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Paws UpIf you’re like us, your pet is as much a part of your family as your spouse or kids. At Nashville Lifestyles, we know a little something about pampering, socializing, caring for, and all-around adoring our furry friends, which is why each spring we invite Nashville’s pooch population out to Cheekwood Botanical Garden for our

annual Cover Dog contest. On the following pages, you’ll find the best of the best—as voted by readers along with a panel of judges—out of almost 300 pups who came out for the competition, as well as a roundup of our favorite Nashville

rescues and a handy resource guide for the greatest pet spots in town.

PRODUCED BY KRISTIN LUNA AND SIERRA PILANDPHOTOS BY ABIGAIL BOBO, KELLY COYLE, BEV MOSER, AND MANDY WHITLEY

TOP DOGS 2015

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Ryman (1 1/2 years), Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

This year’s Cover Dog, Ryman, loves to frolic with children, lap up ice cream from Jeni’s, hang out on the patio at Frothy Monkey, or lounge on his pool float with his sunglasses on. As a therapy dog, he’s busy working much of the week, but on weekends Ryman can be found relaxing with his pals Jackson and Bailey from Retrieving Independence, the Brentwood-based service dog organization with which he’s affiliated.

“The service dogs are trained all week at the prison and come out on the weekends to be socialized,” says his owner, Sara Mallen. “It is a fantastic organization that we are proud to have Ryman involved in!”

Ryman also enjoys a bevy of other active pursuits: retrieving tennis balls, playing tug, shaking hands on command, and long walks at Radnor Lake. He’s a sucker for a good belly rub and is spoken for by his cocker spaniel girlfriend, Gladys. (Sorry, ladies.) The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a boundlessly friendly and energetic companion, Mallen says, one that demands the company of his owner and is always up for an adventure.

“This breed has an infinite capacity for intelligence and energy and requires frequent mental and physical challenges. He needs the companionship of his family but also a warm bed to sleep in at night,” she explains. (And yes, he sleeps in a king-sized bed.)

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Sugar, Bichon Frise

Quincy, Saint Bernard

Bubbles, Great Pyrenees

Koto, German Shepherd/ Labrador/Husky Mix

OVERALL FAVORITE

BEST SKIN AND COAT

BEST SMILE

BEST OF THE BEST SMALL DOG

BEST OF THE BEST LARGE DOG

BEST OF THE BEST MIDSIZE DOG

Scout, Boxer/Jack Russell Mix

Louis, French Bulldog

You went online, you judged, you voted. Here are the awards for your favorites.

READERS’ CHOICE

2015 Award

2015 Award

2015 Award

2015 Award

2015 Award

2015 Award

It’s hard enough to choose between two dogs, but more than 250? We here at Nashville Lifestyles had our work cut out, but you voted and gave us some of your favorites. Thanks to everyone who came to Cheekwood and voted online. The choice gets tougher every year, but with these great dogs, we’re in a win-win situation.

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Highland,Golden Retriever/Border Collie Mix

Stella, Schipperke

Louie, Golden Retriever

Tux, Shih Tzu/Maltese

Cocoa Bear Schneider, Pomeranian

Scout, Bernese Mountain Dog

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Barkley, Terrier Mix

Dan, Australian Shepherd

Aldo, German Shepherd

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Kembo,Boxer/Husky

Digger, Papillon

Whiskey, Weimaraner

Avery, Bichon Frise

Fluff, Pyrenees and Chow Mix (Pyr-Chow)

Finley, St. Bernard BIG

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Boomer, Boston Terrier

Dixie, English Mastiff-Brindle

Avett, Amstaff

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Bentley, Goldendoodle

Olive, Shih Tzu Bichon

Shelby, Boxer

Rocket, Mini Aussie Mix

Sophie Dubois, Standard Poodle-Phantom

Chloe, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Baloo, Mix

Deb, Boykin Spaniel

Dapple, Dachshund

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ULTIMATE PET GUIDE

How to Provide for, Pamper, and Care for Your Pet

BY CLAIRE GIBSON

TOP-NOTCH SERVICEWags & Whiskers Located in East Nashville’s Five Points neighbor-hood—and with a second retail-only location tucked behind the The Label in 12 South—Wags & Whiskers is a puppy’s paradise. This store’s got it all: holistic pet foods, toys and treats, bully sticks, antlers, indestructible bones, and a variety of gear like leashes, beds, and food dishes. (And if they don’t have what you need, the knowledgeable and atten-tive staff can make a special order on your behalf.) A self-serve grooming station for dogs of all sizes waits at the back of the shop, ready for any pet parent who can’t imagine doing the dirty work in the family bathroom. (1008 Forrest Ave., 615-228-9249; wag-sandwhiskersnashville.com)

FOR THE HEALTH- CONSCIOUSBaxter Bailey & Company If you’re wanting to treat your dog to the latest in organic goods, look no further than Baxter Bailey & Company, a holistic pet

store located on Fatherland Street in East Nashville. A national brand with outfits across the country, Baxter Bailey & Company stocks its shelves with the finest organic products, including coconut oil and chia seed treats, bath and spa products, and oral care items to keep your pet’s breath minty fresh. (1006 Fatherland St., Ste. 101A, 800-535-8184; baxterbailey-company.com)

IN CASE OF EMERGENCYNashville Pet Emergency ClinicEmergencies often strike at the most inopportune time. When the situation is dire and your primary veterinar-

ian office is closed—wheth-er it’s after business hours or during a holiday—pet owners need not fear. Open all night, every holiday, and 24 hours on weekends, Nashville Pet Emergency Clinic can step in to help when your regular vet is unavailable and then quick-ly transfer your case back to their office when they reopen. (2000 12th Ave. S., 615-383-2600; nashvillepe-temergency.com)

FOOD FOR THOUGHTNature’s Select of Middle TennesseeWhether your pet strug-gles with skin or airborne allergies, Nature’s Select of Middle Tennessee special-

izes in finding a way to alle-viate the pain. Locally made food and free home delivery are two of this South Nashville shop’s claims to fame, not to mention complimentary online and in-store consultations about which food recipe is right for your pet. Owned by California natives Paul and Diana Cavanaugh, Nature’s Select has been serving families and their pets since 1994. (4320 Kenilwood Dr., 615-656-3323; nstennessee.force.com)

POOPER SCOOPERSTidy PawsForget heading outside with a shovel and plastic bag—what a maid service does for

your kitchen, Tidy Paws can do for your lawn. With this handy Murfreesboro-based pet waste removal service serving the greater Nash-ville area, there’s never a reason to check before you step. Choose weekly, bi-weekly, or every-other-week service for up to four dogs, and ask about discounts if you have a small yard. (3129 Kerrybrook Dr., Mur-freesboro, 615-893-9496; tidypawsonline.com)

SAFE AND SOUNDGunner KennelsWhen local entrepreneur Addison Edmonds wanted to take his British choc-olate lab, Gunner, on a road trip, he was stunned by the lack of decent options for kennels. In response, he designed a new vessel, complete with double-walled rotomolded plastic capable to withstand more than 4,000 pounds of force. Gunner Kennels include other safety and convenience features, like a paddle-latch door lock, rubber feet, and secure tie-down pins, ensuring that both you and your pet are safe while on the road. (844-486-6375; gunnerkennels.com)

OUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO THE VERY BEST SERVICES GEARED TOWARD OUR FLUFFY FRIENDS

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providePET TECH

Vet On Demand It’s not urgent—all you want to do is ask a veterinarian for

advice rather than paying for an entire emergency

visit. Problem solved, thanks to local company Vet On Demand, an app-based marketplace that allows

pet owners to connect with licensed veterinarians for

common health questions. The app (for iOS only) is free, and video consulta-

tions are $2.50 per minute. (vetondemand.com)

Camping with DogsWant to hit the trail but

aren’t sure if your pooch is permitted? This website,

created by Nashville’s Ryan Carter, will clearly state which national parks are

dog-friendly (state and met-ro parks are coming soon). The goal, Carter says, is to encourage people to bring their pets along on every

adventure possible. (campingwithdogs.com)

DogVacayNeed a loving dog-sitter

while you are out of town? DogVacay, a startup that

services Nashville and thou-sands of other cities, has you covered. Enter your zip code and coverage dates needed, and you’ll find a list of vetted

providers nearby. Look for five-star reviews, then vaca-tion worry-free—you’ll even receive daily photo updates of your pup. (dogvacay.com)

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pamper

Farm at Natchez Trace

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BY ARYN VAN DYKE

LAP OF LUXURYFarm at Natchez TraceThis sprawling Franklin farm is the utmost in luxurious retreats for pets. Once they’re checked in by a pet concierge, the lucky dogs have plenty of land to explore—and a five-star suite to retire to after they’re all tuck-ered out. The Farm also provides a Cat Cottage for feline friends. (9479 New Highway 96 West, 615-662-6628; thefarmat-natcheztrace.com)

HOME AWAY FROM HOMEMy Second Home Pet ResortDogs and cats alike can settle themselves in for the long haul at this Franklin-based resort. With villas right on the “beach”—i.e., huts surrounded by an indoor beach and waterfall—and other state-of-the-art “Serenity” and “Premier” suites, each pet can relax in comfort. The resort offers boarding services, day-care sessions, and grooming appointments. There’s also a dedicated area for smaller breeds that’s tucked away from the bigger, noisier dogs. (101 Mission Ct., Franklin, 615-771-7794; mysecondhome.com)

DOGGY DAY CAREThe Dog SpotThis day-care facility in East Nashville knows how to treat its clients—both the canines and the people. Pups spend their time

socializing and frolick-ing, and their owners can breathe a sigh of relief as they check in throughout the day via a webcam. The Dog Spot has two addi-tional locations in West Nashville and Mt. Juliet. (1004 Gallatin Ave., 615-385-1800; thedogspot.com)

SOCIAL HOURCamp Bow WowYour dog never needs to be left—bored—at home again. At Camp Bow Wow, pups big and small can mix and mingle within the multiple indoor and outdoor playgrounds, each with its own webcam. Dogs are allotted plenty of space to run around before either getting picked up after a long day or heading to their private cabin to settle in for the night. (470 Craighead St., 615-385-2275; campbowwow.com)

FOR THE FURRY FASHIONISTACome.Sit.StayYou definitely don’t want your dog chewing on a brand new pair of Manolos—but why not a plush one? You can find toys galore, including a plush designer shoe made specifically for your pup, at this Belle Meade pet boutique. Come.Sit.Stay

stocks American-made toys, treats, beds, bowls, and more for pooches of all sizes. (4425 Harding Pk., 615-473-7910; comesitstay-nashville.com)

SHOP TILL YOU DROPThe Cat Shoppe & Dog StoreWith dog and cat products as far as the eye can see, The Cat Shoppe & Dog Store in Berry Hill has it all, from toys to bowls, accessories to human gifts. The 23-year-old shop is a pet owner’s paradise and doubles as a cat adoption center with rescue kittens and adult cats. (2824 Bransford Ave., 615-297-7877; thecatshoppedog store.com)

WELL GROOMEDDippity Do DogEveryone deserves to be pampered—that’s Dippity Do Dog’s mantra. The grooming and spa salon offers services that will leave your pup perfectly coiffed and—pardon the pun—as clean as a hound’s tooth. The salon also has a Furminator Shed-Less Treatment to help control your dog’s excess hair. (6601 Sugar Valley Dr., 615-941-5292; dippitypetsalon.com)

Omni Nashville Hotel The Omni (250 5th Ave. S., 615-782-5300; omnihotels.com) invites all pets up to 25 pounds to sleep soundly in its chic rooms downtown for $50 per stay. Furry visitors receive a treat upon check-in and an Omni Hotels & Resorts mat and two bowls upon settling into their digs. Non-furry guests are provided with a special doorknocker that notifies housekeeping of a pet in the room.

Loews Vanderbilt HotelAs one of the first hotel chains to introduce a pet program, the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel (2100 West End Ave., 615-320-1700; loewshotels.com) allows visitors up to two animals per room for a fee of $25. And Loews Loves Pets lives up to its name: It includes gourmet room service menus prepared by the executive chef; specialized bedding, leashes, collars, litter boxes, litter, and scoopers; amenities such as dog-walking route maps, pet placemats, water bowls, treats, toys, and doggie pickup bags; and pet-walking and sitting services. Additionally, all furry guests receive a welcome kit with a pet tag, bowl, doggie pickup bags, and special treat.

Hutton HotelThe Happy Tails program at the Hutton Hotel (1808 West End Ave., 615-340-9333; huttonhotel.com) accepts dogs and cats at the property for a one-time fee of $50. Guests receive a welcome amenity, which includes treats, a toy, and a Hutton bandanna. Throughout the stay, a Creature Concierge can assist guests with walking routes or arrange for spa services or a sitter. Pet beds, bowls, litter boxes and litter, scratching posts, and waste bags are available upon request. Pets even have access to their own in-room dining menu, including housemade options, like the 1808 Doggie Burger. —Kristin Luna

PET-FRIENDLY HOTELS

Camp Bow Wow

Hutton Hotel

Omni

Haute Diggity Dog toys, available at Come.Sit.Stay

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BY KRISTIN LUNA

COMMUNITY EFFORTEast C.A.N. Founded with the intention to provide resources for the East Nashville community, East C.A.N. is a member-driven organization that abides by the philosophy “kindness breeds kindness.” In the beginning, a handful of East Nashville residents simply wanted to help out one injured animal. They realized that a community is more powerful than a single orga-nization, so they banded together: One person got supplies, another raised money for vetting, and an-other fostered the dog. That group effort became the foundation for the rescue, which helps save stray and injured canines and find them both temporary foster and forever homes; additionally, the nonprofit aids neighbors who need supplies and vet care. (eastcan.org)

SAVING LIVESAgape Animal Rescue Abandoned, neglected, abused, lost—Agape Animal Rescue takes in all types of dogs and commits to finding them permanent families through its Foster Care Training Program. On top of fostering, the organization regularly recruits volunteers for many positions, from chauffeurs to copywriters to weekend-event staffers. Agape’s annual fundraiser, Glitter and Glam, will take place on August 30. (agaperescue.org)

OLD DOG, NEW TRICKSOld Friends Senior Dog SanctuaryWhile there are always plenty of puppies available to rescue, Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary takes in the more mature canines that are often not considered as adoptable as their younger counterparts—and thus experience a much higher rate of euthanasia.

Through a captivated following of more than 680,000 Facebook fans, this three-year-old Mount Juliet–based nonprofit has placed thousands of senior dogs with loving families from far and wide. The organization will hold its annual fundraiser, Dog Art for Old Friends, on October 16 at the Omni Nashville Hotel and is hosting a kick-off party at Lexus of Nashville on May 1. (ofsds.org)

POPULATION CONTROLPet Community Center True advocates for animals, Pet Community Center partners with 20 different welfare groups, includ-ing Metro Animal Care and Con-trol, with the goal of decreasing the number of animals going into shelters and educating the public on pet overpopulation. After opening Nashville’s first low-cost spay and neuter clinic in 2014, Pet Community Center helped 3,000 animals in its first six months alone; cat intake is already down 60 percent in two of its target zip codes. (petcommunitycenter.org)

COUNTRY LIVINGThe Porch at Zavu’s PlaceAn equine-based center in College Grove, The Porch offers a private day in the country for seniors with terminal illnesses and their families so that they can escape, relax, breathe fresh air, and interact with friendly animals. The Porch’s posse comprises two shih tzus rescued from a puppy mill and eight horses, three of which are also rescues. While horseback riding

is not currently an option, guests are able to observe the horses in the pasture, feed them carrots or cookies, and volunteer to care for them. All visits are by appointment only, and lunch is provided for the families at no cost. (theporchatza-vusplace.com) ON TRACKGreyhound Pets of AmericaIt’s all too common of a story: A greyhound is groomed from birth and trained as a race dog, living his first three to four years on the track only to be discarded once he has served his purpose. Greyhound Pets of America, the premier organization for saving retired racetrack dogs, matches these purebred athletes with owners who will take them in for good and appreciate and nurture them. (gpanashville.org)

DO-GOODERSCritter CavalryThis Franklin-based nonprofit swoops into puppy mills and pounds around Tennessee and res-cues neglected dogs, placing them with families, both permanent and temporary. While Critter Cavalry is always looking for forever homes for its inhabitants—a mix of small-er guys like Pomeranians and Chi-huahuas and bigger breeds, all of whom are displayed on the rescue organization’s Facebook page—it’s also in need of temporary foster parents and people who can help transport animals over state lines. (crittercavalry.petfinder.com)

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

If you’re one of the more than 422,000 people who follow Big Fluffy Dog escue’s Facebook page, you’ve probably gotten a chuckle from the captions beneath each canine’s mug.

“Fans, we need to talk about Joshua,” reads the post introducing a two-year-old Great Pyrenees, one of the large breeds in which the organization specializes. “Joshua is like that guy in your chem class that you copied his homework, but completely friend-zoned.…We don’t really want you to date Joshua, but we do want you to give him a home!”

Founder Jean Harrison is responsible for penning the majority of these clever “late night posts”—they’re like philanthropic classified ads that are full of wit and personality but also expose the harsh realities of the rescue world. Harrison, a construction lawyer who graduated from Vanderbilt Law School, established BFDR in 2006 after branching off from a Great Pyrenees–centric rescue with the intention of helping out other large breeds as well. Thanks in large part to social media, BFDR has rapidly expanded in the past two years; the rescue saved nearly 2,000 canines last year and aims to up that number in 2015 with a new 5,600-square-foot facility that sits on five acres of land 45 miles south of Nashville in Chapel Hill.

Harrison calls it a “temporary way station” for dogs in need of medical care or who don’t yet have a foster home. With dogs coming from as far away as Japan and Korea, and only 60 spots available, the kennel is always full. There are now 20 full-time employees, many of whom are kennel workers, as well as Harrison’s counterpart, microbiologist-turned-BFDR-executive director Elizabeth Zaccaro. Boasting a network

Agape Animal Rescue

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careof 1,000 foster homes, the Nashville-based nonprofit is fully funded by donations and helps dogs in 15 states.

“The number of animals in need is so high and the number of available foster homes is so low—you’re never going to get enough fosters to help every dog,” says Harrison. (She has a no-dog-left-behind policy, meaning if she rescues one animal from a puppy mill, she rescues them all.)

Even with discounted vet services, taking in an injured or sick dog is a costly endeavor. Harrison says the healthiest of pups can cost BFDR $600 to $800—considerably more than the $500 adoption fee. And then there are extreme events, like last year, when 18 dogs arrived in “the most heinous condition” Harrison has ever seen; that case alone set the nonprofit back more than $100,000. Miranda Lambert’s rescue in Oklahoma, MuttNation Foundation, chipped in to pay back a portion of that cost.

BFDR is forever looking for locals to help carry out its mission of providing care and homes to giant mixed breeds in need. Those not able to foster, adopt, or contribute financially can serve on the transport team or volunteer at the kennel on weekends. Harrison’s long-term fundraising goal is to create a self-sustaining model like Paul Newman’s food brand, Newman’s Own, so the organization isn’t forever operating on a shoestring.

“This is the one business where you have zero control. You don’t know what’s going to come in the door. And you have to treat it as a business because if you don’t, you won’t survive. But unlike other businesses where you can forecast, I have no idea what’s going to come in next week,” she says. “We’ve done everything wrong. Every day, every week, there’s something new to learn. But for now, we’re taking it one step at a time.” (bigfluffydogs.com) —K.L.

Jean Harrison, founder of Big Fluffy Dog Rescue

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