My Family Has Been "Dog People" From Way Back

My parents were in town this past weekend and I learned two things:
1. My great grandmother had a German Shepherd Dog named Kai that she could send to the store with a coin purse and list in his mouth, and he would return with whatever she had needed. I so don't think our three mutts could accomplish that, not to mention they'd probably be whisked away en route by dog fighters in the misguided hope that they would serve well as bait-dogs.
2. A truly lovely time can be spent at the Montelle Winery in?/near? Augusta, MO, sitting on their wonderful deck, sharing a bottle of wine and watching one of the most spectacular views of the Missouri River bottomlands. And it's only about 45 minutes from St. Louis. Although, the road is quite hilly and windy and a designated driver is highly recommended.

--Kelly