Nicole's Profile
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Reviews (69)
11/2 11:14am
SF Muni
I feel like Audrey should get to ride for a senior fare as she's getting older. But it's the full $2.00 for her. :)
She's been on muni a lot and while I find it pretty convenient she hates the muzzle so her review wouldn't be as high. I've worked at a lot of dog friendly places over the years so I like to bring her to work, but the restricted hours make that almost impossible unless I explain going to work after 9am, and staying until 7pm. Not that you'd want mutts on muni then anyway, that's a tail stepping accident waiting to happen.
Offical Policy from sfmta.com is:
* At any time of day, trained service animals for the disabled may ride Muni at no charge. -- 49 Code of Federal Regulations § 37.167(d)
* A service animal must be leashed and under its owner’s control but does not have to be muzzled.
* Non-service animals may not ride weekdays 5-9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m..
* During the permitted hours, a muzzled and leashed pet dog (one per vehicle) may be allowed.
* All other pets and non-service animals must be carried in small closed containers.
* A fare equal to the owner’s must be paid for each non-service animal
Minus one bone because muni is perpetually late and Audrey and I prefer to be prompt.
10/23 10:42pm
Jax Vineyards
Just went for a private tasting and JAX knocked it out of the park. My group purchased ridiculous amounts of wine we were all so impressed.
The sauvignon blanc is better than I remember and there was no pouring out with their tastings. mmmm.....granted, my husband designed the label but still, it's FAB.
Check them out for your next trip, they give an amazing deal!
They have some lovely sweet golden retreivers and it's a very exclusive place to have a tasting. Appointment only!
Check out their wine featured on Glee or Entourage, not for product placement but because the cast and crew is a real fan of it! :)
10/23 5:29pm
Ocean Beach Dog Beach
My Audrey-dog loves coming to dog beach with her grandma and grandpa. They can walk along while she roams off leash with her so cal friends, just like she does at home in San Francisco.
Although unlike SF, she spends a lot more time in the *much warmer* water down at Ocean Beach. Last time she was in the water so much she even did her business in it. Do you know how hard it was to try and "net" the floating little turds into the doggie waste bag? Ah well.
Dogs are allowed to run free on the beach, but must be leashed as you take them to and from your car.
It's actually unsafe to swim here because of the tides so don't let them go too far out! Also, check posted signs and regulations sometimes there are restrictions about leashing and what areas to go on which vary by month.
10/23 5:23pm
Baldacci Family Vineyards
Wasn't the friendliest of tasting rooms but I think it was just a bit overwhelming that day, so i'm not docking major points, they warmed up after a while. Plus the tasting room was dog friendly and my hott mutt was psyched to lay down and snooze on the cold tile floor.
They told our B&B to have us just "drop by" after a big group was finished, which we did, but I think a lot of other people were told that as well. It was a very hot weekend and their patio was packed (would definitely recommend). They are appointment only, technically speaking.
Support a family-owner winery and check this place out!
10/23 5:19pm
Babies
Super cute store in hayes valley that carries all the favorites: cute collars, flossies, and many treat options. Really excited to find a special salve for paw pads, perfect for my mutts rough paws!
Love the special dutch door set up so mutts can run around.
Thanks Babies staff!
10/23 5:17pm
Belle Marie Winery
When you're in town from San Francisco (and regularly cruise up to Napa or Sonoma for wine) you're not exactly EXPECTING to wine taste in North County. Yeah, not at all. But my in-laws have certainly experienced the best of Napa and Santa Barbara, so I trust them when they say they found something worth checking out.
In fact, of all the little wineries I found around the area, this was the only one they felt was noteworthy. Upon arriving we were greeted right away and found the staff to be quite friendly. The grounds are a bit on the cheesy side in comparison to the older more established vineyards (the castle reminds me more of a family fun center than a winery) but they make up for it in personality. Mr Dragoo (yes really) is quite entertaining and provided us with a special pre-release glass that was quite impressive. Too bad it's not for sale just yet...guess i'll have to go back.
I found the wine prices a bit high for what they were, but for a $5 tasting and free glass it's a great way to spend an afternoon.
Just beware that Mrs. Dragoo is an excellent salesperson. She talked us into buying a third bottle to waive the tasting fee (aka, I bought another $26 bottle to save $5...what a clever marketing genius!) ;)
Bonus: Dog-Friendly...Appeared to be dog friendly as there was a boxer in the tasting room.
10/23 5:11pm
Tartine Bakery
Tartine is a staple for mission dolores dwellers on a weekend morning. Their morning buns and desserts are utterly amazing. I love the yogurt and muesli and croque monsieur.
Go with someone so you can trade off looking in the case of goodies and watching the mutt, because you have to order inside and it's usually quite a long line during the morning rush hour. Table space is limited but there are usually a few dogs tied to tables, or to the benches around the corner where you can also sit.
10/23 5:05pm
KO Company
I used to love coming here when I lived in North Beach because the owner is great! When my pup was little she chewed everything! KO company gave me new zippers, fixed pockets and patched holes. Plus for basic hemming they don't rip you off like a lot of other places in the city.
They always let me bring the mutt with me.
Just be careful because half of the store is collectibles and gifts so keep the mutts close. :)
10/23 4:51pm
18th Street Cleaners
18th Street Cleaners is great, they remember their locals and they are always nice to the mutt. Plus they clean, dry clean, and fix my clothes. I was hesitant to bring her in, but they told me I could. Of course I keep her away from all the clothes and make her sit as we approach the counter. The owner does let Audrey put her paws on the counter for a hello!
I've seen a lot of folks picking up their dry cleaning with mutts. Heck, being able to consolidate the morning walk AND the morning dry clean run? Nice!
Note: Closed Sundays
10/23 4:45pm
Golden Gate Park
It's beautiful and famous but we prefer the mission/castro area for walks because of the fog! Check ahead before you go, dogs aren't welcome in every area of this vast park but there's PLENTY of places they are!
10/16 11:20am
Swirl on Castro Wine Bar
I love swirl. The guys who keep the shop are great and they are excellent at helping you find just what you want to drink at just the price point you want to pay!
Watch your mutt's tail since there are a lot of low bottles but feel free to taste at the bar with a mutt at your feet. They've got treats and Best In Show water bowls at the ready.
10/14 4:12pm
Zipcar
If you are like us and sold your car because you were sick of the parking tickets, the keyings, the scratched bumpers and the early wake-ups for street sweeping then you know how important car sharing is. We spent around $1000 on it this year but when you think of what it would have cost for a car payment, insurance (included), gas (included) and parking this is awesome!
If you are a dog lover too you know how sad it would be to never be able to take your mutt to the beach or a vet appointment via normal transportation. Enter zipcar. There are plenty of models in great locations all over SF and many other cities. Unlike City Carshare, Zipcar ALLOWS pets in carriers.
We have a giant pop up dog crate we slide into the car. It weighs nothing so it's easy for us to get it in and set up. Then she jumps right in containing her hair inside. We visit Chrissy, the vet, and the Christmas Tree farm with the mutt in tow. Then we return the car hair free and avoid any fees or angry users! It's great as long as you are a conscious pet-owner!
10/14 4:05pm
Vintage Inn
Nice rooms and a great location in downtown Yountville. Dogs are welcome for a $40. I believe all the dog rooms are downstairs and people some find them noisy, but we stayed downstairs and did not.
In the afternoons they have a happy hour complete with dog treats. They provide a complimentary doggie goody bag at check-in and there is a patio where breakfast is served so your mutt can join you at your meal.
10/14 2:28pm
Squat and Gobble Cafe
I wanted to not like squat and gobble but when they offer fresh healthy things along with tasty not so healthy options I can't help myself. I'm also a big fan of their champagne +OJ to make your own mimosas. Audrey loves all the outdoor seating and begging for crumbs. The food isn't amazing but it's fast and fresh and the people watching is good.
10/14 2:27pm
Ike's Place
My husband likes the "Pride of the Castro" which has turkey, ham and brie. Other favs are the "Just Friends" (Halal Chicken Breast, Sweet Orange Glaze, Avocado, PepperJack) and the "Get Over it" (Halal Chicken Breast, Mozzarella Sticks, Honey Mustard, Avocado) One of the best things is adding to a sandwich: Pineapple? YES! Mozzarella sticks? YES! Onion rings? YES! Put it all on there if you want!
The best time to go is during a weekday to avoid the rush, and either before or after lunch time on any day. I like to call ahead but if it's a warm saturday afternoon your sandwhich might take over an hour till it's ready.
The mutt comes along and if we score a table she sits in the shade underneath. Otherwise we are perfectly happy to grab a spot on the curb to enjoy one of life's simply pleasures: a fabulous sandwich.
10/5 9:01pm
Three Dog Bakery
An amazing selection of baked goods all for mutts. Some cute accessories too, but this is a great place to hit up if you're spending some time in Sonoma. Your mutt can put her paws up on the counter and the friendly staff will give her a treat!
Doggie ice cream sandwich, cake, scary kitty cookies, and bagels...so cute! I have to stick to the simple things like meat or cheese based treats when I'm there... Audrey frowns at me when I hand her something with faux frosting on it.
A little on the pricey side.
10/5 8:52pm
Dolores Park Cafe
My favorite place to grab a drink when over in the park and needing a coffee or thai ice tea fix, or when I need to use a semi-clean bathroom. Lots of seating outside and plenty of places to tie up the mutt (bonus for having water bowls). Love their hot cocoa and their sandwiches are pretty decent too!
Good point from Justin on not having table service (leaving mutts unattended when dining alone), but there's so many dogs there if you found an owner you trusted I am sure one would puppysit.
10/5 11:12am
Pottery Barn
This Pottery barn feels like it's part of the hood, even though it's a big chain store. Friendly staff and in a great location. Honored prices from the website in the store and saved us a bundle on shipping.
10/5 11:07am
Julie Weisberg Photography
Julie is an amazing photographer of humans and their furry friends. She's done an amazing job with the weddings she has photographed but as a dog-lover I love seeing the shots she takes of the mutts.
She's great with portraits but even her live action shots are great. My mutt has been featured in several of them...she manages to catch some real hilarious moments which is hard given how much the mutts wiggle. Often there are clever angles and compositions I have never seen before. Check her out for your pet...or for your wedding!
10/5 10:51am
Frog's Leap Winery
Finally got to do a tasting here and it was worth the wait. They only have a few tasting/tours a day, but they are a great deal of fun. They don't accept large groups, but if you are just a few they can accommodate. They take you through the gardens, barrel rooms, and barns, giving you tastes of wine and produce along the way. They even provide hats to shade you from the warm sun.
You'll learn the history of the winery, and even see the original art work for the label (and the ones who didn't win!). Plus the Sauvignon Blanc continues to be a favorite, and their dessert wine is delicious! ribbit!
Bonus points, they are dog friendly (no dogs in the main house since they have a cat, but in the barrel room and garden they can walk -leashed-along)
10/5 10:47am
Wells Fargo
This branch went above and beyond to repair an issue that another branch created in opening up a personal loan for me. Eventually I gave up and went to my local branch (dog friendly, BTW). While it took them a while to sort out they were polite, fair and showed real emotion for my plight as opposed to the other branch who was responsible for the error.
Also each time I go in there is a short wait and friendly faces and they don't mind (clean) paws on their counter. I heart Castro wells.
10/5 10:44am
Eureka Valley Recreation Center
4 stars for the enclosed dog run. why? Well see, I spent lots of time and money to teach my dog to be a good off leash dog. She is very social and loves to play with friends. The thing is, I also spent some time teaching her how to swim. However, as of yet I have not been able to teach her that she should not "swim" in the giant mud puddles of Dolores Park.
Off Leash Audrey in DP = red dog turned brown
So you see, a place where she can run and be her social self without the mud pool temptation is priceless to me.
Not to mention the fact that they have a shade tent, and plenty of chairs. Poop bags, and tennis balls are abundant. Of late there is a caretaker I often run into who is very friendly and does a lot for the park. Also locals have donated money to install giant cedar planters with trees and flowers to give it more charm!
Minus one bone for the fact that it still smells like whiz, but I think for Audrey that's all part of the charm.
10/5 10:39am
Under One Roof
I love Under One Roof! Proceeds go directly to Aids charities and they've got a great staff. I love coming here for fun Christmas Tree ornaments (taco!), candles, cards, gifts, and sarcastic magnets. The staff is always nice and they have a really cool selection of fun things (kind of like urban outfitters gift section but with donations to charity).
It's a dog friendly store, but they do have a lot of breakables so only visit AFTER you hit the park.
10/4 6:06pm
North Beach Pet Sitter
Victoria, Joey, and team at North Beach pet sitter were Audrey's walkers for a long time when we lived in North Beach. They took her to Chrissy field and let her run with her friends and swim. Then they drove her home and say farewell and I would come home to an "empty," exhausted mutt flat out on the floor.
A few times I was home sick and hid in the bedroom when she was getting returned, feeling very "nannycam," I just listened to see if Audrey was dropped home in a nice manner. She was!! They actually said good bye to her, toweled her off, and sometimes gave her a treat. They even remembered her birthday and left her a little treat and a card!
We've had walkers turn out to be not so responsible, but when I see Victoria in the morning walking her own THREE mutts (that she lovingly adopted) I know she can handle it and takes a lot of care. Plus Audrey runs up to her with utter glee when she sees her. I trust these people and don't worry when Audrey is with them, this is very awesome thing to have.
We will highly recommend them to anyone with a playful mutt who wants peace of mind while their dog plays.
Walks run about $20/per.
10/4 6:03pm
Petpourri Pet
Julie is Audrey's current dog walker and Audrey loves her. Julie takes her out for what seems like an entire day in the park with her friends and she comes back DEAD tired.
Bonus that Julie is a professional photographer and sometimes takes her camera along to shoot the dogs. We have some amazing shots and for Christmas she even made us a magnet out of a photo she took of Audrey. Thank you Julie for everything that you do!
10/4 5:59pm
Frapez
Dogs are not allowed inside Frapez but they have tables outside where it's fine. This is a smoothie spa, but instead of all the calories and unhealthy sweet stuff like a jamba juice this is all fruit, nuts, grains, veggies, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup. they have varying levels of sweetness, but i love the Caveman which is all fruit. I swear by the f10 shot as well.
Many of the smoothies are for certain things, like to aid in digestion or to relieve stress. There's even a detox one! Frequent cards where you get one free, only downside is the price it's often $10 for a large one!
10/4 5:55pm
Citizen Canine
Citizen Canine is a great place to board a dog! The facility is clean and doesn't stink like most kennels, because they use state of the art products that don't have that chemical smell of a public bathroom.
It has a ventilation system that pumps air from the outdoors into each individual doggie room. Dog's have dutch doors that are glass so they can see out (they can have blinds if this is upsetting for them), a raised bed and blanket, and all the toys you like. They are fed twice a day, and let outside 4 times! Two times they go out in playgroups with dogs of their same size and play style. You can upgrade their stay with $10 "love sessions" where a staff member has one-on-one time with your dog, doing what it loves best, be it fetch, playing frisbee, training, or sitting on the couch getting pet and loved! You can also have a trainer work with your dog!
At the end of their stay you get a report card to see how your dog did. Staff is conscientious and notice when a pet is not eating, or when something might be wrong...they even once saved a dog who had "bloat" by noticing the symptoms and rushing her to the vet!
They don't mind if you call to check up on your dog, and the staff is on-site from 6am to 9pm with an overnight staff member as well just to keep things safe!
It's pricey but it's worth it to know your pet will have a blast!!
I used to work there in college and they've always done a good job of picking staff that cares deeply about dogs, and many of the people i worked with are still there. Also, I can totally attest to how clean it is, I worked HARD!
10/4 5:52pm
Le Zinc French Bistro
We stopped in for a late brunch with our dog since they have tables out front, turns out they have a charming patio out back. They were very nice and even brought my pup water. I always love a place where I can eat and my mutt can rest in the shade. It makes dining spontaeously as a mutt owner a lot more simple.
I had great poached eggs too!
10/4 5:51pm
Cliff's Variety
need keys made? a piece of wood to fix something? Caulk? Kitchenware? A flag of brazil? toys? They have everything. Plus a super knowledgeable staff and they seem to let dogs in on leashes.
10/4 5:49pm
Panta Rei Restaurant
Panta Rei can be hit or miss for food, but the cheese plate is always a winner (and something we share a little bit with our dog!). I think because they put honey on it it's extra fabulous1 They have several outdoor tables for us to sit at with our dog, and the 3 kinds of pasta is a pretty good option if you can't decide what to order.
10/4 5:47pm
Calzone's Pizza Cucina
With all the many Italian places in North Beach the food here isn't the best, but it is pretty good! I do LOVE the pizza with the 4 cheeses, and the fact that they have lots of outside seating and heat lamps. It can get pretty packed out front though, so it's not the most comfy for your pet.
10/4 5:44pm
Z. Cioccolato
This awesome candy store has all kinds of delicious gifts. They let you sample the housemade fudge (mmmm) and they've got every flavor of taffy plus the candy you loved as a kid. They staff is always friendly and they give a discount to locals. I never thought my mutt would be allowed in here but they let me know it was fine last time my husband was waiting outside with her!
10/4 5:41pm
Cafe Divine
i love that it's dog friendly and on a park, but this place is just not that good. It sucks because it's the perfect atmosphere...live music, espresso bar, cool choices, wine...but it doesn't really pull off the food. We have been here a few times for breakfast and aside from a bug in my hot cocoa it's been fine, but not great. Dinner was totally blah tho, won't be going back. You just WANT so bad for it to be good i think they do a good business because people keep hoping it will improve.
10/4 5:38pm
Sit & Spin
lots of machines with funny names and cards loaded with cash (rather than battling with quarters) make this a good place to do your laundry. The attendants on duty are friendly and helpful, and they do a great job with the wash and fold.
The place is clean and has a huge big screen tv, and they never seem to mind when I come in to load the machine with the mutt. They share the building with philz coffee so enjoy a coffee, free wifi, and outside seating after you fill the machine or drop off your clothes.
10/4 5:33pm
Not Just Flowers
I frequent Urban flowers more since it's closer, but Not Just Flowers has created some really impressive bouquets for me when my husband was being sweet. Again, Audrey likes to smell the flowers so she likes coming to these places and my husband likes to be able to sneak out to get flowers while walking her in the morning.
Side note: They did the flowers for my good friend's wedding and they were amazing!
10/4 5:30pm
Philz Coffee
Philz is amazing and a great place for mutts to hang out! They have a water bowl and several places to sit outside, they also have a statue of a bulldog that scared the crap out of Audrey for months when we first moved to the neighborhood.
The people who work here are great and they can help you select one of their housemade blends depending on your tastes. I don't even like coffee and I find things I enjoy here. The chai can also be delicious (topped with fresh mint). They also have a good selection of baked goods like Dee's mini vegan donuts!
10/4 5:28pm
Urban Flowers
We love urban flowers. They guys who run the place are super friendly and they let you choose your own ribbon and offer paper or plastic when wrapping. The prices are great and they have a very fresh selection of amazing things. Audrey comes with me because she's one of those weird dogs that likes to stop and smell the roses. Seriously. she sniffs the flowers.
Many of the flowers are out front, so make sure you curb your mutt when walking by, i've seen a dog lift his leg before!
10/4 5:24pm
Superstar Satellite
HUGE selection of movies (and adult films too if you're into that sort of thing). It's huge so Audrey always comes in with me. I am pretty sure she's been given a treat once or twice too.
10/4 5:18pm
Faye's Video and Espresso Bar
Great little video store in the mission. We used to frequent Faye's when we lived nearby and Audrey loved it because she'd get a treat while we paid for our video. Bonus points for making an amazing hot chocolate.
10/4 5:14pm
Film Yard Video
This cute little mom and pop video store was our favorite in north beach. They carry new releases, as well as a great selection of TV series'. They also offer plans where you can pay for a certain number of rentals up front to save on the price per rental. It's great to walk your dog to the park and be able to grab a movie on your walk back.
10/4 5:11pm
Samovar Tea Lounge
I love coming to Samovar. they have plenty of tables and chairs outside so your mutt can curl up at your feet and watch the park and Castro traffic go by. They also offer pets water which I like.
For human consumption try the chai, the jook, the polenta waffle and the fruit and cheese plate. There's a tea i totally love, I believe it's called oceans of wisdom or something similar. It's totally yum.
10/4 5:07pm
PO Plus
One of the oldest Gay-owned and operated business in the Castro! I come here for all my shipping needs.They also have mailbox rentals. The guys here are so nice, one time I was trying to fit something in an envelope and didn't think it would work, they went to the trouble to refold everything so it fit. So thoughtful. Audrey thinks it's super boring, but she likes being able to come with me when I run errands.
I always take my dog in when I am there, they have a doggie on staff many times too.
10/4 5:00pm
Mission Pet Hospital
Pros:
I had a good experience when I used to take my dog here. They doctors were patient and I liked the idea of supporting a tiny little vet neighborhood practice. When my last dog came down with an illness, one of the doctors there figured it out and diagnosed it as something very rare. Though he ended up not surviving it, the staff was kind and compassionate with treatment and allowed me to visit him during the weeks he battled it.
Cons:
Hard to get an appointment since it is a small practice
no payment plans, and I resent that when I was in college they allowed me to plunge $7000 in debt instead of referring me to the SPCA which has payment plans, or mentioning care credit (no interest credit card).
Later I took another dog and I was a bit scarred when they put me in the same room my last pet was euthanized in. I know they are limited on space and don't have a special room for that but it was really uncomfortable.
Still, the folks here are nice and the doctors are good. Your pet is in good hands here.
10/4 4:55pm
San Francisco Giants Baseball
4 bones for the awesome event known as the Dog Days of Summer. bring your dog to a game, sit in the bleachers and have an unforgettable moment with your family. You can even parade your dog on the field if you get there early enough. We went a while back when Alou was on the team and the crowd would cheer "Alouuuuuuuuu" the dogs loved it and howled along!
Minus only one bone since we didn't see any dog-friendly food available (hint to the promoters: good way to make some cash) but we made do with hotdogs.
10/4 4:51pm
Pets Unlimited
3 bones because we've seen some good doctors here when my accident-prone muttlet got bit by mean dogs, and her anal gland ruptured (delightful, I know). Also because they do good work rescue wise.
Problem is, I've never been able to see the same doctor so that's not awesome, and the last time we were in I popped my head out of the room and overheard the staff mention they screwed up and misplaced our file so the doctor didn't know we were in the room waiting for over an hour and half. Then when they did come in, they lied to us and said they had to fit in an emergency. not cool. I prefer to be told the truth.
Another downside is the lack of parking and the cost. I find the SF SPCA to be honest, fairly priced, and with tons of parking, plus they have a bazillion doctors so i've never waited. Hence we've switched over.
9/27 7:29pm
Given
I adore Given! Any time I have to attend a housewarming I stop in here to get a gift. They have everything from furniture to jewelry...plus it's an awesome bit of history since it used to be Harvey Milk's camera store. Bonus points for supporting local artists, I got a great painting here.
I like places I can stop in with the mutt when running errands around the hood, they have a dog that's usually in the shop if you leave yours at home! :)
9/27 7:26pm
Point Isabel Dog Park
Took my mutt here and she spent the entire afternoon asleep. This was the greatest place she's ever been. TONS of dogs, poop bags and trash cans available everywhere, the sit-and-stay cafe for humans to have coffee and yummies, and mudd puppys (a pet store/station where you can wash your dog off, or let someone do it for you)...what else can you ask for?? Apparently the southside of the part is 21 acres, and it's off-leash which is tricky within san francisco.
This wasn't your typical park where there's a mix of kids playing and a few dogs, that get in the parents' way (see: number of times i've been yelled at at dolores park for my dog nearing the sandbox). This was a DOG zone. Trays on top of the poop bag station hold extra tennis balls, and splashes are heard left and right of retrievers diving in to the water. If your dog loves to run, frolic through tall grass, get muddy, or swim this is a MUST visit.
Ample parking and when it's busy you can park in the nearby costco. :)
9/27 7:24pm
Apple Store
Audrey is a total SF Hipster dog so she LOVES macs AND the apple store. Props to you Apple for being hip, sleek, building amazing products that make logical sense and for allowing dogs!
9/27 7:22pm
San Francisco Pet Grooming
I used to take my cocker spaniel here to this tiny little shop and they always did a great job. I love that they put the dogs in the window when they are done! So cute to see.
9/27 7:17pm
SF Hound Lounge
A cute spot for doggie day care! Our puppy class was held here as was the puppy class xmas party and the staff was very friendly and careful about letting dogs in and out. Good paw-trero location too!
9/27 7:16pm
Sirius Dog Training
Audrey dog is a Sirius Pup graduate! I still remember day one of puppy class as she hid under the chair, even as one of the biggest dogs in the place!
By the end, she was approaching stranger parents and sitting for them to get treats. We worked with Fawn Pierre who has since gone solo and it was great. Sirius is all positive reinforcement and it really works!
Audrey took level one and level 2 and she learned: sit, stay, go to your bed, speak, down, roll over, five, leave it, and come. Fawn also helped us teach "inside voice" when we realized how cute it was when Audrey barked and didn't make noise. Now that is its own command and never fails to impress!
I used to work for a dog hotel where Sirius Classes also met and the teachers were also very good and very patient!
9/27 7:13pm
La Boulange
A great spot to sit on a weekend morning to people watch and enjoy the finest granola the city offers (mmm with yogurt and honey and fruit). Audrey chills under our feet eating the pastry crumbs at many of the outside tables. Also love the giant bowls for coffee and hot chocolate.
9/27 7:11pm
Caffe Roma
Caffe Roma is great! All the locals go there and spend the morning reading the paper and sipping coffee. I LOVE that they have tables outside complete with leash hooks!
9/27 7:10pm
Coit Liquor
Coit Liquor is amazing and I always loved stopping in for great deals. They got us a great deal on our wedding reception wine. They even do wine tasting. Tim is amazing and most of the staff is friendly and well-versed in wines at all price points.
Audrey was welcome there as long as she stayed away from the bread and I kept the leash tight so she didn't knock over anything!
9/27 7:07pm
Washington Square Park
Loved this park when I lived less than a block away. So did my dog, but it was also her toilet so why wouldn't she love it.
I have so many memories of sun tanning, picnicing, jazz fests, crazy capture the flag game full of people all dressed as super heros and ninjas, and watching the Columbus Day Parade and Blue Angels with the mutt and husband, and the Italian guy who plays guitar and rocks out to Smashing Pumpkins "Killer in Me":
The keeeeeee-lar in me is the keeeelar in you.....
I have two not so fun memories:
1. homeless guy that poos in the bushes (and not in the bathrooms several feet away) who leads me to the discovery that my dog in fact will seek out and eat human poo.
2. The weird marshal guy who stands in the corner watching us dog-owners for off-leash behavior and threatening to write tickets. The thing is dude, we leash our dogs as soon as we see you, and we unleash them right away when you leave, so keep up your watch if you need to, we're not gonna listen! Our well-behaved dogs (please ignore item one on this list) deserve a tiny bit of leg stretching.
9/27 7:03pm
Angele
Amazing dog-friendly restaurant. I've never gotten to do fine dining outside on a beautifully lit patio next to the water and still bring the mutt but here it was no problem!
We enjoyed a lovely bottle of wine, delicious cassoulet, meatball special, and fantastic service. I would say the food is about a 4, but the ambiance bumped them up to a 5. Highly recommend this place! Audrey lay on the patio next to our table as we ate and they didn't balk when she got in the way underfoot or when she hopped onto the bench seat with us.
9/27 6:59pm
The Inn on First Street
The inn on first is the best B&B experience myself, my husband (and our dog!) have ever had. If you want a romantic getaway in napa and you're trying to decide on the one night at carneros inn (pretty fab!) or two nights in this B&B, go with this option and you won't be disappointed.
Jamie and Jim are excellent at everything it takes to operate a fine establishment. When you book a reservation online, they follow up with a call. When you ask for a dog friendly list, they give you a huge one, AND even make your reservations for you. Arrive on a friday and arrive to wine being poured and cheese and homemade crackers. Receive a tour of the property and a letter in your room welcoming you and detailing out your booked reservations.
We stayed in the Incantment garden suite both times we visited which has a fireplace and giant heart shaped tub, AND was dog friendly with its own private deck. Audrey was in luxury as she had a dog bed, inn on first toys and treats, and a special bed spread on our bed in case she wanted to cuddle with us. There was a gated area of the yard where she could run around while we ate breakfasts complete with a dog shower. The thing that impressed me was that I expected the "dog" rooms to be a little on the shabby side. Not true at all. In fact, I can't remember staying in a cleaner room at a hotel.
We were provided both wine and champagne glasses (which came in handy for bath time!), complimentary truffles, champagne and natural sodas (they swtiched away from coke), bath salts, snacks and water to take wine tasting, and picnic basket we could use out on the road, and cozy bathrobes. The amenities were amazing. They even had cds they burned for various decades for in- room listening and soaps made special from the napa soap company.
They had detailed lists on places to go with your dog and an imac available for use in the main house to print out directions.
Dogs can't be left alone in the rooms but they have a list of pet friendly places to go, plus pet sitters to take the mutt off your hands if you need it.
Oh and if you still aren't sold...Jim makes the MOST INCREDIBLE BREAKFAST. We're talking mama's in north beach good.
I highly recommend this place for anyone needing a true charming wine country get away. I recommended this place to several people and they were just as thrilled...
9/27 6:52pm
Tails of the City
Say you are staying in wine country and hitting all the dog friendly wineries. Well say you wanna go to ad hoc or something not-so-dog friendly for a dinner and can't have the mutt around. Call Tails of the City. Not only do they charge a VERY reasonable rate, but they will actually come and pick up and drop off your dog.
They came highly recommended by our inn (the inn on first) and provided outstanding service. Shay, the owner is very friendly and was on time making sure we were on time for our dinner reservation. Afterward she brought the mutt right to our door!
Also, they are licensed, bonded and insured.
She has about an acre and 5 social dogs so your dog will come home totally dooooooooog tired, which is perfect for when you wanna cuddle with your spouse without stray tails gettin' in the way.
9/27 6:50pm
Nordstrom
Of all the nordstroms I've frequented, this is my favorite. They allow dogs in here so I love to stop in and browse the brass plum shoes while the little mutt gnaws on one of those foot-stockings. The girls at the mac and lancome counters know their stuff, they have a lovely collection of 7s and citizens, and the shoe department is to die for.
I'd give it five stars if they had a better men's department.
9/27 6:46pm
Mission Dolores Park
5 bones for the view, the rolling green grass hills, and the doggie drinking fountain. Minus one for the mud holes, the dog area being so close to the kids area (where dogs can't go), and using a fish-based fertilizer which might as well be dessert for my mutt. Audrey grew up here, she got puppy warts here and made good friends. We love Dolores.
Join Dolores Park Dogs for park clean ups and neighborly camaraderie. They have donuts on the weekends!
9/27 6:43pm
Cheengoo Boutique
Went here for the opening of the store with my mutt and had a great time.Cheengoo is Korean for friend!
They make their own line of adorable accessories (read: Martini collar!) and other awesome gifts for your pet or a pet-loving friend. I love the Yum bowls! I am also really impressed to see them carrying a "pet remembrance kit" a great idea if you've lost a beloved animal, or you want to try to help someone who has.
Cheengoo is great for pet-loving tourists in the Nob Hill area (like my dog-obsessed cousin who stays at the Fairmont for business trips).
Also, two paws up for their giving 1% of their profits to local animal welfare organizations.
9/27 6:41pm
Petco
They don't really LOVE pets here like a boutique pet store... and my dog was practically stabbed during one of the shot clinics, but for the cheap stuff you can't beat it. They've got a huge parking lot and some good values, just don't expect the customer service you get at a mom and pop pet store.
Also, I appreciate that they offer the low cost shot clinics so everyone can have their pets vaccinated, just wish they were more gentle.
9/27 6:39pm
San Francisco SPCA
Love all their programs (adoptions, fosters, pet bereavement support group, training) but I LOVE the hospital.
I've been volunteering there for several months and have gotten to know the operations and staff quite well. The new building (just around the corner from the old) is amazing and makes going to the vet a much more pleasant experience. Have a dog who hates stepping up on the scale? They don't have to anymore, these scales are built into the ground. They also have state of the art exam rooms, dental suites, and are going paperless to cut down on waiting time when you're done with your appointment!
I've volunteered many places in SF and this is probably my favorite, not just because I get to be around pets, but because it's so well run. The policies and procedures are fluid and the volunteer program is great! They make it easy to donate your time, not a pain in the butt.
While all the doctors are professional, I think Dr. Aldridge is my fav. He's been there forever! On my first shift in the old hospital I watched him take an aggressive dog outside for his exam because being confined to the room was making him upset. The dog relaxed and was able to have his exam, that's the kind of dog whisperer I want treating my mutt. Plus he brings the staff donuts.
Also, the biggest thing to note. This is, I believe, the ONLY place that offers payment plans and reduced rates depending on income and size of household...and if you've ever shelled out an entire savings account to cover your animal's treatment you know how awesome this is! They also off low-cost/no-cost spay neuter/vaccines scheduled throughout the year for homeless people. Truly, you should come here. They honestly have the animals' welfare at heart.
9/27 6:35pm
Baker Beach
This used to be my favorite beach because of the awesome bridge view, but I think Chrissy has surpassed that since there is less fog.
Still, if you're looking for a nice day on the beach with the whole family, you can't beat baker...there's much more actual beach to sit on here.
9/27 6:33pm
Crissy Field
Audrey dog is a huge fan of Chrissy field and so are my husband and I! We love to go there for BBQs and always bring the mutt along so we can take a few runs down to the dog area.
Great fun for her swimming and running, just be sure and steer clear of the wildlife preserve areas.
One of her best times here was when she found a dead baby seal and rolled all in it...she loves being stinky. Granted, this was a one time deal, don't be discouraged!
NOTE: There can be a lot of kids here so make sure and watch your mutt if they are unpredictable around kids!
9/27 6:29pm
Fort Funston
Audrey dog knows this park better than me...she goes here with her playgroup during the day quite often and she always comes back super exhausted. Off leash and water=happy dog!
9/27 6:19pm
Jeffrey's Natural Pet Food Company
I like the North Beach location best because Lynette, the owner, is there and they have a bigger stock. They've had some not-so-awesome employees here (like when you order a certain size gentle leader and it takes months for it to arrive after you'd purchased it elsewhere or they won't hang up the phone to wait on you). Lately, when we've stopped in they've been very friendly so check it out...a great place to stop for some treats and toys before heading to Dolores Park.
9/27 6:17pm
Jeffrey's Natural Pet Food Company
Love this location. Lynette the owner is usually working here and she's awesome. She's a foster mom/adopter and does a lot for the animal community. They've got a crazy awesome supply of cute bowls, beds, collars and leashes and Audrey does her best tricks here because they give out the freeze dried chicken liver.
Jeffrey's makes raw food which does wonders for many local dogs.
9/27 6:13pm
Best in Show
5 Bones because I adopted my mutt from outside this store! Back in the day they used to do mobile adoptions out front for the Milo Foundation. Nowadays we shop there for fancy dog food, rad collars, and tags when she loses them repeatedly in the dog park!
The guys who work there are super friendly and always give the treats. They also have a frequent program where you get 10% off after several visits. You can save that up for xmas and buy tons of stuff at once for a great deal.
Bonus points for the indestructible lines that my dog actually keeps! Also the felt toys that are meant to be chewed since they have a bone hidden inside.