A jug of wine, a box of MilkBones, and thou.
A lovely summer afternoon. Fine art. A chilled glass of chardonnay. And your best friend at your side.
Doesn’t get any better than that, eh?
I’m sure the 15 people who attended the Museum of Art’s first Dog Days of Summer wine tasting would agree. Dog lovers and the objects of their affection came from Boca, Miami and Hollywood on a Sunday early this month to sip wine (or water, for the four-legged ones), chat and bark. Tables were set up outside in the museum’s breezy atrium in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Even the wines were canine-themed, with names like Dachshund Red.
A portion of the proceeds went to Sebastian's Haul Foundation to Support Greyhound Rescue.
“Everyone really enjoyed themselves, the wine, meeting others. And of course, being able to bring their dogs was most important!” said Douglas Ratcliff. He’s the man behind those exciting changes in the museum’s shop and event schedule, which now includes regular wine tastings and a café with a delicious menu.
Douglas hopes to do more wine-and-dog events at the museum but first wants to connect with the Humane Society and other local animal welfare people. So rescue groups: Give a shout-out to Doug. You can e-mail him at artandwine@mac.com.
And click here for more info about The Wine Bar and The Store at the museum.
Art, animal causes and wine: This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
ANGIE BRENNAN, a Sun-Sentinel page designer,
lives with four dogs and one boyfriend. And has a lifetime of animal stories to share.
DIANE LADE, a reporter on the Sun-Sentinel's Help Team, has lived with cats, dogs, reptiles, fish, an iguana, and an armadillo.
CYNDI METZGER, editor of the Sun-Sentinel's Outlook section, is smitten with Bella, her poodle who regularly ignores requests to sit, stay and get off the ivory-colored sofa. 
JOHN TANASYCHUK, a Sun-Sentinel lifestyle writer, has lived with cats as long as he can remember. He and his partner currently share their home with three.
