Foundations of an Idea

So towards the end of the month we take time to formally introduce another member of our pack. This month we are introducing Faery, her bio is now live on the website and you will see some lovely images and videos of her on our social media.

It seemed right that as well as introducing our wonderful girls to you I take a little time to tell you a bit more about me and how the Cafe came to be formed.

When I was a baby I adored the family Golden Retrievers. Such mild natured dogs, they were happy to let me crawl all over them and I always preferred to nap on the floor with them, curled in their fur. I had a toy pram, just like a lot of children, but instead of pushing dolls I always popped my stuffed dogs in for a ride.

When I started school my favourite make believe game was playing ‘dogs’. My friends joined me in running about the playground barking and we made a dog club it was such an obsession. I didn’t have a dog of my own and asked constantly to be allowed one.

At 8 I got my very own Jack Russell cross and fell in love with Bart. He became my best friend and confidant despite not being able to talk. As a single child he was my sibling when moving abroad and having to make new friends. Having a dog helped start conversations and created a bond even when unable to speak the same language.

I didn’t get my first Chihuahua until four and a half years ago. Having lost Bart I wasn’t sure I could love another dog as much but Ama made it pretty hard not to love her. Having something so tiny love you so much is a pretty overwhelming experience and I couldn’t help but return the affection!

Ama was my first dog with my partner and meant to enrich our lives but it soon became apparent she didn’t stop there. Walking down the street she was always followed by gasps and squeaks as people spotted this cute, tiny dog. Complete strangers would beg permission to pet her and she developed her own paparazzi. I had never had anyone ask for a photo of my dog before and was bewildered. I knew she was cute and lovely but had no idea she would cause such a stir wherever she went.

When Cat Cafes started to open in the UK and I made a trip out to Japan and started experiencing Animal Cafes for myself I realised what people were getting from Ama. The excitement and joy I felt from simply interacting with animals made me realise what the people wanting to pet Ama were experiencing. I had my own pet at home but still enjoyed the novelty of meeting different animals and just being able to create a small connection with new furry friends.

There isn’t much more heart warming than feeling that an animal has chosen to give you their attention for a small period of time. Getting up close and personal with an animal is always rewarding and instantly puts a smile on your face. Thinking about how Ama could make a bad day feel better I realised that Animal Cafes are a secret form of therapy.

I didn’t get my first Chihuahua until four and a half years ago. Having lost Bart I wasn’t sure I could love another dog as much but Ama made it pretty hard not to love her. Having something so tiny love you so much is a pretty overwhelming experience and I couldn’t help but return the affection!

Ama was my first dog with my partner and meant to enrich our lives but it soon became apparent she didn’t stop there. Walking down the street she was always followed by gasps and squeaks as people spotted this cute, tiny dog. Complete strangers would beg permission to pet her and she developed her own paparazzi. I had never had anyone ask for a photo of my dog before and was bewildered. I knew she was cute and lovely but had no idea she would cause such a stir wherever she went.
Since starting our Pop Ups we have achieved the impossible in modern, fast paced, stressful life – we haven’t had one angry or upset customer! This isn’t down to food and drink above and beyond what anyone else out there serves. It’s not down to the decor and furnishings of our temporary host venue. It’s not down to our service, although we certainly try to make you feel welcome.

The reason every guest leaves with a little smile on their face is undoubtedly down to one main factor – getting time to interact with man’s best friend! We think our girls are the best hosts in the world.

1 Comment
  • Margaret Templeton
    Posted at 23:09h, 01 December Reply

    I have two Yorkshire terrier, my 2yr old loves nothing better than lying in bed and cuddling with mama.

Post A Comment