For the Love of Goldens

Several years ago I decided to adopt Lucy Lou.

I had had a Golden Retriever (Penny) for many years until she peacefully made her transition. After grieving for two years, I decided it was time. So, I went to Golden Bond Rescue in Oregon and submitted an application.

After several interviews, including an in-home and one with the foster mom, Lucy came home. She has been an important part of my family ever since.

Those that have met her would agree that there is not much that riles her. She is sweet, loving, and completely addicted to tennis balls. With a HUGE heart and an expressive personality, Lucy has been a source of endless love, lots of laughs, and constant companionship.

She, along with every other Golden I have ever met, is an adoring, gentle being. That is why it breaks my heart to once again hear about the atrocities of puppy mills. In this particular case, several Goldens were rescued from a mill in Burns, Oregon and are in the process of being reacclimated to loving environments.

While Golden Bond is in desperate need of donations (they expect vet bills to exceed $10,000), many, many dogs country-wide are in desperate need of homes.

I am not blogging because I have alterior motives. No one from Golden Bond asked me to write about this. But, I am so moved, so DISAPPOINTED by people who make a living through the suffering of loving, furry animals.

I know, I know. There are many atrocities throughout the world. People do awful things to each other. People do awful things to animals and our planet. So, where so we begin to right the wrongs?

There is only so much each individual can do. But, collectively, these small efforts amount to great change. Figure out what moves you. What small step you want to take. I will admit - I offered a donation to Golden Bond. And, quite honestly, if I were in Oregon, I would be at the shelter lending a hand. So, my call to action is to find a shelter here in New Orleans and do the same.

If you feel moved to donate, I'm sure Golden Bond would be grateful. If not, just consider a small step - a donation of time, energy, love, into anything that would help right a wrong and continue to shape our world into the loving, positive place it is meant to be.

Volunteering at Classic City Brewfest: A Firkin of Fun

Who knew volunteering could be so much FUN? Combining two of my favorite activities (giving back and tasting beer), I spent the day working with Clipper City Brewing Company , in an effort to support this fundraising activity for Project Safe.

Serving Clipper City's Loose Cannon Hop3 Ale from a firkin was a highlight of my day. Granted, before Sunday morning, I am ashamed to admit I had never even heard of a firkin - or knew that the beer contained within was still in the fermentation process.Taking its unusual name from several British units of capacity (usually about equal to 1/4 of a barrel or 9 gallons), a firkin was historically known as a small wooden barrel or covered vessel. This firkin, however, was much bigger than a 2.25 gallon barrel. In fact, it was big enough to provide hundreds of 2oz pours through the 5 hours I tended bar.


I worked in conjunction with Tom, Clipper City's territory manager for the southern region. Knowledgeable, and passionate about his craft, Tom quickly introduced me to the fine art of serving from the "beer engine."

Immediately after tapping the firkin, the heavenly aroma of 3 pounds of American hops (which they use in every barrel) came wafting through the air. I was also serving the Belgian Saison Red Sky at Night as well as the Small Craft Warning Über pils. Of course, these two beers, from their Heavy Seas collection, came in the bottled variety. Not quite as much fun as the firkin, but just as delicious.

Kristin was pouring for Thomas Creek Brewery(their Vanilla Creek Ale is one of my new favorites)and Connie volunteered to pour for Left Hand Brewing Company, a brewery hailing from my home town of Denver. Copper Creek, a local establishment, was nestled between us, which was great because not only do they have good beer, they have great nachos!

Although I could not sample anything but my bottle of water during festival hours, the organizers more than made up for it after the crowds left. We were quick to clean-up and get down to the real business of socializing and conducting our own beer tasting. With a global variety, and pizza to boot, we could not have asked for a better way to meet new friends and relax after an energetic day.

The beauty of volunteering is that there is ALWAYS something new to be gleaned from the experience! In this case, the afternoon truly brought out my Inner Pyrate. Thanks Clipper City, Classic City Brewfest and, of course Tom, for an amazing beer education and an opportunity to give back in such a unique and FUN way!

(Also, more thanks to Tom, who gets credit for the opening photo.) If you want to see more picts from Brewfest, check out Tom's Flickr page.