Our next Bark & Brew is on Friday, February 19th from 6pm to 10pm. For those of you who have never attended a Yappy Hour or Bark & Brew at Murphy’s Paw, we host them once a month and they are BY FAR our most “pawpular” event. It’s a great opportunity for dogs and dog lovers to socialize with their own kind. We crank up the music, serve wine and snacks and even have beer on tap. We were lucky enough to make an arrangement with Concord’s own Ale Industries, the newest addition to the list of great Northern California breweries. Ale Industries strives to introduce new and amazing beers on a seasonal basis! 

We will also be giving away a $100 Murphy’s Paw gift card at this event! Using your mobile phone, simply text “PAW” to 91904 to enter the drawing. In doing so, you will also be eligible for future prizes, special promotions and exclusive discounts! WOOF!!

That’s all for now. Until next time…may the paw be with you!

The Team at Murphy’s Paw

Join us Friday night for drinks and refreshments! We will be serving Sierra Nevada and Widmer Hefeweizen on tap, red and white wine, and plenty snacks....for humans AND dogs! Enjoy a cocktail-wagging Friday evening in downtown Pleasanton with other local dog lovers. WOOF!

Just a quick reminder: now through December 31st we are having a 20% off sale on all of our hand-made organic wool sweaters! From Chihuahuas to Bull Mastiffs, we have your size in stock! WOOF!

Murphy's Paw was lucky enough to be featured on the Channel 5 evening news last night! We do feel it is necessary to explain the reference to the $99 bomber jacket that was featured in this story. We carry beautiful, high-quality bomber jackets that originally sold for $99 in the winter of 2008. However, those jackets and other winter wear from last season are currently 75% off. The veterinarian featured in this story mentions that dogs do not need extra clothing, and we respectfully disagree. Responsible dog owners know that this fully depends on the breed! Murphy, our Golden Retriever and the inspiration for Murphy’s Paw, is less likely in need of a coat or sweater than some of our short-haired customers. For instance, Boris (featured here: http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=view_from_the_bay/puppies_kittens&id=6468674) is a prime example of a dog needing extra warmth in an especially cold winter. Boris is a 180 pound Great Dane that is susceptible to below-freezing temperatures just as much as a 5 pound Chihuahua! Nevertheless, Murphy’s Paw truly supports the well-being of your furry family member and wishes everyone a happy holiday! Stop by the shop this month; we are currently having a 20% off sale on all of our hand-made organic wool sweaters! Average price is $30, based on size. WOOF!

Those of you living in the Tri-Valley are likely familiar with Diablo Magazine. Every month, “The Magazine for the San Francisco East Bay” is a must-read for us locals, covering topics ranging from travel, culture, entertainment, recreation, and food. With locally-driven editorial, beautiful photography, and resource listings, Diablo is a unique celebration of the area we call home. Last August's issue features Diablo’s Pet Guide, from A-Z.

From Bling (Ashley & Co.) to Grooming (Shampooches) to Yappy Hour (Murphy’s Paw!) this alphabetical guide is an awesome resource for Bay Area pet owners. Check it out!

Andrea "Coco" Martoglio has been with “The Paw” since Day One. In her own words, we have her player “pawfile!”

• I’ve been with Murphy’s Paw since we opened in November 2007.
• Not that I don’t love my human clients, but my favorite part of the job: meeting and greeting the dogs that visit us every day!
• I graduated from California State University Sacramento (too long ago) with a degree in Government Journalism.
• I’ve been married 24 years to Rich, former owner of Decision Technologies, a software consulting firm. Rich is now retired, coaches football, and is an amateur vintner and wine maker specializing in Italian varietals.
• I’m a mother of three teenagers…yikes! Gabrielle, age 19, is attending her second year at Las Positas College. Ed, age 17, is a senior at Foothill High School. And Lexie, age 14, is a freshman at Bishop O’Dowd high school.
• I share my home with four dogs: Shadow, is a 13 year-old Australian Shepard. Niner (yes–Go Niners!!) is a 10 year-old Golden Retriever. Grizzly, age eight, is a handsome Havanese. Finally, we have Maybelle, a two year-old pug who has worked the Murphy’s Paw booth at San Jose’s “Bark in the Park!”
• My passion is horses. I currently own two: Lena is a six year-old paint mare and Winnie is a yearling Quarter horse filly. I have raised, trained, and shown horses all my life!
• Other interests: dance, theatre, football (watching, not performing!) politics, history, and volunteering in the schools and for philanthropies in the Pleasanton community.

Wow–could Murphy’s Paw have a better representative in Downtown Pleasanton?!? Find out for yourself and visit “Coco” soon!

Since Murphy’s Paw is located in the heart of beautiful downtown Pleasanton, we thought it would be fitting to share with you other dog-friendly downtown establishments.

If you’re strolling downtown with your pooch and would like to grab a bite to eat, the following restaurants allow dogs in outdoor patio seating:

Baci Bistro and Bar
Cafe Main
Oasis Grille
Redcoats
Stacey’s Cafe
Vic’s All-Star Cafe

Technically it is against California health code to allow dogs in patio areas where food is being served to tables by paid staff. However, in addition to the above establishments, other downtown restaurants will allow dogs to relax on the other side of their fenced-in outdoor seating area. You and your dog have plenty of options!

The majority of retail stores downtown are very dog-friendly. Few exceptions are stores that carry food items or fragile merchandise, such as bridal gowns. The list continues to grow:

Apparel & Co.
Berry Patch
Cazinha Portrait Designs
Celebrity Bound
Fleet Feet
Jewelers Gallery
Me and Emmi
Murphy’s Paw
Passionate Athlete
Resurrection
Serenity Stoneworks
Sincerely Yours Cards & Gifts
Studio 7
The Wine Steward
Thriving Ink
Towne Center Books
Your Stage Toys

We hope you and your canine family members enjoy our great downtown!

The Team at Murphy’s Paw

Hello Pawsters-

As a result of your added feedback, we are now carrying a wider range of dog chews. We have added 15 products to our natural selection, including snouts, femur bones, wizzlers, and jerky. We also stock “ZUKES” chew bones and a wide selection of Nyla-Bones.

In addition, we’ve also added a bulk cookie section that currently features four different variations including organic treats and cookies for bad breath.

Finally, we've expanded our toy selection and maintenance product lines, including grooming tools, puppy pads, and training aids.

Come check out the new and improved Paw! Please keep in mind that Murphy’s Paw wouldn’t be possible without our devout customers. We are always a work-in-progress and your valuable feedback makes a difference.

Thank you for your pawtronage!

The Team at Murphy’s Paw

P.S. Bark and Brew tomorrow night! It's Yappy Hour!!

Want Craig Ferguson to visit Downtown Pleasanton again?!?!?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jtEe93AWFM

Email Craig at: http://www.cbs.com/late_late_show/email/

Let’s do this people!
–The Team at Murphy’s Paw

As the chair of Pleasanton’s downtown merchant group, I thought it would be appropriate for me to update our customers on what is happening in our community. Many people have expressed concern about the empty buildings on Main Street. Unfortunately, this is a reality of our current economy and we are not alone. You can visit almost any downtown and see empty spaces.

That being said, the downtown merchant group is forward-thinking. We want to make sure that downtown is in a position to thrive as our economy gains momentum. We are looking at all aspects of the downtown shopping experience and how we can improve. We’re also working on a number of events to help promote downtown as a family-friendly environment. The first of these events is titled “It’s a Spring Fling” and will be held on May 8th. Stay tuned for more details!

At the city level, our group is researching other downtowns in CA. We are specifically looking at how these cities restrict the types of businesses inhabiting their main downtown areas. Pleasanton currently has 69 nail/hair/medi/spas, 7 banks, and less than 40 retail stores in the downtown footprint. This current mix of businesses doesn’t attract pedestrian traffic-flow up and down Main Street. Frankly, this has resulted in downtown shrinking to just a few successful blocks. So far research shows that a majority of successful CA downtowns (Carmel, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Napa, Petaluma, Alameda, etc.) have some sort of restriction in place.

Downtown Pleasanton is already a great destination, but improvements can be made. If you are interested in getting updates on downtown happenings and would possibly like to attend city council meetings, please email ptowncitizens@yahoo.com. You will be added to the email list for updates.

We are so thankful for our wonderful customers who help us maintain our business through these tough times. We are here to stay, and hope you are as well!

Thanks again for your support and pawtronage!

Melanie

As you may already know, we take photos of all our canine customers and display them 24/7 on a looped slideshow. We now have over 2000 dogs in the rotation!

Each and every one of those photos can also be found here on Flickr: http://flickr.com/photos/murphyspaw/collections/

Feel free to find your pooch and add comments. Enjoy!!

--The Team at Murphy's Paw

We had a blast! Hope you did as well! Here's the TV spot:

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=view_from_the_bay/puppies_kittens&id=6468674

Hello all-

It's Pawty Time on Friday, folks! Not only are we hosting another Yappy Hour (our most popular event!) but ABC will be shooting a live 4-minute segment between 3 and 4pm on "The View from the Bay!"

We traditionally start our Yappy Hours at 6pm, but we're getting our "drink on" early to accommodate ABC’s schedule. Cut out of work early and join us!

Mike & Melanie Sadek

Between now and November 4th, you can donate $1 to vote for either “Bark Obama” or “John McCainine” at Murphy's Paw. All money raised benefits the Valley Humane Society, a Pleasanton-based animal welfare organization advocating responsible pet ownership. Please visit the store or www.murphyspaw.com for details!!

In addition, we now have extended store hours:

Monday - 10am to 6pm
Tuesday - 10am to 6pm
Wednesday - 10am to 6pm
Thursday - 10am to 6pm
Friday - 10am to 9pm
Saturday - 9:30am to 9pm
Sunday - 11am to 5pm

Thanks for being a loyal Murphy's Paw customer!

Sincerely,
--The Team at Murphy's Paw
(Melanie, Andrea, Bailey, Holly, Perri, Heidi, Mike, and of course, Murphy!)

We have a ton of upcoming events planned for the summer. Mark your calendars! 

Thursday, July 10th, 6pm to 9pm
Singles Mingle
Looking for love in all the wrong places? Bring your pooch to Murphy’s Paw and enjoy refreshments with other single parents. Must love dogs!

Thursday, July 17th, 6pm to 9pm
Summer Wine Stroll
Over 25 members of the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association will showcase their wines throughout Main Street.

Saturday, July 26th, 11am to 2pm
Ice Cream Social
We will be serving ice cream for both canines and humans on a hot summer day. Proceeds benefit Tri-Valley Animal Rescue.

Wednesday, August 6th, 6pm to 9pm
First Wednesday
Street Party: Dog Days of Summer

Friday, August 22nd, 6pm to 9pm
Yappy Hour!
Our most popular event! We will have drinks and refreshments for you and your canine companion. Enjoy a cocktail-wagging Friday evening in downtown Pleasanton with other local dog lovers!

Wednesday, September 3rd, 6pm to 9pm
First Wednesday
Street Party: Celebrate Pleasanton

Saturday, September 20th, 10am to 5pm
Bark in the Park
It’s the ninth annual Bark in the Park canine celebration at William Street Park in downtown San Jose, California. It's a unique festival for the whole family, including your dog and his best friend.

Saturday, October 4th, 10am to 6pm & Sunday October 5th, 12pm to 5pm
Fall Sidewalk Sales & Preview
Take advantage of the great sales both inside and out! Murphy’s Paw will also be raffling off special prizes on both days!

Friday, May 16th, 6pm to 8pm
Yappy Hour!
It’s that time again!! We will have drinks and refreshments for you and your canine companion. Enjoy a cocktail-wagging Friday evening in downtown Pleasanton with other local dog lovers!

Sunday, May 18th, 11am to 4pm
Animals on Broadway
Tony LaRussa's Animal Rescue Foundation will host their annual "Animals on Broadway" event at Broadway Plaza in Downtown Walnut Creek. Murphy's Paw will have a booth along with many other organizations who support ARF.

Friday, June 20th, 7pm to 8:30pm
Concert in the Park
Night Fever plays the park! Get ready to get up off your blankets and dance! Located at Wayside Park (corner of First and Neal St) in downtown Pleasanton. Sponsored by Murphy’s Paw.

In addition, Murphy’s Paw will also be participating in the following First Wednesday street parties:

• May 7th, 6pm to 9pm: Cinco De Mayo Celebration
• June 4th, 6pm to 9pm: Hot Fun in the Summertime
• July 2nd, 6pm to 9pm: Red, White & Blues
• August 6th, 6pm to 9pm: Dog Days of Summer
• September 3rd, 6pm to 9pm : Celebrate Pleasanton

We have more fun events planned at Murphy’s Paw for Spring/Summer 2008: Ice Cream Social, Singles Mingle, Baseball Autograph Signing, and more! Details soon!

Murphy's Paw is proud to join eastbaysocial.com, the East Bay's premier word of mouth network. Here's a little a bit about our brief history...

It all started in January 2002. Murphy joined the Sadek household and made it his own. Murph essentially became our first born son: he wasn’t a pet, he was a family member! After crate-training, puppy kindergarten, obedience school, doggy daycare and dog park socials, we met many other dogs and dog owners having the same perspective. However, something was missing; we didn’t have a special place to take Murphy for toys, treats and accessories. We occasionally frequented the big pet store chains, but felt Murphy deserved more. Well, now that place exists. At Murphy’s Paw, the combination of high quality products, great selection and expert customer service creates the shopping experience we’ve always envisioned for Murphy. Bring your families and see for yourself.

It’s good to be a dog!
Sincerely,
Mike & Melanie Sadek