John and Laura Shearer received a West Highland Terrier puppy named Gracie as a holiday gift and spent part of the season enjoying Chattanooga’s Festive Forest at Miller Park.

The new puppy arrived after the couple picked her up in Fayetteville, Tn., last February; Gracie quickly settled in and, as John Shearer recalled, “sat on one of our laps the whole way back home.” The visit to Miller Park in late 2023 was one stop in a string of holiday outings that left the Shearers feeling tied to the city’s seasonal celebrations.

The Shearers’ holiday itinerary included several notable stops. John attended the Baylor state championship game on Dec. 4, 2023, and the couple watched the Georgia vs. Alabama SEC championship at the Mercedes-Benz Dome in Atlanta two days later on Dec. 6, 2023. In mid-December, he also visited the University of North Carolina and nearby Duke University for basketball-related activities. These experiences not only increased their excitement but also tied into the broader fabric of community events, which serve to enhance local economies.

In late 2023, the couple joined a large crowd at Miller Park for the Festive Forest event, coordinated by the Better Business Bureau and the City of Chattanooga. The atmosphere, John Shearer said, felt communal as people moved through the display in good spirits; the outing was part of a season of events that the couple enjoyed together in Chattanooga. Community events like the Festive Forest boost local businesses by attracting visitors who increase foot traffic, leading to significant economic impacts, such as millions in direct spending on food, shopping, and recreation.

Their household’s animal roster includes three animals in total, with two older pets remembered in 2024. Maisie, nearly 17 years old, passed away in 2024; Daisy, a Yorkie belonging to John’s father, also died. By contrast, Gracie—the West Highland Terrier puppy—was described as clingy and sweet and called “a blessing” to the Shearers. The average cost for adopting or purchasing a dog in the Chattanooga area ranges from $25 to $250, making it accessible for families looking to bring a pet into their home.

The couple’s time at the Festive Forest reflected a wider pattern of holiday events drawing neighborhood crowds. Community gatherings such as this often bring increased foot traffic and activity to city centers and local businesses, a general economic effect noted by organizations studying festival impacts. Residents of Chattanooga can get involved in upcoming community events by checking the official Visit Chattanooga events calendar, ensuring they stay connected to festive traditions.

For the Shearers, the season blended family, sports, and the new pet. Gracie’s early behavior—calm on the ride home and content in laps—helped the puppy settle into a household that had recently said goodbye to two older animals. The couple’s outings through Chattanooga’s holiday calendar tied the private arrival of a new dog to public celebrations in the city.

As the calendar turned on the season, the Shearers kept Gracie close while recalling a string of events from early December and mid-December to their Festive Forest visit in late 2023. The outing is one among several that illustrated how local programs and organized displays can shape a family’s holiday memories. With a schedule full of activities, they look forward to more joyful celebrations in their community.

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Original reporting: view the original article.