Wag in GRACE By Svenja Soldovieri Photos Kerry Gallagher
T
he City Different is a dog lover’s town; locals adore man’s best friend to the point of requiring two or three. We rescue them, dine with them (isn’t that what outdoor seating is for?), and parade them en masse around the Plaza every fall. We’re so dog-friendly, no one on Palace Avenue bats an eye to see a Bichon Frise take a sip at the “Dog Bar” outside GRACE gallery, step inside for a handful of treats, and then settle down for a power nap on a sheepskin rug while her human companion admires the jewelry. “I’ve always loved dogs, always lived with dogs, and it makes me happy to welcome them in the gallery,” says GRACE owner/designer Hillary Randolph. “That’s why my first foray into gifts and accessories was to create a line of adornments just for them.” “Walk in GRACE” is her new line of brightly colored, interchangeable leather leashes and leads that not only look terrific but make a difference, too. The colored leathers—aqua, tangerine, indigo, lime, hydrant red—mirror those of her best-selling Coco’s Bangles, which raise funds to support Heart & Soul Animal Sanctuary in Glorieta. “I wanted to build on the success of the bangles, but in a way more directly connected with dogs; 10 percent of proceeds from the ‘Walk in GRACE’ line benefits the sanctuary. Besides,” she adds, “it’s a fun way to play with the GRACE theme. Both collars and leashes have engraved metal features with messages like ‘Sit in GRACE’ or ‘Stay in GRACE,’ with more to come. So far, everybody loves them; a woman even came in last week and bought one to wear herself!” GRACE 125 E. Palace Ave. 505.986.0288 WearYourGrace.com