Gracie's Bark | Pet Friendly Resource

Check out this Cattle Dog and Adopt a Shelter Pet

Millions of companion animals in shelters across America are just waiting for a special home like yours. Animal shelters are like having your very own personal shopper. They can help you select a pet based on your family's needs and/or your lifestyle. Stop by or check them out on-line to find out more: (http://www.mspca.org/adoption/) Whether you are looking for a puppy or a more mature dog, a purebred or a one-of-a-kind mixed breed (my favorite!), your local shelters have the best selection of animals anywhere!

While Gracie and I were perusing through the local shelters on-line the other day, we came across an adorable Cattle Dog named Tyson. Tyson is super cute and we wanted to highlight him today. More about Tyson... Do you know what Cattle Dogs were originally bred for?

A Cattle Dog is a dog that has been bred and trained to gather, herd and drive livestock. Different breeds of Cattle Dogs work cattle in different ways. Some breeds, such as the Australian Cattle Dog, typically nip at the animals heels, therefore they are "heelers". Others like the Border Collie, get in front of the animals and use what is called "eye" to stare down the animals, these are the "headers". The Koolie has been observed to use both these methods and to jump on the backs of their charges. Koolies are therefore said to 'head', 'heel' and 'back'.

Gracie is actually half Labrador and half Australian Shepherd (Aussie). Aussies are "an energetic breed with strong herding and guarding instincts, the Aussie requires daily vigorous exercise. Although sometimes reserved with strangers, they are “people” dogs that want to always be near their families." 

Gracie is a devoted, loyal friend and guardian (Aussies are naturally protective). She's affectionate, very lively, agile, attentive, and eager to please with a a sixth sense about what we want.  With all this being said, she can also be quite a handful! We are constantly working with her and we are diligent about remaining consistent with her training. Because of her high intelligence level, she excels at whatever we teach her. Sometimes she ends up being too smart for her own good! Raising her has been a challenge and I'm sure it will continue to be for many years. Aussie's tend to remain puppy-like well into the adult years. So we are in for a quite a ride with Gracie! 

 

Gracie's Bark is happy to spotlight any dogs in need of a good home. We are very willing to do our part in finding the loving homes these dogs need, it is the least we can do! Email us anytime with requests at [email protected].

Gracie has truly been an inspiration to us and we don't know what we would do without her. This is our way of giving back to the pet community for providing us with such a wonderful dog!

Check out a Pet Friendly Camp in the Berkshires this September

Gracie is dedicated to helping pet owners and their dogs find fun places to go and fun things to do throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond.

Check out this week's upcoming pet friendly event in Becket, MA!

 

Camp Unleashed Berkshires

Friday, September 3, 2010 to Monday September 6, 2010

Admission: Varies

Location: Camp Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA, Becket, MA

Camp Unleashed is a relaxing four day/three night fall camp experience of off-leash fun with your dog. Activities include agility, hiking, dock diving, swimming, canoeing, behavior and wellness workshops, dog massage, and much more! For more information, please call 518-781-0446. You can also email  [email protected] or visit them on the web at: Camp Unleashed.

If you are interested in posting a dog friendly event, please email Gracie at [email protected] with complete details of the event(s). Pictures and videos are welcome, space permitting. 

Take Your Dog on an Afternoon Date at a Pet Friendly Art Exhibit in Boston through September 7th

Gracie is dedicated to helping pet owners and their dogs find fun places to go and fun things to do throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. 

This weekend, in Boston, your precious bundle of furry joy gets to be the focus of a dog-themed double date. At the Panopticon Gallery at the Hotel Commonwealth, an exhibit titled “William Wegman: Inside | Outside" collects some of the Massachusetts-bred photographer and dog lover's playful images of Weimaraners. The gallery, like the hotel, is open to pets.

William Wegman: Inside | Outside

Exhibit runs through September 7, 2010

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Location: Panoptcion Gallery, Hotel Commonwealth, 502c Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA

For more information please click here...

If you are interested in posting a dog friendly event, please email Gracie at [email protected] with complete details of the event(s). Pictures and videos are welcome, space permitting. 

Check Out The American Red Cross Pet First Aid Class on Saturday, August 28, 2010 in Dennis, MA

Gracie is dedicated to helping pet owners and their dogs find fun places to go and fun things to do throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond.

Check out this week's upcoming Pet First Aid Class in Dennis, MA! 

 

American Red Cross Pet First Aid Class

Saturday, August 28, 2010

11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Admission: $50

Location: Dennis Police Department, Route 130, Dennis, MA

This is a American Red Cross Pet First Aid Class taught by Sharron Mack, a Certified Red Cross Instructor. The class will include lecture, dvd presentation, hands on training, and lots of fun. All students receive an ARC Pet First Aid Book, DVD, and Certification. For more information, please call 508-962-7125 or email [email protected].  For more information on Pet First Aid, please visit the American Red Cross.

If you are interested in posting a dog friendly event, please email Gracie at [email protected] with complete details of the event(s). Pictures and videos are welcome, space permitting.

Gracie's Pet Friendly Events & Activities

In recent years pets have taken on a larger role within the family. Let’s face it; most people can be a bit crazy about their pets. Despite the recession, money spent on family pets hit $45.5 billion in 2009, according to the American Pet Products Association, up from $43.2 billion in 2008.  A 2007 Harris Poll found that 93 percent of dog owners and 89 percent of cat owners, consider their animals a member of the family. Take me for example, Gracie has her own blog!

I will say that between Gracie’s weekly jaunts to doggie daycare, daily exercise, and accompanying me everywhere, she is living life to the fullest and enjoying every minute of it! Being a pet owner can be very time consuming; my life has changed drastically, but I enjoy my time with Gracie and wouldn’t think of changing it. Of course, I do get the occasional comment or two from non-pet owners, but I just don’t pay any attention to it. Gracie’s role within my family will remain the same no matter what the dynamic is. I have encountered plenty of pet owners with big and small families who believe what I believe, “Your dog is an extension of yourself”.  In other words, love me, love my dog.  

I did not get a cute 8 week old puppy 3 years ago to leave her alone on weekends, especially when she’s alone most of the week while I’m at work. I am always looking for pet friendly events and locations where Gracie and I can go and enjoy ourselves.  Since we are dedicated to helping pet owners and their dogs find fun places to go and fun things to do throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond, we have developed Gracie’s Community Dog Event Calendar page on our blog as the “go to place” to find a fun pet friendly activity in your area.

In addition to Gracie’s Community Dog Event Calendar, we have been reviewing pet friendly parks and trails in Massachusetts and around the New England area. So if you are looking for something fun to do outdoors with your dog, check out our Sniffing for Activities page or just browse through our pet friendly categories on our blog. If you have had the opportunity to enjoy a pet friendly place that is not listed on Gracie’s Bark, please tell us about it.

If you are interested in posting a dog friendly event, please email Gracie at [email protected] with complete details of the event(s). Pictures and videos are welcome, space permitting. 

Don’t forget to share your experiences with Gracie’s Bark! We would love to hear a “bark” back from all our friends in Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond! Email us anytime at: [email protected].  

Check out the Doggie Ice Cream Social Pet Friendly Event in Boston this Thursday, August 19, 2010

Gracie is dedicated to helping pet owners and their dogs find fun places to go and fun things to do throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. 

Check out this week's upcoming pet friendly event in Boston, MA!

Doggie Ice Cream Social

Thursday, August 19, 2010

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 

Location: Peter's Park, 1277 Washington Street, Boston, MA  

What do dogs and ice cream have in common? Peter’s Park in Boston’s South End! Doggy ice cream sundae bars from Polka Dog Bakery, snapshots of you and your dog by photographer Amelia Hughes, and free nutrition and health advice from the Animal Rescue League of Boston veterinary care veterinarians.

If you are interested in posting a dog friendly event, please email Gracie at [email protected] with complete details of the event(s). Pictures and videos are welcome, space permitting.

Help Gracie find Jacques & Gigi a good home!

We are helping out a friend in a tough situation find a new home for her two French Bulldogs. 

 

"Gigi (right) is a silly playful little lady.  She has energy and loves to play, but at the same time, she loves to lay down with you on the couch.  She will plant herself next to you and not want to move.  She is very easy going and loves everyone.  She is easy to please and is not an attention hog (unlike Jacques)  She is good with children and does not have an aggressive bone in her body.  She is spayed.  

Jacques (left) is the dog version of Garfield.  He is lazy, lazy, lazy.  He can walk for a little bit, but not too much.  He will get up enough energy to play for a minute, then say what the heck, I'd rather watch the others play. He likes all the attention and will let you know it too!  He can get a little moody with Gigi at feeding time, but it passes quickly.  He is happiest just being next to you.  He makes friends with people really quick and is very loyal to any of his people friends by sticking close by at all times.  He follows me into every room.  He will not leave a room without me. He will literally wait outside the bathroom door for me.  I would be confident that he would be good with children, but I'm not sure about any other dog other than Gigi, unless it was maybe a passive female, but I would say probably not another male. Jacques is still intact, unfortunately something I've never got around to."

If anyone would like to find out more about Jacques & Gigi, please contact Gracie's Bark at [email protected]. Jacques & Gigi are both 6 years old. Please spread the word, so we can find these two wonderful dogs a good home. 

 

A Dog's Letter: Dear Gracie, Love Ceilidh

Bark Gracie, 

Wow it's been too long since we traded woofs at Many Paws Pet Villa's basic training.  I hope you've got Tammi and Rob well in hand.  It's been a constant effort, but I think I've worked wonders with Mary.  

I really miss cavorting and running flat out at Horseneck Beach, but during the off-season (why do they call it that when there are so many birds to chase?) I also enjoy Gooseberry Island. 

  

I had my first swim ever (no paws touching) this summer because Mary was doing something very strange - she was lying horizontally in the water and I just had to check it out.  She says I whimpered the entire time I was swimming, but that's not my recollection.  I just wanted to be sure she was okay!  

I completely agree with you about DNRT's properties (www.dnrt.org).  Slocum's River Reserve is my favorite - when the woods are buggy there are always the meadows with a breeze off the river.

Lots of dog friends and things to sniff and rabbits! I could catch one if I wanted but it is more fun to scare them away. When I'm feeling brave, I bark at the cows too.

 

I also run on my person-uncle's farm.  I do not know why he objects to me lying in the cool dirt or chasing rabbits through the vegetation, but it is still a favorite place and I get lots of treats just for lying in the grass in the shade instead helping them turn the dirt.

Glad to see you are having fun this summer.  Mary says I look forward to more runs with you at Horseneck in the Fall (but I don't know what look forward means, so it must have something to do with her)  

In the meantime hope you caught the latest news on Dartmouth's Dog Park. I know Mary could use some help.  

Woof (and rabbits!) ~ Love Ceilidh

Dear Ceilidh: Thank you so much for writing me a "bark" letter about your summer adventures. We will definitely post the latest news on the Dartmouth Dog Park soon. I am super excited about this! Hope to see you in the near future at Gooseberry Island or Slocum's River Reserve. ~ Love Gracie

Gracie enjoying Borderland, a great dog friendly park in Easton, MA

For anyone in the SouthCoast and beyond looking for a great place to take their dog to enjoy beautiful hiking trails, Borderland State Park is where it’s at. 

This past Saturday, we drove up to Easton and spent 2 hours hiking around scenic Borderland. Gracie had her nose to the ground sniffing the entire time. 

We even found "split rock"! 

 

 

 

Borderland State Park has an interesting history. In 1906, Oakes Ames, a Harvard botanist, and his wife Blanche, an artist, purchased land on the border of Sharon and Easton. The country estate they named “Borderland” remained in the family for sixty-five years. In 1971, two years after the death of Blanche Ames, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts acquired the estate and opened it as a state park. 

 

 

 

Borderland has something for everyone; walking, hiking and horseback riding on woodland trails, fishing and canoeing in the ponds, or, in winter, ice-skating and sledding. For a trail map, click here...

Borderland even has its very own doggie water bubbler!

 

 

We encountered many dog owners and their dogs during our hike, along with some horses too!

Gracie highly recommends Borderland State Park; it has definitely made it into her top 10 list of fun dog friendly places to visit in the area!

So take some time out of your busy weekend schedule and make the journey over to Borderland. You and your dog will love it, Gracie and I guarantee it! 

For directions click here...

And don't forget to take some pictures of your dog having fun over at Borderland State Park and share them with us on Gracie’s Bark!

 

 

 Gracie gives Borderland State Park a 5 out of 5 paw star of approval!

       
 
 
 
 
 

Check out Gracie's August 2010 Spotlight Dog, he is a fellow Aussie named Remy

Elizabeth Vargas contacted Gracie's Bark to spotlight her dog Remy. 

Remy is an Australian Shepherd (Aussie) and is very handsome. Gracie is excited to finally feature an Aussie (like herself) on her bark blog. Click here... to hear more about Remy!