Gracie's Bark | Pet Friendly Resource

Thank You Gracie from Powerless Connecticut

Kelly and Lexi contacted Gracie's Bark to share their experience visiting pet friendly Dartmouth Massachusetts due to power outages in Connecticut caused by a surprise winter storm.

Gracie's Bark wanted to share their pet friendly thank you note. We were thrilled Kelly and Lexi had an opportunity to explore pet friendly beaches and pet friendly trails in beautiful Dartmouth Massachusetts. 

"Hi – Thanks to your posts, I will give Slocum River reserve a visit tomorrow.  I am staying at the Marriott Residence inn in North Dartmouth with my daughter, her friend, and my trusty buddy Lexi while we wait for power & heat to be restored back home in Connecticut.  We found Gooseberry Island by dumb luck today, then moved on to Horseneck beach.  Both great spots, in all our opinions!" said Kelly & Lexi on November 1, 2011.

We contacted Kelly again this week to thank her for sharing her story and asked her if it was okay for us to put her wonderful comments on our bark blog and she responded: 

"Oh sure!  I was thrilled that Dartmouth was so dog friendly, and to find all the DNRT properties--they have almost an embarrassment of riches!  We visited Horseneck Beach three times, Gooseberry Island, Destruction Brook, Slocum's River, Smith Farm, Round Hill Beach, and the Ridge Reserves (not sure I recall that name correctly--at Collins Corner).  Our forced vacation from powerless Connecticut turned out to be pleasant after all!"

We hope they come back and visit us again soon! 

Have you visited the Southcoast area of pet friendly Massachusetts recently?

If so, we would love to hear more about your pet friendly stories. If not, you and your dog should plan a visit!

Gracie's Bark would be happy to help you find the perfect pet friendly adventure. Email us anytime at: [email protected] 

Gracie's Spotlight Dogs for November 2011: A Special Story

We just recently got back from vacationing in St. Maarten. While we were there, exploring the beautiful island for a week, we encountered numerous stray dogs roaming around the busy roads and gorgeous beaches.

I thought it would be great to spotlight some of the dogs on the island of St. Maarten this November and talk about the animal foundation on the island.

With the weather being so hot and humid all day I found it amazing that all the stray dogs were so resilient and it seemed they all had their own routine which they repeated daily.

We took some pictures of some of the stray dogs we saw throughout the week. They were all very cute!

This cute dog found shade under our umbrella at the beach.

 

We did learn that St. Maarten is making an effort to care for stray animals and to educate the community on the proper care of animals. Many of the people on the island are actually very fond of their own pets. There are plenty of pet friendly outdoor bars and restaurants. 

The St. Maarten Animal Welfare Foundation was founded in 1992 to address the problem of homeless and neglected animals on the island. To encourage responsible pet ownership, the Foundation holds several public activities each year: Annual Dog Show, DogWalks, Dog Washes. These activities celebrate the pleasure dog owners receive from pet ownership. 

 

An example of one of the pet friendly places was Loterie Farm Tree Lounge. There was a very cute pup hanging out.

We had a great time in St. Maarten but we really missed our girl. Gracie had a rough time without us, but we've made sure she's received a bunch of hugs and kisses since we've been back!

Tribute to Indy, an amazing Siberian Husky who touched the hearts of many people

To all of you that have been following our most amazing Siberian husky, Indiana,

I would like to share Indy’s story with love.  ~Carol

 

"Let me introduce you to my most loveable Siberian husky named Indiana (AKA Indy)!

When you look into his big brown eyes, he touches your soul with love; when you give him a big hug, it’s heavenly, he’s so soft, cuddly and he smells so good. When you have Indy kisses, you just melt with the loving energy he gives; when you pat him, he holds on to you with his paws and always has to be in touch with you!" Read more...

 

 

In Honor of Elliott, the 21 year old Jack Russell Terrier

 

Elliott

March 9, 1990 - April 25, 2011

We have had the pleasure of connecting with Andy Clark from New Bedford Massachusetts, just one town over from us. Andy has a story to tell about his long time companion Elliott. We were honored to have the opportunity to share Elliott's story on Gracie's Bark. We encourage everyone to read this heart felt story and to help Andy share his wonderful memories of Elliott. Elliott touched the lives of many during his 21 year journey. Thank you Andy for sharing Elliott with us.

"The story is that on "good friday" my wife and I had a appointment with the doctors,to find out the sex our first baby.We returned home and I left for work to return later in the evening. Saturday morning my wife said to me" Elliott dosen't seem to be hungry and just laying around" and off to work I went. Easter morning we spent the whole day with him and he would not eat and felt very skinny. I tried all day not to think about his condition until I was going to bed late Sunday night. My toughts were he doesnt look good I sat on the floor and said " I love you sooooo much Elliott, Your the best doggie ever" As tears and my jaw started to quiver. There was no way I was going to bed with out saying something in case he didn't make it. When I got into bed collecting my toughts,I broke down! My wife rolled over held my hand and I told her how much I felt Elliotts pain. First time I ever went to sleep crying. Monday morning April 25th my wife called the vet we could no get a appointment til 3:30 in the afternoon.We where in the living room with him all day,even Rexx our cat laid next to him in the bed. Elliott was so frail I even carried him and held him in the waiting room. Dr.Ramsey our vet looked at him and said "oh Elliott" Blood work was done and his heart and lungs were fine,but his weight was low and his cell counts were not good. It was a matter of time before his system shut down. We had 3 options, hospitalize him for a blood transfusion and extended care,take him home to wait or say good bye.This was the hardest day of my life.I have know my wife for 16 years and never seen her cry until that day. Her quote looking at me huigging Elliott for the last time " Andy I feel so bad for him,he's got tears in his eyes" I kew I was not going home with my buddy. I told my wife to leave the room so I could say what i wanted one last time. Now it's myself and the only dog I ever had, I broke down held on to Elliott for the last time on the table with a heated blanket. I cried so loud and said "you will always be with me where ever i go" Elliott made eye contact with me for the last time as I rubbed his head for the last time. My hand rolled across his face til I got to the end of his ear leaving the room tears pouring down my face as I left the vet. When we returned home I grabbed Elliott''s leash and told my wife Let's walk the neighborhood for Elliott. We talked about all the funny stories we could think of. I love you Elliott "

"From the heart"

~Andy Clark

  

Join Elliott's Facebook Page and meet Andy's new companion named Tuffy. He's quite handsome!

Embrace your inner flower dog

We were away in York Maine last week for a friend's wedding. The happy couple have an adorable dog named Lexi which they adopted from a shelter. Lexi was actually a Hurricane Katrina rescue dog. When Hurricane Katrina devastated Louisiana, more than 250,000 pets were left to fend for themselves.

Lexi was rescued by Nick and Patti from Haverhill Massachusetts and the rest is history. She is adored by her owners and actually played a very big role in their wedding last week. Lexi was the flower dog! 

She was certainly the most adorable flower dog we had ever seen and she took her role very seriously. Aside from falling asleep in the back seat of our car after the wedding photos were taken, she shined the entire day. Lexi really embraced her inner flower dog.

Lexi even had her nails painted for the occasion. 

We had a great time in Maine. Congrats Patti & Nick! We hope you are having a blast in Hawaii! I'm sure you both are very proud of Lexi. She really was a beautiful flower dog!

Do you know of any other dogs that were part of a wedding?

We'd love to hear their story and share some pictures on our blog! Email us anytime at [email protected]

A Sneak Peek into Gracie's Weekend

Gracie had an eventful weekend. We didn't go on any adventures but we did fit some nice walks in between yard work and errands. I tried to make it as interesting as possible for Gracie since we had such a busy weekend. 

Friday night we headed over to UMass Dartmouth for a gorgeous sunset walk.

Then on Saturday we did lots of yard work and squeezed in a walk over at Fort Rodman in New Bedford.

Gracie stole my smart water bottle and decided to bury it in the yard while I was busy working in the flower garden. 

Then she was all tuckered out after a long day!

On Sunday we had a bit of chaos on our hands. Gracie's cat brother Luke brought a live bunny into the house... It was complete hysteria for a bit, but we managed to capture the bunny and put him back outside in the wild where he belongs. Thank goodness!

What did you and your dog do this weekend?

Gracie at Pet Fest and Walk for Animals on Sunday May 15, 2011

Gracie had a great time at the Coalition for Animals of Greater New Bedford's Annual Pet Fest and Walk this past Sunday at Buttonwood Park in New Bedford, Ma. She couldn't wait to get to the park and enjoy all the festivities! 

We enjoyed walking around to all the vendors and getting all sorts of goodies for Gracie! It seemed like all the dogs had a great time.

The rain even held out for us too! Buttonwood Park was filled with all sorts of dogs, big and small. 

  

A special thank you to the Coalition for Animals of Greater New Bedford for another great pet friendly event!  Gracie had a wonderful time.

Did you and your pet go to Pet Fest 2011?

If so, share your stories and pictures with us. Email us any time at [email protected]

A Tired Dog is A Happy Dog

The old adage that a tired dog is a happy dog is all too true. We wanted to share some photos of Gracie today right after we picked her up from doggie daycare at Manypaws Pet Villa in Westport, MA.

Each time we pick her up from doggie daycare she comes bounding out of the play yard and into the office at Manypaws Pet Villa barking with excitement. Don't get her wrong... Gracie LOVES doggie daycare, but she also loves to see us at the end of a long hard day of play!

We've come to the assumption, and I guess one could say understanding, that although she barks incessantly at us when we pick her up, it is because she just wants to tell us all about her fun-filled day. 

As you can see, by the pictures posted below, the old adage really does hold true: A Tired Dog is a Happy Dog! 

 

Gracie was so exhausted she couldn't even keep her eyes open sitting up. Thanks Manypaws Pet Villa aka American Canine!!

Dogs Touching Our Hearts and Changing Our Lives

Has a dog ever touched your heart or changed your life? What if a dog could literally open new doors for you? Across America people coping with profound challenges are getting a new lease on life. 

Assistance dogs, loving canine companions, are working small miracles every day. These miracles are happening not just because they're trained, not just because they're smart, it's happening because dogs actually see the world differently than any other animal. Dogs are born to care about their human companions. 

Gracie and I came across a wonderful video by Through A Dogs Eyes about stories of service dogs and the people whose lives they have changed. 

Sit back, pop some popcorn, cuddle up with your pup on the couch, and enjoy the show! Gracie and I highly recommend it.

Click here to watch the video. 

Don't forget to share your thoughts with us too on our bark blog. We welcome comments on all of our blog posts. We encourage conversation! 

The video link above is a documentary on PBS about the human-canine bond as told through the moving stories of service dogs and the people whose lives they have changed. The film will transform how audiences see their own dogs.

Gracie Enjoying a Spring Walk at Gooseberry Island

Gracie and I had a fun-filled walk on Saturday over at Gooseberry Island in Westport, MA.

Gracie had a spring in her step and water on the brain! 

The water was crystal clear and quite cold but Gracie did not seem to mind at all. She had a blast fetching shells and climbing on rocks. 

Gracie and I usually go for our walks over at Gooseberry Island in the morning hours, but today we ended up walking over there in the afternoon. We saw a lot of dogs and their owners enjoying the beautiful spring weather. 

I ended up with a very tired and happy dog. Look at this smile!

What did you and your dog do this weekend? Tell us about it and/or send us a picture! Email us at [email protected] 

Don't forget to check out our Gooseberry Island Adventure video too!