In May 2019, Canine Cottages launched a six-week recruitment drive to find special dogs from 10 UK regions to join their team as ‘canine critics’. As part of their prize, these brand ambassadors are responsible for testing out and reviewing the facilities in some of Canine Cottages’ holiday properties.

In a statement released this week, the firm revealed it had received 51,850 applications from dogs across the country, each one hoping to bag one of the coveted positions and receive a ‘salary’ of a free cottage holiday, access to local dog-friendly days out, as well as a selection of free products from top brands to review.

Application criteria included sharing a brief ‘pup personality’ description, as well as a recent photo. Successful recruits needed to have character and an obvious love of fun and adventure, along with a willing human who would be able to capture their experiences for the Canine Cottages website.

The 13 successful applicants are as follows:

• North-West – Toby & Amos (pictured above, left): described as an inseparable pair of ‘wonderdogs’, with Toby guiding his blind partner-in-crime Amos
• Scotland – Maggie: described as a loving black Lab who gave her shy teenage owner a newfound confidence
• North-East – Willow & Bobby: described as a pair of spaniels who love the outdoors and have a never-ending supply of energy
• Yorkshire – Penny: described as once the runt of the litter but now a friendly and curious goofball who’ll try anything and everything
• The Midlands – Woody: described as a cheeky chap described by his friends as ‘a golden boy with a golden heart’
• Wales – Bear (pictured above, centre): described as a mischievous German shepherd who doesn’t let having two titanium hips get in the way of an adventure
• East of England – Dilbert: described as a characterful Cardigan Welsh corgi with a penchant for dressing up and chilling in cafes
• London – Puggy Smalls and Pops (pictured above, right): described as husband and wife internet sensations living their best life in the city after Pops was rescued from a puppy farm
• South-East – Barney: described as the floofiest Chow Chow on the block with a booty shake that would give Beyonce a run for her money
• South-West – Honey: described as a gentle Staffy Cross who was adopted from Bristol Dogs’ Home at just a year old and is proud to represent ‘bully breeds’ with a lot of love to give

The recruits can be seen here!

Commenting on the recruitment drive, a spokesperson for the company said: “We had no idea quite how many dogs are looking for employment and would have loved to have hired everyone who applied! The selection process was unbelievably tough, and the calibre of applicants was outstanding. However, the 13 special pups we have recruited are fantastic and we’re proud that they will be representing our brand over the next year.”

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