Dog lover Jo plans pet pawty to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Pet lover Jo Parr has come up with the perfect way to celebrate the Queen’s 70 years on the throne – a Jubilee Pawty so dogs can bow-(wow) to Her Majesty too!

There’ll be fun games and prizes, treat-filled picnic boxes – and even an ornate royal carriage for that all-important Insta pic to mark the prestigious occasion.

“Everyone’s having street parties and celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Anniversary, but I wanted to give everyone something to do with their dogs too,” says Jo, owner of The Dog Barn in Rainford, St Helens.

“Dogs are part of the family, especially after lockdown when we’ve all come to realise how important our animals are to us.

The Dog Barn dressed for the Jubilee

“Many of our customers are young couples who haven’t had children yet, or older couples whose children have left home, so it’s a chance to get out and be with other people – and their dogs.”

And she adds: “It’s not just for dogs. It’s just going to be a lovely family day out, and a chance for people to celebrate and join in the party atmosphere over the Jubilee weekend without having to leave their four-legged friends at home.”

The Jubilee Pawty is being held on Friday, June 3, at Inglenook Farm in Moss Nook Lane where The Dog Barn – which specialises in pet supplies, grooming and training in Catchdale Moss Lane – has another store.

Families will be able to order picnic boxes for their pets stuffed with cheesy scones, lamb sausage rolls and a royal cupcake from the Dog Bowl Deli, and there’ll be ‘picnic boxes for humans’ from the Cherry Orchard Tearoom.

If anyone attends with Her Majesty’s favourite dog, the Corgi, the pampered pooch will be made guest of honour and receive their picnic box for free.

Jo says: “There’s a lovely courtyard at Inglenook which we thought was perfect for a Jubilee Pawty, and there’s plenty of space for everyone.

“We’re going to have games like Temptation Alley for the dogs, musical bumps and bobbing carrots in the canine hydrotherapy pool.

“There will be plenty of Instagram opportunities for dog owners with the special royal carriage and doggy-sized castles, and all kinds of things going on. And, if it rains, we’ve got the barn we can go in. We’ve gone all out, and I just love it!”

The party starts at 11am with three hours of food and fun, followed by a celebratory walk at 2pm to crown the very special event.

It costs £3 per car to park at Inglenook: “After which people can just pay for any food for themselves or their pets,” says Jo.

She is, however, hoping the event will raise money for doggie charities like the Cheshire Dogs Home by asking anyone who wants to to leave a donation.

“It’s going to be fab, and it’s going to be fun,” says Jo. “Why shouldn’t dogs have a party to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee?

“She is well-known for her fondness for animals – and I think Her Majesty would love it.”