Travel: Black Dog Salvage on DIY Network

(Robert Kulp, co-owner of Salvage Dogs, is one of DIY Network’s latest reality stars. Photo by Cheryl-Anne Millsap)

While traveling through Southwest Virginia recently, I stopped by Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke . I’d read about the architectural salvage and design company in Garden and Gun Magazine ’s profile of the Roanoke area and I knew I couldn’t get that close without stopping by.

Black Dog owners Mike Whiteside and Robert Kulp have filled a rambling 40,000 sq.ft. Roanoke warehouse on the edge of the hip Grandin Village with a treasure trove of interesting architectural pieces, antiques and one-of-a-kind designs made onsite in their wood and metalwork shops. Select dealers occupy one end of the building and regularly bring in antiques and collectibles to fill their spaces.

The minute I walked in the place I knew there was no way I’d be able to take it all in with a quick visit. Most of what caught my eye was too big to bring home ( but I need that 10-foot MAZAWATTEE TEA sign!) so I spent almost an hour walking through taking photos with my iPhone thinking I could follow up online.

While I was there I met Sally, the laid back black Labrador retriever who is the business namesake and talked to Kulp who told me Black Dog Salvage will be the focus of Salvage Dogs , a new DIY Network reality show.  Beginning early next month, cameras will follow Whiteside and Kulp as they explore and dismantle old buildings and find new ways to use old objects. In the first episode the pair will salvage an 1890’s farmhouse that served as both post office and school house.

I loved Roanoke and I’m already scheming to get back. And next time I’ll set aside a full day for shopping at Black Dog. But, until then, at least I can follow the action on DIY’s Salvage Dogs .


Salvage Dawgs is set to air on the DIY Network , Thursday, Nov. 8 at 11pm EST. and again Friday, Nov. 9 at 9pm EST. Check your local provider for updated information.


Cheryl-Anne Millsap is a travel writer based in Spokane, Washington. Her audio essays can be heard on Spokane Public Radio and on public radio stations across the country. She can be reached at catmillsap@gmail.com