Ace is aces
Pittsburgh Adventure Dog excels at showing off city
Who knew that Pittsburgh has an Adventure Dog? But there he was in the lobby of the Fairmont Pittsburgh hotel earlier this week. The staff of VisitPittsburgh is promoting Ace, a 2year- old boxer, as “the city’s No. 1 source for dog- friendly Pittsburgh experiences.”
Ace the Pittsburgh Adventure Dog is his official title, and he practices what he preaches. He lives in West Mifflin with the McCraken family but has always enjoyed frequent trips to the city, visiting coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, neighborhoods and parks.
In mid- June he became the face of the Rediscover Pittsburgh campaign, which encourages people to leave the suburbs and surrounding counties to enjoy Pittsburgh’s attractions and activities. Ace highlights the city’s dog- friendliness.
Was there a casting call for the position? Not really. There is nepotism involved, for Kylie McCracken, one of his owners, is marketing manager at VisitPittsburgh.
But Ace is clearly qualified for the job. Despite his imposing size — 65 pounds — and his youth — his third birthday is in October — Ace is gentle and well- behaved. He doesn’t jump up on people, and he enjoys being petted by everyone, including strangers.
He was off- leash in the Fairmont lobby, posing for photos, including one where he donned his Steelers coat. Ace’s wardrobe includes multiple collars and a Riverhounds cape, Ms. McCracken said.
To see Ace in action, go to www. visitpittsburgh. com/ blog/ a- dogs- day- in- pittsburgh or follow him on Instagram: @AcePghAdventures. The blog highlights dogfriendly activities with links to information about Ace’s favorites.
Point State Park, Allegheny Commons and Frick
Park are his favorite city parks, and Three Rivers Heritage Trail along the rivers also makes his list. Favorite restaurants and breweries that welcome dogs on their patios include Double Wide Grill on the South Side and Threadbare Ciderhouse & Meadery on the North Side. Water activities include kayaking and the water steps on the Allegheny River.
Dog- friendly hotels include Fairmont Pittsburgh, which provides beds and bowls for dogs and cats and keepsake bandannas featuring the work of local artists. On most weekends, five or six pets are in residence, said general manager David Sher, who currently lives in the hotel with the family dog, Cooper, his wife, Kay, and two teenage daughters.
Ace looked out the hotel windows during is news conference, and wagged his stubby tail.
“He’s anxious to go for a walk,” Ms. McCracken said. And so he did, followed by his official Rediscover Pittsburgh videographer. He walks nicely on his leash, never pulling. He enjoys meeting strangers. The Downtown walk ended with a trip to Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream in Market Square Ace likes it because he’s lactose intolerant and Millie’s has dairy- free ice cream, Ms. McCracken said.
Ace has lived for two years with the McCrackens — Kylie, her brothers Flynn and Grant, their mother, Heidi, and sister- in- law Sue
Morgen. They also have another boxer, Poppy, 8.
“She is not as well- behaved as Ace so she doesn’t go on as many outings,” Ms. McCracken said.