A popular board game café working to become the most inclusive place in Ipswich will now welcome customers’ furry friends each week. 

Geek Retreat, in Upper Brook Street in Ipswich, has announced that dogs will now be welcome into the shop every Monday. 

“Our customers kept saying, I’d like to bring my dog, and we listened,” said Geek Retreat owner, Sharon Lockhart.

The idea first came to them, Mrs Lockhart explained, from two members of their crocheting group, who both use service dogs. 

Mrs Lockhart co-owns Geek Retreat with her husband, Rob Harden. 

Ipswich Star: It was the popularity of Luna the service dog that inspired 'Dog Day' Mondays. Image: Geek RetreatIt was the popularity of Luna the service dog that inspired 'Dog Day' Mondays. Image: Geek Retreat (Image: Geek Retreat)

Ipswich Star: Annushka the husky wearing her special Geek Retreat collar. Image: Geek RetreatAnnushka the husky wearing her special Geek Retreat collar. Image: Geek Retreat (Image: Geek Retreat)

A service dog can be used to assist people with a host of various disabilities. Guide dogs can be used by people who are blind and deaf, or as alert dogs for those with epilepsy and diabetes. 

They can also act as emotional support animals, and are particularly helpful to people with autism, who may find navigating social settings anxiety-inducing. 

One of these service dogs, Luna, became so popular with customers that Mrs Lockhart decided to try allowing pet dogs into the shop, too. 

Ipswich Star: Sharon Lockhart co-owns Geek Retreat with her husband, Rob Harden. Image: NewsquestSharon Lockhart co-owns Geek Retreat with her husband, Rob Harden. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

The first ‘Dog Day’ took place on Monday, May 15, to roaring success. 

“We are mindful that some of our customers may be afraid of dogs, so we are not allowing dogs into the upstairs space, to keep that area dog-free,” said Mrs Lockhart. “We are seeing how goes, but so far, the response has been very positive.” 

This Monday was Dog Joke Day, with customers challenged to tell their best dog joke, with a dog-themed goodie bag given to the winner. 

“We have also started offering ‘puppaccinos’ too,” said Sharon. “And who doesn’t love an afternoon out with a puppaccino and your dog”?”