Just before Christmas while surfing the web I happened to stumble up on a wine called the “Three Legged Red”. Of course owning a three legged dog this sparked my curiosity and I clicked through to the Winery’s web site to learn more. To my surprise not only was the wine named after a real canine tripod but it was named after a tripod named “Port”. We have had Port for over 6 years and after meeting hundreds, if not thousands, of dogs in countless dog parks and walking trails this is the first time we encountered another dog named after the left side of a ship. What are the odds that the first and only other Port that we have encountered would also be a three legged dog with the same missing leg?
My immediate speculation was that they had named the dog after Port wine but the bio of the dog revealed that he was in fact named after the port side of a ship; both remaining legs being on the port side. Unfortunately, the bio also indicated that Port had passed away in May at the age of 13.
Being a wine enthusiast and proud owner of my own dysfunctional three legged dog I decided to write the Director of Wine at Dunham Cellars; Eric Dunham, who was Port’s owner and share the story of our Port. Despite being a successful artist and wine guru who hangs with celebrities, Eric did in fact reply promptly to my email and seemed to truly appreciate the story and picture of Port.
It is nice to see a successful business like Dunham Cellars incorporate their dogs into their business and celebrate the unique relationship that we have with our 4 (and sometimes 3) legged friends.