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Business & Tech

Oh, For the Life of a Lamorinda Dog

Locals love their animals, it's true. You see them around town all the time. And it appears local business owners welcome our four-legged friends, too.

Some days, you'd swear you were in France.  A stop at any one of several select Lamorinda boîtes reveals oodles of Poodles, lunching Bichons and the occasional Bouvier des Flandres - all patronizing local businesses with impunity. 

Some establishments go out of their way to cater to their canine customers.

"They're not tolerated, they're encouraged," said Roxanne Logan, general manager at Chow in Lafayette. "We love that dogs are here – we welcome all breeds and all sizes."

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Logan said dogs are allowed on the patio – but not inside the restaurant for obvious reasons. Chow's waitstaff, apparent dog lovers all, ferry water and treats out to their canine customers to make sure everyone is happy.

"We have a lot of regular customers (with dogs)," said Logan. "We've had a Boston Terrier named Roscoe out there all morning." None of her dogless customers have ever complained about their presence, she adds.

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On to Orinda and a stop at another canine haven - Starbuck's at Theatre Square. Starbuck's shift manager Tori (she declined to give her last name), said there are dogs out on her patio all the time.

"One lady comes in for an extra cup of ice water for her dog everyday," said Tori.  Like Chow, the dogs are not allowed inside. Only working dogs - those clever guide dogs - are allowed to pass Starbuck's doors.

A trip into Moraga and a visit to Si Si's Café found a happy little Terrier named Oski decked out in full Cal gear running around inside.  The customers didn't seem to mind a bit. Oski was snagging a fair share of treats and head strokes from enthralled little girls. 

Red Wagon Manager Julie Drummond is proof that coffeehouses are not the only venue open to visits by canine customers.

"I bring my dog in every day," she said.           

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