A Miniature dachshund has bagged a role as the ‘CEO’ of a shopping centre.
Archie landed the top position as Canine Executive Officer after beating 300 other mutts in a vote.
The judges narrowed down the competition entries to a shortlist of 10 which were put to a public vote on social media.
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Archie soared to the top spot to claim the title.
The 11-month-old won Somerset’s Clarks Village annual Pawsome Pooch Event, as reported by What’s the Jam.
He is the pup of proud owners Beth Evans, 25, and her partner, Adam, 29.
“Archie is our child,” Beth, from Cheddar, Somerset, said.
“He loves attention, meeting people and wants lots of cuddles.
“He knows he’s handsome too.
“Archie has been coming to Clarks Village ever since we first had him.
“I’d bring him in a sling to meet my mum and her dog to have a pasty in The Cornish Bakery.
“He still loves coming now.
“I think he will be absolutely brilliant at the job.”
Beth also hopes the clever canine will train as a therapy dog alongside his new role.
She added: “Our friends have red miniature dachshunds, and we fell in love with them.
“Originally, I’d wanted a big dog like a Golden Retriever, but Adam didn’t want a big dog, so we compromised and got Archie who is like a mini Golden Retriever.
“They are so intelligent and have so much character; they’re like humans in a dog.
“Being a therapy dog was never the plan, but I didn’t anticipate how good he would be recognising when people are upset.
“My aim is to take him to care homes and to work with me when needed.
“He knows if you’re having a hard day, he is so loving and wants to be your best friend.
“Even the few times I’ve cried, he’s licked the tears off my face.”
Archie will be crowned Clarks Village’s new CEO at an official visit to the outlet later in October, taking over from Dudley, a three-legged Hungarian Vizsla rescue dog.
He’ll also take home a prize package worth £500.
A Clarks Village spokesperson said: “Archie is a gorgeous dog who we could tell had lots of character even from his photograph.
“As Dudley steps down from the Canine Executive Officer role, Archie has big paws to fill but we can’t wait to meet him and show him the ropes as we continue to give the warmest of welcomes to our dog friends and their families.”
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