Santa Ynez Valley Guest Currrent Issue Articles

Current Issue Articles

Working Pets in the Santa Ynez Valley
A Warm Welcome
Story and Photos by Elisabeth Nesmith

"Tyler," a rescue Sheltie, greets cusotmers at Details in Los Olivos.	Happy employees and happy customers are what you will find in the Santa Ynez Valley. Some local businesses have enhanced customer relations by enlisting some very special helpers that embody every quality an employer could desire: honesty, sincerity, never ending friendliness, good sales skills and lifelong loyalty. In order to write this article I set out to meet some of these cherished employees and some others who visit local stores regularly, but don’t actually work there.
My first stop was at Details, a fine clothing store on Grand Avenue in Los Olivos, to meet Tyler. When I walked in I promptly received a warm yet professional greeting as Tyler pointed out a few things around the store with a controlled tail wag. He then took his place beside the counter and waited to be of further assistance if needed. Tyler is a handsome Sheltie, owned by proprietor Barbara Bochte, who adopted him from a rescue group. Barbara says, “He has an out-of-town following of people who stop by just to see him.” She adds that people often combine shopping with their visits to Tyler, and she thinks he has helped with sales because people relax and spend more time in the store. Newcomers to the area will often see Tyler inside the store and come in to pet him, then see something they want to purchase.
Next door at Grand Tales, you can find movie rentals, greeting cards, art, antiques and pet supplies all in one place—as well as two pets. Business owner Greg Duer brings Parker and Meg with him every day. He introduced me to Parker, a rescue from the greyhound adoption center, and Meg, a whippet/ Queensland cross, who came from the Humane Society. They await daily visits from their treat-bearing public, as well as loyal canine friends whose owners bring them in for social calls while they browse the new-release videos or DVDs, purchase a greeting card or chat with Greg. Prior to Parker and Meg’s reign was the late and great “Great Dane,” Mr. Hobbs, who can be seen on the hand-painted store sign, which pays tribute to him.	Greg Duer and Greyhound "Parker" on the left, with "Meg," a Whippet/Queensland cross.
Across the street at the Daniel Gehrs Wines and Heather Cottage, I met “ Shiraz,” a most appropriate name for the feline queen of this popular winery’s tasting room. Adopted from Catalyst for Cats especially to monitor the tasting room, Shiraz does her job well. Lounging in the window or behind the counter amidst wine cases and bottles, she winks at passersby with an air of utter contentment. A person who chooses to participate in a Gehrs wine tasting may share in the feeling of well-deserved self-indulgence that feline creatures seem to radiate. Those experiencing either of the Gehrs’s Shirazes may realize that both the wine and the feline are absolute delights.
Jenny Gehrs' Calico Cat "Chloe" greets visitors to Daniel Gehrs Tasting Room and Heather Cottage. Her siblings "Cleo" and "Shiraz" also engage in 'customer relations.	I also noted that Shiraz has two feline co-workers. When the Ghers’ daughter Jenny lived behind the tasting room, her kittens Chloe and Cleo would follow her to the front for work.They can still be found on the porch and in the yard around the business adding considerably to the visual appeal of this already charming spot. Whereas Shiraz was adopted specifically to be involved with the business operation, Chloe and Cleo are family members who are doing whatever they can to help run the family business. Just like the rest of the Ghers family.
Next, I went to Santa Ynez to visit Sam. I found him waiting at the door of Brent and Jeff’s Flooring. Owners Brent and Chris McClurg have had Sam since he was a puppy and explain that he watches the front of the store, and lets them know when a customer has arrived, should they have to step to the back of the shop. Watching Sam casually meander over and open the door in order to follow Chris outside, it becomes clear he’s a very capable employee. He watches the showroom if they step out, and watches for his numerous friends who have biscuits to express their appreciation of his good work and quality customer service.	Brent and Chris McClurg's dog "Sam" welcomes clients to their store, Brent and Jeff's Flooring in Santa Ynez.
Kate Deschryver and "Cody" are frequent visitors to the Roasted Bean in Santa Ynez. Appropriately named "Biscotti" often enjoys a dish of water at the Roasted Bean, while his owner Nora Berklich enjoys a cup of coffee.	Sam also regularly patrols Sagunto Street, from the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum to the Roasted Bean Coffee Shop. At the Roasted Bean, he sometimes refreshes himself with a drink from the water dish that is kept full on the patio. He’s also likely to find some of his friends there, both canine and human. Owner Keith Saarloos refers to the business as “extremely pet friendly” and patrons “Cody” and the fittingly named “Biscotti” both agree. They accompany their respective owners Kate Deschryver and Nora Berklich to the Roasted Bean quite often, and enjoy the refreshing water, social atmosphere and warm reception offered to them. Not to mention their visits with Sam. Intrigued by the working cats I have encountered thus far, I decide to take the pretty drive to Los Alamos and the even more beautiful trip up a hillside driveway to the Skyview Motel, where I hear they have a resident cat.
After taking in the sentimental charm of the Old West that is the feel of this hotel I decide this would be an ideal place for visitors to stay at length. So, I’m a bit taken aback when I walk into the office and hear someone call out, “No Vacancy!” It seems a bit abrupt, until I realize that resident manager Melissa Savage is scolding the occupant cat named “Vacancy,” who almost knocked over a candy dish. Melissa explains how this stray kitten adopted them and became a great hunter and friend. Vacancy works hard at keeping the premises completely mouse free, while adding to the friendly and homey feel of the motel. It becomes obvious that even in the busiest season, it’s worth stopping at the Skyview motel to check on Vacancy.
Leaving Los Alamos, I take the 101 South to Buellton and turn left towards Solvang. One more cup of coffee is in order as I finish my day of taking pictures and meeting animals. I pull over at the Book Loft bookstore and Bulldog Cafe on my right. A pair of very pet-friendly businesses, they capture the old-world charm characteristic of this Danish town. Besides the convenience of looking for a new-release book or turning on my laptop to wireless internet, I have the pleasure of encountering two friends. The one is local cowboy, Stoney Scheers, the other is his hard-working Border collie, “Tough.”	Greg Duer and Greyhound "Parker" on the left, with "Meg," a Whippet/Queensland cross.
Here we have a representative valley scenario—a sophisticated bookstore, a coffee shop with brews and confections surpassing that of any big city, and a clientele that includes the quintessential cowboy and his faithful cow-dog. Stoney explains, “Tough doesn’t see town much,” as Tough spends most of his days on the six thousand acres that Stoney manages. I laugh, as Tough does seem to be looking around for a cow to herd. But Stoney is on the way to the bank and has paused to let Tough sip from the water dish offered to patron’s pets. He joins me for coffee and we reflect on what we love about living here, and why this area draws so many visitors. We conclude that in the Santa Ynez Valley, a guest is a friend, and a friend will always be treated as the most valued guest. In our Valley animals are loved, respected and included in peoples’ lives and businesses as well, whether they are family members, business partners or visitors. In this article I focused on cats and dogs, but I have heard of some businesses that have resident birds and other pets or visiting animals. I would like to hear from those business owners and we can include their special helpers and visitors in a future edition of this magazine, especially since I had so much fun and made so many new friends while writing this article!