For many of us, a house doesn’t feel like home until there’s a dog waiting at the door, ready for a walk, a game of fetch or a spot on the couch. In Memphis, dogs are part of the family. They join us on neighborhood strolls, hunting adventures and trips to the park—and, somehow, they often end up being the ones in charge.
We asked the Ware Jones team to share the places, little luxuries and home features their dogs love most. From mornings spent exploring Memphis parks and neighborhoods to lake days, backyard adventures and cozy corners at home, their answers reveal the personalities.
Meet the dogs who know the best spots in Chickasaw Gardens, Audubon Park, Central Gardens, Shelby Farms and beyond; the ones with opinions about barbecue, blankets, kitchens and sunny windows; and the ones who remind us that a home is made special by everyone who lives there—even those with four paws.
It’s easy to see how these companions make our homes warmer, our days brighter and our city feel a little more like home.
Martha Robertson
Where would your dog spend an entire day in Memphis?
If Winnie could choose, she'd move straight to the Chickasaw Gardens lake. She's a social butterfly trapped in a dog's body and treats every pup she meets like a lifelong friend. She's equally fascinated by the resident geese, whom she seems to consider suspicious, feathered celebrities. I love the lake too—it's the perfect place to exercise, catch up with friends and spend time together. Winnie and I clearly share the same hobbies.
Jake Lawhead
Where would your dog happily spend all day? What about you?
Cash and I are at Audubon Park almost every day, usually with a tennis racquet and ball in hand. It's the perfect mix of open fields, shady trails and a lake where he loves to cool off. Shelby Farms is our destination when we have more time, though Cash would happily stay at either park forever. I don't blame him. They're both great places to enjoy nature, unplug from the daily grind and spend quality time together.
Elizabeth Kuhlo
What’s the most “Memphis” thing about your home and your dog?
The most Memphis thing about my home is a painting of Elvis by local artist Megan Hurdle. The most Memphis thing about my dog, Echo, is her love of barbecue—especially ribs. If ribs are on the menu, she's convinced they were made just for her.
If your dog could choose between a huge backyard or a perfect sunny window, which would they pick?
Neither. Echo is obsessed with the lake. I'll throw a retrieving dummy into the water, and she'll happily chase it all day.
Rob Hyde
Where do you take your dog on a summer weekend?
Goose, my Labrador Retriever, lives for Pickwick Lake. He races from the car straight into the water, spends the day retrieving sticks and balls, then roams the shoreline with the other dogs. Watching him enjoy that freedom is my favorite part.
One feature buyers with pets should never overlook?
A mudroom. It's the perfect place to wipe muddy paws, dry wet fur and keep the mess out of the house.
Lili Jones
If your dog wrote the listing description for your home, what would it say?
Mollie would rave about our abundance of windows, where she watches her furry friends stroll by. She'd also mention the chef's kitchen, knowing plenty of treats are made there.
Favorite shared home feature?
Our courtyard is our favorite spot. The fountain makes it peaceful year-round, and Mollie loves stretching out there in the sunshine.
Mary Olivia Pierotti
Backyard or sunny window?
Nola would choose a huge backyard every time, and I'd agree. You can always add a sunny window later.
Favorite Memphis spot?
Nola loves exploring the University of Memphis campus, while I'd spend the day at Shelby Farms Park for its scenic trails and sunsets.
Alan Crenshaw
Backyard or sunny window?
Blue and I would choose differently depending on the season. In the fall and winter, we'd take to the big backyard to enjoy the cooler weather. In spring and summer, we'd happily trade it for a sunny window beneath an A/C vent—Blue hates the heat.
Favorite room?
The living room. Blue has claimed the end of the sofa, where she can keep an eye on the kitchen in case food appears.
William Ware
Home personality and favorite room?
Our home is a golden retriever because Charlie is its king. His dream home would include a pool with a sun shelf and a yard made for digging. His favorite room is the kitchen, wherever snacks—and the kids—are.
Lauren Harkins Wiuff
Favorite Memphis neighborhood?
Birdie and I both chose Central Gardens. It's incredibly dog-friendly, with waste stations, beautiful historic homes and plenty of friendly neighbors. She especially loves showing off in the Fourth of July parade, sometimes sporting a tutu.
Most unexpected pet-friendly feature?
A dedicated dog room with a pet shower, grooming station and dryers. Birdie would look much more polished if we had one.
Laurie Connors
If Parker staged a home...
He'd insist the blanket Mom puts over the couch so he can cuddle beside me stays right where it is.
Favorite neighborhood?
Yorkshire is perfect for dog walks, with tree-lined streets, winding roads and easy access to the Sea Isle Dog Park.
Lynda Baddour
Perfect neighborhood for pet owners?
Chickasaw Gardens is hard to beat. The quiet streets, beautiful lake and abundance of ducks make every walk enjoyable for both dogs and their owners.
Backyard or sunny window?
Moses would choose a big backyard to run and explore, though he's happiest anywhere the family is.