There was a warm breeze gently circulated by ceiling fans as the afternoon drew to a close. Gracie and I had the porch to ourselves for a moment, after a delightful tour of Charleston. I am glad that I made early reservations for dinner. We were the first guests of the evening at Poogan’s Porch. Gracie rested at my feet, while I enjoyed a refreshing lavender martini.

In that moment, all was quiet. Suddenly Gracie sat up at attention. Ears perked and tail wagged gently as she tilted her head to the right and then to the left. She turned her gaze as if watching someone walk down the steps, off the porch and into the yard. Looking out onto the lawn she gave a friendly, “arf,” tilted her head again and turned to look at me as if gauging my reaction. “What is it girl?” After peeking out through the banisters for one more look out across the lawn, she laid back down at my feet.

“Come on Gracie, we’re going for a walk.” While there are many amazing adventures across the Carolinas, our own neighborhood is a favorite. I know many of my longtime neighbors well, but there are so many new faces in our neighborhood. I usually make a point to visit new neighbors, welcoming them with a potted plant or other small gift. However, over the past year COVID restrictions have limited visits.

Looking out across the expansive lawn in front of Biltmore House, it is hard to imagine the grand view before me is only a small portion of the over 8000-acre estate. My sweet pup, Gracie, seems so tiny sitting on the lawn in front of the grand manor. The grounds of Biltmore Estates was an enormous playground for the Vanderbilts’ many dogs, including the most famous, Cedric. Often seen by his master’s side, George Vanderbilt’s beloved canine companion, Cedric, was a handsome Saint Bernard.

Ears perk and tail wags at the sound of, “Come on Gracie, we’re going on an adventure.” I don’t know which of us is more excited. Like folks across the country, we have been hunkered down at home for more than a year. During the pandemic, an unprecedented number of dogs were adopted as stay at home companions. As COVID restrictions ease, pet owners are looking forward to going out and socializing with their furry friends.