By Susan Spisak
Grammy Rose Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc. in Acton saves adoptable dogs from euthanasia and provides them with quality care in a unique, homelike environment while helping them find forever families. The Sanctuary sits on a large campus with a Welcome Center, an Adoption Center, and six log canine cabins for dogs awaiting adoption. Each comfortable cabin gives dogs a safe place to decompress, reset, and heal. With areas that resemble a real home, the cabins also help dogs adjust more quickly to family life. Grammy Rose is a temporary stop, but a welcoming haven, where dogs can recover while waiting for the right match.
Founded in 2021, they have rescued 1858 dogs—and 602 last year, shared Executive Director Amanda Boileau. She runs this extraordinary sanctuary with the campus manager and staff. Amanda shared they routinely bring dogs in from the south, as well as the islands of Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St. Lucia, and the Bahamas. Recently they brought up twenty-two dogs from Louisiana and three from West Virginia.
The rescue honors Grammy Rose, also known as Rose Kessler Wentworth, whose zest for life and love of animals, especially dogs, were legendary. She spoiled her dogs so much that she made them scrambled eggs every week. While this Maine project was still taking shape, the privately funded effort took a creative turn. A descendant of Grammy Rose and her husband, both fellow pet lovers, learned about Our Companions Animal Rescue, a sanctuary with cabins for dogs. They shared details of that successful model with the Acton group, who adapted it to fit their own needs.
There are 63 acres of surrounding land with trails and play areas. And to honor Grammy Rose’s ice-cream loving husband, Ralph Wentworth, they named their popular on-campus ice cream parlor and 18 hole mini-golf course Wicky Ralph’s Ice Cream & Mini-Golf. They knew Ralph deserved this honor—besides being a real “character,” he was a Veteran with the Army National Guard, volunteered to go to France during WWI, was wounded twice, and was awarded two Purple Hearts. For hours, (wickyralph.com/.)
Fun upcoming events are the Fourth Annual Acton Open, Saturday September 12, 12 PM to 4 PM, at Wicky Ralph’s on the Grammy Rose Rescue Campus. It’s their biggest community fundraiser. Sponsorship and team opportunities available. Preregistration required. Visit their Facebook page for more details (facebook.com/grammyrosedogrescue/) and email Amanda@GrammyRose.org to sponsor or register a team.
In October, don’t miss the Kick-Off Pawty for Wicky's Wicked Howl-o-weekend! It’s being held Saturday, October 3rd, 3 PM to 6 PM, at Grammy Rose Campus, address above. Tricks and Treats await! Join them for pets-and-their-people costume contests, seasonal crafts, and more spook-tacular fun!
The campus address, including Wicky Ralph’s Ice Cream & Mini-Golf, is 1542 Route 109, Acton. Ongoing rescue operations are funded in part by proceeds from the on-site Rose’s Corner Gift Shop, Wicky Ralph’s, and the balance is private donations, which are always needed. For more info including all adoptable dogs, the adoption process, all events, and their Amazon.com and Chewy.com wish lists, grammyrose.org/.
BUBBA
3 years old, Mixed Breed
Bubba was adopted in April 2025 by a loving couple that found they could no longer give him the exercise and socialization he needed to thrive. After a short time of being back at the rescue, we have seen him already start to flourish. He is a sweet boy that loves going on walks. He likes to play with other dogs as well. He is a staff favorite!
SADIE
12 years old, Mixed Breed
Sadie was rescued from Texas in July 2026 along with 4 other senior dogs. She is a sweet, old gal, that walks well on a leash and gets along with other dogs. She enjoys being outside to lounge around, loves snacks and likes to play with stuffies.