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Well dog folks,

Today I is going to tell you about where I live ‘cos it came to my attention that I told you all about dog friendly places throughout the country but had never told you about Ravenshead.

Hum lives with me in Ravenshead, a village in North Nottinghamshire @ExperienceNotts. Hum says it is a ‘new village’ mainly constructed from late 1960s onwards and peoples round here think it is a bit posh but really it is just a nice place to live. Hum likes it ‘cos it is really safe here so we can go out for a walk late at night in the dark and not be afraid and we also has really good neighbours – it is a really strong community where people care about each other.

What I know is Ravenshead is a really, really friendly place both for Hum and for me. Everyday lots of people stop when we go out walking just to chat to Hum and make a fuss of me.

Moreover, most of Ravenshead is super dog friendly and I get to go into lots of the shops and most of the local pubs.

So let me tell you about the best aspects of Ravenshead for a little dog like me. I’ll take you on my favourite walk.

First stop has to be the petrol station shop on Longdale Lane. I gets a good walk down to the shop; Hum picks up her paper AND Gwen, Sue and Jane all have treats for dogs behind the counter and they make a BIG fuss of me!

I need to walk that treat off so Hum then takes me up to the village shops. I head straight to the Post Office @PostOffice which is owned by the lovely Linda. I look to see if she is behind the counter and then make my little squeaky noise to tell her I am waiting for her. Linda keeps dog biscuits and always comes out into the shop to give me a couple and then I get lots of loving also! Linda wants to adopt me and make me the Post Office dog BUT she has competition for my attentions….

At the other side of the precinct is Adcock Financial @haideewatson and I think I might be adopted by them also…

I always pull Hum across the precinct to visit them all as Lesa looked after me when I was little and Hum had to go to Ireland and I luvs her SO much! Also Emma has @Fish4Dogs treats in her drawer and they are yummy.

Most importantly though I do need to go there regularly as they are my accountants for my business and seeing as I am now such an important Business Dog I has to go check that my affairs are in order and that Hum is managing my finances properly.

When we leave Adcocks we often go to Godfreys, the hardware and pet store to say ‘Hi’ to my friend Winston and for Hum to pick me up some tasty treats.

Hum can also take me into the Newsagents; the Solicitors and the Chemist! And we say hello to Mel from Strawberry Fair if she is outside ‘cos I’m not meant to be in the food shops.

I do however get to stop at Janice’s Cheese shop – Janice sells cheese from her house and at markets and I got to sample some and can tell you the Welsh Brie is particularly delicious!

In the evening we sometimes go to Hum’s local, the Sherwood Ranger pub @greeneking where Richard the landlord also has biscuits behind the bar! Everyone is super friendly at the Ranger and Hum likes to go there to socialise.

Other dog friendly pubs in the village are The Hutt and the Little John. Both have areas where you can sit with your Humans while they enjoy a meal.

So my dog pals Ravenshead is quite a delight for us four-legs – so many treats offered by so many lovely people! So many places where we are made welcome! A very good place to live indeed 🙂

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi again dog friends,

Our last stop on our Easter Vacation (well vacation for Hum & her Mum – I had busy work schedule) was a hotel called Brook Whipper-In situated in Rutland, the smallest county in England apparently!

Brook Whipper-In @BrookHotels is listed on our website and en-route from the caravan to home so Hum thought it would be a great idea for us to visit and for me to do a review. This means she and her Mum get a great night in a lovely hotel and I has to ensure I note all the dog friendly stuff and pose for photos. Hum is onto a good thing with my job!

On arrival we got a really wonderful welcome from Katy who made a HUGE fuss of me. Brook Whipper-In don’t provide dog beds but of course I now have my Rovernighter @rovernighter (such a great product) so all was good!

What is REALLY good is that Brook Whipper-In DO provide 2 bowls; a dog treat AND a TOY in the room. Now that is well good!!! Happy days!!! The treat was yummy and the toy was super squeaky!!

Our room was a big room at the front of the hotel – plenty of room for me to run around and play with my new toy. Hum was very happy with what she had – super big bed, sofa in front of a Ginormous TV, a wonderfully quirky painted wardrobe and on her bed was a cute little knitted teddy bear with a message from Lee the General Manager and an offer for Hum. Hum’s Mum had one too with a different offer – if they took the bear to the bar, they could get a free drink or a free starter with their meal. Hum thought this was a really brilliant idea – she was extremely happy with Cottesmore Bear (that was the name of hers).

We went downstairs so Hum’s Mum could fuel up with tea and she had a cream tea which looked super deliche!

After I sorted my rovernighter for bedtime and Hum enjoyed a bit of relaxing and TV she had a bath and checked out the bathroom facilities. The toiletries were OK she said but no bar of soap and no face flannel. Super BIG fluffy towels however so that made her happy.

We had dinner in the bar and it was really delicious – I particularly enjoyed the Crispy Lamb but the service was extremely slow. Hum’s Mum wondered what it would be like if they were really busy as it took so long for the meals to come and it only seemed to be us and another couple eating! Still when the food arrived it was really REALLY tasty! The beef was excellent and Hum’s Mum thoroughly enjoyed her pudding 🙂

Steven told us where to go for an evening walk so we set off to the park before bedtime.

We slept very well. Hum was surprised how quiet it was as we were in the middle of a market town and she thought it was a most comfortable night’s sleep.

Another walk to the park in daylight and it really was very pretty with a bandstand in the middle and plenty of space to run and play.

After a shower Hum took me down to the bar to meet Hum’s Mum and order breakfast. Katy was serving us and she was very efficient and helpful. The breakfast arrived much quicker than dinner had done and the scrambled eggs were the best we have had anywhere so far! REALLY REALLY top notch scrambled eggs. Hum thought the bacon was excellent too and said it was one of the best quality breakfasts she had had on our travels. That is praise indeed coming from Hum!!!

After breakfast I met the General Manager, Lee who was also extremely friendly and although he hadn’t brought Daisy the resident dog to meet me said we must come again to say ‘hello’. He also told me I could keep the toy that had been in my room (Hum was going to leave it!!! How very dare she!!!). Lee is a very kind man and says the toys are for the us dog folks to have as a gift! Thanks Lee! And thanks to all the staff for giving us a lovely stay.

I would defo highly recommend Brook Whipper-In to you and your humans and it is real close to Rutland Water too where there are lots of walks and activities to make ensure you have a super duper holiday!

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi again dog pals,

Easter Monday was a super important day for me. This was the day I was invited to the Wells Beach Café @WellsBeachCafe to be inaugurated as Director of Hospitality on the K9 Board of Directors! Now that is an important day for a little dog like me!

Hum got me up early to ensure I had had a walk and done my morning ablutions and was looking good. Quick hair brush and off we set to Wells Beach Café.

When we got there James Platten, the Café Manager was waiting for me with my tie of office. He took me to a special BIG Board Room Chair in front of the screen with all the dog visitors to the café on it and presented me with my tie. It was a very important ceremony he said and Hum was the proudest I have seen her – all big smiles and even a little emotional.

James took me outside for a photo with him and then I got to work. First off I checked the products were all in order. There is a big section focused on stuff for dogs and dog lovers. You can buy towels, bandanas, mugs with dogs on, dog bowls BUT most importantly Dog treats made especially for the Holkham Estate @Holkham. Although I is only little dog, I take my role very seriously so I made sure I did a taste check of the treats and can tell you the Liver & Bacon biscuits are exceedingly good!

I did some further checks such as making sure the blankie was on the sofa for us four-legs to sit on and then Hum took me to the beach until the café was open properly and I could do some dog welcoming!

I was warming up to my position of authority and so continued even on the beach – welcoming other dogs onto the beach, showing them how good it is in Wells and telling them to bring their Humans to the café after their walk.

Back at the café and I welcomed Honey, Marley, Rafa and Molly into the café. Rafa and Molly’s Human told us he had used my website to find a holiday destination and was taking Molly and Rafa to Beck Hall @BeckHallMalham in June! I is SO pleased I is able to find my dog pals good holiday places to stay 🙂

I was pleased to see that Dippy who I had met on the beach had brought her Humans in and was reassured that I was doing my job properly!

Hum was so pleased with me and proper proud! So of course I then got to fulfil THE most important part of my role – checking the Sausage Rolls are up to scratch! Oh my! All I can say is the sausage rolls at Wells Beach Café are the best you will ever taste so get your Humans to go there and buy you one!

Hope you visit soon and if you do look out for me! I will make sure you get a treat and are well looked after!

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Well my dog pals,

I have been a very busy little dog over the Easter weekend! Hum really does make me work for a living!

First stop on my hectic schedule was a hotel in Norfolk called Briarfields which is a dog friendly establishment on the North Norfolk coast in a place called Titchwell.

Carl Howell, the Trainee Shift manager is writing an article for the Hotel Blog about how Briarfields is a dog friendly place to stay. When he heard about how good I was at this Blogging business, I got invited to meet him and be interviewed! Cool!

And Hum and her Mum booked in for afternoon tea so it was to be a very pleasant afternoon for us all. Hum’s Mum LOVES tea and apparently Afternoon Tea is really special! (more on that later).

Anyways we got a super friendly greeting from Carl who was behind the bar when we arrived. He made sure we were comfy in one of the many dog friendly lounges they have at Briarfields, got Hum a drink and arrived all proper business-like with his pad of paper and pen ready for my interview.

Hum told him how I came to be her travelling companion and how the website started. Then he asked what we thought made a place super dog friendly. I let him know that I was most happy with a good welcome and gave him lots of kisses to prove it 🙂

I then had to check the pack of what Briarfields offers to let him know if they were getting it right and you know what Dog Peeps – Briarfields really does tick a lot of top dog friendly boxes!

When you arrive, there will be a pack in the room with a dog blanket; dog bowl, poo bags, a treat and a welcome note telling you where you can sit and eat with your Humans and where you can go and walk and play off lead. There is a bin in the grounds as well so lots of what Hum thinks is essential is covered.

We did mention to Carl that maybe 2 bowls (one for food and one for water) would be a good idea and some towels by the entrance to wipe muddy paws might be useful too…Other than that – seemed pretty spot on – I wouldn’t mind some toys being available and some dog biscuits in the bar but that is me being a demanding Diva Hum says….

After my interview, I was well hungry as was Hum’s Mum! Starving! she said and gasping for her pot of tea. I think Hum’s Mum runs on cups of tea the way the car runs on petrol. She certainly needs filling up regularly!

Anyways the Afternoon Tea arrived and my dog pals all I can say is ‘Wow’ – Afternoon Tea really is pretty special; proper fancy – it comes on a posh cake stand and the sandwiches have no crusts and there are mini puddings and stuff!

Hum let me try quite a lot although she said just this once as it really was not what little dogs should be eating. So I can now tell you I like egg sandwiches; ham sandwiches; scones; shortbread and macarons.

Hum’s Mum loved it all and Hum thought the mini panna cotta topped with fruit was super yummy. With all of us suitably satisfied and Hum’s Mum filled with enough tea for several miles travel we set off back to Wells and the caravan. Work done and everyone super happy!

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi dog pals,

I is one happy little Poochon I can tell you! Hum took me back to Wells-next-the Sea @ComeToWells for the weekend! And I do like to be beside the seaside! And so does Hum.

Orchard Holiday Park @orchardcaravans was open again after its February shut-down and so we could go back to the ‘Van’ – Yeah!!

When Hum told me I packed my Rovernighter @rovernighter all ready – Hum was like ‘Zuki, you have a bed at the Caravan’ but I said I had told Ruth & Bron that I would test the Rovernighter and so that’s what I was going to do.

The Rovenrnighter held my treats and favourite toy and food and everything! Hum tried to sneak a bottle of wine into my thermal pocket but it didn’t fit and I told her that she needed to use her own bag and not highjack mine! Even so she managed to get her camera phone; chargers; sunglasses and all sorts in along with my stuff so it does hold a lot!!!

Off we set happily and the journey was good – got there in record time according to Hum! I was SO happy to be back in the caravan – got the Rovernighter all set up as a bed and hey! It matches the décor so Hum was happy too! BUT I was even happier to be back on the beach – look at me smiling in my photo above 🙂

A trip to Wells is no good without a meal at the Golden Fleece – we headed there for dinner and as ever I got a super duper friendly welcome from the lovely Izzy! Hum let me choose from the Specials Menu and so we had yummy pork belly. Hum says all the food is real good here but the specials are truly special 🙂

Hum sleeps really well in the ‘van’ and I always have to wake her up when we are here. And she needed to get up as I had a very special appointment at the Beach Café @WellsBeachCafe. James the manager was meeting me before the café opened to explain my new role! I is going to be the VP Hospitality at Wells Beach Cafe my friends!!!

James told me it means I needs to be friendly and welcome you lovely dog folks and show you what is special about Wells Beach Café and indeed the Holkham Estate; the beach; the dog treats etc. BUT I was most pleased to find out I also has to ensure the products are up to standard so I got to taste-test the treats and James told me after my walk he would have one of their super sausage rolls ready for me to check! Not a bad job for a little dog like me 🙂

When we come down again at Easter I is going to be inaugurated apparently – sounded painful to me but Hum says it means I will be officially welcomed to the Board of Directors and get my tie of office – Wowzers!! That will be very cool!!

So look out for photos of me at Easter in my official uniform! And do bring your Humans to Wells-next-the-Sea – you will defo have a SUPER time “beside the sea-side; beside the sea”

Zuki xx

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi my dog friends,

Guess where I was yesterday? Me little cross-breed Zuki was at the BIG dog show Crufts! Not that they let us Cross-Breeds actually take part unless in agility or such-like BUT I was there to model the Rovernighter www.rovernighter.co.uk; @rovernighter .

SO Hum packed up our stuff in the morning – my postcards to hand out; food, water, treats etc. and off we set to the big exhibition centre called the NEC outside Birmingham. She should have set off earlier ‘cos we got stuck in traffic and we were late getting to the stand. Naughty Hum.

Anyways we found the Rovernighter stand (Hall 2, 139) and Ruth had set it up so it looked really very good indeed! There was a big banner with photos of Samson and Bron on it and leaflets with a lovely photo of me inside (the one taken by Joe from @boundersphoto).

The Rovernighter is a really fab idea of Ruth’s. It is a travel bag with pockets for toys, treats, bowls, food etc. which then unzips and converts into a bed for when you are away. Having modelled for the photo shoot I was really happy to show off how comfy the Rovernighter was for all the visitors to the Stand. AND I must say dog pals, modelling like this is much easier than the photo modelling – all I had to do was sit or lie in the bed and look my super cute self 🙂

I was extremely popular it seemed and lots of people wanted to come and give me hugs which was nice for me and good for Ruth as she could then talk to them about the Rovernighter. AND everyone said how gorgeous and well behaved and just wonderful a dog I am. Take note Hum!

Hum and I went walk-about a few times to hand out leaflets and my postcards telling people about our hotel listing website. Crufts is a BIG place – lots and lots of people with trollies and bags and just legs everywhere! Hum had to carry me at times in case I got stood on! There were lots of stands selling lots of stuff for dogs – leads, silly clothes, toys, treats, food, grooming stuff and lots more.

Fortunately Hum avoided buying me any silly clothes but visited @Fish4Dogs to pick up some yummy treats. We also saw a stand that had ‘Kill Puppy’ toys (puppy toys like my first toy who sadly had an accident and ended up a bit dead one day). Hum said I couldn’t have another Kill Puppy as I had already destroyed 2 but I could have another toy at the end of the show if I continued to be good.

We saw lots of proper Poodles and Bichons getting ready to be shown and also in the show ring. Well you know what my friends, I is real glad I is not a pure breed ‘cos Hum would want to show me if I was and those poor dogs didn’t look happy with all the grooming and clipping and brushing and fluffing up they had to have done. Some of them shouted at me – think they was jealous of how I was just walking around all happy and natural and a bit messy 😉

So we did our meeting and greeting and handed out lots of postcards and leaflets and then spent more time on the stand. And I must say I really did take to my Rovernighter.

I had said at the photo shoot that Hum needed to get one for me so as she didn’t look like an old bag lady turning up to hotels with my belongings in plastic bags and hey! I realised this was my opportunity. I wiggled around in the Rovernighter and put my scent all over it and took my chew into it and made sure I rubbed that over it too so REALLY it couldn’t go to anyone else ‘cos I had made it MINE.

And indeed Hum realised that I was right and we needed this so at the end of the show she bought it for me 🙂

Thanks Hum, Thanks Ruth and Thanks Crufts for a wonderful day!!!

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi my doggie friends,

At the weekend Hum took me to the Derbyshire Hotel just off Junction 28 of the M1. She brought me to this hotel ‘cos she wanted to assess a different hotel group that could be listed on our website. We already got Britannia Hotel Group but PH Group @PH_Hotels is not budget class and so she decided to check it out as another option for you lovely dog pals and your Humans.

Well my friends – we had a good start! By booking in advance Hum got Dinner, Bed & Breakfast for less than the Bed & Breakfast rate at the Britannia Nottingham! And we got a Superior Room!! AND they provide stuff for us four-legs 🙂

The Derbyshire Hotel is really, really handy for the big motorway road lots of people travel on so a good stop-off if you are travelling up or down the M1 with your Humans.

We got a super warm welcome from Kyle, Daniel and the hotel General Manager Anna who gave Hum her business card and said to just let her know if we needed anything. Excellent service!

Our room was lovely – Hum most impressed – stylish but SO very practical she announced. She got her face flannel, REALLY fluffy robe, slippers, proper bar of soap and lots of other stuff. I got a big bowl of fresh water in the bathroom and a BIG bed and a welcome letter AND a little bag of dog biscuits!! Cool – very COOL!

Hum unpacked and noted other stuff that was good – dressing table with mirror for doing her make-up; power points for hair drier and charging phones; free WiFi and in the bathroom (which was nice and clean and modern) there were appropriate towel rails, hook behind the door for her fluffy robe etc.

Back in the room, the wardrobe doors formed full length mirrors and Hum was pleased with the amount of tea, coffee and milk provided – she even got biscuits too!! Happy Hum = Happy me!!!!

Hum wanted a drink so we headed off to reception and Hum to the bar. Now only downside of the Derbyshire Hotel is I is not allowed in the bar OR restaurant and you all know how I is with my separation anxiety thing – well Kyle felt sorry for me so he and his colleagues kept me company while Hum got her drink and then all was good ‘cos there was seating in the lobby where we could be together. Phew!

The lobby is really quite nice with a big fire and comfy seats but it is the main thoroughfare of the hotel so you are a bit exposed sitting there with everyone coming and going to different events and such like.

Kyle did offer to look after me while Hum had dinner in the restaurant but there wasn’t a table available till really late so Hum decided we would stick with the lobby and the staff kindly set up a table for us to dine there together.

Hum is sure that they could make a little bit of the large bar area available to eat in with your dog so will no doubt suggest that to Anna in due course.

After a little walk in the grounds and Hum freshening up with what has become her habitual bubbly bath, we went down for dinner.

The staff had set it all up really nicely for us and Daniel put Hum’s order through so she didn’t have to leave me.

The Derbyshire Hotel hosts a lot of events, dinners, conferences etc. and there were lots of people in the lobby who all fell in love with me. SO I really didn’t mind sitting out there ‘cos I got so many hugs and lots of fussing over and Hum was told over and over again how pretty I am and how well-behaved I am and how lucky she is to have me. Take note Hum – take note!

Hum ordered well and we enjoyed Duck Terrine followed by Braised Beef Cheeks with a small amount of cheese for afters. REALLY nice. Can recommend beef cheeks to my dog pals – very tasty!

Back in the room and after a bit of TV for Hum and another trip outside for me, we made ourselves comfortable for the night. AND I forgot to tell you before – Hum was in pillow heaven – she got SIX pillows all for herself!!! Six big fluffy pillows!! Wow!! Not had that before anywhere!! SO she slept real well and so did I.

In the morning after a quick walk for me; a shower; coffee and catch up on the news in big fluffy robe for Hum we went to explore outside. Although the Derbyshire Hotel is just off the motorway, it is actually very quiet in the rooms and there are grassy areas all around the hotel which are safe for us dogs to be off lead. Hum played ball with me before heading inside for breakfast.

Again we had a table set up in the lobby and people fussed over me while Hum went to get our breakfast. Hum showed me what she had selected and ensured I claimed the scrambled eggs as mine. There was also a rather tasty sausage and Hum enjoyed a slice of bacon, tomato and mushrooms. There was lots of coffee for Hum so again happy days.

Sadly after that it was time to say our goodbyes. Kyle wasn’t on duty which was a shame as he was SO very lovely to me. BUT here is a BIG thank you to him.

SO what is the verdict? I defo think that we need to get the PH Group of hotels listed on our website. Good standard of accommodation; excellent value for money; extremely friendly and helpful staff.

One paw print taken off for nowhere but the lobby to sit together but apart from that I can’t fault the place. SO if you and your Humans are travelling up the big motorway called the M1 and need a break do stop off at the Derbyshire 🙂

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hello again my lovely dog friends,

The day had come – my big moment! I, little Zuki was to have my first proper modelling job! And be properly photographed by a real Professional – the fabulous Joe from www.bounders.co.uk.

Ruth is a super, creative lady who has created the Rovernighter www.rovernighter.co.uk which is a really cool piece of kit for dogs who like to travel with their Humans. Basically the Rovernighter is a travel bag with lots of pockets to store all the doggy essentials such as treats; poo bags and toys BUT it is real clever and unzips and turns into a bed for when you reach your destination. I mean how COOL is that!!!

Hum really needs to invest in one for our travels as me nearly being famous and all it looks bad when she shows up behind me at hotels with carrier bags of my belongings – like an old bag lady – not good Hum – not good at all!

Anyways Ruth needed a hotel venue to for the Rovernighter photoshoot and me being so well connected got Hum to sort the Devon Arms Bolton Abbey @Dev_Hotels . This is a lovely posh dog friendly hotel and there is even wall paper with dogs on it one of the lounges.

Hum & I stayed the night before in the Shepherd Room where the shoot would take place and in the morning while the very attentive staff were tidying up, we went downstairs to meet everyone.

We met Ruth and her dog Bronwyn and Joe and Scrooby outside. I met Scrooby before at the swimming place and she is lots of fun but Bronwyn was new to me. Now Bron is extremely cool. She is a consummate professional as like me she is the ‘Brand’ of our Hum’s businesses. She was like – ‘come on girls I’ll show you how it is done. Just follow my lead’.

I had recruited another little pal who I had befriended the night before so Samson joined us and we all met the lovely Sonya from Devonshire Arms marketing and the Humans sorted what was to happen.

First stop was the Dog Lounge and because Samson had to leave with his Humans he was the lounge dog for the shoot. Joe told me I could be the bedroom dog – indeed the boudoir did seem more like my natural domain.

Samson liked Bron’s squeaky burger toy and Joe was brilliant working with him to get a fab shot. Us doggy girls were well behaved waiting in the wings for our turn with Bron telling us what it is like being the brand of Rovernighter and Scrooby telling us all about the other photoshoots Joe has done – she LOVED the one where he had other Jack Russells. They wanted to know all about the other hotels I had visited so we had a real proper girly time and agreed our Humans do give us great adventures 🙂

We moved up to the bedroom and it was my turn. Now dog pals – I thought this modelling stuff looked real easy – Hum watches Top Model on TV and I often think – why are those girls making such a fuss about just sitting or standing for a while. BUT now I understand. It isn’t as easy as it looks. You need to position yourself just right to get the best angles AND show off the product AND show expression AND not blink when the big light flashes!!! AND it takes like forever to get it just right. By the end I was thinking OK – this is a bed – think I’ll just have a nap and looks like Bron felt the same from her photo!

Joe is a brilliant photographer – Hum needs to take lessons from him AND get a better camera to capture my cuteness better in future. I loved working with Joe and he had a pocket of treats that was also pretty good to find 🙂

Joe really does get the best out of dogs – his photos are amazing and unique and Hum wants him to take more photos of me sometime to put on the wall in the lounge so looking forward to that!

Hum and I headed off for a walk by the river while Bron and Scrooby did their bit and then it was downstairs for tea and chat for the Humans and a well deserved rest for us models.

I do hope Ruth managed to get what she wanted from the photo shoot and there will be a photo of me that is OK for her leaflet (Oh dear – sounding like the TV model girls now).

Looking forward to seeing that and being with her demonstrating the Rovernighter at Crufts. Come meet us there and check it out (Hall 2 Stand 139). I will be there on Thursday and Bron will be there on Sunday where we will be available for pawtographs and photo opps #datewithamodel!

So dog pals if your Humans want to take you on travels you should defo get them to check out the Rovernighter AND if they are so in love with you they want a great portrait of you you must introduce them to Joe at Bounders Photo.

A BIG high 5 paw prints for the Rovernighter and Bounders Dog Photography!

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hi Dog Pals,

Dear Old Hum has taken me to the Devonshire Arms Bolton Abbey. This hotel is listed on our website and is really promoting dog friendliness so when Joe from Bounders @boundersphoto asked Hum to find Ruth from Rovernighter @rovernighter a proper dog friendly hotel for her photoshoot (to be displayed at Crufts no less!), Hum was straight on the phone to Sonya, the lovely Marketing lady to sort the Devonshire Arms as a perfect location to promote the Rovernighter bag/bed.

Hum & I stayed previously in the Devonshire Fell and that was lovely but the Devonshire Arms Bolton Abbey is really SO much more POSH!!!

After a bit of a journey (Hum got lost in Leeds even with Mrs Sat Nav’s help) we arrived and got a super friendly welcome from Amy in reception!

Ryan took our bag up to an absolutely super duper room. Totally Shamazing! It was the Shepherd Room and had lots of pictures of sheep and a big Wooden Ram on the wall and shepherd’s crooks and such-like – all the stuff Hum loves – all in the detail and the décor she says…

Hum was also delighted with other stuff – not only good coffee BUT a proper coffee machine for the morning (yeah Hum will be happy and the world will be good); lots of goodies including a little cake and biscuits and there was even a fridge with fresh milk – such a big plus for Hum 🙂

In the bathroom there was her flannel and real soap and fluffy robe and big soft towels over heaters and the usually missing bathmat (well 2 of them!) one for the bath and one for the shower.

Back in the bedroom not only did Hum have a four poster bed but I did too!!! Eddie the Concierge brought it for me – there was a welcome note, a biscuit, blankie, bowl, towel and the fab four poster bed!!! Just right for my status!!! Seeing as I is more princess than duchess – thanks Devonshire Arms 🙂

I made short work of the biscuit while Hum unpacked and we settled in.

Now Eddie really is a proper totally amazing proper concierge (Hum can only aspire to his status) and when we went down to reception he told us where to go for a walk and where I could be off lead and enjoy the environments.

Back at the hotel & Hum freshened up i.e. she had a bubbly bath – what is it with Humans and baths? I mean I like getting wet in the rain and in puddles and such-like but BATH – no way!!! Any how she was happy in her huge fluffy towel and she got sorted for dinner.

Now here is something I is not totally happy with….At Devonshire Arms Bolton Abbey, us four-legs are allowed in the lounges (including the totally cool one with dog wall paper) but not in the restaurant or the bar/brasserie. SO I had to stay at reception while Hum went for dinner and you know what I is like with my separation anxiety thingy. Oh dear!!! But never mind! The Devonshire Arms Bolton Abbey has it covered. Eddie the super concierge was cool and he let me sit on his lap and help him with his computer work – I guess he knew I was good at that sort of thing given as how I do my blog and all….Any ways he was lovely and I have a crush on him but don’t tell 😉

Ruth in the Brasserie helped Hum with the menu and good stuff – she chose my favourite foods – Ham terrine; venison and Yorkshire cheese. BIG thanks Hum!

Back at the room and we chilled out with TV and tea (and those biscuits) for Hum. She decided the room was perfect in layout – sofa perfect to watch TV; tables where needed; chairs where needed; lights & power points in the right places; full length mirror so she could check if she looked OK and well just everything she needed (except maybe a tiny table just by the sofa for her cup of tea)…

I really enjoyed the doggy bag she brought me full of dinner and we settled down for a nice relaxing evening together.

Next morning and we had to think of the impending photoshoot. Hum took me out early for a bit of exercise (we played ball and explored the gardens) and then came back for a shower and to pack up. She told me that she had slept super well – the bed was amazing, as were the pillows; the room dark as she likes and extremely quiet. Perfect for Hum.

She loved the shower ‘cos it was a rain shower like she has at home and the coffee machine was a defo BIG hit – super-duper plus points for that!

Breakfast & I had to be left again and I made sure Hum knew I wasn’t happy (Eddie had a day off) but she did order smoked haddock with poached egg and chef did an extra egg just for me! So Hum was forgiven and I was happy again.

Well that takes us up to the meeting of Ruth, Bronwyn, Joe & Scrooby for the photo shoot so keep reading! I’ll post about that soon.

Until then DO get your Humans to check the Devonshire Arms Bolton Abbey – a real treat for Humans and us dog folks alike 🙂

Zuki

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Hey Dog Pals,

Silly Hum almost missed our visit to Tower Hotel in Lincoln!! She forgot the date and just as well she rang to see what she needed to bring for me or we would have missed our stay totally!!!

She was just in a mess ‘cos she has a nasty eye infection and looks like a monster and has to keep going to the hospital place. But Hey! We got here!

Tower Hotel has only recently started stating it is dog friendly so for now they don’t provide anything for us four-legs apart from a bowl of water in the bar BUT I will hopefully be able to give them ideas as to what to provide to be super dog friendly 🙂

Hum says she is not too concerned about having to bring our own stuff – what REALLY matters to her is a good welcome and somewhere you can sit and enjoy a meal with your beloved pooch.

Well Tower Hotel surpassed themselves on that score! More later..BUT suffice to say we got a great welcome from Adam the Manager and he was just SO nice to me. He showed us to our room – really lovely. AND after Hum had done her surveying I was able to confirm – lovely room; beautiful décor; great bed; power points near mirror for Hum’s hair drying; fridge! ‘maybe should have put some fresh milk in’ said Hum; super little area with sofa for me to keep watch on the world (or hide from Hum 😉 ); good view – you can see the Castle walls AND Hum got a cafetiere & REAL coffee! Yeah!! I’ll have a very happy Hum in the morning!!

‘Bathroom good’ said Hum. Nice toiletries; proper soap; big and spacious; big, warm towels but no face flannel (she does like a face flannel does Hum).

Once Hum had unpacked we set off at Amii’s guidance to Steep Hill. And Boy does it live up to its name!! Saw the Cathedral and the Castle and after more walking I was somewhat thirsty so Hum stopped off at the dog friendly Wig & Mitre for me to have refreshment – BIG bowl of water provided!

Back at Tower Hotel and Hum sorted herself out and freshened up ready for dinner. Now Wowsers!!! Hum was super impressed ‘cos they set us up a table in the bar BUT like it was in the restaurant. Hum and I felt like Zlebrities!!!! We was like real special and lots of people seemed to want to know who we were.

And it didn’t stop there. All the staff made a HUGE fuss of me and good old Hum ordered Duck & Scotch Egg for starters and Pigeon for main course! I LOVE duck & pigeon!! But she got her little pleasure – fab amuse bouche & bread with Branston Pickle butter and such-like that she adored & she had SUCH a happy face so thanks Tower Hotel and Amii and Rob and whoever the chef was!

So we did super enjoy dinner and I got lots of loving. Back at our room and the peeps next door invited us in for a lot more loving and fun and friendship. They was lovely!! So nice to me. We don’t normally meet our next-doors in hotels but Heidi, Hannah & Clare were well nice and are going to follow me on social medja!!

Hum decided we needed to let them get ready for their night out and I needed a walk so that’s what we did before back to the Tower Hotel for TV; chilling and Beddy Byes.

I loved the room and slept in my own bed mostly and Hum loved having the big bed to herself although she did say the pillows could have been a lot better. Still a good night’s sleep was had by both of us.

In the morning Hum pulled clothes on and took me to a park Amii had suggested (these little touches make all the difference to dog friendliness says Hum) and it was amazing to think we was in the middle of a city but there was this fab park just there where I could get off lead and play ball! AND there was a lovely walled garden with lots of paths to explore and play hide & seek and meet other dogs!

Back to Tower Hotel and Hum had her shower – powerful and hot as she likes; did her hair and off we went to breakfast. This time we had a table in the conservatory which was specially laid for us and Hum had a newspaper provided and everything! I checked out the menu and got Hum to order scrambled eggs and bacon for us to share and tomatoes and toast for her.

We both can confirm the eggs were the best we have had for a long time in any hotel venue so again well done chef!

After another walk down Steep Hill and a visit to a dog friendly shop called Oska Lincoln (Hum bought yet another dress…) it was time to leave. I felt quite sad saying goodbye – everyone was SO lovely to me at Tower Hotel and I really would have liked to stay longer so thank you Adam; Amii; Rob; Kate and Chef for giving me such a good time. And Adam kept telling everyone how good I was (think he is a bit in love with me 😉 ) SO Happy Valentines Adam and I do hope Philippa the owner will get the hotel listed on my website as we would be very happy to recommend!

I award a very commendable 4 paws to Tower Hotel – just add a few doggy treats; a map of where to go for walks; a bed or blanket and more dog bowls and you will get a SUPER 5 paw next time we visit!

Zuki

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