February 11, 2008

Ruff Life

SF Dog Guide 2008

In a dog-eat-dog world, sometimes you need to throw yourself and your pooch a bone. Herewith, a few new tricks.

Sip and swirl with Fifi at Yountville’s V Wine Cellar (6525 Washington Street; 707-531-7053), a wine boutique and tasting lounge that caters to dogs with water bowls made from recycled wine boxes and gourmet chicken gingersnaps by Dogs Uncorked. Too sauced to drive home? Sleep it off at neighboring Vintage Inn (6541 Washington Street; 707-944-1112), where plush dog and human beds are fitted with 300-thread count sheets.

House rules? Clean living. Greenrrroof Animal Homes are built with waterproof beeswax, zero-VOC paint, and flea-resistant Western red cedar. Roofs are covered in native plants that filter the air and water that feeds them. Homes can be customized so filtered H2O trickles directly into a drinking bowl.

When you gotta go, you gotta go. In which case, book Spot into the exclusive Fairy Dog Mother Inn (934 San Miguel Road, Concord; 925-687-8700), where they ease separation anxiety with cuddle sessions with Joanne Papini (Fairy Dog Mom), massage and aroma “sniff” therapy at the Day Spaw, and luxurious sleeping quarters.

A fourteen-carat yellow gold collar charm from local designer Ashley & Co. shows you care. What’s more, a portion of proceeds benefits nonprofits supporting animals in need.

Stress unleashed.