What Living With a Rescue Dog Has Taught Me About Running a Dog-Friendly Hotel

Lucy Bright
Jan 16
2 min read

When people see “dog-friendly hotel”, it often gets taken at face value. A tick box. A policy. A couple of bowls and a blanket.

But living with a rescue dog has taught me that being genuinely dog-friendly is something much deeper than that.

Sage joined my life after being rescued through the RSPCA. Like many rescue dogs, she didn’t arrive with a clean slate. She came with her own experiences, sensitivities, boundaries and learning curves. She’s clever, loyal, affectionate and very much her own dog.

Living with her has quietly reshaped how I think about dogs, travel, and what people really need when they stay somewhere with their dog.

And without planning to, it’s changed how I run the hotel.

Dogs Aren’t All the Same and That Matters

One of the biggest misconceptions about dog-friendly accommodation is that all dogs are confident, social, relaxed travellers.

The reality is very different.

Some dogs are nervous in new places. Some are older and quieter. Some are rescues still finding their feet. Some don’t enjoy busy, noisy environments or being expected to “fit in”.

Living with Sage has reinforced something I already believed but now understand on a deeper level: dogs are individuals.

That understanding feeds directly into how we welcome dogs at The Ashleigh.

What “Dog Friendly” Means Here

Being dog-friendly here isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about creating an environment where dogs are genuinely comfortable, not merely allowed.

That means:

A calm, relaxed atmosphere
Limited dog numbers to avoid overwhelm
No judgement if a dog is nervous, barks occasionally, or needs routine
Thoughtful touches that help dogs settle rather than overstimulate them

It also means understanding the humans travelling with them because travelling with a dog, especially a rescue or sensitive dog, can be stressful if you’re worried about being judged or turned away.

That’s not how it should feel.

How This Shapes the Guest Experience

Many of our guests tell us the same thing: their dog settles here faster, sleeps better, and seems more relaxed than they expected.

That’s not an accident.

It comes from an approach shaped by lived experience, not just a policy page. Living with Sage has deepened my empathy for dogs that need space, patience and understanding — and for owners who just want to enjoy a break without constantly worrying.