All Joking Aside…

Those of you who know me know that I use humor to relieve stressful situations. This blog is a good example. To consider the seriousness of Willa’s condition and to dwell on “poor Willa” is not my way. (Don’t get me wrong, I have those moments, quietly, in private, I just try to avoid it in public.) The thing is, I am here at the LSU Vet Clinic with owners of animals who are in the same boat, or considerably worse. Consider the dogs I saw today, of the 12-15 dogs I saw while I waited for Willa, 4 of them had 3 legs, removed due to cancer.

I recognize the other owners now, after seeing them each morning for the past week. We exchange knowing looks, the “How’s Buddy doing today?” nod exchanged by folks who love their aging pets and feel the anguish of the other owners, sharing a moment of hope. That’s what we get here, hope. Hope that even if Willa passes sooner that we all expect, the young Veterinarians will learn how to care for a great dog who happens to have cancer and the passionate owner who wants the very best for his companion, right up to the end. Hope that in learning, lives can be improved, and the precious little time we have together can be extended just a little.

Willa lucked out this morning, Adrienne asked if we could come in earlier for her fourth treatment. That meant that we were done earlier, too. That meant that the Tuna that I brought home from dinner last night with Willa’s Uncle Rod (MJ's brother) and Aunt Vicki went into Willa’s breakfast that much earlier. Dinner was great, I have to admit, Baton Rouge (well the whole state of Louisiana, actually) knows how to cook! The restaurants here are amazing, but last nights dinner was great because of family. We talked and reminisced about dogs we had owned and “family stories”, memories that I have of my “Louisiana Family” as Rod likes to call it.

I have been a part of this family for 22 years. MJ and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary last Saturday, her on the road back from Willa’s first LSU visit, me packing for her return trip. We did take time for dinner together, but I am looking forward to getting home and celebrating.

We have a lot to celebrate.

Great dining no whining!

My wife and I have been indulging in a Sonoma County Wine vacation with our dog Willa. While the focus of our visit is the wine, we would be lost without food. Traveling with a dog can make finding sensational food a challenge. Dog friendly dining usually means being relegated to shabby outside tables or just eating in the car. Unlike our vacation last year to Colorado where we honored Ft. Collins, CO with the "Poser Award" for the being the Most Dog Unfriendly City on the planet. Where outdoor restaurants have fences...you can sit at a table outside but your dog must be tethered on the other side of the fence. The much lauded beer festival had "No Dogs" signs posted everywhere, but there was a guy walking around with his Ram on a leash. We finally sought refuge at the New Belgium Brewing Company where an enlightened view on dogs was awarded with our travel dollars.

Not so in many locations in Sonoma County, though it is still your obligation to ask before bringing your dog to any location that serves food.

Dry Creek General Store

If it's Thursday night, it's barbeque at the General Store. We pulled up at 5:30 and were told that dinner would be served at 6:30...oh darn. I guess we have to sit with our dog and watch the sun go down over the vineyard while enjoying the mix of smoke, rosemary and garlic wafting through the evening air. Slake your thirst with a Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA. There is plenty of room at the picnic tables in the shade. Our dinner was roasted rosemary chicken, linguini a'olio and salad. The sauce for the linguini was prepared in the biggest paella pan I have ever seen, right on the grill. The attendees included 4 cowboys and cowgirls that rode up on their horses, a handful of local bikers and a guy who just HAD to park his Ferrari right in front. Conversation was lively and everyone fit in.

Roadhouse Restaurant

Redwoods tower over the deck at the Roadhouse in Guerneville. Part of the Dawn Ranch Lodge, the Roadhouse Restaurant offers a full bar and local wines paired with a delightful menu for meat eaters and sea food lovers alike. We shared an ample salad and mopped up every last drop of the broth that smothered our mussels. The staff was attentive without intruding and the dirty martini was perfect!

Big John's Market

Big John's is not a restaurant, it's a grocery store. No, you cannot take your dog inside...and I am not suggesting that you eat at one of the many shaded tables over looking the parking lot, not when there are so many wineries out there with picnic tables. Here's the deal: buy your lunch at Big John's, the ample sandwiches made from there their our oven roasted turkey breast or some of the amazing meats from Zoe's stacked on top of fresh made breads and rolls are better than any lunch counter. Add a pint of any of the fresh salads, grab some chips and your favorite non-alcoholic* beverages (like the local apple juice) and you can unpack the whole thing at the next next dog friendly winery on your list.

*Don't bring any alcohol, local laws prohibit the consumption of "off premises" alcohol at the wineries.

 

Korbel

While Korbel does not fit our definition of Dog Friendly, they do allow well behaved dogs on the grounds and at the outdoor tables. The reason I mention them here is because they make the most amazing Tri-Tip sandwich. Thin cut Tri-Tip stacked on a soft roll with chimichuri, horseradish and blue cheese.

Dog Friendly is not binary

As my wife and I travel around with our dog we find many places that tout their "Dog Friendly"-ness. To our disappointment we usually find that they are "Dog Tolerant" or "Dog Accessible" but far from dog friendly. There are two important concepts that the owner of any so called dog friendly establishment must understand before laying out the welcome mat:

1. Understanding the attachment of a dog owner to their dog. Dare I say...actually owing a dog yourself.
2. Understanding what it is like to travel with a dog. Dare I say...that you actually traveled with a dog...outside your city limits...for at least a few days. (Extra points if you have taken you dog through one bath cycle away from home.)

Once you have the basics understood the next step is to evaluate your "offering" based on how far you (or the local health department) will allow dog owners to go. This is where the gap exists in the definition of "dog friendly". After minutes of consideration we have developed the following scale:

No Pets

This is the clearest category. Simply put, leave your dog in the car. There are many reasons why proprietors choose this designation. I respect the clarity of this designation. I also choose not to spend my money at these establishments unless there is an overriding reason. Examples include National Parks (dogs in parking lots only) and restaurants without outdoor dining facilities.

Dog Tolerant

Dog tolerant establishments pretend to be dog friendly but really aren't. Dog tolerant means that you can have your dog present with you on the grounds but must never be off leash (see my point about your responsibility when taking your dog off leash). Dog tolerant hotels generally make you pay extra for keeping a dog and you have to sign some huge contract. Well behaved dogs are welcome most places but there are restrictions imposed by the proprietors that have nothing to do with the health department.

Dog Friendly

Dog friendly establishments allow you to keep your dog as you would at home. The only way a joint can be labeled Dog Friendly is if I have equivalent access to the establishments offerings while I have my dog at my side. For example: restaurants that serve me on a deck or patio, wineries that allow my dog in the tasting room or serve tastes outside. Many of the so called "dog friendly" wineries did not allow tasting with a dog by your side.

Dogs Welcome

Establishments that open their doors to good dogs and good dog  owners allow access to all areas under the health code. This means that unless the establishment serves food, dogs are welcome everywhere (except on the tour). This designation goes beyond physical access, it also indicates a mind set that some thought and consideration has been put into the accommodation for dog visitors. Whether it is water dishes and water for those who may have forgotten or biscuits behind the bar, it is that good dogs are welcome without hesitation, indoors and out.