The lobby isn't complete without a warm four-legged greeting. So, Bobby Nashville partners with Bonaparte's Retreat, Instinct Dog Behavior & Training Nashville, PrydeShare, and Pets for Patriots to create the Dog-in-Residence program.
Like any workplace, new employees are welcomed to the Bobby Nashville all the time. And everyone is onboarded with the same levels of enthusiasm. Except, perhaps, this month. As Twiggy, the Bobby Nashville’s newest four-legged employee, starts her tenure, she might be considered a favorite.
Twiggy is the latest canine to serve in the Bobby Nashville’s Dog-in-Residence program. Rescue dogs are trained by Instinct Dog Behavior & Training Nashville for their new job inside a bustling downtown hotel. The training includes getting her used to various sounds and lots of activity. Like Winnie, Sasha, Hairy, Zoe—the previous Bobby Nashville Dogs-In-Residence—Twiggy will be on the payroll (with some of that pay coming in the form of her favorite treats), greeting guests and being Nashville’s furriest ambassador. Instinct also trains Twiggy’s human co-workers on how to read canine body language, so they’ll know when she is ready for her shift to end for the day.
Pets for Patriots, a national non-profit, helps the hotel locate a veteran in need of a dog companion. Once the right person is identified, Instinct will help train Twiggy for her permanent new home. Of course, many of the behaviors she learned to be a good hotel dog should be useful in a regular house, too. If needed, Pets for Patriots will help cover adoption for veterans in need.
The hotel encourages human guests to bring their dogs to town with them. Every time a human books a room at the Bobby Nashville with their pet, the hotel donates to Pets for Patriots and Bonaparte’s Retreat. Plus, all dog guests get a free plush toy. Other partners working with the Bobby Nashville on its Dog-in-Residence program include PrydeShare, a pet-friendly ride-share company.
Twiggy has a lot of responsibilities, but we got her to sit (and stay) for a few minutes to talk about her new gig.
Bobby Nashville: Congratulations on your new job, Twiggy! Tell us about yourself.
Twiggy: Thanks. I’m ready to get started. I was homeless for a little while before I started hanging out at Bonaparte’s Retreat and I’m really grateful that they helped me get healthy and ready to work. I’m a year-and-a-half-old hound mix. I think my family ancestors included American English Coonhounds and Redbone Coonhounds.
Bobby Nashville: How do you feel about crowds? Lots of people stay at the hotel and you, with your long ears and silky coat, are going to be very popular.
Twiggy: I love all people and thrive in large groups. That’s because more people equals more pets.
Bobby Nashville: More pets sounds good. Do you like to play? Any favorite games?
Twiggy: I’m a hound and am led by my nose. I like to sniff mats and a good game of “find it” with treats in the yard.
Bobby Nashville: What do you do on your days off?
Twiggy: I love to go on walks and do activities with my foster family and co-workers, but I also love to just snuggle up and binge-watch TV.
Bobby Nashville: A comfy hotel room is a good place to do that!
