A glamorous glimpse into Monaco’s canine elite for charity

On Monday, 15 September, the eagerly anticipated photography book, It’s a Dog’s Life Monaco, was unveiled at an invitation-only cocktail held to raise awareness for the Société Protectrice des Animaux (S.P.A.) Monaco, the animal rescue shelter devoted to saving and rehoming animals in need.

Some 300 of Monaco’s most influential people— many featured across the 340 pages including Camille Gottlieb, His Excellence, the Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, 2024 Olympic gold medallist rugbyman Antoine Zeghdar, and Victoria Silvstedt—came together to celebrate the exclusive book launch on the iconic terrace of the easyGroup headquarters, owned by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, a title sponsor of the book with his easyPet brand.

It's a Dog’s Life Monaco is a love letter to Monte Carlo’s four-legged residents artfully blending the day-to-day with heartfelt storytelling. The luxury hardcover features never-before-seen portraits of Monaco’s Princely family and their beloved dogs spanning generations, as well as images of pampered pooches (many of them rescues)—from Monaco’s cobblestone alleys and sun-drenched promenades to hidden gardens and grand residences—and their doting humans.

Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene, President of the S.P.A. de Monaco and guest of honour at the event, wrote the foreword to this photographic work, which was presented to her by Jessica Fry, the author, photographer, and event organizer. H.S.H. the Princess then visited several stands and engaged in warm conversation with all of the sponsors in attendance.

The Princess's commitment to the S.P.A. Monaco has given new impetus to the association's mission of caring for dogs in the best possible conditions. The newly built shelter in Peille, France, opened its doors a year ago, on September 16, 2024.

In her speech, Jessica applauded the crowd, saying, “Tonight, we celebrate not just photographs—but YOU showing how Monaco can unite as a country for the greater good.”

The glam evening provided a deeper purpose, championing the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” movement. All profits from the sale of this book (€150) will go to support the Association S.P.A. Monaco.

Guests had the opportunity to visit easyPet vans and several sponsors’ stands (S.P.A. Monaco, La Petite Clinique, Jaas Monaco,  Jacqueline Vanderbeuque, Cookas Cookies) and were treated to champagne and an oyster bar by the Quai des Artistes while Monaco’s own distillery, l’Orangerie, served a “Hair of the Dog Negroni” cocktail.

Photo L-R: Camille Gottlieb, Lacey Da Costa (co-founder Carob Tree Publishing) H.S..H. Princess Charlene., Nancy Heslin (co-founder Carob Tree Publishing), Jessica Fry (auteur). Photo: Michaël Alesi/Palais princier.

Article first published September 15, 2025.