Bognor’s Mrs Whippy shares her passion for pooches

• You are known as ‘Mrs Whippy’ because of your profession, but you are also a dog lover. Will you tell me more about your passion for pooches?

I have always loved dogs, but we didn’t actually get a family dog until about eight years ago. Reg is a pedigree English bulldog. My son knew exactly the breed he wanted and we did lots of research. I even made the family role play having a dog so that I was certain that we were all really able to look after him properly! Dog ownership is a big commitment and it was important to us as a family we were really able to embrace it. But we finally got Reg and he has absolutely changed our lives.

• Is it true that Reg has a celebrity birthday twin?

We think Reg shares a birthday with Roscoe, Lewis Hamilton’s bulldog. Talking to Lewis about dogs was a real connection and we had a lovely conversation. We agreed that bulldogs think they are humans and they have to be reminded now and again that they are actually dogs.

• Is Pinks Parlour dog friendly?

Dogs are part of the family but can also be a tie, so with Pinks it was really important to make it fully dog friendly. We had been to places that said they were dog friendly, but in reality this often meant a corner at the back of the garden. We had the floor designed so that it can be sterilised and sparkling clean in a minute, even if a dog has been for a paddle in the sea or has sandy paws. We also offer special formulated nutritionally balanced ice cream for our dog visitors.

• We are currently in tier four. As a business owner, what are your thoughts?

It has been such a tough time for businesses. Supporting those rights on your doorstep has never been more important.

• January marks Walk Your Dog Month. Will you be using this as inspiration to get out with Reg more often?

I’m a great one for making New Year’s resolutions and then giving up, so it’s important to pick things that are doable and fun. Obviously every month is walk your dog month if you have a pooch, but this is a chance to really focus on how blessed we are to live in a lovely place, with a fantastic beach and seafront. We get lots of people coming to socialise at the parlour after a blustery stroll. Ice cream sundaes and hot chocolate are the perfect end to a winter walk.

• You have created something special with Walk Your Dog Month in mind. How can people find out more?

We wanted to do something positive to start the year and walking, with or without a dog, is a great way to do that. We’ve had lots of fun creating a surprise canine-inspired campaign with my friend Taffy. Find out more at www.facebook.com/PinksIceCreamParlour

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