CRU VIN DOGS

"A Bird Story" by Tony Wasowicz

2009-06-29T14:36:00.008-06:00

A couple of weeks ago I was walking my Whippets (Devo & Jimi) around the neighborhood when we were suddenly stopped in our tracks by the sight and sound of around a dozen extremely agitated crows in the trees above us, staring down at us and squawking wildly. Crows are quite common in this neck of the woods (northern California) but I’d never seen them make such a commotion. After stopping and standing and staring back at them a minute or two we moved on. But a few steps later both dogs and I jumped back as a small, but furious, crow hissed and snapped at us from behind a small shrub along the sidewalk.

We backed away and crossed the street and continued our stroll. It was a classically beautiful Sonoma County evening – the fog was rolling in and you could smell the sea -- but I found that I had lost all appreciation for it. I kept thinking about that bird. I knew that the crow was injured and I knew it wouldn’t be long before a cat came along and discovered an easy meal. It was very tempting to try to forget the whole incident and get on with my busy day but I simply could not. I turned and walked the dogs quickly back home.

Not knowing exactly where to turn I leafed through the phone book until I found the answer – Bird Rescue Center. Perfect, I thought. I felt a bit smug as I dialed the number. I was taking the time to help an injured animal. I was going out of my way to do the right thing.

The lady at Bird Rescue was both pleasant but business-like. I described the situation and she immediately diagnosed it as a fledgling crow that likely wasn’t so successful on its first flight from the nest. But then she surprised me.

“Can you secure the bird?” she asked.

“What?” I said. “Ummm, well… I found it on a walk. It’s several miles away.”

“You need to get a pillow case and carefully secure the bird and bring it to us.” She responded.

I have to admit that I was taken aback. I guess I expected a hearty “Thanks!” and assurance that a bird expert would be dispatched immediately to get the bird, nurse it back to health and release it happily back to the wilds. It seems like that’s how it works in the movies, anyway.

I think the lady sensed my disappointment. “I’m sorry. We have very few volunteers.” she told me. This, of course, makes perfect sense. Who in the world has the time and energy and desire to drop everything at a moment’s notice, drive around picking injured birds up off the sidewalk and nurse them back to health for a few weeks? And do it for free?

So I found an old pillow case and hopped in my truck and secured the bird. Then I drove it out to the Santa Rosa Bird Rescue Center. Wow – what a cool place! It’s a small operation with a very homey feel to it. Inside there’s some fun and informative displays on various local birds. Out back there are numerous large cages filled with recovering and resident hawks, owls, vultures and a sleek and shiny peregrine falcon. The fledgling crow I dropped off was deposited in a cage with other crows in a similar predicament. They would be hand fed several times a day and released when able to fly.

I went back to the Center the next week for an open house and met many of the volunteers. I filled out a membership card and wrote them a check. And now I’m hoping to help organize a fundraiser in the fall. Now, I’m not writing this to congratulate myself. Like everyone, I’ve used the excuse of too busy, too tired, too broke many, many times. In my case it took a wounded little bird on the sidewalk to remind me that there’s a lot more to life than work and bills and my next vacation.

So what does this blog have to do with winemaking and vineyards? Well, look at it this way – think of how much more amazing that first sip of wine is going to taste at the end of the day if you’ve tried your best to help others and be a good person.

Cheers!

Tony

P.S. I had a bottle of the 2006 Cru Vin Dogs Chardonnay last night. It was KILLER!

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Cru Vin Bugs

2009-04-30T10:41:00.007-06:00

I’m a huge fan of bugs. I find them extremely cool in both appearance and behavior. They live pretty much everywhere and outnumber us humans by some astronomical factor. And, most important to me, they’re environmental indicators – they tell us about the health and balance of the world we live in. But what do bugs have to do with making great wine?

A lot.
(Honey bee foraging on a mustard flower. This picture involved a little camera and a lot of luck.)

(Right:Chardonnay shoot among flowering cover crop.)

Insects have co-evolved with plants for millions of years. It’s simple -- without bugs there can be no grapevines. And the vineyard manager can choose to either fight insects, ignore them, or work with them. Sadly, most vineyards are not bug friendly. And ironically, it’s when we try to “clean the slate” and eliminate bugs from the system that problems quickly arise.

Conventionally farmed vineyards are continually tilled, compacting and destroying soil life and exacerbating erosion. Furthermore, the application of caustic chemical pesticides and herbicides kills all bugs, good and bad (you won’t find many bugs of any kind in a conventional vineyard). And since the very first invaders to a sterile system are always weeds and pests then it’s pretty easy to see the folly in this hyper-management approach to farming. Obviously, I’m a huge fan of organic and sustainable farming.

The amazing west Dry Creek Valley vineyard where I source much of the fruit for Cru Vin Dogs wine is farmed organically. In place of tractors and salty fertilizers is a herd of English babydoll sheep, which convert the weeds and grasses to fertilizer, naturally. Instead of spraying Roundup herbicide we encourage and foster a healthy ground cover to provide food and habitat to the ladybugs, soldier beetles, lacewings and syrphid flies that naturally feed on any grapevine pests before they can get established. This vineyard is never sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. There’s simply no need. This is not only a very good thing for the environment but also a very good thing for wine lovers – happy vines produce great grapes which make outstanding wines.

So I encourage everyone to give bugs a little respect. After all, we cannot exist without them. But just to prove I’m not completely bug-obsessed I’d like to close this blog with a couple of pictures I took recently of warm and furry mammals. Keep drinking great wine!

---Tony

(Left:Betty and Mowgli -- very happy vineyard dogs.)

(Right:This lamb was born just hours
before I took it's picture. Seriously cute.)

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"Jasmine, the Mother Theresa Greyhound"

2009-04-05T12:34:00.010-06:00

Hello Readers,
One of the benefits that have come from hosting this blog is that I get to hear so many great stories about animals. I'm a total sucker for them and I've loved every one. I also enjoy getting to share them with all of you. Who couldn't use beautiful stories like these?

I received one recently that is particularly moving. It's about a Greyhound named Jasmine, who was found in 2003, in Warwickshire, England, in need of help and shelter. She then took to mothering all the animals in the shelter, giving them comfort and love, regardless of their species. If you love animals, you simply HAVE to read it.

Check it out at:
http://www.greatpetnet.com/630/jasmine-the-mother-theresa-greyhound/#more-630

She and other animals from the shelter, such as a parrot named Barney with a foul vocabulary, have attracted some great press for the shelter. Animal shelters can never have enough support and recognition.

I'll also take this opportunity to recommend a book I just finished, (no doubt, most of you have already heard of it), "Marley & Me", by John Grogan. I've heard the movie is cute, but varies, and you can't beat the full experience of reading the novel films are based off of.

It's a beautiful book about life and love as a pet owner and it takes you through the life of Marley and all the changes the family goes through in his lifetime. From Marley's puppy-hood to life as an elderly dog, John keeps you laughing, and certainly crying. I don't recommend finishing the book on a plane, (especially in the window seat without Kleenex like I did. I was a blubbering mess with Southwest cocktail napkins in a pile on my tray table). But the tears are worth it and it's proved to be a great catharsis for many others who have read it and have also lost their beloved furry family members. See the website for the online community of fans who have found comfort in the book and each other at http://www.johngroganbooks.com/marley/share/index.cgi

All the best to all of you out there, bipedal and quadrupedal alike, and keep the stories coming!
Kristin

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Tony's "Bud Break and Blending"

2009-03-23T11:51:00.008-06:00

I get asked a lot – “What is your favorite vintage?”

My answer is always the same – “The next one.”

I certainly love and enjoy every wine I make from every vintage but I must admit that my focus is always on what’s ahead. Especially this time of the season. With longer and sunnier days of early Spring comes bud break in the vineyard. The bare, dormant vines have weathered the cold, dark, wet winter and now the green shoots are just starting to burst from the swollen buds. It’s hard not to see this event as the very birth of the 2009 vintage wines. Soon there will be a heck of a lotta work to do in the vineyard – mowing and suckering and keeping tabs on the multitude of beneficial insects that inhabit the vineyard cover crop. But until then there’s plenty of work to do in the Cellar. Early spring is blending season in the winery. So rather than wandering the vineyard I’ve been spending most of the time wandering the Cellar, tasting through wine lot after lot, barrel after barrel.

(Left: Bud break on a chardonnay vine.)

A great blend is a great thing. And whereas the goal of our Best In Show series is to showcase the terroir of an individual great vineyard, the Cru Vin Dogs Portrait and Puppy series wines are crafted to highlight the very best features of carefully selected fruit from my favorite vineyards in Napa and Sonoma Counties. The key to a great blend, I think, is familiarity with the grapes. I’ve worked with some of the vineyards used to source Cru Vin Dogs wines for as long as 13 years. So although the flavors, aromas and textures of individual lots of wine in barrel may evolve month to month, I have a pretty good idea of where each wine is headed and what it can contribute to the final blend.

(Right: Dry Creek Valley on the western edge of Sonoma County. One of the most beautiful wine growing regions on earth.)

Once I’ve selected the components for a blend it’s time to focus on the composition. I spend a lot of time with a table full of sample bottles and a graduated cylinder -- tasting, tasting, tasting (I know – it’s tough work but that’s my job!). Blending, for me, is kind of a Zen thing. I don’t pay much attention to the lab numbers from the Enologist. I also don’t rely on standard “recipes” or try to follow what others have done. I do have a very specific idea of the style of wine I want – wines of balance, character, finesse and age-ability.

Eventually, I’ll narrow the huge field down to just a few favorites. This is actually fairly easy for me – either a blend “clicks” or it doesn’t. I try not to over-think it. And once I’m happy with a blend I always look for fresh opinions from trusted sources. I’ve got a lot of good friends with some of the finest palates in the business – Winemakers, growers, sommeliers, and, of course, the entire Cru Vin Dogs team.

In the end, the final blend sent to bottle is the product of years of very hard work by countless people. My goal is to justify all that time and effort with the creation of something really special in every wine I make. Ultimately, the wine must befit such a label as Cru Vin Dogs. It’s gotta be good. Really, really good. And I think it is.

-Tony

(Left: The grapes for the Cru Vin Dogs 2005 Bloodhound and 2006 Golden Retriever chardonnay came largely from this hillside vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. This vineyard is planted with strips of insectary flowers between the rows. These plants provide food and habitat for beneficial insects which provide natural pest control. Organically farmed, this vineyard is never sprayed with pesticides or herbicides.)

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DOG OF THE MONTH for MARCH

2009-03-11T13:53:00.005-06:00

Greetings Readers,

The Dog of the Month for March is a special pup who found a new home with some loving parents in The State of Qatar, far from our shores, near Saudi Arabia. Dog lovers unite! Homes for homeless pets are needed all over the world. Similar to the case of March's Dog of the Month, Jacob, some of those homeless animals are victims of abuse or trauma and have special needs. Very large and selfless are the hearts of those who are willing to open their homes to these special needs pets.

In honor of Jacob and his journey, as well as the loving parents who have given him a home, here is March's DOG OF THE MONTH, Enjoy!

"We have a new family member. His name is Jacob and he has blonde hair, brown eyes and four legs. We don’t know a lot about him – how old he is, where he came from or if he’s ever lived with a family before. The only thing we know is that he’s been in our house for less than 24 hours and he’s already part of the family. Truthfully, I think he became family about 30 seconds after we put him in the truck and he drooled all over my arm and the back of the seat. Yes – Jacob is a dog.
As far as anyone knows, his history started a few weeks ago when he was found, horribly hurt, and then taken to the Qatar Animal Welfare Shelter (QAWS) for care. They don’t know exactly what happened to him, but they think he was hit and then dragged by a car.

We met Jacob when we went to QAWS to take a tour to see the dogs and find out how we could best help as volunteers. At that time, he was pretty sad looking with a “lampshade” around his head to keep him from chewing and licking his wounds. Regardless, he came up to the front of his kennel and tried to lick our fingers through the mesh. Once, like the goof he is, he got stuck in the doorway of his kennel because he couldn’t get his head through! But he kept smiling that doggie smile and wagging his tail.I just kept thinking about him and when QAWS put his story on their website, I knew we needed to find out what it would take to bring him home with us. The QAWS staff had received many calls about Jacob in the 48 hours since they posted the feature. I think a couple of things weighed in our favor for adopting Jacob – we were previous dog owners and had seen both of ours through several surgeries. We weren’t put off or scared that he’d been hurt and would never be a physically perfect dog. But what I think clenched it is that we’d looked at all the dogs and had a hard deciding on the first one that we wanted to adopt. Most people who called only wanted Jacob because he’s at least part Retriever. No doubt, Labs are my favorite dogs, but we would have probably taken half a dozen if we thought we could…So Jacob’s at home now acting as though he’s been here all his life. As I write this, he’s lying here on the office floor with his head on his sock toy –guarding his precious possession. In a little less than a day, he’s played outfielder in our son’s backyard baseball game, tipped over his water bowl outside and in the guest bathroom, pooped on the office floor, been given his first of many baths, tried to make friends with the neighbor’s cat, feasted on his food, taken a short walk around the compound, chewed on one of my sandals, tipped over my husband’s drink on the front porch and taken off with the book I’m reading.

We’ve forgotten what it’s like to have a baby in the house, but we’re quickly remembering – put things away, move all glass items to a higher location and be suspicious, very suspicious, when it gets too quiet. And, of course, give lots of hugs, kisses and cuddles."

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In Vino, Veritas

2009-03-02T11:20:00.004-07:00

Hey Readers,

I'm pleased to report that our distinguished and incredibly knowledgeable Winemaker, Tony Wasowicz will be joining me in the blogging effort! (See the link on his name for his company profile). He's a wealth of knowledge on winemaking, farming, beekeeping, and many other very valuable and interesting topics. His tasting notes for the wines he makes are always written with a great deal of description, you can almost taste them just from reading the words.

It should be a great addition! So keep your eyes on the CVD Blog for Tony's "Notes from the Winemaker" as well as the tasting notes from our newest selections that I've been itching to post.

Thanks for reading!

Kristin

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Wanted:Dog of the Month

2009-02-20T09:56:00.003-07:00

Dear Readers,

February is flying by already and I have yet to find a dog of the month to grace the blog. I know it's hard to follow Trevin, with a resume and a story like that! But it's not a contest, it's a celebration! I look forward to hearing about your special pet, don't be shy!

Our Winemaker Dinner at Great Northern went very well this past week, with everyone thoroughly enjoying the meal and the experience. We've got some very exciting new wines coming soon and I will tell you all about them just as soon as I've got official clearance, I promise! I've seen the labels for the new selections and they are stunning, as always.

If you're in the Cherry Creek neighborhood and you need some Labrador puppy in your life, (who couldn't use more of that?!), stop in to a great store called "Filsons" (2nd and Filmore), an outdoor clothing store who's door is guarded by a five and half month old yellow lab pup named "Tobi". I couldn't help but pop in when I saw them walking her. She promptly grabbed the coffee mug I was holding and went to town, chewing the lid and wrapping me up in her leash. I am a total sucker for animals and it made my night. "Do you want to see her baby pictures?" Heck yes I do! The owners are very welcoming and have pictures of her litter near the cash wrap that are not to be missed. I may have slid them a brochure about the CVD Labrador Savvy as well, just because dog and wine people have to stick together. So, go visit Tobi. She's a doll.

All and all it's been a good winter. I'll be back with some tasting notes and a dog of the month!
Thanks for reading!
Kristin

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Winemaker Dinner at Great Northern

2009-01-29T14:59:00.014-07:00

Want to try the Cru Vin Dogs wines expertly paired with amazing food? You're in luck. Cru Vin Dogs is hosting a delicious and star studded event at Great Northern in the Denver Tech Center (see http://www.gntavern.com/index.html) on February 17th! It's our very first Winemaker Dinner in Colorado!

Our Winemaker, renowned in his field, Tony Wasowicz, will be there to discuss the wines, answer questions and talk about the process of making what is our current vino portfolio and all of it's progressions and complexity. I've seen him speak at a dinner after the bottling of our "Lucky" Cabernet-Merlot, and it really is an experience.

There also will be a surprise barrel tasting of a wine we're currently working on, it's going to be very exciting!

Above is a picture of Tony with his beloved Whippets, Jimi and Devo:

And a picture of his Whippets, (who love warm laundry), that I couldn't resist sharing :

You'll also be able to meet and greet with Cru Vin Dogs President, Mary Snellgrove and her husband, the artist of Cru Vin Dogs' labels, Jay Snellgrove, (Come visit us at the 1500 South Pearl Gallery for a close up look at his amazing work!)

Also in attendance will be Nurse Practitioner, (and CCI Calendar Girl), Randi Price and her very loyal Labrador,

"Lucky", (the same dog who graces the Cab-Merlot). They are both wonderful!

(Photo is by Sarah Watson of Watson Photography, see watsonphoto.com)

A winemaker's dinner would make a wonderful Valentines Day gift for a special someone if you're in the market!

Below is all the information about the dinner.

Don't miss it!

Cru Vin Dogs Winemaker’s Dinner
A multi-course meal prepared by Executive Chef Damon Keith paired with Cru Vin Dogs’ current portfolio

With a very special, surprise Barrel Tasting

$65.00 Per Person (price includes tax and gratuity)

Tuesday, February 17, 6:30 PM
Seating is limited, reservations are required
http://www.gntavern.com/ -Contract Andrea
303-770-4741

Reception:
Goat Cheese Pistachio Tartlette
Melon and Prosciutto Terrine
Puppy Series Labrador Retriever Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Salad:
Heirloom Tomato Carpaccio
With chive oil, Fleur de Sel, and micro greens
Puppy Series Bloodhound Chardonnay 2005
Puppy Series Golden Retriever Chardonnay 2006

Fish:
Tuna Au Poivre
With white bean truffle puree and swiss chard
Portrait Series "Yogi" Cabernet-Syrah 2005

Meat:
Beef Tenderloin
With Blackberry demi-glace, butter
Poached potatoes, and tomato provencal
Portrait Series "Lucky" Cabernet-Merlot 2006

Dessert:
Chocolate Mousse Triangles
Raspberry studded and served with vanilla bean crème anglaise
Best in Show Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Hope to see you all there!!

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Cru Vin Dogs Dog of the Month for DECEMBER/JANURARY

2009-01-19T15:25:00.012-07:00

Dear readers and friends,

Our Cru Vin Dogs Dog of the Month will be a double this month, Trevin Weldin, a very special dog was elected to be the Dog of the Month for December, he has since been diagnosed with a rare form of Canine cancer. His mother and caretaker has been focusing her energies on giving Trevin the very best care a dog could hope for. So, with such a special and accomplished dog we wanted to make sure the piece was just right. Trevin is an incredible service dog with a huge heart and he and his mother have made a wonderful contribution to their community.

Sending my very best to them both and honoring the wonderful light they have been to each other and all of those who Trevin has worked with, here is an extra special Dog of the Month Feature:

Trevin Weldin
Cru Vin Dogs Dog of the Month

By Carol Weldin

"Trevin Weldin, bred to be an assistance dog by Canine Companions for Independence, puppy raised in Denver, CO and having completed advanced training at the South West Regional Training Center in Oceanside, CA, was “career changed” in August 2003 at the age of two, coming to live in Northern California.

Recognizing his extraordinary skills and delight in “working” led him to his alternate career path as a certified therapy dog in February 2004, having waited the requisite six months prior to certification.

His initial “work” (although he would hardly call it that) consisted of visits to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, CA, visiting the Rehabilitation Unit, with occasional visits to Oncology and Pediatrics as requested by the hospital staff. Special events with disabled children at Camp Arroyo always brought joy to Trevin and delight to the children.

His commitment to literacy programs for children was exhibited by his involvement in Pleasanton Library’s Paws to Read Program; Orinda Library Paws to Read; and starting up his very own program at Ygnacio Library of reading to children and teaching the appropriate way to approach an unknown dog.

While all dogs know how to “speak”, Trevin would exercise his “library voice” with the command “whisper” to the delight of adults and children alike!
Trevin brings joy to the many faces both young and old, with a special fondness in his library visits with his little person friend Melyssa who always asked if she could read to Trevin.

Involvement with Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) in Walnut Creek, CA consisted of representation at special events such as Stars to the Rescue (their signature headliner fundraiser) as a greeter, and on-site Learning Center and Birthday Party Programs for kids, aimed at creating awareness of the human animal bond and humane treatment toward animals.

Trevin’s career has been varied, (one person even commented “he is the only dog who has a canine resume”) whether it be launching and demonstrating the Revive-A-Pet resuscitation mask program outfitting all fire trucks in the Pleasanton-Livermore Fire District, which promoted CBS Channel 5 anchor Ken Battista to say “he is either one very obedient dog or is trying to reach the dog treat at the end of the mask”, to his ambassadorial role with varied animal- assisted programs.

His outreach/public relations events reached an international level having met Madame Jihan Sadat the widow of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat (who was assassinated in 1981). Madame Sadat, who pioneered the cause of women’s rights in her country, currently teaches classes and leads seminars on women’s issues; Egyptian culture and international studies. She is the author of A Woman in Egypt.” Trevin met her at a Women’s Conference outreach activity.

The highlight of his career has been his special visits to George Mark Children’s House, visiting children with life limiting illnesses winning over several young patients some of whom were initially skeptical, but soon demonstrated big smiles when they heard he was in the House. Trevin could be found happily walking the halls alternately dressed as the Easter bunny; a Halloween pumpkin, and Santa “Paws”, carrying gifts for the kids and staff like in his monogrammed fabric “buckets”.

Sadly Trevin’s five-year therapy career will be cut short due to his recent diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma, having undergone emergency surgery on December 19, 2008. He will continue to bring joy to everyone whose life he continues to touch with his gentleness and sweet spirit. To everyone whose life he has touched in animal-assisted therapy, we salute and love you, Trevin."

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"If Dogs Could Talk"

2008-12-30T13:09:00.027-07:00

Dear Friends,

In spite of the negative and very sad parts of life, our pets are here for us, giving us unconditional love and support and consistently improving and enriching our lives. In honor of this very important role they play, I'd like to share, yet another wonderful dog lover's email that I think will make just about anyone smile.

Once again, I can't take credit, I am just a messenger! Blessings to all for the New Year!

Here it is:
((I believe it’s credited to: Kay Resler, “Retired and Enjoying Life to the Max!!!!”))
It's called, "If Dogs Could Talk"

"Look . . . I was thirsty man, deal with it . "
__________________________________________________________________

"Touch de duck... I keel you."
______________________________________________________

'Weeeeeee!!! Look at me I'm Yoda!
__________________________________________________________________

"You want a piece of me? Bring it....!"
__________________________________________________________________

"Kid . . . you're askin' the wrong guy."
___________________________________________________________________

'I don't get it. Where's the milk?!'
__________________________________________________________________

'Wasssup!!'
______________________________________________________________

'Bread! You're seriously giving me bread . . . ?'
___________________________________________________________________

[sniff . . sniff] . . . . "Oh, this part of the movie always makes me cry"
_______________________________________________________________

"This stupid bird's about to get a snot bath."
______________________________________________________________

'Therrrz no way that was . . . [hiccup!] . . . juzzt milk . . . [hiccup] !'
_______________________________________________________________

"I . . . hate . . you."
______________________________________________________________

"Hi!!! I'm Teddy, a wild little Gemini . . . . aaaaaannnd, I, like,
you know, long walks on the beach.
Aaaannnd I just LOVE me some tennis balls. Byyeeee!!!!"
_________________________________________________________

'I'm not....[yawn]...tired, ok? I'm...just..... a little...sllleee..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz'
________________________________________________________

'BUT I DON'T WANNA GO...!!!! AAAAaaaaaahahhhahh'
______________________________________________________

"It was only a little pee, why the 30 minute timeout?"
______________________________________________

"Rrrrr.... I'm a Tiger. Rrrrrrr"
___________________________________

"So Dad left when he found out about Mom and the Panda."

______________________

THE END.

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Technical Difficulties

2008-12-30T12:54:00.002-07:00

Hi Readers! I'm so sorry to have responded to your emails so late, I thought I had enabled forwarding to my main email but it seems I was mistaken and I have been neglecting my inbox!
So, my apologies and I shall try to maintain more effectively in 2009! I promise!

CRU VIN DOGS on THE TODAY SHOW!!!

2008-12-12T09:57:00.009-07:00

Big news! Cru Vin Dogs Wines have been chosen by the Today Show on NBC for their "Gifts That Give Back" segment, airing on Monday, December 15th, 2008! Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb will be hosting, and the piece is to air during the "Fourth Hour" of the show. It will be on from10-11 AM Eastern Standard Time, 11AM-12PM in the Denver area. We'll be watching and we hope you will be too! Happy Holidays!!!

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Pig-Uppy

2008-12-10T10:03:00.011-07:00

Ok animal lovers, this one is just too good not to share. I got this email from a family member and it is incredibly cute, again, I have no idea who wrote it or took the pictures, and cannot take credit for it, but it's special enough that it needs to be shared. I do hope it brightens your days!

"Dachshund & Pink the Pig

This Dachshund is fostering this little guy for another mom who couldn't take care of him. He had his eyes closed, but now they are open. He is just a little bigger than her other pups. She loves this little guy as much as the other puppies and she is nursing him back to health. He is the cleanest pig-uppy ever because she licks him all the time.
HIS NAME IS PINK....

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Cru Vin Dogs Dog of the Month for NOVEMBER

2008-11-18T16:59:00.005-07:00

Hey there Cru Vin Dogs fans. I have a CVD Dog of the month! Our November dog is perfect for the first really snowy month of the year, a Newfoundland! He’s a big, beautiful boy whose parents are very proud of him and love him dearly. His loyal and careful care of his family make him a great candidate for this prestigious distinction.
Doc Diamond, you are the Cru Vin Dogs DOG OF THE MONTH for NOVEMBER!

I’ll let his mom tell you more:

"After thirty years of rescuing dogs, cats, rabbits, ducks and other critters, my husband and I decided we wanted to have a puppy 'of our own'. We had long since fallen in love with Newfoundland Dogs and over a period of twenty years, had lived with four of them.

We met Doc when he was 4 weeks old and took him home when he was 10 weeks. He came from a wonderful, reputable breeder and although he had a premier lineage, he was lacking a few 'show qualities'. We were fine with that. We simply wanted a puppy we could love, spoil and train to be our companion on any couch in our home. He also fit well with his animals friends: two cats (a psychotic tabby named Abigail, a wonderful old soul named Murphy) and three dogs (an autistic Newfoundland named Winter, a separation-anxiety ridden Lab-mix named Shiney and a spoiled Shih Tzu named Ghengis). This foolish group tormented him as he wrangled his way into our home. None of them had any idea that Doc’s sheer size would ultimately make him leader of the pack!

Ghengis at 17 is pretty frail. Over the years his hearing had waned and his eye sight became clouded by sclerotic lesions. His confidence had turned to fear as he confronted the world without two senses. In the spring of 2008, things went from bad to worse when Ghengis had a horrible accident and lost one eye.

And, it was at this point that Doc stepped in to become the protector and guardian of little Ghengis.

It happened, I thought, quite by accident. One night I heard Doc emitting a series of soft woofing sounds. I rolled over and said, “Doc, go back to sleep”. The sounds kept coming and finally I turned on the light. I realized Ghengis wasn’t on my bed. He had fallen and was struggling to get up. “Good dog, Doc”, I said. I picked up Ghengis and put him back on the bed. A few nights later, I witnessed the same routine. The following week, I surrounded the bed with cushioning so that when Ghengis fell the landing would be soft.

Ghengis fell again last week and Doc couldn’t get me up. My husband was sleeping in the next room (he’s a SNORER!). Doc pushed open the door and awakened him. When my husband finally turned on the light, Doc had left the room and went into the hall to stand protectively over Ghengis.

Ghengis is the size of Doc’s head. He’s a small, frail creature who is lovingly guarded by our sweet, gentle giant. Doc’s ability to sense trouble is a small miracle in a world filled with frightening possibilities. He brings a smile to my face and comfort to my soul."

-Felicia Diamond

He sounds like a wonderful dog and I was thrilled to hear from Felicia. I love to hear how pets and people enhance each other's lives. They can be such a godsend.
Aren't we lucky our pets decide to keep us?!
So, thanks again Felicia. Good dog Doc!

Feel free and encouraged to send your own stories of wonderful animals to me here on my comments page or to my email, CruVinDogs5@gmail.com. Who doesn't love a good dog story?!
That's all for tonight, wishing you all a great November!
Kristin

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The Holidays Cometh

2008-11-11T16:02:00.010-07:00

Let me first apologize for the lax upkeep of the blog, our holiday catalog and newsletters have just gone out and it takes the full force of our budding company to get them where they need to go and looking the right way.

So, in this small moment of calm before the storm I'll take this opportunity to share some beautiful dog stories from some of our members, they're both viral emails and I don't know who wrote them or where they started but as a TOTAL animal person, they both choked me up. Just in case the email forward didn't make it out to you from your friends who know what a dog person you are, here they are. Enjoy.

"There is a God in the Post Office.

This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced.. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service .

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:

'Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.

I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her. You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith. '

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten t h e letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, `To Meredith,' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

'Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven.
Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.
Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.
Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.
By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love, God'"

____________
And Here's Another:
_____________

"Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.

Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease....in fact, she was just sure it was fatal.

She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.

Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love.

Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us.

If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God."
________________________

Sniff.

I'll need a dog of the month for November so send me your dog or pet stories, or any moving emails that come your way. I would love to hear from you! If I don't pop in before Thanksgiving I do wish you all and yours a wonderful holiday!

And just in case you need a great bottle to go with your family meal, Anne Noto, our resident chef, recommends the 2005 Bloodhound Chardonnay for Thanksgiving fare, "the nice acidity will help to balance the heaviness of the Thanksgiving dinner- turkey, gravy, etc.". Sounds delicious! Happy eating!
Kristin

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Cru Vin Dog of The Month for October

2008-10-01T16:08:00.011-06:00

It's officially October! Which means I need a new Dog of the Month. Anne Noto, my favorite Chef/Office Manager/Super Woman has nominated her dog Schatze for October, which is perfect because Schatze is a rescue dog and I’d like to make a point of advocating for adoption. I personally, currently support ASPCA, it’s meager right now but I swear it’ll be more when I am a high roller!

If you’re interested, you can find them at: http://www.aspca.org/, or other wonderful organizations such as The American Humane Society; http://www.hsus.org/, The American Humane Association (Entirely separate from American Humane Society, see site for an explanation); http://www.americanhumane.org/site/PageServer, Dumb Friend’s League; http://www.ddfl.org/, or just make sure to do lots of research on where you get your new family member. Unfortunately, not everyone loves dogs as much as I and those of you reading this do, and it’s great to spread the word.

They’ve got a great list of advice links for adopting a pet, where to find approved shelters, pet care, animal behavior, and the latest on their fight to end animal cruelty.

It’s so important to adopt from a shelter, many times shelters have a dog like the breed you’re looking for, or from a responsible breeder.

Here’s a great link to find out what kind of dog would be a good match for your personality:
http://www-static.cc.gatech.edu/grads/a/anachman/PetMatch/questionnaire.html

Oprah is blowing the door wide open on puppy mills and you know her attention will bring massive awareness, which could make a huge difference! But there’s still a lot of work to do.
To read about her investigation click:
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/slideshow1_ss_global_20080404/1

Go Oprah!

That’s enough linkage for today, though all are great sources of info, on to our DOG OF THE MONTH!

SCHATZE NOTO

In Anne Noto’s own words:

“When I started looking for a dog to adopt everyone told me 'the dog will pick you'. I learned that this is absolutely true. I was looking between two shelters and after a visit to the Denver Dumb Friends League, I had to go back. On the second visit, we took this adorable Boxer-German Shepherd mix outside, she was instantly glued to my side and looked up at me with those big brown eyes and I said where do I sign!!!! It’s been two and half years now and I don’t recall what life was like not coming home to my happy, bouncy 5 year old that I call Schatze (German for Sweetheart).

There were no chips or records on her, although in my heart I think she may have been a Katrina victim. There were dozens of dogs being brought into the Denver area for adoption. The first time she saw snow definitely told me she was NOT a cold weather dog.
Schatze quickly became the princess of my house and loves to cuddle with her blankets and me. Squirrel chasing is just another of her favorite pass-times along playing with the H-O-S-E. She even knows how to give double high-fives during football season. She has a very sweet demeanor and gentle nature about her, but there is no mistaking she has some alpha in her!

I had such a positive experience with The Denver Dumb Friends League, I recommend them to everyone I know who mentions that they are thinking of expanding their family with a four-legged friend. There are so many animals in need of loving homes, I urge folks to take the time to consider adopting. Through adoption I found a well-trained loving companion who is this lady’s best friend.

I think Schatze is a good example of how great adopting a pet can be and how important micro chipping your pet is. I know I would miss her terribly if we were ever separated!”

What an incredible blessing pets can be in our lives. We are so lucky to have them!
That’s it for today. Send me your stories and photos if you’d like to nominate your special furry one!

Visit us at our gallery space this Friday, October 1, 2008, from 3-8 PM for the First Friday Art Walk.
Hope everyone has a great start to Fall!

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Our Canine Namesake

2008-09-19T14:14:00.017-06:00

Happy Friday Blog Readers,

I wanted to use this post to introduce our Namesake puppy, "CruVin". Canine Companions for Independence has named a puppy bound for training after our company in recognition of the support and partnership.

He was born in April and was already weighing 8 pounds at four and a half weeks. He's being raised by a CCI puppy raiser named Emily in Alaska. He was referred to as a "little moose" and I think you'll see why!

He's on the bottom left in the whelping pool:

Looks like a sweetheart and we're thrilled to have him.

He comes from the Weldon dog line, here's a picture of his dad:
And now a more recent picture of our beautiful boy:

He's growing up happy and healthy as far as we know. I hope to meet him some day. Something tells me we'd get along just fine!

Also, our 2006 Lucky Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend is officially on the market to the public! It's a big wine and so far people have really enjoyed it. Anne Noto, the office manager (who is also a chef with her own catering business!), recommends it with "Grilled meats, game, strong cheeses, and dark chocolate".

It is truly amazing what a good pairing of food and wine will do. I'm trying to soak up all the knowledge I can from these wise old wine hands, they know their vino!
I'll try my best to pass it along, feel free to shoot us emails if you want recommendations!

Cru Vin Dog of the Month to come soon!
-Kristin

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First Friday Art Walk

2008-09-08T16:01:00.004-06:00

Hi Cru Vin Dogs friends.

We participated in our first "First Friday Art Walk". Aka, "First Friday", the art walk takes place in several neighborhoods across Colorado, every first Friday of the month from about 4pm to 8pm.

I've been to several Fridays on the Santa Fe art walk and it is always packed, rain, snow or shine. Denver has a great art scene and people say it is growing. There is an elusive Art Bus that shuttles patrons around the galleries, I've searched for how to catch it but it appears to be a very informal bunch of fun having folks. The passengers are usually in costume, usually themed costumes and will most likely invite you along if you're game for a ride.
But if you're a veteran and have done the Santa Fe scene or if you just want to give a smaller scene a try, come on over to the Old Pearl area for a look at what we've got.

We had a few takers into the gallery, the Cru Vin Dogs Artist, Jay Snellgrove has many works on display here and they are all jaw dropping. His talent is definitely something to see. It's amazing how lifelike the drawings are.

Pop in to the gallery during business hours, any day of the week, at 1500 S. Pearl St., Denver, CO 80210. Among the pieces hanging currently are the large originals of the pieces used in the wine labels, as well as the newest few, an Airedale Terrier that will be used on one of the future releases currently in development and a beautiful portrait of our late family dog, Dosier, whom we lost to cancer last Thanksgiving day. Jay and Mary unveiled the portrait Friday, as a gift to my dad, Bill, who dearly loved Dosier, a very patient and loyal yellow Labrador whom we all miss very much. It was a very emotional presentation where more than a few tears were shed. If you've received the newsletters we send out, Tracks, you'll see the small paw prints across the front. These are prints of Dosier's paw.
So, if you haven't already noticed, Cru Vin Dogs is very much a labor of love and family.

The founders supplied a wonderful selection of cheeses and olive oils from all over the world for whoever decided to drop by. We'll see what they cook up for October's walk.

Thanks to the Wine Club members who came. It's a lot of fun to build this pack of like minded people who love dogs and wine. It's been a lot of fun eating and drinking with you!

And, it is now September, we need a newly elected CRU VIN DOG OF THE MONTH, so please, submit your stories, pictures or videos of your furry friend.
Thanks for reading!

Over and out.

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"Getting Lucky" Photo Album

2008-08-20T16:07:00.023-06:00

A couple of shots from the Bottling of our Portrait Series "Lucky" Cabernet/Merlot in Sonoma California.

Lucky and Tristan, everyone got a "Get Lucky" shirt, everyone.

(photos by Jenna Parsons)

How bottles are labeled in todays modern world.
(this photo by Jenna Parsons)

Some of the Cru Vin Dogs family hand bottling the 1.5 Liter bottles:

President of CVD
Mary Snellgrove
Corking while balancing a
little Savvy (Like a pro)

Lucky "Eraser Nose" Price

Walking into the unveiling
dinner with Nurse Practitioner Randi Price. An incredibly beautiful, strong, wonderful woman I have the privilege of saying I know.
And Lucky, one heck of a smart Labrador. And a total lover!

(these photos by Jenna Parsons)

Some of the Cru Vin Dogs Second Generation;
Myself, Tristan Snellgrove and Brandi Mullins.

CVD Artist Jay Snellgrove with Jean Schultz, wife of late Charles Schultz (Author of Peanuts). The Schultz Family is a huge supporter of Canine Companions for Independence, see info at:
http://www.cci.org/site/c.cdKGIRNqEmG/b.4134039/

"Lucky" graduated from CCI training at the Jean and Charles Schultz CCI in Santa Rosa, CA!
They give tours! (You can volunteer to socialize puppies. Not a bad gig. Not a bad gig at all!)

That's all for now, to anyone who is still with me in Blog Land. Feel free to comment, shoot me any questions or comments! Goodnight!

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CVD Business and some Puppy Love

2008-08-20T15:40:00.012-06:00

Hi!

Thanks to "Tony W" and the other anonymous commenter for popping in! True devotees will remember "Tony W" and his whippets from other references in the company. First prize to whomever guesses it right!

Times are a little squirrelly at the office currently, we're pumping out the Summer "Tracks" Newsletter. Should be labeled and in many of your mailboxes next week. We are also going to make a green option available, if you choose, you can receive your Newsletter electronically. You can let me or anyone at the office know and we'll make that change right quick!
But lets face it, real mail, (that isn't junk), is still a lot of fun to get. So look out for it, Tracks is on it's way.

Aside from office business, I've taken the liberty of refilming a video of Maya doing her leaps, this time she gets a little more air and there's a Tassie cameo.

(Yes, I promise this is the last video of her doing this, I know it's so much greater when it's your dog. Because..It's your dog. But seriously, it's funny.)

Check it out Cru Vin Dogs:

On another note, I'll also post a few baby pictures of Tassie, (pernouced Tazzie, named for the nickname Aussies have for Tazmania.) Because no one else has sent some in and really, because she's a darling.

Tassie's First Day in her new home, hiding under the bench:

Playing with the awesome new toy:

Tassie and me, napping, fantastic!

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CVD Dog of the Month

2008-08-19T15:08:00.005-06:00

Hey Blog readers, come on, you know you're out there. I'm going to kick off this party by nominating one of my family dogs for the CVD Dog of the Month, and since this blog is brand new and no one else has contributed, I officially have that power! If you happen to have a dog (or pet, let's not discriminate) that you'd like to nominate, please feel free to chime in and we'll discern as entries flood through the wide web!

I've grown up with pets all my life, our family home has been a zoo for as long as I can remember, guinea pigs and turtles when we were small, plus a few cats to complement the steady pack of dogs we always kept.

I come from a family who most definitely never left the house free of dog hair on every pair of dark pants. We are dog people. I no longer live at home but I swing by and get my family and dog fixes about once a week.

Currently, my parents have two Labrador Retrievers, Maya, (a chocolate lab) is two and Tassie (a yellow lab), is still a puppy, born in February. Only recently, Maya has become obsessed with the deck, or the contents below, probably the cotton tails that live all around the neighborhood.

She'll spend hours a day staring between the slats. She then bucks and charges the deck. It's truly entertaining to watch. Not even the tennis ball can deter her from her task, which is really saying something for a retriever!
So I've filmed her and put it on you tube, because I am a nutty dog person and because someone out there may enjoy it.

Check out the link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPTxZCjZEJM

So, Maya Foss, you are the CVD Dog of the Month!

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Cru Vin Dogs is Officially Blogging!

2008-08-19T14:56:00.007-06:00

Welcome! Cru Vin Dogs is a Colorado based Company with a Winery based out of Sonoma, CA. See CruVinDogs.com for full information.

The blog will be a virtual community of our members, charity affiliates and any other interested parties.

It’s a chance for people to tell their dog stories,

Exchange pictures of their furry friends,

Talk about how their pet has changed their lives,

Tell stories about experiences with our Charitable Partners; (The Alie Foundation, Canine Companions for Independence, and Morris Animal Foundation),
Express their thoughts about the wines they’ve tried,

Share recipes or food combinations that have gone particularly well with our wines,

To converse with other wine and pet lovers,

Please feel free and encouraged to participate or just read along!