BY ALICIA FEYERHERM
The Hays Chamber hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the Victor E. Apparel and Gift Co. on Wednesday to celebrate the newest addition to the store – Gracie’s Place. Named after FHSU President Tisa Mason’s dog, Gracie’s Place is a pet apparel section of the gift shop.
“Gracie has a huge on-campus presence and social media presence so we thought ‘what better way to celebrate her and kind of help bring some merchandise in’ so we decided to start Gracie’s Place,” Fiscal and Business Specialist Courtney Victoria said.
Gracie’s Place includes pet bandanas, t-shirts, jerseys, ruffle dresses and tennis ball toys. The range in sizes allows for cats to enjoy the Fort Hays merchandise as well.
Mason thanked Victoria for expanding the shop to include pet gear.
“They (pets) are so important and essential to our wellbeing so I really appreciate your thought,” Mason said.
Gracie is a Yorkie-Poo and will be turning seven in July. Her full name is Dakota Grace Mason and was adopted after Mason left Fort Hays to go to North Dakota.
“The breeders gave her the name Toto so for me, it was a sign that she was to be part of our family, not knowing at that time that we would have the honor and the privilege to return to Fort Hays State University,” Mason said.
In addition to being the face of Gracie’s Place, Gracie also has a social media presence and can be found on Instagram @graciefhsufirstdog.
“We will be also putting out some of the merchandise to see if she can be a social influencer to get the sales up for the bookstore which always supports the university and our students,” Mason said.
Victor E. Apparel and Gift Co.’s summer hours start next week. The store will be open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 to 11:30 a.m.
Orders can also be placed online at https://victoreapparelandgiftco.myresero.com/
“I’m really thankful for all the support from everybody to welcome Gracie’s Place to the store as well as all the Tiger spirit that we see every day,” Victoria said.