This weekend, we spent the day surrounded by sunshine, wagging tails, and golden-hearted joy at the Pop & Bark Golden Retriever Meet-Up in Preston. It was more than just an event for us — it was a beautiful chance to remember and celebrate the two dogs who shaped so much of our lives: Molly and Crystal.
Though they’re no longer with us, Molly and Crystal live on in our hearts and memories. Being at an event filled with golden retrievers — seeing their playful energy, gentle nature, and that unmistakable sparkle in their eyes — brought back a flood of warm, bittersweet feelings. It reminded us of all the ways they made our family whole.
For those who haven’t come across it yet, Pop & Bark is a unique and heartwarming creation from founders Anushka Fernando and James Morgan, who brought their dog-centered vision to life on BBC’s Dragons’ Den. Their pitch won over the Dragons, and it’s easy to see why — Pop & Bark offers more than just dog events; it creates little worlds of joy for dogs and their humans alike.
They specialise in breed-specific meet-ups, turning venues across the UK into tail-wagging playgrounds with Pupuccino Bars, photo booths, paw-sonalised treats, and much more.