life after Lockdown

 

Letting loose after lockdown. What will you do? Where will you go?

There’s hope on the horizon for all of us now the Rona vaccine is being rolled out everywhere. Lockdown has come to an end and we are all feeling positive for the summer as we start to appear out of hiding, sigh with relief and reboot our lives. The zombie apocalypse is almost done and kudos to everyone who safely got through this unprecedented time. It's been a doozy!

Shopping in Zurich

While we still have a long way to go, we can allow ourselves a glimpse of our post pandemic future. Dream of what we will do? Where we’ll go? Who will we visit first? Family, loved ones, friends, colleagues perhaps?

I am dreaming of heading home to the UK. It’s been a long time since we all saw our family and relatives and all I want is a big hug with Grandad Zuma the Dog and Auntie Zuma the Dog.

Helping out in Pisa

This means more traveling for me and as many of you know I like to travel and if I can’t make it personally, I send my ambassador, Little Stuffed Zuma.

Little stuffed Zuma has visited many places in the world. Some dog friendly some not so. His favourite was the leaning tower of Pisa and the ride through the rain forest of Brazil. He loved seeing the wild animals living in their natural habitat and cute fluffy monkeys swinging in the trees. Some so tiny they would fit in the palm of your hand. With all those wonderful memories of far-flung place Little Stuffed Zuma has many more places he wants to visit, and you can help him do that.

This is the time of year we think about our holidays. Where will you visit? What will you do? Whatever you choose, little stuffed Zuma wants to go with you as your post pandemic / lockdown puppy. He wants to add more landmarks to his world trip photo album and only you can help him do it.

Adopt a Little Stuffed Zuma online today via www.zumathedog.com and take me (him) with you on your post pandemic summer holiday. Photograph him at a famous landmarks and email it, like a postcard to zuma@zumathedog.com or share on social media with #ZumaTheDogOnHoliday. We'll share as many as we can.

I can’t wait to see where I go! This is soo exciting!

 

Much Love

 

Zuma xx

Small Dog's Big Book Release

 

A bittersweet thought came over mummy just last week as grief reared its sad little head once again, for a brief moment. An email popped into her inbox with the final proof for the cover of our long awaited book and with excitement she wanted to share the moment with those who had been along with her on this journey since the beginning.

“Mum would love to see this, I’ll call her and tell her.” She thought with excitement. “It seems like ages since the last time I spoke to her. I wonder how she’s doing?”

Then the pang in her chest thumped and tears welled in her eyes as she remembered - We lost Nanny Zuma the Dog three months ago.

Nanny was the best supporter of me, and of course why wouldn’t she? I’m the awesomest! She loved me, looked after me when Mummy was off gallivanting and best of all, she loved my stories. The first of which is now being published and due for release before Christmas. Zuma and the Jack Pack is a compelling story of me in Portugal. A journey that went from disaster to love with a little adventure along the way. I learnt a few lessons in loyalty, friendship, and loss. I found strength in sadness, overcame trauma and became something I thought impossible until then. which is probably why I’m the best candidate for helping Mummy through her grief.

It’s so sad that while Mummy’s dreams as a published author are finally realised, Nanny is not here to see her daughters hard work come to fruition. I believe it will take more time as grief runs its course. The double-edged sword of excitement and sorrow will continue to twist for a while longer, refusing the wound to heal. But I truly believe it will, in time………….

The positive thing about this moment and despite all the other things going on in the world right now is, It’s happening! My new book. My first children’s novel. The first in a series is coming out soon and there are plenty of supporters and family members who know our story, know the difficulties we overcame. Who love us unconditionally. Who are proud of us and know the real-life experiences that inspired our book and they are here to celebrate this moment with us.

 

 

This moment is dedicated to you and Nanny Zuma the Dog.

 

Zuma and the Jack Pack by Samantha Bertish will be available to buy as paperback from all leading book retailers in the US, U.K, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand from November.

For licensing opportunities to accompany the book can be obtained through Sarah Camp at Weird Lime.

See you for the next adventure!

Much Love

Zuma XX

When Enough is Enough?

 

 

Life has its ways of twisting and winding taking us on a road we never expect. It is an exciting world, life is full of love and joy, ups and downs. Weird things happen and 2020 has been something out of a science fiction novel. We bob along on our merry way quite nicely for the most part, muddling along, minding our own business. Then BAM! Life decides you need another lesson to learn and it certainly a revelation when too much adventure having can really take its toll.

Luckily during lockdown Mummy was quite busy with work, it kept her occupied with some none related Zuma the Dog projects (I must state that she’s really very naughty for not working on me) and some money dripping in why others struggle to pay their rent. We felt fortunate to be able to spend longer together as a family pack, working, playing, growing free food in the garden, and generally having a nice time. As lockdown eased, we all crawled out of hibernation and that’s when reality slapped Mummy across the face with a wet fish. Now, my Mummy has been through some stuff in her time. She is a tough old bird. She has survived domestic violence, she manages autoimmune disease, which can sometimes leave her chronically fatigued for weeks, just to mention a couple of things, but grief is a new one for her.

We lost the matriarch of our family pack last month. Nanny Zuma the Dog.

While she had been ill for some time. The last couple of months she was doing well. Covid had kept us apart since March. None of the usual visits could take place. The monthly flights were put on hold and all reduced to regular phone calls and a video call once a week. It was difficult, but Mummy knew Nanny was in the right place, being cared for properly and judging by their last video call Nanny looked happy and as lucid as she had been in months. Making jokes, laughing, and gossiping as any normal mother daughter relationship. The new meds were working, Yay! And everything was great. Her departure from this world just a few days later was completely unexpected. I had never seen Mummy so upset. The loss of a parent is something we all go through and no matter how much we think we prepare; the grief hits you like a truck. Crawling and crying with dangling snot. It’s not a good look for Mummy, but I understand the emotions overtook her every being and for a while she was just not herself. Emotional relief at times like this is essential. I get very emosh when I lose my ball. Oh the grief,………….that I put the famalam through. So, I can relate.

 

I guess grief has several stages?

 Mummy pulled herself together for the practical things. With Auntie Zuma the Dog living in the US. Us in Switzerland and Nanny in the UK a clear head was needed to organise and make decisions via three different time zones and the Covid pandemic. Another layer that life threw our way to overcome. We must remain thankful that Mummy and Auntie Zuma the Dog are very close. While some families break down at times like this my family pack pulled together, leant on each other, loved on each other, consoled each other, which goes to show that distance should never be a factor in family breakdowns. Both Mummy and Auntie worked together in their grief. Dealing with decisions, working on solutions, with practical minds they coped. It only seemed like the little things would set Mummy off. Making the big decisions for the coffin, the flowers, music, the eulogy, didn’t seem to faze her. It was the video call from an old friend, the quiet moment at dinner in a restaurant. Little moments like that which turned her back into a dribbling wreck.

 

Is that normal for grief?

 

It’s been six weeks since Nanny crossed the rainbow bridge. In that time Mummy had to drive across Europe twice and take two flights, all to ensure her Mummy had a good send off, while in a Pandemic and socially distancing during a time when all that’s needed is a hug. Since her return the twists have not stopped and believe life hasn’t yet given her the opportunity to grieve properly. I can see in her eyes, the past couple of months have weighed down on her and I can’t help thinking its time for her to think about her mental health and slow down. Something must give and I am not going to allow anxiety not caused by me creep in. (Note to self: Be nicer and more helpful to Mummy).

 

Can the lack of time to grieve play on ones mental health? Can emotional upset from many different incidences over a period of years be a factor of poor metal health? I guess, for now time will tell and I will most definitely be keeping an eye on my human Mummy.

 

With this last note, I remember Nanny Zuma the Dog with love in my doggy heart. She took care of me when Mummy was away and despite destroying many of her shoes, she loved me unconditionally. I will hold on to her forever in my heart. RIP Nanny Zuma the Dog.

 

Much Love 

Zuma XX

 

P.S. Many exciting things going on. So next time we will return to a post that’s more about me, myself and I

BACK TO SCHOOL

Showering in Old Faithful, Yellowstone

Is it back to school or back to work for you? We’ve had a wonderful vacation time and had the opportunity to see various parts of the world. Now the mornings are beginning to feel colder and there’s a hint of autumn in the air and it really is time to get our heads down and get back to work. Or should I say Mummy needs to get back to work, while I lay around all day staring at her. Just making sure she is working hard enough while cracking the occasional whip. 

Holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa

There’s lots coming up over the next few months and after my recent re brand and new look there’s new people added to Team Zuma the Dog. We welcome Sarah Camp from Weird Lime who is now our marketing, PR and licensing agent, along with Ruth Leonard from Hello Communication who is also working on Team Zuma. I am personally looking forward to them spending most of their waking hours thinking of me and I’m looking forward to working with them.

This brilliant team have years of experience working with well-known character brands and bringing them to market and their first big mission will be representing Zuma the Dog and Brand Licensing Europe, to be held and London's Olympia on the 9^th to 11^th October 2018. They have some fabulous ideas for licensing going forward that I’m sure all of you in the business will love to see.

My suggestion (and take that as more of a cheeky Zuma nudge (possibly with teeth)) 😉 is to make your appointment to see the team sooner rather than later.  

See you there!

Much Love

Zuma XX

All Change Ahead for Zuma

It seems like forever since the last time I put paws to keyboard to update you on life as the muse of a kid’s brand, so much has happened, including moving countries. Yes, that’s right, I left the beach of my precious Guincho Beach in Portugal and swapped it for the mountains of Switzerland. Mummy said it was a good move for everyone and I get to meet new doggy friends and learn another language. Language is important for a multi-traveling dog like me, so now I find myself learning to woof German and living on top of a hill with fields and trees all around. The view across to a mountain is breath taking and I have funny four-legged neighbours that eat a lot of grass, who wear these large bells around their necks, ding-donging all day and make a kind of Moo sound. I’ve never seen such a funny looking creature, but they keep themselves to themselves and I’m happy to watch them all do their thing.

I’ve taken my time to settle in. It’s been a big change. I’m enjoying the long walks through the forest and there’s always something that catches my interest. New sounds, new smells and lots of new people. I had a little run in with an electric fence while on a bog walk down a mountain, but I'm ok. Something new to learn about. I think I’m going to like it here.

With all the changes with our home, Mummy seems to have still found time to work and she tells me she now has a sales agent who will be working alongside her and the licensing agent to sell our clothing range into retailers within the UK. She seems to be very happy about that. She’s busy working on the Winter 2018 collection, creating fun styles for you and these items will be in stores and online next winter to buy.

Can you imagine how exciting it is to see your own face on the T-shirt in the front window of a shop?

Until next time

Much Love

Zuma xx

Little Dog Digs Up Another Award.

Glastonbury based children’s brand Zuma the Dog announced as a finalist in Book Awards.

Brand owner Samantha Morgan-Bertish is celebrating this week after receiving the news that her book Zuma the Dog: The Dinosaur Guy, has been announced as a finalist in The Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards. This exciting news coincides with the launch of her digital on demand series, Zuma the Dog and Friends, based on the character from her books, which is to be broadcast on the new children’s entertainment platform Kidscast TV.

 Books for the award were read and judged by children in 8 UK primary and secondary schools, a book award that is judged by the people that matter with honest opinions and feedback.

“I am honoured that we have been chosen as a finalist for this award. It has been the second year one of my books has reached the final stage in this awards and our fingers are crossed for a win this year. I am delighted that my work and dog character, Zuma is enjoyed by so many children.”

Zuma the Dog kids brand was created in Somerset in 2009 inspired by the family pet and has been gaining strength in recent months.

The winners will be announced on 1^st April.

Search Samantha Bertish on Amazon to find all Zuma the Dog book releases.

SMALL DOG LEAPS ONTO WORLD STAGE

Brand owner, Samantha Morgan-Bertish is delighted to share with you a new kid’s digital platform and home of the forth coming Zuma the Dog and Friends digital series, which officially launched on 12th December 2016 called Kidscast.TV, an exciting safe child digital environment.

This exciting new platform provides access to well-known retro and new children shows from Little Monsters to Rainbow, along with brand new shows such as Zou, Boy and the Dinosaur, Sketch show Zuma the Dog and Friends and other names due to be published over the coming weeks.

 

“I am delighted to be a part of this exciting new project,” Says Samantha. “Even if it’s in a small way. We have discovered through this platform and licensing we can see Zuma the Dog leap from Children’s clothing brand to entertainment character and see our little Zuma character take centre stage in the world market. It’s very exciting stuff.”

The all fun children’s access area which is a member of the UK Council for Child Internet Safety will house homemade ‘make and do videos’ with new Kidscast presenters from cooking to crafts, Kidscast YouTube kids for exciting unboxing and toy reviews with well know toy brands already signed up, digital games, competitions and downloadable licensed character pages through the Redan license and brand new bespoke branded activity pages to showcase products and shows.

The website address is: www.kidscast.tv (App to be launched on both Android and Eos) or subscribe for free to the Kidscast You Tube Channel.

SMALL DOG DIGS UP BUSINESS AWARDS

With the most insanely busiest month I've ever known Mummy to have, I have spent most of it on my holibobs relaxing and playing with my doggy friends at the Quinta. I can see by spying on Mummy's social media she not only won an award for her business all about ME, but she got married too and has been travelling ever since.

This press release seems to popping up all over the place and believe it's something you should take a look at too.

Glastonbury based children’s brand Zuma the Dog wins big at business awards.

Brand owner Samantha Morgan-Bertish is celebrating after being honoured with two awards for her children’s brand Zuma the Dog. The awards for Small Business of the Year and Overall Business of the Year were presented at the annual Business Matters ceremony by BBC TV presenter Nick Wallis at Gatwick Hilton Hotel in a glittering ceremony earlier this month.

 A spokes person for the event said “Samantha showed dedication and hard work and a determination to make her business work, which is why she was chosen by our judges for these awards”:

I am surprised and ecstatic to be recognised for the work I have put in to get my brand to where it is today.” said Samantha. “With so many other deserving businesses out there I am truly honoured to have won these awards and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and business colleagues.”

Zuma the Dog’s clothing line was launched in Somerset in 2009 and has been gaining strength this year with its award winning books and a TV series which is due to start broadcasting on You Tubes Kids Cast channel this autumn.

Now, I can see on Instagram that Little Stuffed Zuma has been having the time of his life popping up all over Europe. Pop over and take a look at where he's visited. I wonder where he'll end up next?

Much Love

Zuma

XX

Family Shoe Madness

Who clears away the shoes?

All families have their little quirks and as I watch my skin family in their daily activities each day I believe they are getting worse with their family madness. I spend a lot of time observing others (let’s face it, being the inspiration of a kids brand means I get to sit around and be cute most of the time) and I can see the patterns of silliness as they progress. I remember reading a hilarious article on Huff Post a few weeks back on my ZPad about a Mum who documented one comical quirk that her family has…………….leaving socks around the house.

Well, this got me noticing a few things and all of a sudden I could see a similar pattern occurring in our house. This time, not socks, but shoes! Clearly not a personal problem for me as my skin family feel my paws don’t need shoes, but two other members of the family are very obvious culprits of this new family quirk.

Like the article on Huff Post I took to taking photographs to document this silly past time and it only took me a couple days to get all these snaps.

 Now that's a lot of shoe neglect from only two people in just a couple of days!

I hope by showing you these photo's I can highlight to my family that their shoe abandonment is not only cruel shoe abuse, but it's driving me crazy too. My sense of smell has been working on overdrive these past few days and it's not been pleasant.

I think it’s time to send the family to get some training. What do you think?

What does your family need a little more training on?

Much Love

Zuma XX

SMALL DOG PROUD TO WHERE NEW MEDAL

If Mummy says it's official then it must be. I will proudly wear my badge of honour on the front cover of my book. Here's what the press release had to say.

Award winning children’s brand Zuma the Dog announced as a finalist in Book Awards.

Brand owner Samantha Morgan-Bertish is celebrating this week after receiving the news that her book Zuma Likes to Dig, the first picture book in the pre-school series The Adventures of Zuma the Dog has been named a finalist in The Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards.

 Books for the award were read and judged by children in 8 UK primary and secondary schools, a book award that is judged by the people that matter with honest opinions and feedback.

“It’s official and I am delighted and honoured that we have been chosen as a finalist for this award. It means so much to me that my work and dog character, Zuma is enjoyed by so many children.”

Zuma the Dog kids brand was created in Somerset in 2009 inspired by the family pet and has been gaining strength in recent months with licensing deals including a clothing range and an online TV show.

All new editions of Zuma Likes to Dig will now bear its finalist medal on the front cover and Samantha continues to work on her new book in the latest series.

Search Samantha Bertish on Amazon to find all Zuma the Dog book releases. The Adventures of Zuma the Dog series is available to buy at all good book retailers.

Proudly showing our medal of honour from

The Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards

The bilingual range all show our medal too

Did you know that our books were also available as bilingual stories? These special editions are only available direct from Diverze Publishing and can be ordered through them. Order today and get your child on the road to language learning.

Much Love

Zuma XX

A Return to a More Serious Note

As I am nearing my four year anniversary since moving to Portugal I can’t help thinking about how much I have changed and grown as a dog. If you recall the post I wrote three years ago entitled “A more serious note” (15^th March 2013), about coping with the aftermath of domestic violence and how Mummy was seeking help for my behaviour while dealing with her own trauma. You would read how difficult times had become.

My life in England was very different. In my early years I was witness to a lot of unpleasant things. Lots of shouting and hiding in small places, violence and aggression. Things no puppy should ever see. When Mummy wasn’t around the unpleasant attention was geared towards me. I learnt early on that I needed to be there for Mummy and we formed a very close bond protecting each other. At two years old the dynamics in our home changed with the removal of our abuser, but being so used to playing the role of Mummy’s protector, traumatised and constantly being on a high state of alert I became aggressive and with this came isolation because I was not trusted to behave in public.

Fast forward four years and with love, kindness, understanding, persistence and a whole lot of therapy; Mummy truly believes I am a different dog. No need to be muzzled and kept on the leash. No need to be kept away from others. Instead of the dog that picks the fight, I am the dog who shows others how to behave. Of course I’m not perfect and I will always be there to protect my home and my family and if a puppy decides to steal my ball at the beach I WILL tell them off, but life is certainly a lot easier.

Daily Doggy Beach Party With My Buddies

Perhaps it’s because I am older and wiser, calmer, more experienced? I now have many doggy friends, who I learn from as well as teach. Time is a great healer as they say. Look at me now! I am the inspiration for the latest kids character and I even have my own children's digital series coming out soon. I am a star!

We are the lucky ones. Unlike so many, we are survivor's of Domestic Violence and it's now our reasonability to speak out against it and stop these terrible acts.

Thank you Mummy for not giving up on me.

Much Love

Zuma XX

JEALOUS? WHO ME?

 

So, it looks like Stuffed Zuma had the time of his life while he was on his travels with Mummy and Master C. Nope! I’m not jealous at all. Jack Russell’s don’t know what it feels like to be jealous. We just don’t have it in us! MMmmmmmm

 

Don’t get me wrong, I had a wonderful time playing at the farm, but they don’t need to rub it in that I got left behind with all their posted instagram photos. I guess in Mummy’s mind she sees it as a way to gain more inspiration for her books and clothing line and I do believe she has a few things up her sleeve……………….. I feel another trip coming on.

While she gets back into the swing of work mode, lots of phone calls and meetings are taking place. I know she has some ideas and really wants to get my Zuma the Dog brand back into the UK high street. I believe a plan is being hatched and with any luck I can tell you all about it next time my paws are ready to type. It’s been super hot here this week and the ground has been really too hot for walking on. In need my walkies, but my little paws have gotten just a bit too hot for my liking, which is why it’s not so easy typing today.

 

Now if you don’t mind, I’m off to poop under Mummy’s bed to get her back for not taking me with her and don't forget to check out all our social media from our office daily antics.

 

Much Love

Zuma  XX