By Raven, Dalriada Lodges’ canine guest services assistant

Hey pals! How’s your week been? It’s been a busy time here at Dalriada Luxury Lodges – so much for it being a dog’s life! I’ve been rushed off my paws showing our guests around, pointing out all the best walks, and getting tummy rubs. I’m beginning to wonder if I’m the only one who ever does any work around here.

I know I’m not the only dog who’s run ragged trying to keep on top of my humans. We all know that that there’s no such thing as a 9-5 when you’re a dog with a job and you need to keep an eye out for them 24-7.

It always makes me chuckle when humans arrive at Dalriada, look out at the beautiful seaside views across the bay and say how much they need to switch off and relax. Don’t they know that dogs need holidays too?

I had a word with my owners about this. I told them I felt sad about all the dogs up and down the country – the police dogs, assistance dogs, gun dogs and so on – who need a holiday just as much as their owners. So, we’ve decided to do something about it!

We’re running a competition for one hard-working dog with a job to win a break to Dalriada Luxury Lodges. All you need to do is ask your owner to nominate you and explain why you are so deserving – we’ll then pick a winner.

If you’re lucky enough to get your paws on the prize, you’ll be able to enjoy a two-night stay at one of our beautiful properties. All of them have two bedrooms so you can take up to four members of your pack, and there’s plenty of room for loafing around in the living room and out on the sun deck.

All of the lodges have modern well-appointed kitchens where your owners can rustle up plenty of snacks for you. I’ll even personally see to it that you have your own doggy welcome pack.

What I love most about our lodges is that they are close to lots of great walks where you can stretch your legs – and make sure your owners are getting their daily exercise quota. 

I have two personal favourites and the first is Dunnottar Woods. Your humans will be able to park up for free in the car park, and it’s also got a great picnic area. I always get confused when the humans have their picnic before or after their walk – why not both?

The woods have some lovely way-marked walks. The paths are mostly long, moderate slopes but be warned, you’ll probably have to wait for your humans as they huff and puff their way up the shorter steep sections.

The other one I love is Stonehaven beach, which is just a stone’s throw away from Dalriada (depending on how good an arm your owner has, of course). There’s lots of sand to run around on, and I get so excited when my owners throw a ball into the sea for me to chase. It can be a bit chilly – and they never seem happy when I shake myself dry.

The other reason I love it is because we get to pass Aunty Betty’s ice cream shop, which is a real Stonehaven institution. Not only do those kindly folks do ice cream tubs just for us dogs, they also sell special dog treats. They even sell balls – just in case your own one gets washed out to sea!

There are lots of other great walks in and around Stonehaven, and plenty of cafes that will be happy to welcome you and your owners. Keep your eyes peeled on my blog and I’ll be revealing some of my favourite places to pop in for a bowl of water and treats.

So, what are you waiting for? Go get your owner to write up a testimonial on what makes you the best working dog ever and you could soon be putting your paws up at Dalriada Luxury Lodges. All they need to do is go on our Facebook. Twitter or Instagram pages to enter. And remember - #holsfordogs

Terms and Conditions

• To enter, tell us in no more than 50 words what job your dog does, and why they are deserving of the award using the hashtag #holsfordogs. Please upload a photograph too!
• The closing date for entries is October 31, 2019. The judges’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
• By entering the competition, you agree to participate in publicity organised by Dalriada Luxury Lodges in print, digital, social and broadcast media, and other marketing purposes. The photograph(s) and text you provide in your entry may be used for these purposes.
• The prize is a two-night break at Dalriada Luxury Lodges for up to four people and two dogs. The prize does not include travel expenses or travel insurance. The prize cannot be taken from December 23, 2019 until January 2, 2020.   
• The prize must be taken by March 31, 2020 and is subject to availability.