Cumbrian pet owners are being invited to take their furry friends to meet Santa Paws for a good cause.
Drovers Rest Inn, based in Monkhill, near Carlisle, is hosting the festive meet and greet on Friday December 13 from 5pm until 9pm to raise money for Guide Dogs North West.
As well as being able to meet with Santa Paws and get pictures – pets on the nice list will also be given a goodie bag and treats during their visit.
Pub owners Becki Bowles and Tom McMartin decided to host the event for a second year running after last year’s event was a huge success and saw over 28 dogs and their owners attend – including one social media star pet, Jenny The Blind Cat.
Jenny’s owner Lucy Stephenson, of Kirkbampton, said: “It was such a success last year, it was absolutely crazy! There were dozens of noisy and excitable dogs all dressed up who came along last year.
“It’s a great atmosphere in the pub because it’s on a Friday and it’s full, it is a lot of fun. It is a bit odd, but it’s odd in a good way, it’s a fun night to come along to and it’s all for a good cause.
“We’ll be going early before the dogs arrive but last year we stayed all evening. I put Jenny in a special backpack on a barstool and she just curled up and went to sleep and had the occasional person come along to give her a stroke.
“But it doesn’t matter if its a cat, dog or any other kind of animal, we all treat pets as part of our family, so it’s nice to be able bring them out to do something good for Christmas.”
Pet owners wanting to attend the meet and greet must buy a ticket and choose a time slot in advance to attend the event.
15 minute time slots are given per two dogs and when booking online, pet owners are asked to let Becki and Tom know some details about the pets being brought along.
Tickets cost £10 and all the proceeds go to Guide Dogs North West. Guide dog puppies will also be at the pub so event goers can meet with them and see the real difference their donation is helping to make.
Collection boxes will be in the pub on the night for those wanting to donate extra or for those visiting then pub who do not have pets.
To book tickets or find out more about the event, click here.
Drovers Rest Inn welcomes dogs and well behaved pets year round. Owners Becki and Tom have a resident rescue chicken called Enid as well as rabbits.
The pub also runs a weekly Furball Friday event where pet owners can come together at 5pm. Pets can enjoy special treats including puppaccinos and doggy beer and special merchandise including bandannas and doggy merit badges is also put out on sale.
