The Fairmont Château Laurier’s canine ambassador is the focus of a charming new children’s book that’s raising money for Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Stewart: King of the Castle, written by hotel employee Lee Power and illustrated by 17-year-old Emelia Vincelette, tells the fetching tale of how the precious pooch became a beloved part of the family at Ottawa’s castle-like historic downtown hotel.
The pup-approved publication was celebrated Friday during a small gathering held at the hotel, next to its Café Laurier. It put everyone in such a good mood, just like a behind-the-ear scratch.
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The book launch was quintessentially Château Laurier with its exceptional hospitality. The hotel honoured its book-writing employee with a trumpet fanfare (performed by musician Nick Cochrane), and, later, presented thank-you gifts and a fancy cake.
“I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude,” said Power, her voice filled with emotion. “Writing this children’s story has been a journey of the heart, a journey inspired by, you guessed it, Stewart.”
Attendees heard how the two share an office together. “I’m privileged to work with him every single day,” said Power of the six-year-old black Lab.
Stewart, who comes from a long line of service dogs, started out in the professional training program for guide dogs. It was determined, however, that he was better suited to a career in companionship due to his highly sociable nature. It just so happened the Château Laurier and its general manager, Geneviève Dumas, were looking for a canine ambassador to greet guests in the lobby and offer them a sense of home away from home.
“He was welcomed with open arms and treated like a king,” said Power while reading her book aloud, seated in an ornate throne chair. Attendees also heard a French version of the book. “By his second week, he had all the people who worked at the castle wrapped around his little paw.”
The 500 copies of Stewart: King of the Castle are being sold at the café as part of an elaborate concept the hotel’s events and activations manager, Catherine McLaughlin, creatively crafted and executed. There’s an attractive display set up in the coffee shop, as well.
Stewart has a new pied-à-terre, also recognized as a doghouse. It looks just like the Château Laurier. The design was the work of hotel employee Raphael Fitzgerald-Biernath, with carpentry done by Brandon McKendry. Also credited for bringing the project to life is Terlin Construction.
A portion of book sales is being donated to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, a national charitable organization. “My wish is that this story brings a few smiles and some happiness,” said Power.
The author, who’s worked in hospitality for more than 40 years, is executive assistant to Dumas. Her young illustrator also has a connection to the hotel; Vincelette’s father, Patrick Vincelette, is the director of rooms. The teen hopes to study animation and illustration at Algonquin College after finishing up at Osgoode Township High School in Metcalfe.
As for Stewart, he was such a good boy at the book launch. “Stewart’s happiness is infectious, and that is why we’re here today,” said McLaughlin of a dog she described as “sweet, kind, gentle and maybe even a little mischievous”.
The reception served light refreshments. There were homemade biscuits for all the furry friends and, for human consumption, chocolate shortbread cookies.
When not happily roaming hotel corridors and hobnobbing with dignitaries, world leaders and small children, Stewart lives with Dumas. “I love Stewart,” the manager told everyone. The affection is mutual, challenged only by Stewart’s deep love affair with food.
“Truth be told, a really close second to Madame Dumas would be his t-r-e-a-t-s,” said McLaughlin with the utmost discretion, as one does in hospitality.
So popular is Stewart with the guests that he even receives his own fan mail. He responds to each and every letter and email, with assistance from Power and her paw print ink stamp.
Writing the children’s book was a “passion project,” said Power before revealing: “I’m already working on Volume Two: Stewart Loves Ottawa.”
caroline@obj.ca
