Celebrating International Dog Day at the Castle
On August 26, dog lovers around the world come together to celebrate International Dog Day – a heartfelt tribute to the love, loyalty and joy our four-legged friends bring into our lives. At Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, where pets are part of the family, this special day holds a unique significance. After all, our hotel is not only dog-friendly, it’s also home to some very special canine ambassadors and a proud partner of BC & Alberta Guide Dogs.
If you’ve ever stepped into our grand lobby, you may have been greeted by our beloved team members, Ella and Elly. Although the two didn’t graduate to be guide dogs (due to their too-social nature), Ella and Elly provide comfort, companionship and a warm welcome to guests from around the globe.
This year, we’re proud to shine a light on Kingsley – a pup we sponsored last year through BC & Alberta Guide Dog’s Puppy Raising program and is now one of the program’s rising stars. Kingsley is a confident and affectionate yellow Labrador who is nearing the end of his formal training journey. Kingsley has been working diligently on foundational skills and developing impeccable leash manners. In fact, he was quickly able to pick up curb training – a critical safety skill that teaches dogs to stop and wait at the edge of a sidewalk before crossing. He’s also excelled at public access skills, staying calm and focused in busy environments like shopping malls and restaurants.
Now, Kingsley is preparing for his Advanced Training in Edmonton in early September. In this next phase of training, he will begin learning specialized tasks such as deep pressure therapy, anchoring during moments of distress, and interrupting anxious behaviours. These skills will help determine whether he will be best matched as an OSI-PTSD Service Dog for a Veteran or first responder, or as an Autism Service Dog for a child with profound autism. We are incredibly proud of Kingsley’s progress and can’t wait to follow his journey as he continues to grow into a life-changing companion!
To celebrate International Dog Day, Kingsley, alongside Elly and Ella, will be welcoming guests and passersby in the hotel lobby from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Join us for complimentary cookies, Lobby Dog Lager, and a fun photo op station for your pups! New this year, we’ve partnered with Park’s Best to create exclusive Fairmont Hotel Vancouver-branded dog collars, available for purchase during the event.
Stay With Us, and Bring Your Dogs!
Whether you’re a lifelong pet lover or have recently welcomed a new four-legged companion into your family, we’re making it easier than ever to travel together. Take advantage of our Lab of Luxury package and enjoy a complimentary pet stay, 10% off our best available rate, and free parking. Plus, toast your stay with a welcome 4-pack of Lobby Dog Lager, our exclusive local brew.
About BC & Alberta Guide Dogs
BC & Alberta Guide Dogs is a charity that breeds, raises, and professionally trains guide and service dogs to support people who are blind/visually impaired, Veterans and first responders with PTSD, and children with autism. Each dog is provided at no cost to the recipient – an incredible gift that’s only possible through community support and donations.
