Downtown Salisbury Inc.

When the Hemann family travels, it is often with dog in tow.  Our retriever/lab mix Sebastian is as much a part of the family as I am … Sebastian backpacks, camps, hikes, stays in vacation houses and even shops downtown.  Yes, I said shops.  My wife will attest that working with a person who has been in downtown development for 20+ years mean that when you travel, you must patronize other downtowns.

When Sebastian is traveling with us, he also spends time in other downtowns.  There have been some interesting situations created by his shopping because he is quite an adorable dog.  On one occasion we were on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Sebastian was decked out in a bandanna, looking as handsome as any golden retriever/lab could look.  We were in Downtown Blowing Rock and while the remainder of the Hemann crew shopped, I was able to lounge on a bench with Sebastian.  As you would expect, dozens of people stopped to pet Sebastian … not a problem.… However, one lady wearing bright red lipstick just had to kiss him on the snout.  Well, the next time the family moved to the next store and checked on us, my wife spotted the incriminating evidence of a smooch from a complete stranger on Sebastian’s snout!  While it was the pup who bore the evidence of another woman’s affection, it was I who received the evil look reserved for a scoundrel.  Luckily for me, when his tail started wagging, the look melted into adoration (for the pup, not me…).

On another occasion, a shop owner in Downtown Hendersonville, seeing me parked with pup outside her store, came out with a bowl of water in hand for the handsome fella (once again, the pup, not me…).

We are fortunate in Downtown Salisbury to have shops where dogs are welcome.  Several merchants have water bowls outside their stores every day and pack a supply of dog treats.  Several bring their dogs to work.  I hope you are as appreciative as I am for the kindness these merchants offer our pets!