Charlotte’s full of pups with personality. Whether old or young, big or small, mutt or purebred, crazy or calm, they all have at least one thing in common: they bring a bit of unconditional joy to every dog person they meet.
In Meet My Dog, we’ll say hello to some of the Queen City’s happiest four-legged friends and ask their humans about their favorite things to do with dogs in Charlotte.
First up: the little dog who’s staring at me impatiently from across the room as I work.
Meet Chester
- Puggle
- 13 years old
- August 13, 2006
- dogclt
How’d Chester get his name?
My husband had a friend growing up whose middle name was Chester (a family name, I think). Whether in sincerity or jest, I’m not sure, Bill vowed from the time they were kids he’d name his first grown-up pet after his friend. True to his word, there was only one option when he brought home Chester. It’s a funny little old man name that’s always fit him perfectly.
Do you celebrate his birthday?
You bet. A few years ago, we started a tradition of picking up a pawty cake from Canine Café in South End. And from the time he was little, Bill has taken him to the pet store on his birthday to pick out a new toy (which, if we’re being honest, usually turns into several new toys and bonus treats).
What’s his best trick?
He’s got a whole magic show – sit, shake, down, roll over, dance in a circle, balance a treat. It’s been delighting little kids and adults alike since he was a puppy. Pretty sure it only took him an afternoon to learn (you could say he’s a little food-motivated).
What’s the weirdest thing he does?
He loves to grab a stuffed animal (the smellier the better), snuggle in next to you and just sit and stare at someone across the room with a hunk of the toy in his mouth.
Favorite place for a long walk on the weekend?
We like an early morning or late afternoon walk at Freedom Park. The 0.6-mile paved loop around the pond is easy and scenic, and there are plenty of benches and shady spots to stop and rest or people watch along the way. There’s also a dog water fountain near the park’s entrance on the Princeton Avenue side if your pup needs a drink while you’re there.
Go-to dog-friendly patio in Charlotte?
Chester’s a regular at Brawley’s Beverage. Sure, that’s got a lot to do with how much we love its neighborhood vibe and solid tap list, but there’s also plenty of water bowls, ample shade and limitless two- and four-legged friends for Chester to meet every time we’re there.
