Meet Rosie — The Rose Gardens’ Welcome Dog
By Marilyn Wellan
Meet Rosie — The Rose Gardens’ Welcome Dog
Every dog has its day, and every dog has a story.
At the Rose Gardens of the American Rose Center, one of our newest stories has four paws, a beautiful coat of gold, black and brown, twinkling brown eyes, a gentle heart—and a name that fits her personality.
Her name is Rosie.
Rosie is a large, sweet Shepherd who began her life without a home. We may never know everything about the road that brought Rosie to her family, but we do know where that road has led her: to a home where she is loved, and now to a very special place among the roses.
Rosie is still a young dog, but she has an unusually gentle nature. She loves people and seems to understand that sometimes the nicest thing you can do is simply walk up, say hello, and make someone feel welcome.
Rosie doesn’t need to say a word to make people smile.
Rosie is being welcomed as an official mascot and Ambassador for the Rose Gardens of the American Rose Center.
On special days throughout the year, visitors may find Rosie waiting to greet them. She might welcome families arriving for an Easter celebration, pose beside children for a Christmas photo, be a guest for a child’s birthday party, or simply offer a friendly hello during one of our family events.
Children can have their picture taken with Rosie. Grandparents can introduce her to grandchildren. Visitors who miss a beloved dog of their own may discover that Rosie has a little extra affection to share.
And Rosie has an important job. She reminds us that a public garden isn’t only about beautiful flowers. It is about welcome.
It is about families spending time together, children discovering something new, and creating memories in a beautiful place.
Rosie’s own story carries a message we especially love. She was a rescue dog who was given another chance—she found a family, a purpose, and a place where she belongs. Perhaps that is why Rosie and a rose garden belong together.
So, when you visit the Rose Gardens of the American Rose Center, keep an eye out for a flash of gold among the roses.
It just might be Rosie, our Welcome Dog, waiting to meet you.
And if she comes over to say hello, don’t be surprised.
That’s her job.
Contact Information
Tours
Please call ahead to schedule.
Dates & Hours
- Monday - Friday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 8:00AM - 12:00PM
The Gardens of The American Rose Center is a botanic garden featuring America’s national floral emblem, the Rose. The expansive Gardens feature architecturally significant, circular beds of modern and heirloom roses. The Gardens provide wide walkways for pleasurable strolls and peaceful walks and jogs under the tall, cathedral-like pine trees that surround the gardens. Visitors will find year-round interest in the setting, with azaleas, magnolias and other trees and shrubs, an herb garden, other themed gardens, a large reflecting infinity pool, art in the garden, and modern buildings and facilities including a gift shop. The Gardens are the “Home of “Christmas in Roseland” which has delighted and excited visitors every year for over forty years!