Larger Quarters Needed For Museum of Dog

The Museum of Dog has outgrown its current house

iBerkshires.com reports that owner David York had plans to rehabilitate the former Quinn's Paint & Wallpaper building at the corner of Canal and Union streets but now says the historic building isn't large enough for his collection of dog artifacts and art — and to do the programming he's planning.

York opened the collection earlier this year and is averaging over 800 visitors per week. The museum has also received an enormous amount of fanfare in articles across the country, including in Parade and The Boston Globe.

Plans have been to restore the building to its original condition — since the closure of Quinn's it's seen several uses, most recently as a bar and an antique store.

York made his fortune in real estate and opened Atlanta's first doggy day-care facility and a couple facilities in Texas. He also had been active with animal rescues in the Atlanta area.

Since arriving in North Adams, York has become more invested in the city. He recently opened Bowlin' on the River, a salad and coffee shop on Marshall Street, and has plans for a second coffee shop on Main Street.

He's also become involved with local dog and humane shelter activities, most recently judging the grand marshal for the Fall Foliage Festival Parade. This year's theme is "Year of the Dog" based largely on his museum.

York said the decision of where to move the Museum of Dog has so far been narrowed to two locations but did not yet indicate where those buildings are.