Wednesday, March 11, 2009

DOG OF THE MONTH for MARCH

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."

Monday, March 2, 2009

In Vino, Veritas

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

Back to CruVinDogs.com

Friday, February 20, 2009

Wanted:Dog of the Month

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

Back to CruVinDogs.com

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Winemaker Dinner at Great Northern

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!!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Cru Vin Dogs Dog of the Month for DECEMBER/JANURARY

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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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

"If Dogs Could Talk"

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.

Technical Difficulties

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!