On Chaos and Abundance: A Dog-Loving Winemaker Gives Thanks

Snapshot from a recent Dog Days of Summer event at Mutt Lynch Winery, Sonoma. photo: Mutt Lynch

Abundance is everywhere. Yet do we always see it?

As a winemaker, I lead a busy life and never more so than during harvest. Between vineyard work, winery management, and a crazy family life with two teens and three dogs, it’s easy to just drop from exhaustion and push the wash/rinse/repeat button at the sound of the alarm clock.

But every day there are small moments that drive us further forward than we ever imagined. A busy life can be calmed by a single breath. A dog at my feet and a sigh of contentment are all that I need to consider myself a wealthy woman.  My energy reserves are renewed and are ready to be shared with those around me again.

The life that I lead was only partially chosen. Sure, I’ve been on a winemaker’s path since my early days at various wineries big and small, to international assignments, and finally to Mutt Lynch, the winery that I own with my husband Chris. But serendipity swoops in constantly with a chance meeting, a new business opportunity, …or another foster animal. 

In fact, we’ve cared for over 20 foster animals in the last four years. In doing so, I’ve learned to lean into these moments that I apparently can’t say no to (or actually don’t want to say no to). My life may be chaotic or peaceful, depending on the day, but I’m filled with appreciation for both states.

For me, gratitude starts with awareness, that feeling of looking up from the daily demands of life to see the simple and the profound around you. The smallest things can inspire awe: a glint of sunlight on grapes to be picked, my daughter’s smile at having made a new friend, my beloved dogs lolling on the couch in utter contentment. But I’m only human and it’s easy to lose perspective. 

Our winery, Mutt Lynch, has been engaged with animal rescue organizations in the North Bay for over 25 years, and that work has been both an honor and a challenge. The challenge comes from knowing just how many animals need our help and how many worthy organizations could use some additional support. We do what we can through our monthly Mutt Lynch Yappy Hours, with donations going to a different highlighted organization each month; our special “Wines That Give Back” series; and by pouring at various fundraisers. Then there are the multiple foster and adopted animals that have made their way into our own home and hearts. 

Brenda with foster pups Luke and Leia. photo: Mutt Lynch

All of these efforts may seem like giving back. But, in fact, they’re acts of receiving the abundance of love that’s out there for the taking. 

Despite the numbers and need, animals are saved one at a time. It starts with you, and it starts with me. That process is aided by an army of rescue angels who  I am grateful to know and work beside. Our collective efforts to enhance the lives of animals that need our love and care leave all of us honored and fulfilled.

And so I continue with my busy life, packing lunches and permission slips at an ungodly hour as I get ready to slip out the front door. But before I go, I always see one pair of eyes belonging to the elderly dog who loves to sleep near our threshold, perhaps a memory of the guarding traits that left her long ago. And those eyes always seem to say, “I know it’s a long day ahead, but I’ll be here when you get back. Maybe then we can each get a back rub?”

Gratitude. It’s an attitude that can enrich our lives and the lives of all those around us. To those beautiful four-pawed souls who enrich my life every day, I say thank you.  And to anyone out there who may be considering fostering, adopting, or donating to an organization of your choice, I say do it.  

Abundance is all around us. Just open your eyes and dive in.