HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGIE IN THE LOBBY

Posted on 04/13/2016 | About Ottawa, Ontario

Some of the guests who check into the Westin Ottawa are there for government business, some are there for recreational visits and some are there strictly for the “walkies” as the hotel is partnering with Ottawa Dog Rescue to provide a temporary foster home for rescue dogs.

The lobby of the hotel has a kennel near the escalators, built by hotel staff. It is a replica of Centre Block on Parliament Hill, complete with a Canadian flag at the top of the Peace Tower. 

“We have the facilities and the ability to do it,” says the hotel’s general manager, Ross Meredith. 

“We house people so, maybe we can house dogs.” 

Each dog that has resided at the hotel has been adopted within two to three weeks, but all have been recipients of affection by the other guests who walk upright. Hotel staff and registered guests can take the dogs for a walk, otherwise they stay in the kennel during the day. At night they may be invited behind the front desk or in an office where they are supervised. 

“The programme so far has been fantastic,” says Andrea McCoy of Ottawa Dog Rescue.

“I think it brings a lot of awareness to rescue and the rescue world in general.” 

The dogs that kennel at the hotel are chosen because of their temperament, subdued barking skills, social ability and in some cases business acumen.

“Our last dog was a celebrity,” says McCoy. He was at meetings and conferences, and all over Twitter, because he was just fantastic with everybody.” McCoy is hoping other hotels get involved and open their lobbies to more guests of the canine variety.