Sebastian: My Life as a Doodle

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Sebastian Thor Hosts Heralded Holiday Soirée

Annual Social Gala Returns; Benefits Children's Toy Drive

San Francisco, California – December 13, 2004 - Sebastian Thor, after a year's home construction hiatus, made a triumphant return to the San Francisco holiday social scene, this last weekend, by welcoming 75 bedecked and bejeweled guests to a grand holiday soirée in his Parnassus Heights home. Attended by a typically diverse cross-section of San Francisco society, the party rang in the holiday season and benefited Mama Sandra Reinhardt's Toy Drive, a nationally growing charity that seeks to bring a little Christmas joy to youngsters suffering from HIV disease.

Sebastian clearly knew something special was afoot when he was awakened at 4:30am, on party day, by great smells coming from the kitchen. Although Jose Romero Catering was engaged for the event, Sebastian's Dads prepared many of their own traditional delicacies to supplement the catered dishes. Dad Scot baked mounds of Christmas Cookies and candy-cane reindeer, while Glen spent the morning rolling Moroccan Meatballs, folding filo dough into Greek Spanokopita, and carving a gigantic, 15 pound honey-baked ham. Sebastian supervised every aspect of the food preparation through large, early morning yawns, from the kitchen floor.

After the food preparation, there was a quick trip to San Francisco's famed "Flower Mart," a source of flowers and plants to the local floral industry, where Sebastian directed the loading of his Jeep with Poinsettias, Gladiolas, Roses, Lillys, Holly, and enough other flowers to open a retail shop. Returning home, the young dog tried to assist with the flower arrangement but was quickly dissuaded by a few unpleasant encounters with untrimmed rose thorns.

Lastly, Sebastian assisted with the final fluff of the upper and lower gardens. As Glen and Scot raked and swept, and made adjustments to the foot-high light bulbs and glowing candy canes, the pup completed his "morning duties" and then assisted with the planting of blooming flower beds. He was especially fastidious in spreading of the new "patio bark" ground cover.

As party-time grew closer, Sebastian's sense of excitement began to grow. He welcomed the gradual arrival of the bar staff, caterers, door man and valet parking crew with huge leaps and barks and began racing from the kitchen, down the stairs, and out to the front gate to see who might be arriving next.

Finally, it was time to dress for the party. The three hosts wore matching, mirror-covered sparkling shirts - Scot in red, Glen in gold and Sebastian in green.

The first guests began to arrive at about 7pm. Sebastian positioned himself on a garden wall, springing down to enthusiastically welcome each new arrival, but gradually realized that this was going to be a big deal and that, perhaps, the greeting task was a bit beyond his attention span. Instead, he situated himself aside the buffet table, inspecting the spread of salmon, brochettes and other delicacies. Much to the amazement of many party-goers, Sebastian kept well away from the temptations.

By 9pm, the holiday gala was in full swing, with festive music and every corner of the house and garden filled with merry makers. The guest list included old friends and new alike, and the attire from some of the latest European and American runways. Robert Jan and Anna were resplendent in tux and black evening gown, (Anna is expecting a "new puppy"), and Mama Reinhardt herself attended, cinched in black leather pants, red leather bustier, and cat-o-nine-tails.

Sebastian Thor circulated through the party, constantly, greeting his guests and posing for photos. Every few minutes, he would move into the library, to inspect the growing pile of children's toys, under the Christmas Tree. In the end, over 65 incredible gifts were donated - games, books, remote control Mini's, Tonka Trucks, Barbies, stuffed toys and on-and-on. Scot and Glen were amazed that it only took one "Not for Puppy" command for Sebastian to realize that the treasure was for sniffing not for shaking or pulling. Instead, when the pup felt the urge to play, he would drop his favorite blue ball into the lap of an unsuspecting guest.

As the evening wore on, the diminutive host began to visibly tire but, with no safe haven in which to rest, and with the ongoing excitement in his home, Sebastian persevered in his hosting circulation. As the last guests departed, however, and the catering staff packed and left, he stood at the top of the stairs, giving wistful looks and "humphs," as if to say "it's time for BED, dammit . . . . Let's go!"

See photos in the "Christmas 2004" section of "Holiday Time"

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Sebastian Thor Resumes San Francisco Philanthropy

Doodle Does Leather Walk; Honored by Mama Sandra Reinhardt

San Francisco, California – September 20, 2004 - San Francisco celebrity Labradoodle, Sebastian Thor, who recently returned from summer relaxations at his Sonoma County home, yesterday trotted triumphantly down Market Street in support of "Leather Walk 2004." The annual charity event, sponsored by community activist Mama Sandy Reinhardt, benefits the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund and the Aids Emergency Fund. This year, over $25,000 was raised on behalf of the two charities.

In a surprise recognition, Ms. Reinhardt selected Sebastian for a "pinning," during the opening ceremonies and flag raising at Harvey Milk plaza. "Mama" reserves such an honor, which includes presentation of a "family" name and brass award pin, for her most beloved supporters. Sebastian was designated "Mama's Labradoodle," in a moving ceremony, with California State Assemblyman Mark Leno, and other dignitaries, standing nearby. Sebastian is believed to be the first canine to receive such recognition.

Dressed in new, formal, leather attire, designed especially for the event by one of the City's leading leather artisans, the modest pup began his long day at his favorite tavern, the Edge Bar. A special friend of the bartenders there, Sebastian sipped libations at the window, as he greeted fans and made dozens of new acquaintances. Conducting himself with calm dignity, Sebastian, none-the-less, clearly felt the building excitement of the day. He seemed particularly thrilled that every greeter knew his name, not remembering that it was emblazoned across the back of his leather vest, in large, shiny studs.

Leather Walk followed an approximately two mile route, down San Francisco's main boulevard, Market Street, and into the "South of Market" nightclub district. With police escort and flashing lights, the several thousand marchers paused at two watering holes, before arriving at the Eagle Tavern. Sebastian marched proudly, between his Dads Scot and Glen, in perfect unison with the other Leather Walk participants, and understood that it was not an occasion for wandering, exploring or sniffing. He also took frequent handfuls of bottled water. As the procession neared an end, though, the noble pup began to tire and was visibly relieved to arrive at the Eagle, with its large outdoor patio, cool shade and plentiful supplies of food and drink.

The crowds at the Eagle, as they build over a Sunday afternoon, can become overwhelming for those of diminutive height so, with his advance team doing their job, Sebastian had auto transportation waiting for him, at the end of the Walk. After a brief rest, San Francisco's famous Dood was whisked away to his home, as fans mobbed the sidewalk to wish him farewell. Sebastian was asleep before the car pulled away from the curb.

See photos in the "Leather Walk 2004" section of "Around Town."

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Sebastian Thor Celebrates Birthday in "Fourth of July Style"

Distinguished Doodle Turns Two, Fireworks Commemorate Event

San Francisco, California – July 10, 2004 - Recovering from an over-indulgence of cake and festivities, famed labradoodle Sebastian Thor celebrated his second birthday this past Fourth of July weekend. A celebrity-guest of the Russian River Resort, in western Sonoma County, friends and divas alike traveled from across the country to congratulate and party with the Yankee Doodle Doodle. Fireworks filled the sky to cap-off the four-day event.

Sebastian took up residence at the "Triple R" as a special birthday treat, taking advantage of the many entertainments at the resort, while his weekend guests were accommodated at his country home, about a mile away. In true Sebastian style, his cabin was festooned with holiday decorations and the energetic pup spent much of the weekend perched in the window, merrily watching the hundreds of party-goers on the deck, and in the pool, just outside.

Entertainment was provided by cabaret entertainer Irene Soderberg, San Francisco Empress Snatch and comedian Shaan Caar. Pool games, included "Stuff the Fruit," where contestants had three minutes to fill their swim trunks with assorted fruits floating in the water, and "Squeeze the Juice," where the retrieved delicacies were "juiced" on chest-mounted utensils. Sebastian vigorously barked his objection, at being disqualified as a participant, during both events.

On Saturday evening, about 20 guests gathered at the house for a traditional "Fourth of July" barbeque of beef and pork ribs. Unfortunately, the grill chose this event to malfunction and dinner was not served until late in the evening. With ample supplies of beer and wine, though, the human guests didn't seem to mind the delay. Sebastian, being a non-drinker, of course, became a bit perturbed. All was forgiven, though, when he was given a few barely-cooked ribs and, later, a healthy piece of his birthday cake.

The birthday celebrations marked Sebastian's return to the social scene, following seclusion from injuries incurred during a vicious dog attack several weeks ago. The spunky pup is fully recovered, although he sports a shaved-down patch where his hair is growing back in a dark chocolate color, the shade of his early puppyhood.

Also on a related note, Sebastian's 11-month home remodel was completed, during the long holiday, and Pup and Dads alike were elated to return to the finally finished house and the new library, the last room to be completed. Sebastian's favorite chair has returned from the garage, and he obviously relishes curling up in the mahogany paneled room for his afternoon snooze.

Party organizers note that Sebastian’s birthday will actually occur on July 14. Festivities were held over the weekend, though, as fireworks technicians – owing to some peculiarities in their schedule – were only available to mark the pup’s birthday, on July 4th.

See Fourth of July photos in the "4 July 2004" section of "At the River" and the home remodel photos in the "Sebastian Remodels" section of "At Home".

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Sebastian Takes a Road Trip

City Celebrity Tours California; Greets Fans from Palm Springs to Carmel

San Francisco, California – April 1, 2004 - With spring in the air and contractors descending for Phase II of a home remodel, maturing Labradoodle Sebastian Thor vacated San Francisco, in March, for his first extended road trip. With his crate, luggage and assorted doggy bones, balls and rawhide chews loaded into the back of the family Jeep, the celebrity pooch visited fans, and made new friends, along the entire length and breadth of the Golden State.

Sebastian's journey began at 5 am, on a Wednesday morning when, much to his dismay, Dad Scot was dropped at the San Francisco airport, en route to Scottsdale, Arizona, to attend spring training for the San Francisco Giants. Scot is a huge baseball fan and, while Sebastian loves baseballs too, it was generally believed that the temptation of a Barry Bonds center field fly would have been a cruel tease to the energetic canine.

So, with Scot winging south, Dad Glen and Sebastian began their tour of roadside rest stops down the length of Interstate Highway 5. Amazingly, the Dood seemed to understand the routine. At each stop, Mr. Sebastian would bound from the car, run in huge leaps and circles in the cool grass, and then return to his settled-down "shot gun" position in the passenger seat. With his fondness for McNuggets, of course, McDonalds was a favorite such stop.

The Los Angeles area, and the Altadena home of cousins Frank and Marie, was the first stop on the tour. There, Sebastian was hosted by Mischief, a Lab-mix with impeccable manners and genuine patience for energetic adolescents. Over the next several days, cousins and canines hiked in the canyons, played in the pool, and toured the tourist sites of Southern California. Glen was particularly elated at his first visit to Grahman's Chinese Theater, and to the handprints of one of his favorite movie idols, Rosalind Russell, famed for her one-liners in the film "Auntie Mame."

The L.A. visit also coincided with the 93rd birthday of Aunt Anig, the family matriarch and a remarkable woman who could still juggle great-grandchildren in one hand, while simultaneously playing tug-the-ball with the intuitively gentle Sebastian. In fact, Sebastian's demeanor with young children and more mature relatives, neither of whom he is normally around, was one of the trip's surprises.

Next, it was off to the desert resort of Palm Springs. Regrettably, en route, Sebastian leapt after a yappy dog, at one of the rest areas, and managed to pull Dad Glen into a hidden lawn sprinkler. For the rest of the holiday, Glen was hobbled by a badly sprained ankle, and required substantial doses of Run-and-Coke to deal with the pain.

Arriving in Palm Springs, Sebastian launched into elated yelps when, parked at the air terminal, he heard the magic words "Where's Daddy?". Sure enough, looking sun burned and glowing from several days of baseball, Scot emerged from the airport into the leaping paws of the pooch.

While obviously not a fan of the desert heat, Sebastian learned to relax in the shade, poolside, or to monitor activities from the window of his hotel room, just adjacent to the pool. He also was a huge hit, as he greeted other guests at the private resort, although his sniffing habits needed correction at the "clothing optional" venue.

Sebastian also leaned other new traveling skills. From Palm Springs, and onward to L.A., Santa Barbara and Carmel, the pooch learned to leap onto the bed, at each hotel room, and to pull back the bedspread and fluff the pillows. It became a comic routine. Once he had each bed arranged to his satisfaction, he would jump over to his luggage and unpack his toys, arranging them in the crook of a pillow on the bed. (He traveled so well, that Dads abandoned the crate after the first night). He also understood "check out," repacking his bag, as he saw Glen and Scot packing theirs, and then sitting patiently at the room door, waiting for departure. The fact that each reception desk had an amble supply of Doggy Treats, no doubt, encouraged the routine.

In Carmel, Sebastian was reacquainted with Ari Baba and CeCe, Tibetan Terriers, at the home of Glen's sister Nancy, where the group dined on steak and salad while overlooking beautiful Carmel Valley. And, of course, the canine stayed, once again, at Doris Day's famed Cypress Inn, (see previous photos in the "Carmel by the Sea." section), where doggies are welcome and abundant and where cocktail hour, in the lounge, is an occasion for prancing and sniffing. The wear-and-tear of travel, though, was starting to prey on all three San Franciscans, though, and it was clearly time to head home.

The great road trip finally came to and end, and Sebastian arrived home to obvious great joy, surveying every nook of his home to make sure all was as it should be and that contractors had not done damage during his absence. A couple of days rest, and it will be off to the River!

See road trip photos in the "2004 Road Trip" section of "Holiday Time."