Walkies means drinkies for stout-loving Squiffy (From Craven Herald)

Walkies means drinkies for stout-loving Squiffy

12:10pm Sunday 30th January 2011 in Skipton & District

Squiffy the Parson Jack Russell is a real-life booze-hound.

The seven-year-old terrier likes nothing better than a drink of Irish stout and can often be found propping up the bar at The Craven Arms in Appletreewick with his owner Robert Hodgson.

Squiffy even has his own doggy-sized pewter tankard, which he carries to the pub attached to his collar.

“Guinness is his favourite,” said Robert, from Burnsall. “He likes any kind of stout but he won’t touch cider or lager.

“When I get his tankard he gets excited because he knows he is going to the pub to see his friends. It is very small so he can’t drink too much. I wouldn’t want to hurt him because I love him too much. He is my best friend, walking partner and drinking buddy.”

Robert now works as a chef but in the past has run several pubs with his wife, Jo. He attributes Squiffy’s taste for booze to growing up in a pub.

“He was brought up in The Priests House at Barden Tower so perhaps that has got something to do with it,” said Robert. “I think the first time I noticed him drinking was when we were in the Masons Arms in Eastby.

“I was talking to someone and when I turned round my glass was half-empty. Squiffy had helped himself.”

Craven Arms landlord David Aynesworth said Squiffy was always welcome in his pub.

“He is such a character,” said David. “He likes to be watching what is going on. I have to be careful not to let him have too much because he really does like his beer. Everybody that comes in makes a fuss of him. He is certainly a well-loved dog.”