Episode Two. Andrea has been with “The Paw” since Day One. In her own words, we have Andrea’s player “pawfile!”

– I’ve been with Murphy’s Paw since we opened in November 2007.

– Not that I don’t love my human clients, but my favorite part of the job: meeting and greeting the dogs that visit us every day!

– I graduated from California State University Sacramento (too long ago) with a degree in Government Journalism.

– I’ve been married 24 years to Rich, former owner of Decision Technologies, a software consulting firm. Rich is now retired, coaches football, and is an amateur vintner and wine maker specializing in Italian varietals.

– I’m a mother of three teenagers…yikes! Gabrielle, age 19, is attending her second year at Las Positas College. Ed, age 17, is a senior at Foothill High School. And Lexie, age 14, is a freshman at Bishop O’Dowd high school.

– I share my home with four dogs: Shadow, is a 13 year-old Australian Shepard. Niner (yes–Go Niners!!) is a 10 year-old Golden Retriever. Grizzly, age eight, is a handsome Havanese. Finally, we have Maybelle, a two year-old pug who has worked the Murphy’s Paw booth at San Jose’s “Bark in the Park!”

– My passion is horses. I currently own two: Lena is a six year-old paint mare and Winnie is a yearling Quarter horse filly. I have raised, trained, and shown horses all my life!

– Other interests: dance, theatre, football (watching, not performing!) politics, history, and volunteering in the schools and for philanthropies in the Pleasanton community.

Wow–could Murphy’s Paw have a better representative in Downtown Pleasanton?!? Find out for yourself and visit “Coco” soon!

Another festive Bark and Brew is in the books, and we had a record turnout! We hope everyone had as much fun as we did; our regulars joined us for a fun evening of drinks and snacks, and we met some great new customers as well. Thanks for your support!

And now the moment you’ve all been waiting for…the results of our Howl-o-ween costume contest! We had 51 registrants and needless to say, this competition was OFF THE LEASH, DAWG!! The votes have been tallied and the following five winners will receive $25 Murphy’s Paw gift cards. Envelopes please…

BEST DRESSED
Lola the West Highland White Terrier
Costume: Vegas Showgirl
Owner: Sarah

BEST DUO
Hilda the French Bulldog
Costume: The Tortoise and the Hare
Owner: Melissa (the hare!)

CUTEST
Max the Chihuahua
Costume: Taco
Owner: Jo

MOST CREATIVE
Bentley the English Mastiff
Costume: Biker Gang
Owners: Terry and Sharon

BEST NAKED
Savannah Brie the Basset Hound
Costume: Au Naturale
Owner: Anny
(photo coming soon!)

A big thank you to all contestants for participating. Every dog was pawsitively fabulous! Please visit our Facebook group or Flickr site for more photos from this event. Until next time, bark at the moon!!

Those of you who shop at Murphy’s Paw have more than likely met Perri Gutteridge, one of our pawsitively fabulous employees! Perri joined the Murphy’s Paw team in August of 2008, and she quickly ramped-up to become a very valuable customer service asset. In the first “employee profile” installment on Murphy’s Blawg, we’d like to share Perri’s mini-bio:

Name: Perri Gutteridge
Twitter Name: peardoll
Age: 3 (in dog years)
Pets: Dogs- Dweezle & Angelina Jolie. Cats- Tigerlily & Gwendolyn the Duchess. Mouse- Henry Hart.
College: San Francisco State, currently studying Neurotherapy.
Interests: People’s brains, English tea, nice denim, comedian Russell Brand, and reality TV.
Trivia: Perri is a prominent fixture in downtown Pleasanton! She occasionally fills in at Me and Emmi, an upscale women’s boutique on Main Street, and she also models for Thriving Ink, an artistic and fashionable T-shirt shop located around the corner from Murphy’s Paw. If Main Street ever institutes a Walk of Fame, our own Perri will surely be immortalized!

Stop by Murphy’s Paw sometime and say hello to Perri!

We’ve procrastinated this blawg entry because it’s still difficult to fathom: Murphy’s cousin, Molly, has made her way to Rainbow Bridge. Molly was a huge inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of meeting her and she will be dearly missed. Here’s her story.

As many of you know, Murphy’s Paw is inspired by our very own Murphy. It’s hard to believe our first-born son will be turning eight-years-old this November! This got me thinking about his “metamurphosis” since becoming a member of our family. Below you’ll find a photographic timeline/tribute to “Masters Sunset Warrior,” a.k.a. Murphy Sadek. (Click to enlarge.)

In the words of Kenny Rogers:

“Through the years, you’ve never let me down
You turned my life around, the sweetest days I’ve found
I’ve found with you, through the years.”

Another Bark & Brew bonanza is in the books! The combination of microbrews on tap and wine tasting couldn’t hold a candle to the amazing array of canines that paraded through Murphy’s Paw this Friday night. We are so lucky to have such a loyal following!

Here’s a quick snapshot of some of our Bark & Brew patrons via Twitter:

Bark & Brews and Yappy Hours are a monthly occurrence at THE PAW, so please join our email list to stay in the loop!

Until next time…may the paw be with you!

The Team at Murphy’s Paw

Those of you living in the Tri-Valley are likely familiar with Diablo Magazine. Every month, “The Magazine for the San Francisco East Bay” is a must-read for us locals, covering topics ranging from travel, culture, entertainment, recreation, and food. With locally-driven editorial, beautiful photography, and resource listings, Diablo is a unique celebration of the area we call home. The August issue features Diablo’s Pet Guide, from A-Z.

From Bling (Ashley & Co.) to Grooming (Shampooches) to Yappy Hour (Murphy’s Paw!) this alphabetical guide is an awesome resource for Bay Area pet owners. The August issue hit newstands next week. Check it out!

Since Murphy’s Paw is located in the heart of beautiful downtown Pleasanton, we thought it would be fitting to share with you other dog-friendly downtown establishments.

If you’re strolling downtown with your pooch and would like to grab a bite to eat, the following restaurants allow dogs in outdoor patio seating:

Baci Bistro and Bar
Cafe Main
Oasis Grille
Redcoats
Stacey’s Cafe
Vic’s All-Star Cafe

Technically it is against California health code to allow dogs in patio areas where food is being served to tables by paid staff. However, in addition to the above establishments, other downtown restaurants will allow dogs to relax on the other side of their fenced-in outdoor seating area. You and your dog have plenty of options!

The majority of retail stores downtown are very dog-friendly. Few exceptions are stores that carry food items or fragile merchandise, such as bridal gowns. The list continues to grow:

Apparel & Co.
Berry Patch
Cazinha Portrait Designs
Celebrity Bound
Fleet Feet
Jewelers Gallery
Me and Emmi
Murphy’s Paw
Passionate Athlete
Resurrection
Serenity Stoneworks
Sincerely Yours Cards & Gifts
Studio 7
The Wine Steward
Thriving Ink
Towne Center Books
Your Stage Toys

We hope you and your canine family members enjoy our great downtown!

The Team at Murphy’s Paw

Murphy’s Paw is excited to announce an exclusive agreement with local artist Cody Williams! Cody’s artwork will be available in t-shirt format later this month. Here’s a sneak peak:

Cody is a Pleasanton-born dog lover and Murphy’s Paw enthusiast. Raised by a pack of wild Boxers from a young age, he has since moved into the company of such breeds as Chihuahuas and now resides with his spoiled Westie named Zoey. Cody loves drawing silly things for children, including, but not exclusive to: monsters, space aliens, ghosts, and superheroes. For more of Cody’s doodlez, please visit therocketbay.com.

Tonight in Downtown Pleasanton: participating shops, restaurants and businesses celebrated Spring with appetizers, drinks, live entertainment, festive decorations, and lots of surprises!

Here are some visual highlights, courtesy of Twitter: http://twitter.com/murphyspawptown

Enjoy!
Mike & Mel

P.S. Bark & Brew Part 2: Electric Poodle-loo is on May 22. BE THERE!