This National Dog Day (Aug. 26), there’s a very important furry friend and local celebrity that we’re celebrating: Say hello to Sir Winston of Westgate Las Vegas. The 4 1/2-year-old West Highland White Terrier first arrived on property at just a few months old.
“We found Winston in a pet shop in South Carolina in 2018, when he was just 10 weeks old,” says his caretaker and adopted father, Owen Parmele. “He boarded a flight and he arrived (in Las Vegas) and walked out of his cage like, ‘Here I am!’”
Parmele, who then worked as the executive director of retail operations at Westgate and has since retired, brought Winston to work every day so Winston could learn the ropes and serve as the property’s mascot and friend to everyone—often appearing at employee events and representing the hotel around the city at various events.
“When it’s time to go to work, Winston sits on the armrest of my SUV on the drive to Westgate,” Parmele says. “He knows where we’re going. He gets excited when he sees the hotel.”
Away from his official duties, Winston shares a home with his two brothers and sister, he loves his Pup-Peroni treats, and he helps look after the foster fur babies that his dad takes in.
“He is just a normal, crazy dog at home,” Parmele says. “But when Winston comes to the hotel, he puts on his hotel face. When he comes to the hotel, it’s all business for him. I trained him to be friendly, not afraid of people and welcoming to everyone. He’s a joy to everyone. He knows he’s here to represent the Westgate.”
Product: Sir Winston of Westgate merchandise
Grab your piece of Sir Winston of Westgate by stopping by the property’s Westgate gift shop. There you will find Sir Winston-branded merchandise like T-shirts for both adults and kids, tote bags, accessories, tchotchkes, and even plush toy versions of Sir Winston.
Benefit: Every Friday from 3-4 p.m. in the hotel lobby, you can meet and take pictures with Sir Winston for free.
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