Beau, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver K9 Ambassador

(with owner and Fairmont concierge, Debbie Harris)

Visitors to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver can shake paws with K9 Ambassadors Mavis or Beau - former BC Guide Dog trainees, better suited to the glitz, glam and social life of hotel ambassador. Beau, a stunning one-year-old Yellow Labrador cross, enjoys taking guests shopping along Robson Street (where some stores give him doggie treats), strolling in Stanley Park, and meeting other dogs at English Bay beach. Debbie Harris, Beau's owner, and a concierge at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, describes the K9 Ambassador Program.

Are hotel guests allowed to take Beau out for walks?
Certainly! Fairmont Hotel Vancouver guests who want to walk Beau or Mavis during their stay simply phone the hotel operator to book a time. It's complimentary - although you may have to "stoop and scoop" during a walk. We provide you with a leash and "Puppy Pack" that includes water and dog treats. The nearby Fairmont Waterfront Hotel also has a K9 Ambassador named Holly and she loves walking too.

Is that a Gucci dog collar?
Like many gentlemen that walk through the lobby of the hotel, Beau likes to stick his nose in the Gucci boutique, and one day they gave him his own designer collar! Mavis, the other Fairmont Waterfront K9 Ambassador, has a collar from Louis Vuitton.

Can guests bring their own dogs on holiday to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and Fairmont Waterfront?
Yes, and many do. For $25 CAD ($30 CAD at the Fairmont Waterfront), dogs are treated to a plush dog bed, water bowl, toy and treats. It's become a very popular program as Vancouver is such a dog-friendly city. In fact, Vancouver ranked #1 in DogFriendly.com's annual ranking of the best dog-friendly cities in North America.

Has Beau shaken paws with any high profile people?
Beau met Celine Dion when she was here rehearsing for a private function in the hotel. It's hard for Beau to compete with Mavis though. In Mavis' six years at the hotel she has met three Prime Ministers, Robin Williams and Queen Elizabeth! She's definitely top dog in that regard.

Guests who can't bear to say goodbye to their new furry friend can keep in touch with Beau via his email address: beauthedog@fairmont.com. You can also purchase a Beau plush toy at the Fairmont store.

fairmont.com

February 2008