He greeted regulars and new drinkers at bars in Wolverhampton with a cheerful bark and has been a constant companion to Wolverhampton’s longest-serving landlord.
But Mr Benji the much-loved dog has succumbed to cancer and has died.
The pet was a fixture at the Quarterhouse pub on Compton Road for 18 months and previously at the former Geoff’s Piano Bar on Tettenhall Road.
His owner Geoff Bangham, aged 69, plans to retire as landlord in August after more than 40 years behind bars across the city.
But he is now facing up to his last few months in charge without his faithful friend.
Benji would go up to every person who came through the door to say hello and was every bit the professional host, touring the assembled drinkers in turn for a fuss.
Mr Bangham said today: “We’re all very sad. Mr Benji joined in with our Saturday night entertainment at Geoff’s Piano Bar – he often sang along and everybody always made a fuss of him. He has been a big part of my life.”
Mr Bangham featured in the Express & Star’s Big Picture in May, which showed the Quarterhouse in all its glory covered in plates, posters and teddy bears and his beloved Manchester terrier.
He said: “I was very pleased that the photograph showed Mr Benji resting under the piano, which was his favourite spot.
“I have cut the picture out and put it above the bar and now it will always remind me of him.”
Fundraising events at the Quarterhouse have often focused on pets with events to raise money for dog food at Coven’s Sunnyside Kennels. In 2004 he asked that everyone who would normally send him a Christmas card instead bought a can of pet food for the charity to look after dogs abandoned over the festive season.
The Quarterhouse has stood for a century but is now up for sale and Mr Bangham will stay on until his 70th birthday in September.
He said he was upset with Marston’s plan for the historic watering hole but would mark his departure with a huge party.
His other establishments have included The Giffard Arms in Victoria Street, The Alexander in Chapel Ash, The Swan in Sedgley and The Royal Oak in Bridgnorth Road.
However, he is probably best known for his time at Geoff’s Piano Bar, off Tettenhall Road, which was filled with memorabilia including Toby jugs. He recreated the look at the Quarterhouse when he took over 18 months ago.
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