The Red Dogs

Since Red Dog started in 2001, there has been a Red Dog. Though the Red Dog has changed names over the years, they live in our hearts and they tell a lot about who we are today. We greet you with a smile and a wag and consider you the best part of the day. Consider Red Dog like a pal that is happy to see you after a long day. We’ll greet you at the door and then provide friendly, fun loving, laid back service (but we won’t bring you the paper and slippers).

Bacchus

Years on job: Born in January 2011, Bacchus made his way to Red Dog at the age of 8 weeks old. He’s a fluff ball who is growing into his role as “top dog.” He has very big paws to fill and hears about his big brother Dell everyday from customers and management alike.

Favorite pastimes: Currently, he is very into sleeping, eating, and playing. He’s learning the finer points of being a dog and enjoys dragging his leash behind him and playing fetch among the Wine racks. He is also quite enamored with leaves blowing in the wind.

Primary Role: He’s not quite as focused on the finer points of the job just yet, but we see early signs of interest in waste management. He enjoys eating and shredding paper. He’s also received the well deserved nickname of “Barkus” thanks to his vocal nature. It’s TBD if his future will entail security detail. Unfortunately, he’s not very intimidating. In fact, quite the opposite. It’s difficult to get from the front door to the car with this one … he’s quite the attention grabber and has quite a way with the ladies. Ladies of all ages love this guy.

In Memoriam:

Dell

Years on job: Bard adopted Dell in October 2001 when Dell was three years old. He was Bard’s constant companion until he passed away in January 2011 at the age of 13. He will be forever missed.

Favorite pastimes: Sleeping and doing anything that ended with a treat. He loved “going to work” everyday and got testy if his financial duties were not handled by 11am.

Job Responsibilities: Greeting, Time Management, Finance, and Sales. Each morning at 11 a.m., Dell alerted management that it was time to go to the bank. His financial responsibilities included taking the money bag to and from the bank (quite literally, he carried it to and from the car). His sales role involved buttering up sales representatives to give us great deals. He was also involved in Customer Retention as children ask their parents to come to Red Dog to visit Dell. We never complain..

Fondest memories: Dell was such a part of Red Dog and we were so touched by the outpouring of love we received when he passed away. Dell is a constant reminder of what’s wonderful about a small business – life’s too short not love what you do, each and every day. Embrace the opportunity to know your customers and make their days a little brighter.

Annie

Years on job: Born in January of 2000 and adopted by Lisa, Bard’s daughter, in May of 2000, this millennial pooch ruled her roost until August, 2010.

Favorite pastimes at the store: Annie enjoyed cooling off in the cooler on hot days and spending Sundays at the store “helping” Bard with book keeping when she could roam the store freely and check-in on the week’s smells and progress.

Job Responsibilities: Janitorial, Dietary and Protection Services. Annie was a four legged roaming vacuum cleaner. She kept the floors clear of all crumbs and prepped floors for mopping with her water disbursement skills. She excelled at helping store employees with their diets by taking all or some of meals when backs were turned.

She took protection duties upon herself despite management’s wishes. She enjoyed “guarding” from the office doorway and took her role very seriously. We’re unclear if she was guarding the food or our staff.

Fondest memories: Annie was in charge of “back of house” duties but was known for creeping out into the store from time to time. We’d find her sitting near the front windows, quite literally, smiling while looking outside. There was never a dog with such true joie de vivre.

Chipper “The Original Red Dog”

Years on job: Day 1, March of 2001 until he passed away in September 2001. He lives on as “The Red Dog” in our logo and throughout the store as the image of “The Red Dog” is in fact a drawing of Chipper.

Favorite pastimes: Chip typically had a tennis ball in tow and enjoyed playing with kids. He was frequently found lounging in the front of the store. Customers didn’t seem to mind stepping over him.

Job Responsibilities: Team Morale, Red Dog Mascot, Greeter, and General Store Oversight.

Fondest memories: As the original Red Dog, Chipper was Bard’s first work companion and a really good friend. He marked the dawn of a new beginning for Bard, one that allows a pup at your side as you work. There were many a nights when Bard and Chipper were alone at the store building it from the ground up. He helped start the business and its personality.