'a dogs life on market day'
Pablo shares his experience as a dog behind the table
Our Sheffield Makers Markets are a sea of dogs bringing they’re humans out to shop independent. Pablo has supported ELC for a long time now, so we wanted to know what it’s really like to be behind the table on market day.
Hi Pablo. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us about your upcoming market in Sheffield.
Thanks for asking, Char. It’s nice to chat.
You obviously have a key role supporting Ruth Wilde at the events. We have so many pictures of you in market mode, would you mind sharing with us what your main focus on the day is?
Defence.
Ralf (my mate who makes all Night Time Holiday’s jewellery) did some research and the Botanical Gardens has one of the highest concentrations of squirrels per square metre in the country.
Squirrels love two things. One: nuts. Two: stuff made by independent makers. Follow a squirrel back to its home and it’s full of macramé hangers, anarchist prints about gardening, and quirky pots.
ELC is a major event, so we (the other dogs at the market) guard for any signs the squirrels have breached Arundel Gate.
After that, my focus is to look cute and get scratches. I like them under the chin, but I know the other dogs have different preferences. Best to ask the owner.
If there’s time, I help with admin. The card reader and stuff. Makers are rubbish at admin.
Emotions are high and there’s a lot to take on board, there’s so many humans and music, for any dogs visiting us in Sheffield, could you tell us your top tips on keeping cool in the moment?
It gets pretty busy down at dog height and under those tables. If your owner has a stall, remind them to pack a blanket and some water. I like Smart Water best.
Otherwise, wide eyes and a tail wag help to attract treats. Most people feel guilty about dragging their dog around, so it’s the perfect time to exploit them for extra treats.
Endless Love Markets are all about the visitor experience, making people feel welcome, I feel like this is where you shine, why do you think people engage with you so much?
Not sure really. My mum taught me to be a gentleman, and to be nice to people. Dad says it’s a nice vibe at the market, very DIY. (He’s getting older so says ‘vibe’ to pretend he’s younger.) I also try to avoid rolling in fox poop for a few days ahead of the market and spend an hour or so on the Friday night before practicing my stare.
So tell me, what stalls have you got your eye on, is there anything in particular you’re thinking of buying this time?
Us dogs are attracted to the most precarious stands with pots on. Alex Sickling has been setting me a high shelf challenge with for a while. Be interesting to see if anyone else has any more elaborate displays.
I just moved to Sheffield and have a new alcove with my bed and food bowl, and I’d like a print to hang there. Could go for one of Bianco Perry’s hanging squishies, or I might check out some of the illustrators. There’s always a good range.
Did I see there’s someone doing pet portraits too? Might have to get involved there.
Oh yes Rosa Park will be doing pet portraits on Saturday.
Pablo, thank you so much for talking with ELC. I just wanted to ask one more question, we’re popping together some absolute tunes for the market, do you have any requests?
Love Weezer. But only the first two albums, obvs. And I’ve been listening to that Phoebe Bridgers record a bit, the one with the song about a dog hanging its head out the window of a car and getting sick. She’s funny.
Big thank you to Glenn (Pablo’s dad) for translating woofs into words for our interview with Pablo. Ruth Wilde, Glenn and Pablo will be back on Saturday with a table on the ground floor, in the first room.
Visit us in Sheffield at Showroom Workstation next Saturday 18th November for our annual winter makers market, dogs welcome.
Discover all Sheffield stall holders here
Entry is £2, tickets here
and then we’ll be hosting our Makers Market in