With social distancing in place, many wineries and breweries have had to restructure the way they sell their product, offering curb side pickups, or delivery only. Changing your business model on sudden notice, can be stressful — luckily for one Maryland winery, help has come in the form of a dedicated delivery dog.
When Lori Yata, co-owner of Hagarstown’s Stone House Urban Winery learned that her business would be limited to carryout orders, she decided to enlist Soda Pup, her 11-year-old Brindle Boxer, to help fulfill customers’ orders.
As Yata told the Herald-Mail, Soda Pup was already a popular presence in the winery’s tasting room and shop, and she realized he would make an excellent delivery boy in addition to an unofficial mascot.
Now, any customer picking up their order is greeted by Soda Pup, who wears a saddle bag capable of holding up to four bottles of wine.
Stone House Urban Winery / Facebook
Having Soda Pup deliver the wines comes with added health and safety bonuses. According to the World Health Organization, there is “no evidence” dogs can contract or spread the Covid-19 virus.
Business at Stone House has remained steady, so Soda Pup has plenty to do. First-time sales have even increased, thanks in part to the dog’s popularity, and some visitors have come just to get a photo with him.
Now we just need a dog to deliver some beer and maybe a mixed drink or two and the world is complete!
