A puppy who became the resident dog at an Ipswich pub has settled into her new role and is proving a hit with customers.
Dina, affectionately known as “Babycakes”, is now almost seven months old and has made herself at home at Mannings in the town centre.
The energetic youngster regularly enjoys the run of the pub, where her favourite things include belly rubs, attention and, above all, food.
Her owner joked that “the biggest risk to people is that she could lick you to death”, although Dina is learning basic commands including sitting and offering her paw.
The puppy also attends Doggie Daycare on Christchurch Park once a week, helping her socialise with other dogs.
Mannings actively welcomes dogs and Dina has already made a number of regular canine friends.
However, customers visiting with dogs are asked to keep them on leads unless agreed otherwise, while anyone who is frightened of or allergic to dogs can ask staff to give Dina some quiet time.
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There is also one important rule for customers tempted by her puppy-dog eyes - don’t feed Dina.
Her owner said she “wants to eat everything, everything, all of the food”, but customers are asked not to give her human food, particularly crisps and salty snacks, to keep her healthy.
Dina lives above the pub as the family pet as well as spending time downstairs with customers.
Her owner added: “It is a real joy to see her grow and develop as our beloved pub dog downstairs, and adored family pet upstairs.”
And Dina appears to have become the star of the show.
“When we walk into the pub together she is the one that gets the warm greetings and big smiles, and I am left relegated to secondary importance, and that’s just fine and dandy.”
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