Working Pets in the Valley

What do three Great Danes, five cats, one Shih Tzu and a menagerie of farm animals all have in common? They are all working animals here in Sonoma Valley. They also all have been interviewed on Pet Talk, “A Program for people who celebrate Pets and Animals in their lives,” every Thursday on KSVY 91.3 FM.
“Skittles” is the official greeter at Tiddlywinks, a Vintage 5 & Dime, right off the square. A sweeter dog cannot be found manning, or should I say “dogging” the cash register. She was rescued right there on Spain Street and fits in like she has always been a partner in the business with Heidi Geffen. The store has some fantastic items and is the perfect place to visit “Skittles” and do your Christmas shopping!
Michael Holland has his five feline friends who not only help him paint but guard his valuable masterpieces. Michael has been making art for over 30 years, although these felines are not that old; they are all rescues and ferals that fit nicely into his studio home! They also help decorate the studio, and now model for a masterpiece or two! They may even help you decide which painting is right for you.
Three gentle giants greet you at Sonoma Flowers. They guard the van when making deliveries, and they chose their favorite flowers for the clients. Great Danes are among the largest and gentlest of breeds. Sally Blue has been breeding these beautiful dogs and running the family business down on Broadway. The stork just arrived last week and 6 new Danes are growing strong!
Vintage Kennel and Spa has an amazing array of working animals. From the parakeet that sings to keep the staff happy, to the majestic horses that pull their cart. They have miniature donkeys, Nigerian goats, pigmy goats, Jacobs sheep, chickens, ducks, a swan, and even a brand new camel. The cats work to keep the varmints out of the barns. And the dogs, their pure-bred Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and Irish Wolfhound, work to keep their breeds the best they can be. All of the farm animals have a special job on Christmas Eve. They all take part in the live nativity at St. Andrews, and this year is the debut of the new baby camel. Her name is yet to be chosen.
Listen to Pet Talk Thursday, Nov. 29 on KSVY 91.3 FM at 1 p.m. for our next working animal interview.
Debbie has taken her love of knitting to an amazing level. Brookfarm is one of the coolest places I have ever been to. It is “An Alpaca farm, nestled in the eastern slopes of Sonoma Mountain in the Valley of the Moon.” Not only do the Alpacas talk, but their guard dog Tessa is on of the most beautiful dogs I’ve ever seen. Tune in to learn more about Debbie and Mark Emery, their new endeavor and their amazing working animals.