Black Dog Bar (in Theory)

Over 7 years ago, LD bought a wooden sign that adverstised "Black Dog Bar and Guide Service". Two of our dogs are black labs, and one of Morgan's nicknames is "Black Dog". She is the type of dog that would be quite happy just hanging out, so LD loved the idea of setting up a bar and calling it "Black Dog Bar". The funny thing is that LD doesn't even drink! That did not deter her, however, and she began her obsession with finding black dog bar memorabilia.

A search on ebay led her to discover Spanish Peaks Brewery. Spanish Peaks Brewery (at that time in Bozeman, Montana) had incorporated the owner's black lab, Chugwater Charlie, into their labels. She fell in love instantly, and started buying specific items from Spanish Peaks Brewery. The only problem was that the brewery had gone out of business and their merchandise was only available through on-line auctions. It was fun to sit on the sidelines and watch collectors become involved in some heavy bidding wars!

Spanish Peaks Black Dog Ale Label

Over the years, LD bought several beer taps, glasses, coasters, a banner, and several tins. Her Holy Grail, however, was a neon sign. The first time she came across one, it sold for over $500.oo which was way too much for somebody on a graduate student salary. It would be at least 5 years before another one emerged on ebay. The seller, however, was in California and would not ship. LD decided to ask my sister if she would be willing to pick it up for her, and hold onto it until we could drive to California to pick it up. My sister was gracious enough to go pick it up, and hold on to it. That sign completed her collection, but we did not have the space in our previous house for a bar!

When we walked into this house, LD knew that the"mid-level" room was going to be the future home of her Black Dog Bar. The previous owner used it as a dining room, but we are not really dining room people.

Since we bought the house, LD has had a difficult time trying to figure out what the bar should look like. She wants it to match the style and spirit of the house-Organic. But all the bars she has seen so far are too traditional and visually "heavy". So she figured she was going to have to design it herself.

Well, LD finally figured out one of the main components of the bar, which would match the interior of the house perfectly. She found some resin/acrylic plant panels to use for the base of the bar with a soft backlight. This would work extremely well, especially since LD worked with native warm-season grass.

At this point in time, everything is theoretical. She showed me some photos (see below) of what it could look like, and the idea is quite stunning if she can pull it off. Time will tell.

Katy's Modeling Gig for Purina

Last weekend LD got a call from one of her friends at Purina. Purina is redesigning some of their dog food bags, and needed a black lab with a specific look. LD's friend told Purina that Katy was a perfect candidate. So LD submitted some of Katy's photos to their marketing representative, and they told her to bring Katy. We took Friday off, and drove to the Blackhawk Valley Hunt Club for the photo gig. And Katy took a break from search and rescue to try her paw at a new job.


The photo shoot was scheduled to start at 10:00am this morning, so we all got up pretty early to drive to the Hunt Club. Katy, who is definitely not a morning dog, slept the whole way there (lucky dog).

Katy trying to find her best angle

They wanted to take some photos in the fields, so we were driven out to the Club's grass fields. It was HOT, but Katy was very patient!!!! They wanted to take a photo with her mouth closed, but she kept panting. However, they managed to get some shots with her tongue in her mouth.

Katy smiling for the camera

The photo shoot was for their Canine Advantage dog food line. We were told that the redesigned food bag would take about two months for development, but it will probably roll out in the first Quarter of 2010.

For a job well done, they are going to give LD the photo of Katy, and several printed food bags. We plan to put them up in Black Dog Bar (more to come on Black Dog Bar!).