(Aug. 10, 2017) There has been a changing of the guards at Bishop’s Stock Fine Art Craft & Wine in Snow Hill.
Following the passing, last month, of longtime canine ambassador, Sarge, owner Ann Coates has filled the void with a new, furry face.
Coates said Sage “had been part of the gallery.” The amiable golden retriever was born just prior to the opening of Bishop’s Stock in 2003.
“We launched it with Sarge … who really became the known identity here because he was here for 14 years,” she said.
About two weeks after losing Sarge, a golden retriever puppy, named Cropper Island rockin’ rye, or simply “Rye,” filled the opening.
The site of the pup for those who first walk into the gallery, according to Coates, is akin to “almost instantaneous happiness.”
Rye currently serves under the tutelage of the other canine-in-residence at Bishop’s Stock, an English Labrador retriever known as Primo, or “Mo,” born in 2009.
“He and Sarge were just great buddies,” Coates said. “We’re pretty much into two dogs because we like them to have a companion.”
Many regular visitors to Bishop’s Stock were aware of the health issues faced by Sarge.
“He had a tumor, [but] people were always amazed at his positive attitude and his greeting ability,” Coates said.
The outpouring of sympathy was palpable when news of Sarge’s passing circulated. Coates said more than 3,000 people acknowledged her Facebook post.
“We got probably a couple dozen cards and notes from people, and the response on Facebook was just astounding,” she said. “It was not something that I wanted to publicize, but when we opened the door the first day he wasn’t here, I wanted people to know.”
She admitted the pups at Bishop’s Stock are one of the main attractions at the gallery.
“We have people who would just come to see the dogs,” Coates said. “People who work here in town … they stop by going to lunch.”
Because of their calm demeanors, Coates said Mo and Rye also serve as impromptu therapy dogs for children who are just becoming comfortable in the presence of canines.
“They’re very gentle dogs,” she said. “One of the things about having the dogs here is it makes the space happy and positive.”
Following the passing, last month, of longtime canine ambassador, Sarge, owner Ann Coates has filled the void with a new, furry face.
Coates said Sage “had been part of the gallery.” The amiable golden retriever was born just prior to the opening of Bishop’s Stock in 2003.
“We launched it with Sarge … who really became the known identity here because he was here for 14 years,” she said.
About two weeks after losing Sarge, a golden retriever puppy, named Cropper Island rockin’ rye, or simply “Rye,” filled the opening.
The site of the pup for those who first walk into the gallery, according to Coates, is akin to “almost instantaneous happiness.”
Rye currently serves under the tutelage of the other canine-in-residence at Bishop’s Stock, an English Labrador retriever known as Primo, or “Mo,” born in 2009.
“He and Sarge were just great buddies,” Coates said. “We’re pretty much into two dogs because we like them to have a companion.”
Many regular visitors to Bishop’s Stock were aware of the health issues faced by Sarge.
“He had a tumor, [but] people were always amazed at his positive attitude and his greeting ability,” Coates said.
The outpouring of sympathy was palpable when news of Sarge’s passing circulated. Coates said more than 3,000 people acknowledged her Facebook post.
“We got probably a couple dozen cards and notes from people, and the response on Facebook was just astounding,” she said. “It was not something that I wanted to publicize, but when we opened the door the first day he wasn’t here, I wanted people to know.”
She admitted the pups at Bishop’s Stock are one of the main attractions at the gallery.
“We have people who would just come to see the dogs,” Coates said. “People who work here in town … they stop by going to lunch.”
Because of their calm demeanors, Coates said Mo and Rye also serve as impromptu therapy dogs for children who are just becoming comfortable in the presence of canines.
“They’re very gentle dogs,” she said. “One of the things about having the dogs here is it makes the space happy and positive.”