Stevenage business named UK's most dog-friendly shop

Cardies, a small independent greeting card shop on the High Street that opened in 1988, won the award as part of the DogFriendly Awards 2022. 

The award ceremony was held at the Kennel Club’s London headquarters on Wednesday, December 7.

Katie Thistleton, a presenter on BBC Radio 1 and CBBC, was at the ceremony to hand out the awards.

Orberry, the shop's 'meeter and greeter', with their award (Image: Jo Sorrell)

Jo Sorrell, who runs the business with her other half Andrew McReynolds, brings her beloved labrador Orberry into the shop as a “meeter and greeter”.

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They’ve had a few generations of labradors, all bar one being rescued from South East and Central Labrador Rescue, who Jo volunteers for. She says they “are probably dog crazy”. 

Jo said: “We are very proud to be winners. It is very special because it’s all of our customers who take the time and effort to vote for us.

Jo Sorrell and Andrew McReynolds with their award (Image: Jo Sorrell)

“As a nation of dog-lovers, it’s great to be able to take our dogs out with us wherever we go, so we are keen to promote a dog-friendly ethos and hope to see more businesses consider being dog-friendly.”