According to Museum Program Manager Melissa Porter, the Douglases liked many kinds of animals. “They had ponies, chickens, collies, and other dogs,” she says. “It was a new idea of a country estate.” Their daughter Margaret Douglas Hall and her husband, Howard, also lived at Brucemore and typically kept at least two canine companions—usually German shepherds. (They even owned pet lions from the 1930s to the 1950s; one is buried in the pet cemetery on the site.) The Halls honored their favorite dog breed by commissioning three cast iron German shepherd statues, two of which are currently displayed in the landscape.

While no pets currently reside at Brucemore, the property still sees its fair share of furry friends. The grounds are open to the public during visiting hours, and it’s a popular place for locals to walk their dogs.