Owner: Aerin Soroka of VINO Stl wine bar
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Dog Name: Mancha
Age: 3
Breed: Pomeranian
In a Word: Character
Job Title: General manager; when guests walk in, they expect a "marshmallow" of a dog to greet them and periodically check in to ensure our service is up to par. He also doubles as our HR department ... aka "The Paper Shedder."
Star Quality: Mancha is extremely friendly (best customer service ever) and is constantly attempting to make people laugh. He is very charismatic and goofy. If he was a human, he could give up his management position here to pursue comedy EASILY.
Best Bud: Sasha Alms, our bar manager. Mom is chopped liver when he's around. Next in line? Everyone else!
Favorite Reward: Heading to our local Korean BBQ spot to get bacon from the kitchen. "Wanna go see Linda?!"
Favorite Getaway: Halfway under the couch. If Mancha isn't with customers, he's halfway under the couch sleeping—but letting his presence be known. Look for the fluffy white butt.
Forgivable Flaw: Cork monster! They're good for their teeth (as long as they don't swallow them). And physical flaw: A gnarly underbite, but it's so freaking adorable.
Background Story: Mancha was a gift from an ex. Now, while this wasn't exactly what I had in mind as a way to salvage a dying relationship, Mancha has been the best thing to happen to me and the staff/customers. He truly is a blessing to our establishment, keeping us laughing and smiling CONSTANTLY. His sweet nature is infectious—we have never even heard him growl. As far as barking goes—only when he's not getting enough attention!
