Director of Paw Relations

Photo Courtesy of The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills

By Ariel M. Weinshanker
Images provided by Properties

​It is no secret that we love Dogs and are especially fond of seeing our favorite animals when we travel.  In honor of National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on April 30, 2019, we are thrilled to share some of our favorite Directors of Pet Relations who are rescues, service animals and/or whom use their role to assist other rescued animals.  Please note, this list is in no particular order. 
 
Craving more?  Volunteer your time at a Shelter.  Or consider taking a vacation or trip to hotels with Canine members of Guest Relations.

Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Boston

​Not only do we love being greeted by welcoming pups, but we also enjoy pampering our fur babies!  When stopping by Mandarin Oriental Boston, Guests and Visitors alike can meet the cutest pair of Golden Retrievers, Bonnie, aged 10 and Tara, aged 9.  The duo was rescued by their owner, and General Manager, Philipp Knuepfer.  Bonnie and Tara can usually be found waiting for their next photo-op in the lobby or looking for treats at the concierge desk.  They love having fun with hotel guests and colleagues.
 
For those lucky enough to travel with their own fury friends, the hotel has an extensive list of pet amenities and ways to spend quality time with your pup, including dining alfresco on the seasonal terrace at Bar Boulud or utilizing the dog-friendly map of Boston’s Back Bay.  For pet owners interested in giving their fur baby a complete 5 star day of fun, check out the Pampered Pup Program which includes a private shopping consultation and salon experience, of course. 

The London, West Hollywood
Photo Courtesy of The London, West Hollywood at Beverly Hills

What has two English Bulldogs and named after an iconic British Prime Minister?  The London West Hollywood’s duo, Winston & Churchill.  Guests have a chance to meet and play with the property’s cuddly Ambassadors twice a day.  Plus, Groups hosting a meeting or event at The London, can invite Winston and Churchill to participate in the festivities (for up to one hour) for just $250!  100% of the proceeds are donated to a local Los Angeles animal shelter.

Park Hyatt, Chicago
​Photo Courtesy of Park Hyatt, Chicago

The Park Hyatt Chicago is home to the cutest one-eyed pug named Parker whose dual role includes being a proud Ambassador to shelter dogs everywhere.  She is a rescue that was able to find a loving home thanks to PAWS Chicago and the Hotel’s General Manager!  As the head of Pet Relations, Parker can often be found schmoozing guests on the seventh-floor rooftop NoMI Garen in her very own Burberry Bandana.    
 
Parker brings joy to both colleagues and guests, making the hotel feel like a true home away from home.  Fun Fact: 100% of the proceeds from the Park Hyatt Chicago’s required pet deposit fee are donated directly to PAWS Chicago. PAWS uses these funds to continue to provide valuable services to the four legged friends of Chicago. 

Hotel Fauchere
​​Photo Courtesy of Hotel Fauchere

​Just 75 miles from New York City, guests of Pennsylvania’s Hotel Fauchere, a historic, boutique Relais & Chateaux property, you can find Alfie.  Alfie is the sweetest rescue, most likely a German Shorthair Pointer that has blossomed into a cuddly, affectionate and trusting companion.  When Alfie is not keeping guest relations company, walking the grounds or greeting visitors, he is most likely welcoming pups and guests alike on one of the pet friendly porches.   

Protip: If you come to Hotel Fauchere on a weekend, you may have a chance to meet Alfie’s sister Boji! Visiting doggies can enjoy homemade treats and amenities, as well as have a chance to be featured on the hotels #FaucherePets Instagram feed.  Cats are also welcome.

Bobby Hotel, Nashville
​​Photo Courtesy of Bobby Hotel, Nashville

​In Downtown Nashville, you can find Sasha, a 2-year-old rescue pup!  She is the official canine Ambassador of the Boutique Hotel known as The Bobby Nashville.  Sasha was found at the Country Road Animal Rescue.  Those who want to take a piece of Nashville home with them can purchase a Bath Towel personalized with an image of Sasha for just $25.  All proceeds benefit the Country Road Animal Rescue. 
 
The Bobby has some of the most spacious guestrooms in town, perfect for traveling with a human or four-legged companion.  We also dig the Bobby’s downtown location, rooftop music series and 1963 Lincoln Continental available for quick rides around town.   

Como Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
​​Photo Courtesy of Como Parrot Cay

​At one of our favorite properties in Turks and Caicos, Como Parrot Cay, guests can walk, Max the resident Yellow Labrador.  His favorite thing to do is to meet new people and run along the beach, when he is not swimming.  Max is great with kids and joined the property in December 2016.  Many of the COMO properties around the world have been homes for Labrador Retrievers, who have brought much joy to employees and guests alike over the years. 

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Dogs are such an important member of the Fairmont family that 13 of their properties have resident dogs!  Considering that 11 of these 13 Hotels with Canine Ambassadors are located between the United States and Canada, we may have to arrange a Dog road trip to visit them all.  Want some inspiration, checkout the full list.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

​Daphnie, our pet in residents at the Fairmont in Quebec, does more than just provide a warm welcome to guests.  She also raises awareness for the Mira Foundation, a wonderful organization dedicated to training service dogs.  Fun Fact: Initially Daphnie was being trained by the Mira Foundation to be a service dog, however, due to her incredible social skills she changed careers to become a Canine Ambassador at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Without picking favorites we would like to give a shout out to Bixby and Gibbs at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Arizona.  Bixby is a yellow Labrador retriever and his buddy Gibbs is a red Golden retriever.  In addition to welcoming guests, they are trained service dogs and have their own book called, “The Golden Friends of Fairmont: The Adventures of Bixby and Gibbs.”  If that were not cool enough the book was written by former Princess colleague, Carole Gurule, and artfully illustrated by a barista from the coffee shop, Suzy Almblade.  Can’t make it to Scottsdale to spend time with the duo?  You too can contact the Hotel to purchase your own copy of their book.