GriefSPEAK: Mercy’s Tail. No Pup Left Behind – Mari Nardolillo Dias

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer

As told to Mari Dias by Mercy – “Mercy’s Tail. No Pup Left Behind”

It’s been a while, but I was insistent that mom allow me to write this week’s article. I often hear mom use the phrase “No Regrets” when speaking with grieving or dying clients. I’ve been thinking about that phrase and how sad I am when my friends and I chat about our activities and I rattle on. “Well, Monday I went on a hike at King Benson Preserve, Tuesday I went to doggie care (school) with my friends, Wednesday we went shopping at TJMaxx and Kohls, Thursday back to school, Friday, hiked the Chaffee Reserve, Saturday went to the Narragansett Pier and ran on the beach and then Sunday we went to the marina to get the boats ready. Next week I’m going to New Hampshire for a few days. It’s my favorite Airbnb!”

One by one, my friends replied, “I Stayed home in my crate.”   I stayed home alone, looking out the front window.” That made me become sadder. I didn’t want them to think I was bragging, so I didn’t mention our pool opening soon, or sailing, kayaking, or sunset dinners at some of my favorite restaurants in Block Island; however, I couldn’t stop thinking about “no regrets.” My friends will have them now that they know what they are missing. And… maybe their humans will have them as well.

I decided to conduct some research. And… I found the best place for my friends! They certainly won’t have any regrets here, nor will their humans. Lots of socialization, too! It’s called “Rhody Pet Resort” and it is awesomeness. It has TWO pools (with a beach walk- in for any of my friends who are afraid to jump in or walk downstairs. The play area is HUGE and opens to an outdoor park that is even more awesomeness. (I didn’t notice, but mom told me there is a huge window to watch all of us playing AND webcams to watch us play!) Lots of toys and balls, and a “condo suite” to lunch and take a little nap. The best thing about the suite is the doggie door – you don’t have to nap – you can simply eat their yummy lunch of doggie hot dogs and doggie ice cream and saunter outside into a smaller, private outdoor space, and then perhaps saunter back into your suite and take a mini nap on your cot. Then… back outside to play some more. (They do have boarding for both cats and dogs, and it’s right near the airport. I overheard mom say that it was a terrific location for humans going on a trip, and the prices were very reasonable, especially compared to other doggie day cares.

You can also have private playtime with the pack leaders, a bath, mani/pedi and they are open on weekends!!!

For all my friends and especially my friend’s humans. Please don’t let my friends have regrets! There isn’t even a minimum so if you just let them go for one day, or one afternoon they will have lots to share during our weekly chats.

Fortunately for all of you the timing is PERFECT. They have an open house Saturday, April 11, 2026, 1-4pm.

25 Lauderdale Blvd, Warwick. Hope to see you on the flip side!

Rhodypetresort.com

FB: rhodypetresort

Love,

Mercy

___

Access all of Dr. Dias’ columns at: GRIEFSPEAK

Dr. Mari Nardolillo Dias is a nationally board-certified counselor, holds a Fellow in Thanatology and is certified in both grief counseling and complicated grief. Dias is a Certified death doula, and has a Certificate in Psychological Autopsy.

Dias is an Adjunct Professor at CCRI, and Professor of Clinical Mental Health, Master of Science program, at Johnson & Wales University. Dias is the director of GracePointe Grief Center, in North Kingstown, RI.  For more information, go to:  http://gracepointegrief.com/