“It has been an absolutely incredible journey for us”
How to find Bonnie Pooch honesty box
An honesty box for four-legged friends has grown so big in just six months it has already had to move into a bigger cabinet. Stuart Bentham, 37, and Danielle Bentham, 36, set up Bonnie Pooch outside their home in May.
The couple, who have pet two beagles, named Penny, nine years old, and Bonnie, nine months, never imagined the dog-friendly business would take off as quickly as it did. Bonnie Pooch can now be found in 11 locations, with honesty boxes full of dog treats set up in pubs, cafés, farm shops, and Normanby Hall.
As well as premium treats such as rabbit ears, buffalo horns and camel skin, they have accessories like snuffle mats, lick mats, and balls. There are also a variety of dog biscuits made from all-natural ingredients.
Stuart said: “We started back in May as a small honesty box outside our house. We are located on Westlands Road in Hull. It was just a simple idea to share some dog treats and gift ideas.
“We got the idea from other local business that do similar things, but for humans. We noticed there wasn’t anything specifically for dogs so we thought it would be an absolutely fantastic idea to do something for people’s dogs that was quite out there.
“So, ever since May, people have been responding really amazingly. They have absolutely loved it and it has grown so quickly we’ve had to get a bigger cabinet just to keep up with the demand.
“From there, it really took off. We were able to start a stall which was then able to go to local events. We have been meeting people face-to-face and we can be in the community. People stop us when we are walking our beagles, Penny and Bonnie.”
Stuart said some people claim to “have come miles” just to visit the honesty box. “It has been an absolutely incredible journey for us,” he said.
Bonnie Pooch can be found on Facebook and also has a TikTok channel. Bonnie Pooch also has a website with information about products and stockists.
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