Michelle Dempsey, Curatorial Assistant

“Staunch and faithful little lovers that they are, they give back a hundred fold every sign of love one ever gives them–& it mitigates the pang of losing them to know how very happy a little affection has made them.”

Edith Wharton to Charles Eliot Norton, June 1908, courtesy of Beinecke Library, Yale University

Lifelong lovers of small dogs, Edith and Teddy Wharton had many while at The Mount. A number of them are still here today, and you can visit their graves at the pet cemetery. Located on a small hill overlooking the flower garden, you can view the markers that commemorate four of their beloved dogs: Miza, Jules, Toto, and Mimi. 

Jules was a particular favorite; his grave marked “Our Friend Jules” and is featured in a number of the Whartons’ photographs at The Mount.

It is fun to imagine little dogs, long-haired Chihuahuas and Papillons, among others, having their run of The Mount, following Wharton down the hall, sitting with her at mealtimes, and lounging in bed while she wrote every morning. Early members of New York City’s chapter of the ASPCA, Edith and Teddy are frequently pictured with their dogs, and Wharton’s letters and diaries are filled references to them, some joyful, some tragic, often commenting on their joy when the Whartons returned home from their various travels: “We got home last night & the dogs turned somersaults for joy,” Wharton wrote to Sara Norton in August of 1902.

In the spirit of the Whartons’ love for dogs, the staff of The Mount wish to share stories of their own canine companions visiting The Mount!

Clover (also known as Clovercita) is a three-year-old Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Beloved by Communications Director Jen and her family, including Café Associate Ella, Clover is the size of a very small horse with a hound-dog bark, though she is very gentle and timid. She flew from Ohio to California as a pup to join Jen’s family.  

Eisen, one of two Dachshunds owned by Human Resources and Office Manager McKayla, is two years old and goes by Eisenhower or Howard when being naughty. Eisen is a big fan of coming to work, barking at birds, and overall being a sweet but very naughty sausage. He knows what it means when asked, “Do you want to go to work?” He runs straight to the door and waits for his leash before bolting to the car. 

Sully is a two-year-old Golden Retriever that joined my family as a puppy. He is named after James P. Sullivan (Sully) from the Pixar movie Monster’s Inc. Sully is very shy when he leaves home, but he LOVES other dogs, and they help him come out of his shell. His favorite pasttime is running around his backyard with his brother Milo and swimming in the creek.

Milo is our three-year-old golden retriever. We adopted him when he was two from a family friend, knowing he would be the perfect older brother for Sully. He is such a lovebug and the most awkward snuggler. He enjoys teasing his younger brother to play by shoving toys in his face. He guards mom’s feet or her door while at The Mount and a has big, deep bark that disappears as soon as he receives scratches.

Macy, a two-year-old black German Shepherd, loves coming to The Mount in the early mornings to play frisbee while her dad, Dale, cares for grounds! She sticks right by Dale’s side and waits patiently (most of the time) for him to take a break to throw it for her.

Ruby is an eight-month-old Springer Spaniel that started coming to The Mount to explore with Librarian Nynke when Ruby was just eight weeks old. She had her first-ever puppy sleepover with Sully and Milo, my golden retrievers, when Nynke visited her father in the Netherlands in April. Her favorite activities are running through the streams at The Mount after a rainy day, visiting staff members and playing with other staff dogs, “accidentally” ending up with the students working the terrace café, hanging out with the big boys of the maintenance crew, and chasing leaves in the gardens.

Seamus, an eight-year-old Irish Setter, came to The Mount with Café Associate Daniella for a day off. Seamus is a happy boy that loves to lay with his kitty brother Mochi and eat lettuce, his favorite snack. 

Pip, a 10-year-old Chihuahua, Pomeranian, and Papillon mix owned by Public Programs Director Patricia, was a rescue named Pipsqueak because she was the smallest of her litter. She also goes by Pippa, Pippy, and Creature (Patricia’s father’s original name for her). Pip, a dead ringer of the Wharton’s dog Mitou, loves to help while at The Mount, registering guests at programs, listening to the summer lectures, and riding – but rarely driving – golf carts.

Malakai (messenger of god) is a six-year-old Siberian Husky. His nephew Atreyu (from Never Ending Story) is a is four years old, and they love to visit The Mount with their mom, Bookstore Manager Susan. Mally was raised by two golden retrievers and has quite the golden/husky demeanor. Atreyu was added to her family when Malakai’s sister had her first and only litter. When not hard at work in The Bookstore, they enjoy walking the grounds, viewing the sculptures, listening to live music, and lounging on the terrace. They get very excited when Mom says let’s go to work! 

Tank is a twelve-year-old Boxer that helps keep an eye on things at The Mount with Facilities Director, Earl. Tank likes to swim and hike, in addition to being chased by Earl’s smaller dogs.

Has your dog been to The Mount? The grounds are free and open dawn until dusk (except for early closing days). Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the property with their human companions!