Welcome to Bark Week! As a result, we invited industry professionals to send photos and information about their pets to celebrate dogs and restaurants. We also have rounded up the best puppy bakeries and have a feature on a pizza place that also rescues animals.
Uncle Bear the 2nd
Human: Todd Carey, founding owner of Uncle Bear’s Grill & Taps and Brewery
Breed: Black Lab mixed with Chow
How long have you been together? 6 years, I rescued him during COVID
Tell us something about your dog: He is one of the chilliest dudes you will ever meet. He is a handsome fella and has represented Uncle Bear’s concept on TV numerous times, beer festivals, events, and dog adoptions as their mascot.
Loaf
Human: Charles Malone, general manager at Dirtbag’s Phoenix
How long have you been together? We’ve had Loaf for three years
Tell us something about your dog: Loaf likes to crawl under the covers and sleep with only his head exposed like a human. He also purrs when you pet him. He’s visited Dirtbag’s before, but he’s a homebody and is happy to get back home after a visit to his human’s work.
Ace
Human: Chad Diamond, head pitmaster at Caldwell County BBQ in Peoria, Queen Creek, and Gilbert
Breed: Australian Shepherd
How long have you been together: 2018, that’s 8 years and counting!
Tell us something about your dog: Ace is one of Chad’s two dogs. He is the sweetest dog and he puts his herding instincts to good use rounding up Chad’s kids.
Lloyd
Human: William Johnston, CEO of Johnston & Co., Agritopia, and Epicenter
Breed: Mini Goldendoodle
How long have you been together: 8-and-a-half years
Tell us something about your dog: Lloyd loves to sunbathe, snuggle and swim, and he gives the best hugs.
Bettis
Human: Colin Ribble, executive chef at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
Breed: Pitbull mix
How long have you been together: 2 years
Tell us something about your dog: Bettis is named after the Pittsburgh Steelers great Jerome Bettis. He loves to watch the movie Good Boy and of course the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has super high energy and is beyond loving. Bettis chose my son Finn as his boy. The two are inseparable, always attached and playing.
Sophie
Human: Matt Osterman, director of food and beverage at Scorpion Bay Grill and Marina
Breed: Lab mix
How long have you been together? 7 years
Tell us something about your dog: Sophie is quite the wild child. She is always ready for an adventure! She will always be by your side, even if that means sharing the boat seat.
Brahma
Human: Carrie Sotebeer, director of spa at The Phoenician Spa
Breed: English Cream Golden Retriever
How long have you been together? 2-and-a-half years
Tell us something about your dog: He’s endlessly playful and still negotiating good manners. He’s your typical golden, wrapped in pure joy with just enough mischief to keep life interesting.
Garibaldi and Cleopatra
Human: Chef Marcellino Verzino and Sima Verzino, husband and wife and owners of Marcellino Ristorante
Breeds: Garibaldi is a Lhasa Apso and Terrier mix; and Cleopatra is a Bichon and Poodle mix
How long have you been together? We have had Garibaldi for over 18 years and Lady Cleo for 13 plus years
Tell us something about your dogs: Domesticated animals who are cared for with a deep love and highest regard for their well being return this love with a profound sense of honor and loyalty. We have been so blessed to share our lives with Garibaldi and Cleopatra. Listening and communicating with our fur babies returns an immense satisfaction and closeness found in their world of silence; for theirs is one without the use of words. We are living a remarkable experience filled with joy and love thanks to Garibaldi and Cleo.
Barley
Human: Julian Wright, founder of Pedal Haus Brewery
Breed: Sheppard Mix
How long have you been together? 10 years
Something fun about your dog: He is my first rescue and one of the sweetest dogs on the planet. He loves to sit up on his hind legs and give hugs. Also loves sleeping with his head on a pillow.
