National Dog Day at The Taconic Hotel

We celebrate National Dog Day every day in our household, but this past weekend we celebrated even harder at The Taconic Hotel in Manchester, Vermont.

Two weekends ago we had the pleasure of staying at the Taconic Hotel with Knox, Bear, and Harper before heading to our rental home. The dogs were immediately greeted with belly rubs, cookies, and our cottage was fully stocked with all of the doggie essentials to make for the perfect nights stay. We learned that because the hotel is SO dog-friendly, they would be hosting a special celebration the next weekend for National Dog Day (8/26) that would benefit Second Chance Animal Center. We couldn't miss it!

Upon return we stayed in the Main House, which was just as cozy and beautifully decorated as the cottage, we stayed in previously. Rich, Bear and I had a quick snack on the porch of the Copper Grouse before heading to the expansive lawn of the hotel between the pool and the main house. Around the perimeter of the yard, we spotted some of our favorite pet related businesses and some we hadn't had the pleasure of knowing… yet!

We were immediately greeted by the General Manager, John Burnham who gave Bear lots of love and welcomed us with open arms. The Taconic Hotel was raffling off three incredible prizes; a stay at two different Kimpton resorts and a delicious meal at The Copper Grouse, all proceeds benefitting Second Chance Animal Center. Of course, we had to get in on the raffles. Is there anything better than supporting rescue and entering for a chance to win a Kimpton stay?! No, the answer is definitely no.

The Taconic and their restaurant, Copper Grouse was also offering some signature cockTAILS one being The Salty Dog (adorable!), all proceeds benefitting Second Chance Animal Center. We indulged in some drinks and complimentary burgers and dogs. Mmm!

Around the lawn, we had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful Orvis Manchester team and joined their new Orvis Dog Club where we received a travel packing checklist, PB cookies, and a voucher for a free toy. We loved Orvis before, and we love Orvis even more now.

At the next booth over, we learned a bit more about Caring Canines, the Therapy Dogs of Southern Vermont. If you have a pup that you believe would be a great fit for therapy work, you can join the club through a three step process. Once your dog has passed, he or she will be on their way to bring joy and laughter to those needing some four legged therapy.

While celebrating National Dog Day and rescue, we also had the opportunity to honor Senior Dogs! Jane Sobel Klonsky, author of UNCONDITIONAL: OLDER DOGS, DEEPER LOVE, was also in attendance. We purchased her book that celebrates “the special relationship between old dogs and the people who love them.” The book’s sampling of the 300+ stories is the perfect addition to our home!

Bear with Jane Sobel Klonsky, her pup Charlie, and the cover pup!

In the back corner, Second Chance Animal Center was offering doggo washes, information on their shelter, and had a book of all the animals up for adoption. For those of you who aren't familiar with Second Chance, they are located on VT Route 7A, at the Shaftsbury/Arlington town line, about halfway between Bennington and Manchester Vermont. They are dedicated to providing compassionate shelter and adoption services for the animals in their care, improving the lives of companion animals in the communities that we serve via spay/neuter assistance, humane education, advocacy, and humane investigative advice and assistance to law enforcement agencies. They currently have a handful of dogs and cats up for adoption and I, of course, had to scan the binder full of pets.

Tyson, pictured here, has been at the center since February. While we didn’t have the opportunity to meet him, we do know from the staff that he is playful, friendly, and is looking for a home where he can be the only pup. If you are interested in Tyson or know someone who might be, click here. He and all the others are so deserving of a happily ever after!

Additionally, I spotted Uno who has also been at Second Chance for a few months and is looking for the perfect forever home. He is also very energetic and playful and wants a home that has an active lifestyle. For more information on Uno, click here.

A few tables over, the incredibly talented, Dave Morse had his watercolor and oil paintings of animals on display. We learned a bit about his process and admired his beautiful, realistic paintings of our four legged friends. It would seriously be a dream to have one of his paintings in our home.

We also participated, with our friends from @AlbertandLincoln, in the Dog Parade. While we forgot our costumes, the other pups did not and looked incredibly stylish in some unique outfits. After the parade ended, we continued enjoying our drinks at Yappy Hour and congratulated the winners of the raffle items. We even got to take home some of our favorite treats from Wagathas; the biscuits made using pure, honest ingredients, contain no wheat (except for our Classic Recipe), corn, or soy products. The Maple Bacon Meat Treats are the pup’s absolute fav!

Our buddy Lincoln from @AlbertandLincoln on Instagram

Not only was our National Dog Day four paws up, but it was also a huge success! Between the dog washing, raffle drawing, drink purchases and “Unconditional” book purchases, as well as our donation through the room night, The Taconic Hotel raised just over $1,000 (excluding private donations) for Second Chance Animal Center. Thank you to everyone who participated in putting the event together and making it a huge success!