Dogs are to be banned
I took my dog, Suki, for one last walk around Trentham Garden Centre before it closes its doors to dogs on June 30 2025.(Image: StokeOnTrentLive)
One of the main things I love most about warm weather and sunny skies is being able to take my dogs out to beauty spots, and even for a stroll around shopping destinations. It’s not only great for my physical and mental health, but also for my dogs’ health too.
Taking your pooch to different places is great for their mental stimulation, because as well as seeing all the things we see, their hearing ability and sense of smell is incomprehensible for us. That’s why it’s important to let them stop and sniff during a walk, and letting them socialise with other humans and dogs (unless they’re unfriendly) is critical for a dog, too.
I recently took my nine-and-a-half year old mixed breed, Suki, out for a meander around Trentham Garden Centre, and I was gutted to think that may be the last time she ever ventures in there. Suki absolutely loves seeing and sniffing around the popular shopping location, especially because of the amount of other four-legged friends walking around in addition to the large outdoor displays.
From Monday June 30, dogs will no longer be able to visit Trentham Garden Centre – despite them always being welcome – due to a decision by owners, Blue Diamond. This announcement has seen a lot of controversy, and I have to sympathise with those who, like me, are disappointed by the decision.
I took my dog, Suki, for one last walk around Trentham Garden Centre before it closes its doors to dogs on June 30 2025.(Image: StokeOnTrentLive)
To me, dogs are an important part of the family. I see my dogs as my furry babies, and I like to take them with me to most places – something I’ve done since meeting my friends on the weekend as a teenager. I even took my late weimaraner, Misty, on my paper round.
Being able to take dogs into shopping destinations is really important, especially for elderly people or those with disabilities who can’t walk too far. This is because for many dogs, it’s a chance to use their energy in the sights and smells, and even the journey there, be it on foot, in a vehicle, or on a train, is a chance for them to feel excitement and joy.
I took my dog, Suki, for one last walk around Trentham Garden Centre before it closes its doors to dogs on June 30 2025.(Image: StokeOnTrentLive)
Despite Trentham Garden Centre closing its doors to our beloved pets, they are welcome around the Trentham Estate Shopping Village and in Trentham Gardens – provided they are leashed. Most of the shops and cafes also welcome dogs.
I can only hope that Trentham Garden Centre will be the only establishment to deny entry for pets, and that our dogs are still made to feel welcome elsewhere in North Staffordshire and the Six Towns. But on the plus side, I’m glad that Suki and I managed to have one last walk together around the garden centre, even if we left feeling disheartened.
I took my dog, Suki, for one last walk around Trentham Garden Centre before it closes its doors to dogs on June 30 2025.(Image: StokeOnTrentLive)
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