This famous Instagram dog has retired to the Okanagan

It’s hard to pass up an opportunity to retire in the Okanagan.

But that’s the reality for one famous online dog, thanks to his owner taking on a new role at the Hotel Eldorado.

Jessica Pearce is joining the Argus Hospitality executive team as the General Manager of the Hotel Eldorado and Manteo. As such, her colleague Winston will take on the role of Director of Pet Relations.

Pearce has worked in tourism since 2010 and most recently as the Director of Rooms at Victoria’s famed Fairmont Empress Hotel.

There, Winston – a former guide dog trainee – spent several years as the canine ambassador.

Winston, who has nearly 8,000 followers on Instagram, is know for his ‘waggy tail’ pawsitivity, particularly when welcoming new guests.

Winston joined Pearce in 2018 after she asked her former hotel manager if the property could get a hotel dog. She agreed, so long as somebody would own it and take care of it. Working long days and unable to have a dog at home, Pearce quickly jumped at the opportunity.

“He made a lot of friends in Victoria, but Kelowna is spectacular,” she told Toby from 103.1 Beach Radio. “Everyone has been very wonderful. Winston is settling in. He is obviously enjoying the beach and all the beautiful weather.”

Guests, she said, love Winston, and he loves them back, being a highly social dog.

Winston, she said, was always part of the package when Pearce decided to take the opportunity in Kelowna.

Set to turn 8 years old, Winston is ready to retire in the Okanagan, Pearce said.

“It's very, very fitting,” she laughed.