Taylor Brooke 
Zima The Wine Dog
Zima is officially "Semi-Retired"
-- Aug 17, 2011
If you have visited us at the winery lately, you may have been wondering why I haven’t greeted you at the door or walked you out in the vineyard. I used to love doing this, but as you know, as you get older, it gets harder to put in a full day’s work. Therefore, I am officially announcing that I am semi-retired at Taylor Brooke Winery. Don’t worry, you’ll still see me.
My work habits have changed to accommodate my shortened hours. For instance, I’ve taken to barking when folks arrive so I can greet more people at once, so don’t get alarmed. Also, I like napping in the tasting room, and sometimes, I’m told I’m in the way, but I just don’t see it. All you have to do is step around me. However, if you decide to have a picnic in the vineyard or on the winery patio, I PROMISE to escort you to your table. My “mother” tells people not to feed me (for some reason that makes no sense to me); something about my getting older and wanting to keep me healthy. I hate when she does that.
Georgia, that “other” dog who lives with us, is still not up to the challenge of wine dog. I have let her into the tasting room a couple of times and tried to show her how it’s done, but she is still afraid and shy. It doesn’t bother me though…I’ve done all I can. Some dogs have it, and some dogs don’t…besides, her training cuts into my nap time.
Zima's Letter -- 2004
When you come to visit Taylor Brooke Winery, you will have the honor of being greeted by me. My name is Zima. I had another name, but I left my first home to see the world and got lost. Some people found me and put me with a lot of other dogs and cats (ich!) and named me Zima since I had forgotten my other name. I have also forgotten my birthday, but I’m told that I’m about 4 ½ years old.
Whenever a person sees me, they always want to know what kind of dog I am (I am never asked that question by my dog friend, Molly, who lives next door). Again, I have to go on what I’ve heard, but my mom and dad tell people that I am a Dalmation, Border Collie and Jack Russell Terrier mix. People always tell me I’m pretty, but I already knew that!
I LOVE people, especially children, playing fetch with my yellow smiley volleyball, bones (who doesn’t?) and wine (again, who doesn’t?).
I am trying to be good when people come to visit and not bark (mom said NO BARKING) and not beg people to play, but I find that I simply can’t resist at times, so please be patient with me.
So, please come visit me and don’t tell mom and dad that you came to see me. They think you’re coming to taste their wine!
