Melbourne’s Park Hyatt Hotel hires its first ever canine ambassador

MELBOURNE’S Park Hyatt has taken on Mr Walker as a permanent guest, but he’ll have to pay his way as the hotel’s first canine ambassador.

Mr Walker is the Park Hyatt Melbourne’s new canine ambassador. Picture: David Caird

WHEN it comes to kennels, this pampered pooch certainly isn’t ruffing it.

Melbourne’s Park Hyatt has taken on Mr Walker, a Blonde Labrador, as a permanent guest but he’ll have to pay his way as the hotel’s first canine ambassador.

The 18-month-old pup was initially trained to provide assistance with Guide Dogs Victoria but his larger-then-life personality saw him transferred to the life of an ambassador.

Hotel manager Brett Sweetman said he was delighted to look after Mr Walker as an employer and his official foster carer.

“We are very proud to be able to count Walker as part of family, and confident that he will make everyone feel at home here at Park Hyatt Melbourne,” he said.

Guest Services officer Velos Panteli gives Mr Walker a pat on the front steps. Picture: David Caird

Daily activities will include greeting guests arriving at the Park Hyatt, with visitors able to take their morning walks with the pooch or visit him lounging on a custom-made Tasmanian Oak bed.

“It’s a great privilege to work with such a well-regarded partner like the esteemed Park Hyatt to share the great work that Guide Dogs do within our community,” Guide Dogs Victoria CEO Karen Hayes said.

“We’ve already heard some great feedback from the team at Park Hyatt that guests who have booked in for later this year are requesting to join Mr Walker on a stroll through the park.

“He will also play an important role in raising awareness about the role Guide Dogs play in the lives of those with blindness or low vision, but also in raising funds for us to breed, raise and train more life changing dogs.”