Harry, a Sheffield-based Border Collie, joined his owner Louise Haigh MP in Heeley on 10th June, as they visited the Sheaf View pub, a dog friendly business preparing to enter the Be Dog Friendly Awards 2016.
The Kennel Club’s Be Dog Friendly Awards is a competition that recognises and rewards innovative businesses and outdoor spaces that welcome four-legged visitors. Louise and Harry stopped by the local alehouse to find out why the venue is dog friendly.
Speaking during her visit, Louise said: “I am very supportive of local businesses like the Sheaf View that are proactively dog friendly. It’s great to be able to spend time with my dog whilst socialising with friends. Harry’s a cheeky chap and doesn’t like to be left on his own so having somewhere we can both go after a walk is great. Being dog friendly can make a big difference to a business and based on how much attention he gets, I am certain other customers like having Harry around, even if he is a bit mischievous at times.”
The Sheaf View has a considerable number of canine clientele who they are always more than happy to accommodate. The traditional alehouse regularly makes donations to local animal charity Rain Rescue, which helps pets in crisis situations including those under threat of being put down. Earlier this year the pub began the biannual Sheaf View Charity Dog Walk to raise money for the charity.
General Manager Jenny Cartledge said: “The Sheaf View is proud to be able to count a large number of dogs of all shapes and sizes amongst its regulars. All of our staff make sure the dogs feel comfortable by providing water bowls, treats and plenty of love and attention. Our sister pub, the Blake Hotel in Walkley, also welcomes dogs with open arms.”
The Be Dog Friendly campaign includes the awards and the annual Be Dog Friendly Week (starting 18th July), and aims to break down barriers for man’s best friend by encouraging more businesses and public spaces to welcome dogs.
The Be Dog Friendly Awards 2016 are held in association with dogfriendly.co.uk, the UK’s leading directory with over 32,000 entries, including dog-friendly hotels, cottages, pubs, beaches, camping and caravan sites.
Public voting for the awards opens on 1st July and runs until 30th September. The winners will be announced during a prize-giving ceremony in London during October. Any dog owners in Sheffield wishing to nominate a business or space can do so from 1st July at www.bedogfriendlyawards.com.