WHILE the country may be going to the dogs, our four- legged friends have never had it so good.
Pet lovers are not content with just a walk round the park — they’re taking them shopping, out for dinner and even to the cinema.
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Even churches and cathedrals now cater for the 13.5million pooches across the country by welcoming paws in pews for regular services as well as special animal ceremonies and “blessings”.
A new survey by the National Churches Trust has shown that 63 per cent of 285 UK churches polled consider themselves dog friendly and Rev Elizabeth Foot said: “I am always surprised when I see people waiting outside with their dogs and I say come and join us.
“We even have dog biscuits and if anybody wants their pets to have a blessing I am more than happy to do that.
“We have even had dog bridesmaids in weddings.”
Chris Naughton took his dog Layla to church in Didsbury, Manchester, after she battled cancer and had chemotherapy.
Designer Chris said: “I was surprised when I heard about it and was very surprised that so many animals turned up.
“Layla loved it and seemed relaxed as she was blessed by the vicar too.”
Cinemas across the country are also holding special screenings where owners can take dogs.
Chain Curzon, which has 16 nationwide, and Picturehouse with 25, show films with slightly brighter lights and duller sounds to help pups adapt.
As dogs don’t get a seat they go free and at Curzon’s weekly “Dog Day Afternoon” when free cans of Butcher’s dog food are given out while they watch the latest releases, such as erotic thriller Babygirl.
Dogs are generally welcome in pubs with some chains such as BrewDog even offering a dog-friendly menu and “beer”.
Gareth Redhead from the Saracens Head in Halsall, Lancs, said: “Many of our customers come in with their dogs, we have treats and sausages for them.
“We’d have much less trade if we weren’t dog friendly so it makes good business sense for shops and cinemas to welcome them.”
Even upmarket restaurant chains, such as Argentinian steakhouse Gaucho, welcome dogs and some branches host a monthly “Doggy Saturday” with a free three-course doggy menu for accompanying pets.
Laid-back chains Bill’s and Costa Coffee allow dogs as long as they stay off the furniture and some serve a coffee-free “puppuccino”.
TV chef Gordon Ramsay even accepts small dogs at 11 of his London restaurants while five locations across London and Edinburgh accept dogs of all sizes.
While dogs are also welcome at John Lewis, Apple and Lush.
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Going dog friendly
Research has found going dog friendly can boost businesses by between 20 and 50 per cent.
DogFriendly Awards general manager James Waters said: “It’s not just nice to have dogs, it’s good for business.”
But a dog behaviour expert has warned pooches may not be enjoying the visits as much as you do.
James Carroll, a clinical animal behaviourist at dogbehaviourist manchester.com said: “Taking your dog everywhere might seem like the best option for them and you, but in reality most dogs aren’t having as much fun as you might think.
“So train your dog to settle and relax and make sure they’re not more stressed in busy public spaces than they would be if they were left at home.”
