Pressing issues for members of The Rhubarb Society tend to centre on their dogs—'What do I buy for my dog who has everything?' 'Should I switch my dog to a paleo diet?' or 'Why doesn't my dog's boarding school offer Mandarin in its curriculum?'. In a bid to assist you in providing the kind of treatment your dog deserves, we are here to advise you on the best of the best, from clothing and stays to treats and treatments. Everything on this list is Rhubarb approved and will hopefully help ease any lingering parent guilt leftover from that month you spent in Turks & Caicos.
To Treat
TREAT
noun
an event or item that is out of the ordinary and gives great pleasure. "he wanted to take her to the pictures as a treat"
As per the dictionary definition, a treat should be an event or item that is out of the ordinary, but we believe that our dogs should be receiving these as the norm. We've included a selection of Rhubarb's favourite treats where you'll find a mix of items that are of the highest quality and serve a range of tastes and needs from the bougie (see dog caviar) to the socially conscious (ethical treats that also donate a % to charity).
To Wear
Every stylish dog (and owner) knows that sartorial decisions must be both exciting and functional. Protect your pup's paws from the heat with a dashing pair of booties, their heads with the iconic Morris & Co Strawberry Thief, and their reputation with a wardrobe filled with fabulous tweed coats and colourful jumpers. For those partial to designer handbags, Carlotta Palermo offer dog accessories using the same lathers as Hermes and Bottega Veneta. Your dog is also a reflection of you, and as a loyal member of The Rhubarb Society, it's only fitting that your dog should show their allegiance with our Sporting Knit (complete with an embroidered tennis Rhubarb of course.).
To Dine
Eating can't always be a Michelin star experience, but we should always strive for it to be in one way or another. From ceramic water fountains to Le Creuset dog bowls, there are plenty of ways to elevate your pup's mealtimes. The Innocent Hound freeze-dried dog food is freshly prepared using raw British meat and vegetables without any heat exposure, maintaining all of its vitamins and minerals without the fuss of wet food. For dogs who prefer a crunchy option, the Forthglade biscuits are grain-free and cold-pressed, using all-natural ingredients. Finish each meal with a little drizzle of salmon oil filled with essential Omega-3 fatty acids, vital for your dog's health.
To Sleep
When your precious pup lays their pampered paws and weary head for a snooze, why not make it the best sleep they've ever had? Why not a cognac leather or cowhide bed? Perhaps a plush quilt of a cashmere blend blanket to keep them warm? For dogs who suffer from anxiety, a heated bear buddy with a heartbeat can keep them company or a strawberry neck pillow that imitates the feeling of the crook of your arm. For those like Rhubarb, who love a little 'bedtime biccie', we love the Lily's Kitchen ones with honey and chamomile.
To Play
All work and no play makes for a dog that actually contributes to funding their lifestyle, but until that comes to fruition, for now, all your dog needs to focus on is the 'play'. Now, all pups prefer to play in different ways, so our selection encompasses everything from flavoured bubbles to glow-in-the-dark fetch sticks. For the more curious dog, why not treat them to their own snuffle mat flower garden where you can hide all their favourite treats? One of Rhubarb's personal favourites is a teddy bear affectionately named 'Huey', which comes with extra long limbs for her to tug on and a squeaker to grab her attention. For the more 'paws off' dog and owner, why not sit back and enjoy some drinks together? A dirty martini for you and a dirty 'muttini' for them?
To Spoil
Yes, we know that your dog is already spoiled, but we're talking 'over-the-top, this dog lives better than me, unwarranted judgement from strangers and other dog owners alike', kinda spoiled. Luckily, there's no shortage of insanely priced items to lavish your dog with, and for the sake of your bank account you're lucky we're only recommending eight. For dogs and owners always on the go, why not treat yourselves to a Goyard dog carrier? And for when they're not eating at the table, there's nothing more suitable than a matching travel bowl set, foldable with tan leather handles, of course. For homebodies, an Hermes bed and a Celine toy basket are obvious choices. For those with a little more sartorial flare, there's everything from jewel-encrusted Prada harnesses to matching Ralph Lauren teddy jumpers. To top it all off? Your dog also deserves to have their poo picked up in style, so don't be caught short without our very own Society Poo Bags - perfectly pink and lavender scented, adorned with miniature Rhubarbs.
To Stay
Sometimes, you and your dog need some R&R together, and what better way to do that than a five-star stay in London?
Browns Hotel, Mayfair - One of the oldest hotels in London, with notable guests such as Rudyard Kipling, Oscar Wilde, and more royals than said enclosures at Ascot, your dog will certainly be in good company. With welcome packages from William Morris & Co and a dog-friendly guide to the local area laid out lovingly on the plus dog bed, Browns is the pinnacle of elegance, discretion, and attention to detail. Their adjoining restaurant Charlie's is also dog-friendly and serves a fantastic array of dishes - you simply must try the Charlie's Caesar with chicken thigh should you find yourself there.
Nobu Hotel, Portman Square - Should you be visiting from ‘out of town’ (for tax or legal reasons) and you are looking for a dog-friendly stay where your canine companion is given their very own bathrobe to saunter around it, look no further. The hotel also includes a great reformer pilates studio and a host of ayurvedic treatments to energise you after a stressful day/month/year of evading the authorities.
The Savoy, Strand - Whilst it may be more dated than your godfather’s views on immigration, their level of service is unparalleled, and the butlers are fantastic with the dogs. The room service food is pretty average (and rather expensive), so it is best to BYOF, but the amenities available for your pup are above and beyond.
Claridges, Mayfair - An all-rounder when it comes to style and service. The new rooms are particularly beautiful, with plenty of space for your dog to roam. You can also order pretty much anything from the room service menu for your dog to eat, however be prepared to pay the price. A simple organic broth, with steamed chicken and carrots cost Rhubarb £80.
The Lanesborough, Knightsbridge - The Lanesborough only allow small and medium-sized dogs (which one assumes is open to interpretation and cash-based bribery) but they do offer a butler service which means you can go shopping at Harrods and Harvey Nics whilst your pup frolics through Hyde Park. Aside from the usual amenities provided in the room, dogs are also allowed in the Withdrawing room and Library bar, making life a bit easier if you want to nip down for a drink at any time.
Raffles London at The OWO, Whitehall - A new hotel with old-school sensibilities, perfect for dogs and owners who enjoy both a sense of ceremony and a bit of history. There is a butler service to look after your dog should you have other things to attend to, and the concierge can even arrange a groom for your pup at Liberty's. It's perfectly located for a nice long walk around St James's Park, where afterwards, you can both take a load off in the Drawing Room together, which covers everything from breakfast to afternoon tea.
Is that Doris Day in that photo?? I LOVE it! And all of these chic doggy ideas. The RS poo bags are unparalelled.