Baxter's Barnyard

09/01/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE!!!!!!

With a Broken Heart, We Are Closing Baxter’s Barnyard for now. We will reopen as soon as we can.

This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write.

After everything Laurie’s built with Baxter’s Barnyard, we have made the heartbreaking decision to close our doors for now. This place has been more than a business to us. It has been something we poured our hearts into, something we were proud of, something that brought us so many wonderful memories and met with some amazing people and their fur babies.

Some of our most special memories came from caring for your dogs. We loved getting to know their personalities, watching them play, welcoming them back, and seeing the joy they brought to your families. Every dog who stayed with us became part of the Baxter’s Barnyard family, and we will always be grateful for the trust you placed in us to care for them.

But right now, none of that matters more than Laurie and her health.❤️‍🩹

Walking away from Baxter’s Barnyard hurts more than I can put into words. But I know in my heart that we are making the right choice. Businesses can be rebuilt. Things can be replaced. But I only have one Laurie.

We will reopen at a later date with a new facility at our house location after she fully recovers.❤️

Thank you to everyone who supported us, believed in us, visited us, trusted us with your dogs, and became part of the Baxter’s Barnyard family. We will never forget you or the wonderful memories that were made.

Please continue to pray for Laurie. 🙏❤️🙏

08/16/2026

08/12/2026

If anyone wants to send balloons or get well cards to Laurie her room is 4014 in the Ross heart bldg. JUST NO LIVE FLOWERS ALLOWED!!!!! and please no visitors as she needs to be healthy for the transplant. Thank you and keep the prayers coming❤️‍🩹🙏❤️‍🩹

07/22/2026

Please continue praying for Laurie. She still has a long road ahead, and every prayer means the world to us. We truly believe your prayers are giving us strength and hope during this difficult time. Thank you for standing with us and keeping her in your hearts. ❤️🙏

07/19/2026

UPDATE ON Laurie Grandstaff Smith-

Every day I watch my wife fight with a strength that leaves me in awe. This battle with pneumonia has been the hardest journey of our lives, but she continues to show incredible courage and is making some encouraging progress.

If you know us, you know she’s my lobster—my forever person, my best friend, and the love of my life. I miss her more than words can say, and I can’t wait for the day I can bring her home.

Please continue to keep Laurie in your prayers. Every prayer, every kind word, and every bit of support means more to our family than you’ll ever know. We still believe brighter days are ahead.🙏❤️🦞

07/07/2026

We are deeply grateful for all the love, prayers, messages, and support we’ve received for Laurie at this difficult time. Your kindness means more to us than words can express.

At this time though, we ask for privacy while we our navigating this and she begins to heal. While we truly appreciate everyone’s concern, we need some time alone with our family and I’m not going to be answering enormous amount of texts and messages. I’m going to be spending my time focusing on her. I hope you can understand and respect our wishes. She is showings some signs of improvement and is fighting to get through this.

Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and keep the prayers coming.❤️🙏

07/05/2026

Important Announcement

Due to an unforeseen medical emergency with Laurie, Baxter's Barnyard will be temporarily closed.
If you have an upcoming reservation in July, your deposit will be refunded in full as soon as possible.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and understand this may put some of our clients in a difficult position. This was completely unexpected, and this decision was not made lightly.
We truly appreciate your understanding, patience, and support during this time. We look forward to welcoming you and your pups back as soon as we are able.
Thank you,
Baxter's Barnyard ❤️