Pets In Hotels Good Project

The Westin Ottawa’s official greeter landed her job despite tough selection criteria: impeccable grooming, patience despite long hours on your feet — and a wet nose.

But Ellie, a two-year-old border-collie mix, loves the job, drawing an endless stream of guests for pats on the head.

The hotel lobby has been Ellie’s foster home thanks to a partnership with Ottawa Dog Rescue.

Since the program’s inception last November, the Westin has fostered a pair of puppies and a chihuahua named Taco, who loved to be carried around by staff like a baby.

All of the animals faced an uncertain future until they were rescued by the volunteer-run organization and given a temporary home at the hotel.

“The thought that we in some way saved that dog’s life means a lot to us,” said Ross Meredith, the hotel’s general manager.

Lobby animals are common at upscale hotels around the globe. But Meredith says the Westin is the first in town to use one.

When not being walked by a guest, Ellie stays in her kennel under the escalator in the lobby. At night, she sleeps behind the front desk or in an office.

Ottawa Dog Rescue works to find the abandoned, abused and surrendered animals a permanent home. Suitable lobby dogs are usually mid-sized or smaller, unaggressive and not prone to barking.

In addition to giving dogs a safe, warm place to sleep at night, Meredith says the presence of dogs may help some guests feel more relaxed. “If you travel a lot, you miss the comforts of home.”

Ellie was scheduled to leave the Westin on Monday with her new adoptive family. Her departure will open up the space for another rescued dog in search of love.

But there may be some tears among the staff when she goes.