Officials of Home Group, which runs Bowes Lyon House/Dunelm Court, in Barnard Castle, have outlawed the Dandy Dinmont terrier on health and safety grounds.
The move caused “absolute uproar” when a meeting between staff and residents, which should have been about improvements to conditions at the complex, descended into a shouting match about Archie’s ban.
Resident David Raine said: “The dog is absolutely adored. He is absolutely delightful. Everybody here likes Archie – even people who don’t like dogs.”
Archie belongs to Bowes Lyon/Dunelm Court manager Paul Smurthwaite and has accompanied him into work daily.
While Mr Smurthwaite carries on with his work, it is the residents who keep an eye on Archie, happily taking him for a walk at least twice a day.
Although this has been a longstanding situation, residents received a letter last week saying Archie was not welcome any more.
In the note, Home Group client services manager Rachel Butt says she has received “various letters from customers to object to my decision for Paul not to bring his dog into his work environment.”
The letter adds: “The reason for this decision was that from a work perspective, Paul is a paid member of staff and has got a professional role to play.
“Paul has the responsibility to ensure that health and safety is adhered to and that if an accident occurred at Bowes Lyon House, to deal with this effectively. Having a dog in the work environment would only put a barrier in the way in ensuring the wellbeing of all customers.
“Having a colleague’s dog in a work environment on a daily basis isn’t appropriate as it can undermine working practices.”
As a compromise, Ms Butt said that subject to a risk assessment, Archie could come in one day a week.
In response to residents’ arguments about the enjoyment and health benefits animals can bring, she suggests dog therapy sessions could be arranged.
But Mr Raine was unimpressed.
“They are always going on about improving our lot. They are just going out of their way to destroy it.
“It’s like the lights go on when Archie comes around.”
Bowes Lyon House/ Dunelm Court consists of 36 flats and bungalows for residents aged 60 and older, who are allowed to keep their own pets.
The complex was built in 1970 and renovated nearly 20 years ago. It is designed for residents who require minimal help with their day-to-day life, although there are a number of services available, such as light domestic cleaning and connection to a community alarm system.
Home Group was contacted for comment but no response was received as we went to press.
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