March 4th 2026
Why Every Dog Owner is a Butler in Disguise!
‘Hu-man’s best friend?’ When it comes to life with a four-legged friend we really ought to be honest…It is all about them.
At first we fooled ourselves into believing that we’d be really strict, that they wouldn’t be allowed on the bed or the sofa, and that a puppy would need to fit into our life. We thought about how nice it would be to have a reason to go for morning walks, the extra company at home, and a happy wagging tail to greet us at the door.
But let’s just say it how it is. From the moment those puppy eyes caught our attention we folded, on everything. We walk by their clock; we prepare their meals in a timely fashion and leave the heating on for fear of them getting chilly (whilst we used to freeze to death).
Yes, we celebrate their birthday (there’s nothing wrong with arranging a dog cake is there?!), we leave social events early because of guilt that our precious four-legged one is bored and the first thought when booking a break away is certainly, ‘is it dog-friendly?’.
So, it’s probably about time we admit it, they call the shots, they ‘own’ us and we wouldn’t change a thing.
When we do get away, seeing them in their element, living their best lives, snuffling in the leaves and playing in muddy puddles warms our heart whether we planned it this way or not. It’s worth the rainy walks, poop-scooping and endless worries if they’re unwell, because now our lives revolve around them and meeting their every need. We’ve accepted our fate as alpha…butler.
When it comes to booking time off forget prioritising wine lists and spa facilities as we once might have. These days when we book breaks we’re drawn to luxury dog-friendly hotels that offer a warm, genuine welcome.
We’re pulled toward hotels that provide helpful amenities and home comforts like dog beds and welcome hampers. And we love a hotel that not only accommodates dogs in our room or suite but in other areas of the hotel and outside spaces.
At The Montagu Arms hotel, their country pub, Monty’s Inn, invites humans and canines to come together to dine. What more could we want after a New Forest ramble than to sit down to delicious food in a cosy, comfy spot.
And we’re not just talking a bowl of kibble, “no siree”, this New Forest hotel boasts the fabulous A La Bark menu – because our dogs deserve the best.
What could feel more special to dog parents than a whole menu dedicated to our pooch, available in the country pub, Monty’s Inn, but also in the hotel lounge and the rooms. From 100% natural snack chews and delicious mains such as chicken casserole and beef stew to Jude’s ice-cream for dogs and even Woof & Brew Dog Beer!
Did we mention the Dog Afternoon Tea? With the choice between chicken, turkey, beef or fish, accompanied with a Ruffingtons eclair, a canine cupcake and Jude’s ice cream for dogs. Now that’s worth celebrating! Dogs aren’t just allowed at The Montagu Arms hotel, they’ve been warmly considered and they’re affectionately welcomed every time.
No shortcuts here, if it’s a luxury break, it ought to be a luxury break for every guest! So, if you’re contemplating whether the New Forest is the right location to win their waggy heart, you’d be right.
Endless scents to sniff, open heath-covered landscapes to roam and plenty of adventures to be had, no matter whether you’re a couple with a dog or a family with a dog, if you’re a devoted dog parent the New Forest National Park is the place to be. And The Montagu Arms hotel, has luxury dog-friendly breaks sorted for the whole family.
