Dog owners in the North-East are being called to nominate their pets to be Wilko ‘Paw Managers’ after the nation’s first position was taken by a ‘Wilko-obsessed’ cockapoo in Chippenham.
Jazz, the golden Cockapoo, fell in love with Wilko when the store started allowing dogs in last year and she began making regular visits with her owners.
In honour of the eight-year-old pooch’s devotion to its local branch, Wilko bosses have crowned her as the country’s inaugural ‘Paw Manager.’
Now the retailer is on the hunt for five more proud pooches to join her in the honorary role, to be ambassadors for their nearest pet-friendly store, with one spot open for dogs from Newcastle, Durham, Middlesbrough and the surrounding areas.
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To nominate their pets, owners simply need to visit the Wilko Facebook page and comment on the pinned image of Jazz’s first day as ‘paw manager’ with a picture of their dog alongside a short message explaining why they’re such a good fit for the position.
The five lucky winners will receive a £100 cash prize to spend in-store on anything from canine food and treats to dog toys, beds, and grooming equipment, as well as ‘Paw Manager’ status and a customised lanyard.
Paula Bedford, Head of Retail at Wilko, said: “We’re proud to have 248 dog-friendly stores nationwide and welcome all pooches to come along instore with their owners to browse our pet range - and even pick out their own treats.
“When we heard about Jazz’s obsession with Wilko, we had to meet her. So, we invited her along to our Chippenham store, honoured her with her own little manager badge and crowned her as the first-ever Paw Manager.
“Now we want to find five more clever canines to join her in the role. We can’t wait to see our amazing customers post their adorable doggy pictures and look forward to crowning five more Paw Managers!”
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Inaugural Paw Manager Jazz earned the position after refusing to pass her local Chippenham store going inside, stopping her owners in their tracks and refusing to walk any further unless it is towards Wilko.
The clever pup has even learned exactly where the store is and foils any attempt to avoid Wilko on certain days, by putting the brakes on and pulling them back towards the shop.
Once inside, Jazz says she knows exactly where her favourite aisle is, the treat aisle, and makes a determined beeline for it, dragging her owners along by the lead.
Since becoming a regular at Wilko Chippenham, Jazz has become somewhat of a local celebrity, winning the hearts of team members instore who excitedly await her visits.
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The cheeky pooch has even got into the habit of leaving her mark on every visit, by planting her paw in the doggy water bowl provided in-store after stopping for a drink on her way out.
Craig Cristofoli, Chipenham Wilko Store Manager, said: “We are delighted to hire Jazz as our Paw Manager for the Chippenham branch – we couldn’t ask for a better representative of the doggy friends of Wilko!
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“All of our team members instore love when she visits just as much as she does and we can’t wait to welcome her and her owners again.”
To nominate your pet pooch as a Wilko Paw Manager, visit: facebook.com/LoveWilko
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