Meet Ellen Terron: The Dog Mom behind dog-friendly Book Store “Books and Bulldogs”
Meet Ellen Terron, the entrepreneur behind local Massachusetts bookstore, Books and Bulldogs, and dog-mom to two French Bulldogs, Shelby Grace and Agustus Grace! Read along with our interview of this incredible Boston Dog Boss, and get to know her and her pups a little better.
What inspired you to become a dog mom, and how did your furry friend come into your life?
As a family, we made the decision to get a dog, marking my first experience with one at the age of 38. My husband fell in love with her instantly after seeing a picture. When we visited the breeder and met her dog and human parents, we knew she had to join our family. As we left the breeder's house, my husband mentioned, "If you have a boy, let us know." A year later, Augustus (Gus) became a cherished addition to our family.
Can you share a heartwarming or funny story about a memorable moment you've had with your pups?
We FaceTime my mom (their Nana) every day, okay, maybe sometimes twice a day, just so she can chat with them! It's the absolute best!
How has being a dog mom impacted your life and changed how you see the world?
They offer unconditional love and rely on you for their well-being. Taking care of them and loving them has truly made me a better person.
What are some challenges you've faced as a dog mom, and how did you overcome them?
I believe the biggest challenge is guilt. I always worry about leaving them alone for too long or not being home in time to feed them. Even when going on vacation and leaving them with their Nana, the guilt can be overwhelming. While I don't think I'll ever fully overcome it, I've realized that they will be okay and I don't need to worry so much.
How does your dog bring joy and happiness to your everyday life?
Literally, in everything they do, they're like family members we talk to constantly, and take pictures of constantly, and pretty much, the world revolves around them—and I absolutely love it!
Do you have any favorite activities or rituals that you enjoy doing with your pup?
When the weather is nice, I love laying out a blanket or a beach towel on the lawn and having a picnic with them. When I work out at home in the morning, they're always right there with me, interrupting me—though not exactly cheering me on, more like just being adorable distractions!
What are some of the most valuable lessons you've learned from being a dog mom?
Certainly, having pets teaches you the importance of putting others first, as well as how to love and care for something that can't verbally communicate its needs. The ability to love unconditionally is a beautiful lesson learned from them. And let's not forget about pet insurance—it's a must!
How has being a part of the Boston Dog Moms community enriched your experience as a dog mom?
Even though I'm just starting out in the community, I've already had the pleasure of meeting some incredible people. I've received fantastic social media training and have become a part of the newly established Boston Dog Boss group. I'm incredibly excited for what the future holds and all the exciting things yet to come.
What advice would you give someone who is considering adopting a furry friend?
Having a dog isn't for the faint-hearted. It's kind of like having a child—aside from the time, energy, and financial commitment, you might have to put your nights out and vacations on hold unless you've got an awesome sitter. And yes, there's the less glamorous side of picking up poop and occasionally calling in sick for vet visits. But hey, if you're up for all that, get ready for your life to be wonderfully changed by a furry friend!
Can you share some tips for balancing your personal life, work, and being a dedicated dog mom?
It's definitely a team effort! We've had dog walkers and human babysitters step in to lend a hand. Getting everyone on the same page can be a bit of a juggle, but with some thoughtful planning and a reliable support system in place, it all works out.
Has your dog taught you any unexpected life lessons or helped you through difficult times?
Just being around them works wonders. You know they've got their needs—like eating and going out—so even when you're feeling down or dealing with stuff, they kind of nudge you into action. And honestly, watching them goof around, playing with their toys, and getting into all sorts of trouble is just downright hilarious. It's hard not to crack a smile and feel a little lighter when they're around!
How do you celebrate special occasions or milestones with your beloved pup?
Every year, we have a small birthday party for each of them, complete with a special piece of salmon for them and cake for us!
How do you ensure your dog feels loved, cared for, and part of your family?
They're practically glued to us every waking second, and when it's time for bed, they snuggle up right beside us for a cozy night's sleep!
Have you and your dog ever been through any challenging experiences together and how did it strengthen your bond?Health issues are just part of the deal with pets, but with Frenchies, they seem to come around more often. Shelby's had her share of ICU stays fighting for her life, and Gus has faced off with cancer. It's moments like these, caring for them when they're at their most vulnerable, that really drive home how much they depend on us. And in turn, it just makes us appreciate them all the more!
What role has your dog played in bringing positivity and happiness into your life, especially during a challenging time?
Just being around them works wonders. You know they've got their needs—like eating and going out—so even when you're feeling down or dealing with stuff, they kind of nudge you into action. And honestly, watching them goof around, playing with their toys, and getting into all sorts of trouble is just downright hilarious. It's hard not to crack a smile and feel a little lighter when they're around!
Gus is special, loveable, and a mamas boy.
How do you incorporate your dog into your daily routine and activities?
To be honest, it feels like I've been incorporated into their world. My life and daily routine pretty much revolve around them.
Is there anything special or unique about your dog's name or the story behind it?
Shelby came from the TV show Sweet Magnolias, but my husband says it’s from the car, Shelby Corba! Augustus, came from my stepson wanting to call him Goose and that morphed into Gus. He is such a distinguished boy that we settled on Augustus. Grace is both of their middle names and that is for the grace of God. He gives you things you don’t deserve.
Thank you, Ellen, for sharing your heartwarming experiences and insights with us. Your journey as a dog mom is truly inspiring, and we're so glad to have you as part of our Boston Dog Moms community! To follow along with Ellen, Shelby, and Gus, head to their social media accounts:
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our amazing community members!