Advertisement

Meet Gastown’s driving dog: Why ‘Mayo’ has his own Mercedes Benz

Click to play video: 'Meet Gastown’s driving dog: ‘Mayo’ the Bulldog rides high on mini Mercedes'
Meet Gastown’s driving dog: ‘Mayo’ the Bulldog rides high on mini Mercedes
A Vancouver bulldog is cruising the streets of Gastown in his mini Mercedes electric vehicle. Kristen Robinson has more on why his owner, who has been hit hard by COVID-19, spent a small fortune on a new ride to help both his beloved bulldogs get out together – Apr 3, 2021

If you’ve visited Gastown recently, you may have seen him coasting the cobblestone streets in his mini Mercedes Benz.

A boss bulldog named Mayo has been garnering more than a few glances as he navigates the narrow alleys and sidewalks atop his Maybach G650 toy car.

Mayo the bulldog cruising the sidewalks of Gastown. Cameron Lawton

“He loves the attention,” Mayo’s owner Cameron Lawton told Global News.

Story continues below advertisement

“He loves to be the king of any room.”

At 11 years old, Mayo is losing his sight and mobility – and was having a hard time keeping up with Lawton’s younger bulldog on daily walks.

Click to play video: '‘Drive-thru’ pickup for Golden Retriever puppies in training to be assistance dogs'
‘Drive-thru’ pickup for Golden Retriever puppies in training to be assistance dogs

So Lawton, a COVID-19 long hauler who contracted the virus early on in the global pandemic and credits his two precious pets with helping him get through the lingering effects, decided to give Mayo a boost with some automobile bling.

The latest health and medical news emailed to you every Sunday.

“It’s just to help him live his best life,” said Lawton.

Mayo the bulldog ready to roll in his mini Mercedes EV, which is parked next to his neighbour’s real ride. Cameron Lawton

Parked in a stall next to their neighbour’s real Mercedes Benz SUV, the electric ride allows Mayo to spend more time outside with his seven-year-old sidekick.

Story continues below advertisement

“Marshmallow is young and she’s just go, go, go, so it helps Mayo keep up,” said Lawton.

Lawton remotely controls his dog’s drive and has removed the tiny car’s steering wheel – but he says Mayo is known to put his paws to the pedal.

“He does love to try and drive himself too.”

The sight of the motorized mutt on his mean machine often puts pedestrians on pause as they scramble to snap a power pooch portrait.

Story continues below advertisement

“When he gets in his truck and starts driving down the street, rolling, it’s the best, he’s amazing,” one Gastown merchant told Global News.

Lawton, who is losing his own vehicle to the bank due to financial challenges resulting from a very tough year, said investing in his beloved bulldogs was worth it.

“It’s changed my life, I mean we’re the three Camigos,” Lawton told Global News.

“These dogs have provided me everything in that time. They’ve made my life better so I want to make their life better.”

Mayo the bulldog taking in the sunshine as he coasts in CRAB Park
Mayo the bulldog taking in the sunshine as he coasts in CRAB Park. Cameron Lawton

Whether cruising CRAB Park or turning heads in town, Lawton and his canine crew are riding high during ‘ruff’ times.

Story continues below advertisement

“It just makes people smile, and I love hearing that it made someone’s day,” Lawton said.

Sponsored content

AdChoices