Terrific Terrier among those awarded for exceptional service
News
In an honour normally reserved for two-legged members of staff, mixed Terrier, Skye, has entered the record books by being the first dog ever to receive an Exceptional Service Award from the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA).
Skye's owner, Ray Smith, who manages Woodclose Park in Kirkby Lonsdale, part of Lake District Estates, was recently told that he was being nominated for an Exceptional Service Award. But Rachel Bell, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Lake District Estates, who made the nomination, knew there was another member of staff at the park equally deserving of the association's top accolade.
Claire Tupholme Content Editor: Travel/Campsites
Claire Tupholme Content Editor: Travel/Campsites
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14-year-old Skye had been adopted by Ray two years ago from the Wainwright Shelter of Animal Rescue Cumbria, and quickly became a much-loved fixture in the park's reception.
She became a real hit with guests from the outset, giving everyone a tail-wagging welcome, and becoming somewhat of a park celebrity in the process.
So Rachel also nominated Skye for the award – and this month the Terrier became the first dog in HARPA's 75-year history to be celebrated as an exceptional and highly valued team member.
Speaking about his beloved dog's award, Ray said that Woodclose has always been delighted to welcome pets and provides a dedicated dog exercise field, a special welcome pack for self-catering guests, a doggy shower, and the park shop even stocks ice cream for dogs.
Lake District Estates is a family-owned business with several holiday parks in Cumbria, all of which are dog friendly. Rachel believes that dogs can benefit as much as humans from a change of scenery, and that Skye is a fantastic advocate for the company's dog-friendly policies.
Exceptional Service Awards were also presented by Lake District Estates to managers at two of its other holiday parks: Tony and Clare Taylor from Clea Hall Holiday Park, and Gary Stoupe from Waterfoot Park. Skye will now have a place forever in HARPA's hall of fame!
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