Owner: Ric Machnics
Location: Washington
Affiliated Wine Business: Village Wine Shop and Tasting Room in Langley, Wash.
Dog Name: Gus
Age: 4.5
Breed: 50 percent Labrador, 25 percent American Foxhound and 25 percent German Wirehaired Pointer
In a Word: Unbounded
Job Title: Definitely patron greeter! Gus is a rescue dog that is very social. He hangs out by the entrance and draws folks in whether to try a tasting or to browse our collection of Washington and Oregon wines.
Star Quality: Gus’s personality is such that folks often come by just to say hi to him. He has his own following; it’s not uncommon for people to bring their own dogs in to see Gus.
Best Bud: Gus’s best buddy is Wally, a miniature Dachshund who usually comes by on a daily basis.
Favorite Reward: Gus and Wally both enjoy the oyster crackers we serve during tastings. They are both characters that do tricks for a cracker.
Favorite Activity: As friendly and social as Gus is, he’s also very plugged into expressing his hunting qualities. Whether it be rabbits or birds, Gus is a true upland game hunter. In the field he stalks, points and flushes, with that traditional focused control that is desired in a hunting dog.
Favorite Getaway: Typically in the morning we go to a nearby farm where there are open rolling fields where Gus is able to run freely and express his innate abilities! I often do my 2-mile hike while Gus does his 20-mile hike! Afterwards we’re ready to go to the wine shop and have an enjoyable day!
Forgivable Flaw: Funny thing is Gus has never knocked over a wine bottle or glass with that great expressive tail of his. The one thing Gus is driven by is food and if there’s any around he’ll let you know he’s there by poking/nudging you with his nose.
Background Story: I found Gus at the local rescue organization. During the initial interview, I found out that Gus had been with two other families and they just couldn’t handle him. Gus was about a year old when we were matched and now at 4.5 he has really come into his own. He is truly a part of our lives as well as an integral part of our wine shop.
