Archie is finally retiring after 3000 welcomes

After eight years on the job, countless hours spent charming the public and greeting an estimated 3000 guests, one of Tasmania’s hardest-working hospitality veterans has decided it’s finally time to retire.

He’s never drawn a salary, rarely complained about the hours and has been known to accept the occasional freshly baked scone as payment.

Then again, Archie is a Labrador.

The much-loved black Lab has been the canine concierge at Peppers Silo Hotel in Launceston since it opened in 2018, becoming almost as recognisable as the historic grain silos that tower over the Tamar River.

Now Archie is gradually easing back his duties before officially hanging up the lead later this spring. His unusual career began before the hotel opened, when owner Errol Stewart returned from a family trip to Canada having encountered a canine concierge at a hotel there.

Stewart approached Guide Dogs Tasmania and Archie, then four, emerged as the perfect candidate. While guide work wasn’t ultimately his calling, his calm temperament, impeccable manners and love of people made hospitality a natural fit.

“Not every dog is suited to guide work, but every dog has unique strengths,” Guide Dogs Tasmania business manager Kim Ryan said. “Archie has clearly found his calling, and we’re incredibly proud to see the happiness he’s brought to so many people over the past eight years.”

Archie doesn’t simply work at the Silo, he also lives there.

He’s spent his days greeting arrivals in reception, accompanying visitors on walks along the Tamar River and accepting thousands of pats. Conference organisers request appearances, returning guests ask whether Archie is working and some arrive bearing squeaky toys for their favourite hotel employee.

Launceston local Garry Matthews has walked Archie almost every day, often with his family. Hotel staff say the moment Archie hears Garry’s familiar whistle in the hallway, he’s out of bed, tail wagging and ready to go.

Archie has even become a movie star, appearing in the 2025 documentary Canine Concierge, which followed hotel dogs across three continents.

Archie isn’t the only Labrador to have found his way into the hotel business. Melbourne’s Park Hyatt famously had Mr Walker, another Labrador who came through Guide Dogs training before becoming the hotel’s canine ambassador. At Fairmont Tokyo, Labrador Serene holds the rather impressive title of “Chief Happiness Officer”.

Peppers Silo general manager Paul Seaman said Archie had become a colleague, conversation starter and, for many guests, the highlight of their stay.

“He comforted nervous travellers, delighted children and made every day brighter for our team,” Seaman said.

Retirement won’t mean Archie disappears completely. He’ll still make occasional appearances while the hotel prepares to announce his canine successor later this year.

Until then, there are a few shifts left to work, a few more squeaky toys to unwrap and, presumably, a retirement scone or two to enjoy.