A Fond Farewell to Linda Stevenson: Dog Friendly Social’s Co-Founder
As we welcome 2025, we also enter a new chapter for Dog Friendly Social. It’s with a mixture of gratitude and sadness that we share the news of Linda Stevenson’s decision to step back from the project she co-founded and nurtured with such passion and dedication.
The Beginning of Dog Friendly Social
Dog Friendly Social’s journey began in 2016 when Linda created the Weymouth Beach Dog Walkers Facebook group. What started as a way to address dog restrictions on Weymouth beach quickly became a vibrant community, uniting dog owners and sparking important conversations about dog-friendly spaces.
By 2017, it was clear that Linda’s idea had the potential to grow into something bigger. In 2018, she teamed up with Barry Whettingsteel to develop a vision that would eventually become Dog Friendly Social. Together, they launched the sticker scheme—a simple but powerful way to help dog-friendly businesses showcase their inclusivity and connect with dog owners. Since then, the project has expanded into a trusted resource for dog owners and businesses alike.
A Legacy of Connection
Linda’s work over the years has created an incredible impact. Thousands of businesses now proudly display Dog Friendly Social stickers, letting dog owners know they are welcome. For dog owners, Linda’s efforts have made it easier to find cafes, pubs, shops, and more that happily accommodate their furry companions.
But Dog Friendly Social isn’t just about dogs. It’s about bridging the gap between dog owners and businesses, fostering a sense of community, and helping both parties thrive. Thanks to Linda’s vision, Dog Friendly Social has become a beloved platform for dog lovers and businesses across the UK.
What’s Next for Dog Friendly Social?
While Linda steps back to focus on her family, Barry Whettingsteel will continue to lead Dog Friendly Social alongside Steve Bown, owner of The Springhead, a well-loved country gastro pub celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere, exceptional food, and dog-friendly ethos. Steve brings his enthusiasm for supporting local businesses and dog owners, and together with Barry, he’ll help take Dog Friendly Social to new heights.
Looking ahead to 2025, there are some exciting developments in store:
Expanding the Sticker Scheme: We’re growing our network of participating businesses across the UK, ensuring more dog-friendly spots are visible to dog owners everywhere.
Building an Online Directory: Our website will soon include a comprehensive directory of dog-friendly businesses, making it even easier to plan trips and outings.
Strengthening Our Mission: We’ll continue to connect dog owners and businesses, making life easier for both and fostering even stronger community ties.
A Tribute to Linda
Linda’s contributions to Dog Friendly Social cannot be overstated. Her creativity, dedication, and drive have been the foundation of this project, and her work will continue to inspire us as we move forward. Linda, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you’ve done. Your legacy is one of connection, inclusion, and community—values that will always remain at the core of Dog Friendly Social.
We invite you to watch a special tribute video we’ve created to celebrate Linda’s incredible journey and contributions. While this marks the end of Linda’s chapter with Dog Friendly Social, she will always be a part of our story.
Join Us in the Next Chapter
Dog Friendly Social’s mission remains the same: to make life easier for dog owners and businesses by connecting them in meaningful ways. As we step into this new phase, we’re excited to continue growing and expanding the project with the same passion and dedication that Linda brought to it.
Here’s to 2025 and all the exciting adventures ahead for Dog Friendly Social. Thank you, Linda, for helping us get here—you’ll always be part of the pack! 🐾