Now that we’re all spending so much time indoors, many of us are also drinking a lot more wine. The problem is that getting out to the store to grab a few more bottles when our supply runs out can be difficult if not impossible. Thankfully, a Maryland winery has figured out an ingenious solution: the owner’s dog is doing curbside wine delivery.
- Soda Pup is happy to help. Having a dog deliver wine is a simple but wonderful way to ensure customers are happy without having to endanger themselves and others by going into the actual shop. Stone House Urban Winery in Hagerstown, Maryland is behind the move, with owner Lori Yata’s 11-year-old boxer Soda Pup being the delivery boy.
- The service also keeps the business going. Many businesses have suffered huge financial losses and even face permanent shutdowns due to the current global health crisis. By having Soda Pup deliver wine to people’s cars, Stone House is able to continue earning revenue while also making their loyal customers happy with wine and a visit from an adorable dog.
- Curbside wine delivery is simple but amazing. Stone House customers call in to let Lori know what they want to buy. When it’s time for them to drive over to the store and pick up their wine order, they drive into the parking lot and wait for the dog to show up with their curbside delivery. “When we get the call, I hold up Soda’s vest and he hurries on over. Not exaggerating, he really hurries over and stands ready,” Lori told TODAY.
- Delivering wine is making Soda Pup happy too. Apparently, the lack of customers coming into the shop was making Soda Pup sad, which is what inspired Lori to come up with the wine delivery service in the first place. “You see, every time the door would chime, Soda would jump up to greet whomever was coming in,” she explained. “It was so funny — when a regular guest would come in, their head would swivel over to Soda’s bed and he would be acknowledged before the rest of us.”
- More dog wine delivery services, please! As Lori revealed, Soda Pup seems to be thriving in his new position as it gives him a real sense of purpose. “When we get the call, I hold up Soda’s vest and he hurries on over. Not exaggerating, he really hurries over and stands ready,” she said. “I put a couple treats in the pack, a bag for the wine, and the two bottles of wine. I then open the door and he marches on up the walk to the curb and parking lot to deliver the wine. I do have to make sure there are no critters around, such as geese, squirrels, bunnies, etc. … Come on, he is a dog!”
