Picture Pawfect: The suite life of Darling and Pogi

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, rolls out the red carpet for staycationers with pets, including Woof Buddies, Darling and Pogi  

While the floor-to-ceiling windows on the 111^th floor of the Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, would normally yield stunning vistas of Victoria Harbour and the city below, on this foggy afternoon all that can be seen are clouds of grey mist. But nobody seems to mind at all because, inside, sausage dogs and Woof Twisters ambassadors (aka. Woof Buddies) Darling and Pogi are cavorting up a storm in their suite.   

See also: Pogi & Darling: The story of two Hong Kong rescue pups

Doggy bandanas from Woof Pack are put onto each as they squirm, trying to reach the picnic hamper that the hotel has laid out as part of its pet staycation package, The Pawfect Stay. Darling dashes around, sniffing and leaping at the faintest whiff of food. A foster from the Lifelong Animal Protection Charity (LAP), Darling has only mastered “stay” in much calmer surrounds. Pogi, on the other hand, having been adopted by his owner four years ago, remains still with Herculean self-control as he is lifted into the picnic basket, surrounded by human and doggy treats alike. 

Like many other hotels that have opened their doors to local residents looking for an in-town escape, the Ritz-Carlton has introduced its fair share of staycations. Now, in the spirit of joy and cheer in the holiday season, the hotel has unveiled The Pawfect Stay to treat humans as well as one special canine or feline friend. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a picnic basket for two. Pets are provided with a plush bed, water and food bowls, and a Lion Pierre plush toy alongside welcome treats and a delicious meal prepared by the hotel’s chefs.  

The staycation is being offered until December 30, with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

For those who might want to bring additional snacks for their pet, why not head to Woof Twisters? Produced by the social enterprise Cookie Smiles, which makes a deliberate effort to employ and retrain people of all abilities as well as the disadvantaged, each treat is a nutritious mix of pumpkin, whole wheat flour and freshly ground peanut butter paste. Twenty percent of Woof Twister’s annual profits will go to the Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association and Splash Foundation. 

After a tough year, in which humans have seen their fair share of ups and downs and pandemic scares have left many pets abandoned and stranded, it’s important to cherish time with loved ones, man or beast, and be reminded that pets should be treasured for life. 

Go behind the scenes of our photo shoot with Pogi and Darling:

Learn more about the Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong’s Pawfect Stay package

CREDITS
Photography / Renee Neoh 
Styling / Samuel Choi
Location / The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
Treats / Woof Twisters 
Models / Darling and Pogi
Pet clothes / Woof Pack 
Special thanks to Pogi’s hooman / Tracy Cheng

See also: Hong Kong’s best pet-friendly hotels for your next staycation