Ah! Spring seems to finally be upon us. The sun is shining and the trees are blooming. Who could ask for more. This weekend I met some new friends at a fabulous boutique in Wakefield, MA called Gone to the Dogs. Owner Gina Swansburg has been there for only a short time but has already created quite a following. Both two-legged and four-legged customers are welcomed warmly into her cheerful boutique. Among her product selection you will find a variety of delicious fresh bakery products (I got a chance to sample some. . .yum). I also loved her large display of unique leashes and collars. This must see boutique is the only Massachusetts distributor of the exclusive line of Diamond Dogs collars and leashes. Anyone who pays a visit to Gone to the Dogs knows that customer service is more than a buzz word. Gina's favorite part of her job is taking the time to find that special product a customer is looking for.Today Gone to the Dogs was hosting Pet Portrait Day. Photographer Dawn Norris of Absolutely Canine, Inc. spent the day snapping pictures of some of the cutest furry subjects you ever did see. Let me tell you. . .these are some "lucky dogs" (no pun intended). Dawn has photographed animals throughout the country. Her photos capture each pet's expression and personality like no one else can. She has a fabulous new line of products to show off those precious photos including canvas prints, archival proof boxes and sterling silver jewelry. Keep an eye out for her new business location and if you are an existing client Dawn is offering 15% of your total order when you book a consultation.
During my visit I got to chat with two new friends. Toby, a nine-year-old Yorkshire Terrier from Lynnfield and Shamus an eighteen-month-old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier from Wakefield. While Dawn was busy taking the professional photos my assistant, Annmarie, took a few shots of me with my two friends.
Toby lives at home with a great people family. He came in with his mom and had his picture taken with his brother. They all love him very much.
Here is some more of what Toby had to say:
- L: Where were you born, Toby?
- T: I am a New England native. I was born in Maine before coming to live with my family in Lynnfield, MA.
- L: Who is in charge of doggy duties at home?
- T: It is usually Mom. She feeds me and walks me most of the time. Moms are really good at that kind of stuff.
- L: Who takes care of you during the day while your parents are at work?
- T: Talk about a lucky dog. My parents both work at home. I'm never lonely or bored during the day.
- L: Do you get to go out a lot with your family?
- T: Yes, I'm always out with them. I love the outdoors. Now, I usually go on long walks but when my older brother was younger I would also go to a lot of his sports activities. I like to be where the action is!
- L: Do you have a favorite human friend?
- T: I can't single out any one particular person that is a favorite. I am though, quite a people person. I especially love strangers.
- L: Do you get along well with other dogs?
- T: Sure. I like to make friends with most dogs. I have to admit though I am a bit leery of some larger dogs. I can't seem to warm up to goldens and labs and black dogs really make me do an about face.
- L: Do you have a favorite treat that you like to eat?
- T: Not particularly. I love to eat anything!
- L: Who spoils you the most?
- T: My mom.
- L: How would you end this sentence? "I love it when. . ."
- T: I eat!
- L: "I hate it when. . ."
- T: I take a bath and get my teeth brushed.
- L: Belly rubs or ear scratches?
- T: Ear scratches.
- L: Nap on the couch or nap on the floor?
- T: I like to nap anywhere that there is sun.
Thank you so much for your time, Toby. It was great talking to you. Enjoy all the fabulous spring days ahead of us.
Shortly after my interview with Toby I had the opportunity to meet another friend who was on his way to his photo shoot. Shamus was a lively Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier who was looking quite sharp since he had just left the groomer. After his photo session with Dawn Shamus was kind enough to sit down and offer a few minutes of his time.
- L: Where were you born, Shamus?
- S: I was born not far from here, Saugus, MA the home of Hilltop Steakhouse and Kowloon Restaurant.
- L: Can you tell me a little about your people family?
- S: I live at home with Mom and my sister and brother Keara and Jordan.
- L: What do you do during the day while everyone is working or at school?
- S: I stay home and keep the house ship shape. Later in the day my friend Julie then comes to visit me and take me for a half-hour walk.
- L: Where do you like to go with your family?
- S: My favorite place is the Sheepfold in the Middlesex Fells Reservation. When I go there I get to run around an play with dozens of great dogs. It is the perfect canine playground!
- L: Who is your favorite dog friend?
- S: My best dog friends are my doggy brother Finnegan and our friend Gatsby. He is also Wheaten Terrier.
- L: Who is your favorite human friend?
- S: That would have to be Alicia.
- L: Do you ever go on vacation with your family?
- S: Not long ones but sometimes we'll go down the Cape or to Maine for a weekend.
- L: What is your favorite dog toy?
- S: Henry, my squeaky purple elephant.
- L: What is your favorite human treat?
- S: Scrambled eggs.
- L: How would you finish this sentence: "I love it when. . ."
- S: My family comes home from being gone.
- L: "I hate it when. . ."
- S: They leave
- L: "The silliest thing I ever had to wear was. . . "
- S: Build-A-Bear clothes.
- L: Belly rubs or ear scratches?
- S: Ear scratches.
- L: Tug or Fetch?
- S: Tug.
- L: Nap on the couch or nap on the floor?
- S: Nap on the couch.
Thanks, Shamus. You sound like quite a busy fellow. It was a pleasure talking with you.
And also thanks to Gina and Dawn. It was great meeting everyone on this beautiful spring afternoon. I hope you all enjoyed my latest interviews. Be sure to check back often to learn more about what is going on in the lives of Every Day Dogs.
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