The Higher Grounds Extended Family

Pet Edition

Written by: Emma Smith- the proud mother of Liver

The Higher Grounds family is a very tight knit group. Our family is not limited to just the employees, close friends and associates, but includes our beloved pets. Each of our employees has a unique and loving relationship with their animal friends. We like to share our feline/canine/equine relationships with our whole family. At Higher Grounds we love each of our family members equally, human or not.

STELLA

Stella “Gangbuster” Wald is the lovable lab and best friend of Brian and Nikki (coffee bar lady). Stella can be seen frolicking around the commons. Her favorite activities are anything involving snow, chasing squirrels and cuddling up with her best pals. Unfortunately, Nikki and Brain are moving to Ann Arbor. This is going to leave a void in our hearts. Stella will no longer be gracing us with her presence and we will miss all three greatly.

EMMA

Emma is the lovable pooch of Bill Paladino. She is one of our favorite and most frequent visitors at Higher Grounds. Emma always heads straight for the office (this is where we stash treats for our much loved dogs visitors). Emma is approaching the grand ole age of 14; which is 98 in human years! Once in a while you can catch the sight of Emma howling along with a harmonica. She is always dressed to impress, wearing her purple halter.

SAMMY

Sammy is a big trusty labradoodle. He hangs out with Phil, our sales representative. Phil refers to Sammy as his bother-in-law. Don’t be fooled by Sammy’s size, he is as gentle giant. He loves the water and likes to play fetch with whatever you have on hand, a stick, ball or anything else.

LULU

Lulu is the trusty friend of Jason, our head roaster, and his wife Becky. Lulu is originally from Tanzania. Jason and Becky spent two years in Tanzania while in the Peace Corps. This is where they adopted Lulu. She loves long walks on the beach and strolls in the woods. You can find her sunbathing on warm summer days in the garden.

LIVER

Liver is the best friend of Me (Emma, barista). Liver would like everyday to be filled with running through the woods and chasing whatever animals comes within range of her super sniffer. She loves swimming so much she will jump into even the smallest puddles. Liver is always finding the muddiest places around. She lives to play catch and will play for hours on end.

SONNY

Sonny was a little guy and best pal of Karin for 16 full and happy years. One of Sonny’s favorite things was digging up vegetables in the garden and eating them right up (carrots were his veggie of choice). Sonny went wherever Karin went and he even had his own seat on her canoe.

MOLLY

Molly is a 26 year old horse that is much loved by Ruthie, our Bike Delivery Babe. Molly resides in East Jordan but her heart is with Ruth, here in Traverse City. When Ruth and Molly are together they enjoy sauntering through the woods. She enjoys giving Ruthie rides through the forest but she doesn’t like to be hooked up to a cart. Molly loves when Ruth grooms her coat and feeds her yummy grain.

RAFAEL

Rafael (Rafa for short) is a beautiful orange cat and best pal of Maggie (the office gal). Maggie rescued Rafa from the pound a few months ago; it was love at first site. Both reside in Leland and love spending quiet nights together. Rafa’s favorite activity is chasing a little red laser and stalking his evasive cat nip toys.

SAMPSON

Sampson is another loveable orange cat who has been in the Higher Grounds family for years and years Sampson first came on the scene with Sheree Jamrog, our previous bagging queen. She made the move to Santa Fe many months ago and left Sampson to the great care of Justin (a great friend of Higher Grounds), Brittney (former barista) and Andy (our new bagging king). Sampson is one tough cat who loves to play outside, chase birds and sometimes enjoys his catch for lunch.