Great Northern Snowdogs - An Evening at Al Buco with the Ringtons Dogfather

The Great North Snowdogs have arrived in the North East, their beautiful coloured patterns brightening up our morning commutes and family days out. Part of an art trail, there are 61 decorated dogs in total and they can be seen everywhere from the centre of Newcastle, to the beautiful Tyneside coastline and the countryside in Kielder. With money being raised for St Oswald's Children's Hospice loads of local businesses have got involved by sponsoring the dogs to help raise extra funds. One of my favourite local businesses, Ringtons (producers of the very best biscuits for tea dunking!) have sponsored a rather special dog. Allow me to introduce you to Rington's The Dogfather.

The Dogfather, who Ringtons have affectionately called Algie after their head office on Algernon Road, was chosen by the team for his strong bond to his family. As a family business, family is something that's pretty important to Ringtons so they are a match made in heaven.

I think we can all agree that the arrival of the Great Northern Snowdogs in the North East has really brought the whole community together which is how Ringtons have come to form a friendship with Italian restaurant Al Buco after their snowdog was positioned right outside the restaurant.

 So when the Dogfather decided he wanted to invite me round for the world premier of his mini movie, Al Buco was the perfect place. So that's how I found myself spending an evening with a dog dressed in a very sharp suit surrounded by some wonderful North East bloggers and the lovely folks at Ringtons.

I'd never been to Al Buco before and it's no surprise as it is somewhat hidden down some stairs just off Old Eldon Square. As soon as I stepped inside I was greeted by the most wonderful smells which had my tummy rumbling. Luckily it wasn't long before plates of freshly made Italian food appeared and I happily tucked in.

The Panzerottie (deep fried savoury turnover stuffed with Mozzarella, chopped tomatoes and Parmesan) were to die for and I ate a stupid amount. I actually had to stop counting because I knew I'd be embarrassed by how greedy I was being. I'm going to be booking myself a table at Al Buco very soon as I need to sample some more of the menu as soon as possible!

With a belly full of delicious Italian food we settled down to watch The Adventures of the Dogfather, a fantastic little film that the Ringtons team have put together with their snowdog. Many hours of eating maltesers and charging round Old Eldon Square went into making this fantastic little movie so make sure you check it out.

You can follow the Ringtons Snowdog on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - make sure you show him loads of love and don't forget you only have until 20 November to complete the Great Northern Snowdogs trail.