Aug312010
By Lucy on August 31, 2010
Dog Days of Summer at SF Giants game by Alexis
“Who let the dogs out? Woof, woof!”
Those were the cheers at last weekend’s San Francisco Giants game as their annual Dog Days of Summer heated up AT&T Ballpark, the Giants’ stadium, to howl them on as they held off the Diamondbacks narrowly avoiding a series sweep.
We deliberated attending the event for about a minute but decided against it after reading about all the neaderthals who attend the Padres’s Dog Days of Summer games. Apparently their Dog Days of Summer haven’t gone as well as the San Francisco Giants games in the nation’s dog friendliest city.
But even if San Franciscans are more enlightened than our southern neighbors in respecting dogs as the sentient creatures that we are, I wasn’t looking forward to another dog event sure to be packed with at least some frenzied dogs who may not be accustomed to big crowds and loud events. I believe that well-adjusted canine companions should be allowed to accompany their owners anywhere and those that are not properly socialized should be left at home, always, without exception, til hell freezes over. Get it? If dogs act like rabid beasts in public then there should be consequential laws to punish those people. Like being drunk in public for example, or assault. See, if that were the case then it wouldn’t be such a spectacle whenever someone actually does take their dog somewhere.
Where's Lucy? Golden Gate Fields
As usual, we prefer to do our own thing most of the time so on Sunday we joined our friends at the Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley to whoop it up at the horse races. On Dollar Day Sundays everything is a buck and a staged R&B band keeps the racing fans groovin’ between heats as they devour $1 beers and mystery meat dogs.
Dog loving racing fans were jealous of seeing me strut my stuff round the horses, a few wishing they could have their socialized furfriends with them. While we didn’t see any posted rule prohibiting dogs, it apparently is some unsaid understanding there, or something. A credentialed service dog, I was waived in by security. I did see a ‘purse dog’ in attendance though it was zipped inside the front of a ladies jacket. The little kids loved hanging out with me, especially that cute little redhead girl I bonded with who’s hair matched mine.
Albany Bulb & Golden Gate Fields vista
Right next door to the track is the wonderfully wild Albany Bulb section of the Eastshore State Park where life is still like the best of Woodstock in the 60′s; where free love, artistic expression and liberated dogs commingle in unfettered bliss. Thankfully the oppressive environmental fanatics and the dog prejudiced State Park Foundation haven’t yet won control of these unbridled lands.
Wild and Free at Albany Bulb Beach
Posted in Arfing Events, Bow Wow Beaches, Furry Friend Fun Events Tagged Albany, Albany Bulb, Berkeley, CA, dog, dog events, dog friendly parks, dog lovers, dog-friendly, dogs, Eastshore State Park, entertainment, National Dog Day, Padres, San Francisco Giants
Aug272010
By Lucy on August 27, 2010
Queen for a Day
And you thought I was queen every day! Close, but no cigar. I’m known as “princess” round here and as much as I get honored every day like all dogs should, there are millions of neglected and homeless dogs still roaming the dangerous streets or orphaned in shelters. That’s what National Dog Day on August 26th is really all about.
While all pooch princesses and princes deserve a special holiday (after all, who doesn’t have a holiday?) National Dog Day also serves to bring more public awareness to all the courageous and selfless dogs who serve as companion dogs in the many capacities that we do. From family dogs and service dogs, to bomb sniffing dogs, police dogs, and war dogs, there is just nothing like the unconditional and faithful support man receives from the devoted dog.
My mom wanted me to meet all my special canine siblings that have come before me and blessed our family, so to celebrate this special day she immortalized the family dogs. Enjoy!
The Staples Family Dog Tribute Slide Show
Posted in Happy Hound Holidays, Misc Musings Tagged canine, Canine Companions, dog holidays, dog lovers, dogs, National Dog Day, Staples Family dogs
Aug242010
By Lucy on August 24, 2010
Napa rules when it comes to embracing us dogs in city parks and John F. Kennedy Park is a four paws up kind o’ romper room!
Napa River at JFK Park
This family park has off leash terrain and river access south of the boat launch. Perhaps it’s not the cleanest river in the world due to vineyard irrigation runoff but all my cousins grew on a three hundred acre fruit farm swimming in the irrigation canal and they lived pretty good long lives. People fish and kayak in it all the time.
You loyal blog readers know that I don’t miss an opportunity to whine about my number one pet peeve with the snobby City of Sonoma not allowing us dogs in Sonoma Square, so I can’t resist this chance to share the City of Napa’s dog friendly Code Chapter 6.04.170 and 12.36.190 that states that dogs are allowed in any park or on any trail as long as the dog is controlled on a leash not to exceed six feet in length. Yep, that even means in their beautiful downtown Veteran’s Park on the river where the popular Napa City Summer Nights concerts take place.
The Code also sets forth certain exceptions to the leash requirement, and specifically authorizes the City Council to designate off-leash areas within parks by resolution. And I have to bark out loud about Alston Dog Park, one of the most awesome dog parks I’ve seen anywhere. Canine Commons at Alston park is a three acre off-leash dog park surrounded by vineyards and a running irrigation canal with a pond to cool off in, plus a huge fenced in area with kiddie pools for the less ambitious folk and the little dogs who don’t feel like roughing it out on the range.
There’s another smaller off-leash dog park in town on Shurtleff too. The City of Napa has got it covered.
Lucy Cooling Down in Napa River
Posted in Bow Wow Beaches, Dog Parks Tagged Canine Commons Alston Park, dog, dog-friendly, dogs, Kennedy Park Napa, Napa, off-leash, Sonoma
Aug232010
By Lucy on August 23, 2010
I just have to ask, when a dog attack happens at a public establishment because of a self righteous negligent dog owner, should the offender be allowed to stay? That is the million dollar question of the day and a common problem just about anywhere there are people with dogs.
Bully Family
Today my mom and I went on a walk through our neighborhood and ended up at Sebastiani Winery for a ‘sippie’ and a little frolicking on their beautiful grounds. Sebastiani has always been welcoming to dogs even at their events so we love them for that. But today our visit was rudely sabotaged by a couple and their off-leash bitch dog in the picnic area who had staked out a picnic table apparently all afternoon, as told by one of the winery employees. After getting a drink from one of the two large water bowls I went for a roll on the grass despite this dog’s growing aggression towards me as it patrolled the parameter of the entire picnic area. The couple excused its behavior informing us, “she’s protecting her territory.”
So mom called me off the grass and we walked around on the sidewalk to the other side of the picnic area. The hostile dog greeted us on the other side and attacked me whereby a full-on dog fight ensued until my mom broke it up. The other dog’s owners again excused the attack with their “protecting her territory” theory. Mom exclaimed, “this public establishment is not your territory and that aggressive dog should be on a leash,” but they wanted to argue the case! Mom went inside to get the manager and he immediately went outside as one employee said they did not tolerate aggressive dogs. The manager had a long talk with the unaccountable dog owners and then told Mom they would keep the combative dog on a leash, quickly dismissing the incident as he wanted to get back inside to customers. Naturally being shook up from the attack and ensuing verbal altercation, we left the winery and proceeded home no longer in the mood to stick around there or buy that bottle of wine we needed for a dinner party later.
So how do responsible dog owners ensure the security of their freedom to be able to go out in public accompanied by their favorite furry best friend? The answer lies in the question… for Pete’s sake, be responsible! If your dog is aggressive what in the hell are you doing there? At the very least they should always remain on a leash. It isn’t rocket science!
Sebastiani Fountain
Thanks to those creeps who seem to think their value on this planet is so much more important than the rest of ours, formerly dog friendly places sometimes feel it’s easier to just pull the plug on allowing dogs at all like Burke’s Canoe Trips did after too many problems. Others initiate breed bans like Dillon Beach did a few weeks ago in reaction to a dog attack.
Of course the problem lies in the fact that the sensible considerate people already know this and are likely the ones reading this blog, while the perpetrators simply don’t give a damn. They are the same people who leave their dog poop lying around in the park or the center of the walking trail. Have you ever noticed how dogs with an ugly attitude are typically accompanied by an owner with some degree of attitude about it?
Why do these ignorant, selfish people insist on ruining it for the rest of us who just want to have a good time with our beloved canine companions? If you and your dog can’t get along with others and play nice then you’re not fit for public exposure. End of story!
Posted in Sonoma Dog's Life, Wine Dogs Tagged aggressive dogs, dog, dogs, Sebastiani, Sonoma, winery
Aug202010
By Lucy on August 20, 2010
Lucy on Dillon Beach
The popular dog-friendly off-leash Dillon Beach in Marin County just became my favorite San Francisco ocean beach all over again! Just when I had decided to trot along further north to try out Bodega Bay’s beaches a couple weeks ago, the owners of Dillon Beach gave us one more good reason to pay the $6 parking pass to come back. Sonoma Pets dog blog of the Sonoma County’s Press Democrat recently discovered that Dillon Beach now has a Pit Bull breed ban at the beach.
Now I know what a controversial topic I just bit into and have mixed feelings about Breed Banning for several reasons but in all my adventures I have rarely met a nice, trustworthy American Pit Bull. Oh sure, I know they’re out there and it’s terribly unfortunate that they are targeted as dangerous and vicious. But sadly in my experience, nine times out of ten they are a problem whether Bully breed fans are willing to admit it or not. But don’t take it from my experience. One only has to look at the statistics: Dog Attacks 1982 to 2006 Clifton.
The fact of the matter is that many people who own Pit Bulls are not willing to face the reality that this animal is bred to fight and have incredibly powerful jaws that lock onto its prey causing horrendous damage before one even has the opportunity to break up the attack. Even the most seemingly intelligent and responsible people can be biased about their own little darlings proneness to aggression. A friend of my mom has two Pit Bull Terrors that are her babies just like I am to my mom. This friend is one of the sweetest women we know and like us, loves to hike in the great outdoors with her 4-legged children. She is always inviting us to join them but Mom and I just aren’t comfortable with that after the first time we tried a play date. Upon arrival at her house I barely got out of our car before the two Pit Bulls ganged up on me and aggressively herded me around the yard. Mom’s friend addressed our uneasiness with that saying, “Oh, they’ll work it out.” Easy for her to say. “Work it out my eye! Not on my girl,” Mom said. The hike didn’t go much better when I tried to go swimming and both of the Pit Bulls aggressively harassed me at the beach not letting me out of the water.
Another friend of ours who loves and babies dogs as much as anyone we’ve ever known recently had to put down her three year old Pit Bull mix because he mysteriously became aggressive in his second year. Being the same age as me, this dog was once one of my best friends yet after a couple years with a most devoted, loving human mom he inexplicably began attacking people and dogs. With a heavy broken heart our friend was forced to put the dog down.
The "Nanny" Dog
Pit Bull owners are always quick to inform you that they are the “nanny dog” and remind us about Petey from the Little Rascals TV show. Well a few weeks ago I just heard on the radio about a Pit Bull “nanny dog” killing a baby again. Of course some will point out that a Pomeranian killed a baby girl too but statistically speaking that was like pigs flying. Ceasar Milan, the famous Dog Whisperer, even defends the breed as do many Pit Bull activist groups that like to advertise all the famous people who own Pit Bulls like that somehow authorizes the breed. Some will even say that Pit Bulls were once upon a time considered the favorite all-American dog, perhaps there was more of reason behind why the U.S. Military selected the Pit Bull to represent the country on war posters. Ironic given that last year the breed was among those banned from military RCI housing. Pit Bulls aren’t even on the list of America’s favorite dogs now!
Military War Poster Dog
Many people believe that dogs are aggressive because of their owner’s bad attitudes that instill this behavior, training or lack thereof, or not being socialized, and I have to agree with that for the most part. As you know, I’m a dog who gets around having been to dozens of dog parks, beaches, hiking trails, and countless public places among dogs of all shapes, sizes and personalities. I have seen more dog attacks than I care to remember by numerous breeds and I have had more nasty dog owners yell at my mom for not having me on a leash because they cannot control their dogs! One mean old man gave Mom a tongue lashing while his nasty little Pomeranian acted like a rabid beast in his arms while passing me on the walking path at Lake Herman Reservoir in Benicia.
So I don’t mind saying that it is sometimes unfair that all Pit Bulls are deemed evil when that is not always the case. Shorty on Animal Planet’s Pit Boss angrily defended his sweet lovable Pit Bull, Hercules, from a pretentious photographer determined to portray him as a vicious killing machine. As valiant as Shorty’s efforts were his foulmouthed aggressive behavior unfortunately worked to further stereotype the typical Pit Bull owner.
That said, almost every single Pit Bull I have come across has shown aggressive behavior with owners that either defend the dogs behavior, ignore it, or are more aggressive than the dogs. When we see a Pit Bull at the dog park we are instinctively on guard as are everyone else in the park. Dogs are already overstimulated having so much fun at the beach so no one needs an unpredictable dog around in that environment. While there are surely nice Pit Bulls roaming the planet, all it takes is one swift chomp by one of those dogs and it’s all over. Everyone sighs relief when the breed exits stage left so knowing there’s a beach where this threat doesn’t loom is a bonus.
A dog's day at Dillon Beach
Posted in Bow Wow Beaches, News Hound Tagged breed ban, dangerous dog breeds, Dillon Beach, dog friendly beaches, Marin County, Pit Bulls
Aug172010
By Lucy on August 17, 2010
Russian River Vineyards saved my whiner weekend by showing ‘em how it’s done doggie style! This charity event benefiting Sonoma County’s Animal Shelters knocked it out of the park on the puppy and parental unit’s pleasure scale.
Waggers and Wine Silent Auction
If you read my blog on Saturday you might be surprised that I braved another charity party so soon, but my mom’s memory served correct in that Russian River Vineyards (formerly Topolo’s) in Forestville, Sonoma County, had upped the ante in this rural wine region with a new restaurant and an inviting redwoods natural outdoor setting. The new owners have been renovating this historic hop kiln fashioned winery since 2008 expanding upon its recognition as one of Sonoma County’s first organic wineries. If you haven’t been there since it changed hands, it’s high time you get there!
How cute is this guy?
Now these country folk know how to throw a charity event that not only raises money for a good cause but makes everyone feel like they got great bang for their buck. The biggest value surprise was FREE admission and five FREE wine tickets! When have you ever been to a charity event like that? These sponsors and participants are so enthusiastic about their important cause, and apparently savvy enough fundraisers, to know that making people happy at the front door is the best way to pull at those pocketbook heartstrings. Getting a little liquored up on the house always helps to loosen up those wallets too!
K9 Ready for action!
The silent auction for the cause was impressive displaying a long line of banquet tables topped with some of the best Russian River wines coupled with weekend getaways and other luxurious temptations. There were raffle drawings, vendor booths, pet adoptions, multiple wineries supplying generous half-glass tastings (additional drink tickets only $1 each), a BBQ pit, sheep herding dog demonstrations, and my personal favorite, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s K9 Unit demonstration. It gets my shackles up watching Kujo go at that heavily suited policeman. Reminds me of my Vallejo days when Mom would encourage me to “sick ‘em” and I’d get away with barking my head off at suspicious activity. Of course anyone who knows me also knows I’m more likely to just lick someone half to death.
Russian River Vineyards, thanks for redeeming my weekend with a whoppin’ woofin’ good time!
Sheep Herding Demo
Sick 'em K9!
Posted in Furry Friend Fun Events, Wine Dogs Tagged CA, canine, dog, dog charity event, dogs, Forestville, K9 Unit, organic wineries, Russian River, Russian River Vineyards, Sonoma County, Topolos', wineries, winery
Aug152010
By Lucy on August 15, 2010
While I’m always in favor of doggie charity events to benefit the ASPCA, not to mention another excuse to play around in wine country, sometimes even the so-called “world’s dog-friendliest winery” can put this party pup in a bad mood. I’m beginning to think these highly hoopla’d canine events may be just a bite overrated.
Mutt Lynch Wines
Mutt Lynch Winery is by far the most doggie dedicated I’ve seen in their barking branding efforts and gets their fair share of publicity for embracing all things dog, well deserved for their generous support of homeless dog charities. Ya gotta love their House of Mutt Lynch family crest logo and a motto that echos my sentiments “dreaming of a leash-free world.” Creative canine wine labels like the Unleashed Chardonnay, Chateau d’Og, and Merlot Over and Play Dead show off artistic dog art talent. Today’s event celebrated the release of Rusty Muttitage with 10% of proceeds to the SFSPCA.
Mutt Lynch Winery’s Dog Days of Summer Open House packed the barrel barn tasting room today with 2-legged and 4-legged party-goers alike, but it was the humans having all the fun. The rustic warehouse that houses the simple operation here sits a proper enough setback off a rural Healdsburg paved road surrounded by a skinny gravel access path with dust a flyin’. Finding a sliver to safely park our (sadly) freshly washed BMW proved tricky but not as much as finding water for the dogs on a toasty midsummer day.
Hound Lounge?
For a dog days event overflowing with wine pounding pup parents, Ma Snax making her usual appearance selling wholesome dog treats, plenty of human hors d’oeuvres and empty baskets that briefly held Ma’s dog treats, live music, dog art, and even a hound lounge (a few dog beds on the cement floor), it didn’t seem to occur to anyone to provide sufficient hydrating options for the guests of honor. Doh! We did eventually find one bucket by the dog beds for a roomful of up to 35 dogs. The barrel barn was loaded like a sardine can with bustling activity, people having a nice time, and far too many dogs sticking their noses in my business. It was really chappin’ my hide!
Outside was a dust bowl, except for the pavement makeshift ‘patio’ out front so there was no nature calling here. Finding the restroom was just as challenging as finding water. Some guests instructed us to find the wooden one-holer out back referring to it as the “nicest outhouse they’d seen” because at least there’s a flushing toilet and a running water sink. Apparently they hadn’t seen the posh portable bathroom trailers that most event sponsors are renting these days. The swarming beehive on the adjacent wall nervously captivated guests waiting their turn.
Critiquing this event was not my intent going in, but it became painfully obvious that fido fundraisers can sometimes turn out to be more than they’re cracked up to be. It would seem that people are so desperate for social outlets to partake with their beloved furry best friends, that doggie promo events become overwhelming for the dogs! That’s why I’m here to tell you about all the fun things to do with your 4-legged pals. Many people quickly ushered their anxious pups outside while a few tied them to steel barrel legs on the indoor sidelines! As much as I love casual winery hopping with my mom, from this wine country dog’s perspective a people party like this is for the birds with dogs better left at home.
Full Dog House!
You can count on Dog’s 2 Cents to give you the Scooby scoop and I’m here to tell ya folks, this crowded cement scene was not a fun environment for us short kids. The moral to the story is this: if you’re gonna have a dog party you might want to select a spacious venue with at least some outdoor ambiance.
We do appreciate our big-hearted winery dog friends though and would stop by again for the abbreviated visit on a quieter day. Ya gotta love the Lynch family’s passion for honoring their dogs through wine making and for their charitable devotion. Now that’s what I call loyalty to canine companions!
Posted in Arfing Events, Dog Products, Wine Dogs Tagged canine, dog, dog charity event, dog lovers, dog products, dog-friendly, dogs, healdsburg, Mutt Lynch Winery, SPCA, wineries, winery
Aug122010
By Lucy on August 12, 2010
Water Dog
Calling all water dogs! There’s just nothing like a day at the beach for all us web-toed critters. The trick is in finding a beach where we can freely go nuts in the water. Of the few beaches dogs are even allowed on, most have strict leash laws. Personally for this paddling pup, going to the beach just to get tethered down on a leash is like watching a winning lottery ticket float off in the wind would be for a human.
Ahem, this kind o' thing is not cool my friends!
Being the lucky dog that I am, my mom is always pushing the envelope in testing the waters on my behalf. I have a lot of energy to burn and we’re California nature girls who get bored with the same ol’ places. If water is your bag baby then you have to get more creative than seeking out the known public beaches. We’ll keep sharing with you off the beaten path beaches we’ve discovered in upcoming posts but this hidden gem should whet your water dog appetite. Most beaches are in or near public parks so be mindful of cleanup and leash laws. My mom always keeps a leash handily poised and ready should trouble come along. And if you’re one of those angry mean dogs then simply stay away so you don’t ruin it for the rest of us. And same for you angry mean people!
Trail between GVRD & BSRA
If you’re looking for stunning panoramic water views featuring prehistoric-like wildlife spotting within close east bay proximity then I have the place for you! Back in our Vallejo days, our tip top favorite outing was the Carquinez Strait trail system adjacent to Benicia’s State Recreation Area where the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta meets the San Pablo Bay just off the great San Francisco Bay. But the real secret lies in the best access point at the Glen Cove Waterfront Park off Whitesides Drive culdesac, actually part of the Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD).
GVRD Master Plan
With recent park redevelopment plans in the works we’re a little nervous about this formerly secret neighborhood beach becoming just another California park ruled with an iron fist. But given the historic Native American significance to this site as a sacred burial ground there is no telling how far GVRD will get with this plan. In the meantime it’s still very laid back and I have never worn a leash there. This is my favorite spot for terrorizing squirrels except for that maniacal rodent who snagged my cheak from the rock pile. Dagnabbit!
Sneakin' round to the Marina
I must admit this is the infamous beach where I gashed my toe open and cost Mom $400 at the vet, but if you don’t spazz out amongst the sharp rocky areas you should be alright. There are plenty of beach access points along this trail system where you can avoid the sketchy areas. Limber footed dogs can meander around the west end of the cove toward the Marina but the best trails and beach accesses are to the east toward Benicia SRA.
There used to be a seal living down there, the birds are so magnificently huge they almost make a bird dog cower, and the massive cargo ships passing through are so close you might almost reach out and touch them. The turbulent Carquinez currents are mesmerizing to watch against the Martinez hills, C&H sugar factory in the distance, and the two massive bridges connecting Solano County to the east bay area. Despite being in the heart of industry this respite is serenely magical with its cool breezes and bird’s eye views. And these gentle rolling trails will give you plenty of places to run and hide should the occasional ranger spot you off leash and come looking for you!
Squirrel Chaser's Paradise
Mt. Diablo in Background
Posted in Bow Wow Beaches, Hiking Trails Tagged beaches, Benicia State Recreation Area, bird dogs, canine, Carquinez Strait, dog, dog lovers, dog-friendly, dogs, freedom, GVRD, hiking, solano county, water dogs, water views
Aug092010
By Lucy on August 9, 2010
Live Music at the Harmony Lounge
Pub crawl for dogs, wine and cheese for whiners, java for barkers, and treats for just checking in… these are just a few of the things us dogs are rewarded with for putting up with that obnoxiously rude sign posted around Sonoma Square’s park banishing us from the one place where we really want to go.
For those of you that read my post whining about the dog UNfriendly side of Sonoma, you may remember I promised to also write about some of my favorite dog-friendly places out and about the historic square, the hub of Sonoma life. If your fortunate as we are to live or be staying within walking distance, a leisurely stroll about town accommodates us dogs pretty well from morning coffee and errands to mid-day lunch to evening cocktails. One could literally hang up the car keys all weekend and still keep everyone busy within a half mile square radius walking distance of park central, very convenient if you’re here to imbibe on the spirits of Sonoma valley. Although one local we know and her canine companion motor about in their own way.
'Scooter'
Since we live on the southwest side of town, our first stop is Barking Dog Roasters for Mom’s cup o’ joe next to Whole Foods, after a quick drop-in to our Bank of the West where the teller gives me a treat. My neighbor, Ronnie the Beagle, likes to get his regular treats at Three Dog Bakery where you can find a window case filled with fresh-baked dog snacks straight out of the ovens. I like it too but Mom always thinks she should buy something to support the small local merchant so sometimes it’s easier to treat me at the bank. Many of the merchants have water bowls on the sidewalks. We get our hydration and ice cream fix at Baskin Robbins. For those of us that need a little romp before doing our morning business there is the postage stamp size Sonoma Dog Park next to the police station at the end of First Street.
Lucy Bird Watching at Sunflower Cafe
We already told ya’ll about the best Sonoma cheese at Vella Cheese Factory so our next stop is the charming Sunflower Cafe. This is hands down our favorite place to stop for breakfast, lunch, dinner or the wine bar new last summer hosting happy hour daily from 4-6 pm. It just doesn’t get any better than this for garden oasis ambiance, fresh generously portioned gourmet deli and bakery style meals, quality wine selection with an outdoor wine bar that feels like you’re on a tropical island, and of course, graciously dog-friendly. Other dog blogs will tell you it’s only on the front patio but not true. I go inside every time to the inner courtyard of this historic landmark building and not only do they love having me, but they bring me my own cup o’ water. Locals are talking about the Sunflower’s lively Thursday ‘Spotlight Winery Nights’ and the art gallery with artist receptions the first Friday of every month.
We do like to make our rounds though so cresting the north side of the square, all the locals know about The Swiss front patio where canine patrons can almost always be expected to be seen there. This is a good local yocal spot with hearty food and an old west saloon bar just dark enough to cool down with a cocktail on a hot day.
In search of a little more sophistication, we continue over to the east side on Friday nights for a little live music at the Ledson Hotel’s Harmony Lounge where if you didn’t know better, you might expect Frank Sinatra to be bellied up to the heavy walnut and granite bar with blazing fireplace backdrop. In fact, on one Friday night the duo band called up a tall, dark and handsome bartender who belted out New York New York like Ol’ Blue Eyes reincarnated! Mom was swooning but now thinks it might be a figment of her imagination since the bartender moved on but you can still always count on the Jess Petty & Ken Chambers band to be there on Fridays playing classic lounge music.
With an interesting local life and all the arts, entertainment and cultural draw around Sonoma you just never know when another impromptu one-of-a-kind experience like that may happen again…
Posted in Dog Parks, Doggone Good Destinations, Sonoma Dog's Life, Wine Dogs Tagged canine, dog, dog-friendly, dogs, entertainment, Frank Sinatra, Harmony Lounge, historic, Ledson Hotel, live music, Sonoma local life, Sonoma Square, Sunflower Cafe
Jul262010
By Lucy on July 26, 2010
Woof, gimme some o' that Three Lab Cab!
It was a dog day afternoon at the Larson Family Winery in Sonoma today!
Three Lab Cab
Celebrating Larson’s newest release, the 2006 Three Lab Cabernet, was as good an excuse as any to throw a party for their canine friends. It’s obvious that this fun loving ranch loves dogs considering they have created this complex and well balanced red wine in honor of their favorite Labrador Retrievers.
Sunny the yellow Lab, Bubba the chocolate Lab, and Pete the black Lab can usually be found galavanting around the Sonoma creek side property or lounging around the tasting room.
I'm ready for my close-up!
With all different kinds of dogs in the back yard posing to have their portraits professionally snapped by Hawkes Photography for Pets Lifeline charity donations, I wanted to run amok and was frustrated that they were all there for their close up shots, not for romping. The event seemed more like a glorified wine social for the humans while us leashed dogs waited our turn to be on camera. The squeaky toy props really drove me berserk. It was for a good cause though.
Kodak Moment
Everyone enjoyed the wine and the stunning setting with panaromic vineyard and mountain views. Mom spared me the Kodak moment sitting opting to spend her money instead on the Three Lab Cab, a rich, full-bodied estate cabernet. It was mighty convenient that their featured wine of the day was her favorite of all Larson’s reds because 20% of sales were also donated to the Pets Lifeline charity fund.
In the cowboy tradition of the original Millerick Ranch that for a quarter of a century hosted San Francisco Bay Area’s largest and longest running rodeo, Larson Family Winery humbly hosts their tasting guests in a big redwood barn built by Tom Larson. Producing small lots of high quality wines, even their old fashioned jug wines that reminds one of prohibition times, you won’t find any of them distributed to retail stores. The Larson Family’s motto is “We drink what we can, and sell the rest!”
The historic ranch is tucked away at the end of the Millerick country road just off the Carneros Highway where hand-painted slab wooden signs encourage guests with messages like “you’re almost there” and “visit us again soon” on the way out. We’ll definitely be back for some more of that Three Lab Cab so I can visit the goats again. This ranch winery is right up my country girl alley!
What? I'm not drunk!
Posted in Furry Friend Fun Events, Wine Dogs Tagged adopt dogs, canine, Carneros, celebration, dog, dog lovers, dog photography, dog-friendly, dogs, Hawkes Photography, Labrador, Rescue Dogs, Retriever, Sonoma, Thee Lab Cab, wineries, winery
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