A Durham dog cafe has been nominated for a TeamDogs' We Love Dogs Award.
Paws for a Cuppa, in Langley Park, opened its doors to dogs and their owners last July.
They allow dogs to play off-lead, drive headfirst into sandpits and take afternoon naps on their sofas - all while their owners tuck into tea and cakes.
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Owner Annette Atherton, 43, from County Durham said: “I always wanted to open a dog-friendly café.
“I used to be a dog walker, then when Covid hit, I lost the majority of my customers. They were all home to walk their dogs themselves.
“I fell in love with a property in Langley Park, Durham, and took the plunge to open my own doggy café.”
Paws for a Cuppa has a dedicated doggy menu, with dog-friendly afternoon tea, pupcakes, seasonal biscuits and savoury favourites.
The café has a large indoor playroom, ball pit and sandpit for dogs, and runs weekly events for pups to burn off energy and socialise.
“We have lots of toys for them to play with, an area where they can be off-lead, and we host dog birthday parties. We’re hoping to have a private room for hire soon,” Annette said.
As well as serving delicious dog-friendly delights, Annette bakes fresh homemade cakes for her human customers.
“We have a lot of regulars that pop in for a cuppa and a chat. If I’m running low on staff, they’ll even jump in and help me wash the dishes,” Annette said.
“It’s a really lovely, welcoming place to be. There’s a sofa by the counter, and many people have made friends on it.
“At Paws for a Cuppa, we are one big, friendly, dog-loving family.”
Annette loves making people happy and seeing all the puppies grow up.
“When people say it’s ‘the best café’ they’ve ever been to, or ‘the best cake’ they’ve ever had, it fills me with joy,” she added.
Currently ranking in top place for TeamDogs' WeLoveDogs Award, one user said: “Annette tries to bring many groups to the dog cafe including knit and natter and the lovely ladies love it!
"I think in this current climate after COVID it is one of the best things ever as a lot of people have suffered with their mental health. The cakes and scones are yummy and all homemade.”
Another user said: “Owner is amazing, brought so much to local community & raises so much for dog charities.”
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