Sebastian: My Life as a Doodle

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Sebastian Thor Tours Carmel-by-the-Sea

Doodle Hosted at Doris Day's famed Cypress Inn; Makes Good on "Please Don't Eat the Daises" request

Carmel, California – December 30, 2002 - Carmel-by-the-Sea, the picturesque resort village nestled between the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Resort and California's Big Sur Coast, is accustomed to celebrities strolling along it's European-style streets. Actor Clint Eastwood has even served as the town's mayor.

Over the Christmas holiday, however, even the normally nonchalant Carmel locals were all abuzz over the visit of San Francisco celebrity Labradoodle, Sebastian Thor. The charming Aussie immigrant attracted crowds everywhere he went, even briefly halting traffic on Ocean Avenue, the village's main thoroughfare.

Sebastian, in town to visit his Dad Glen's sister Nancy, and her husband Nick, took up residence in the Tower Suite at the Cypress Inn, an historic, Moorish-Mediterranean style inn owned by famed actress and animal-rights activist Doris Day.

The Cypress caters to a dog-loving crowd and most guests have one or two doggie companions in their charge. During breakfast and cocktail hours, in particular, the bar and lounges are filled with well-behaved, and mostly pedigreed pooches. Sebastian, despite his lack of AKC credentials, was clearly the center of attention. Miss Day herself sat with her handsome guest, extended a warm welcome and introduced him to her latest rescue, a very lucky abandoned pup, "Maui," from Hawaii.

Most guests were unfamiliar with the Labradoodle breed. Fortunately, however, the Cypress Inn displays a "Dictionary of Dogs" near the fireplace and the "Doodle" was described in some detail there. The listing lent legitimacy to Sebastian's presence at the upscale hostelry, with most observers agreeing that the San Franciscan was more handsome and charming than the models used in the book. Two high-strung and overly coiffed Poodles, present during the dictionary reading, even became ill with envy.

Ari Baba, a feisty Tibetan Terrier owned by Nick and Nancy, hosted Sebastian during the Carmel visit. The two pooches exchanged Christmas gifts of Cow Knuckles, Pigs Ears and Stuffed Toys, and spent considerable energy chasing one another around the living room of the host's Carmel Valley home. By evening's end, the canines had developed a fast friendship, with "Baba" generously offering up a host of toys from his personal stash.

Baba also led Sebastian and the family on a walking tour of the Carmel village and beach walk. Regrettably, due to unusually high tides, local authorities had posted the beaches as "off limits" to humans and puppies alike. Neither canine seemed to mind, though they clearly wished to get closer to the sea otters frolicking, just out of reach, in the rough surf.

Sebastian fell in love with Carmel-by-the-Sea. Upon checkout from the Cypress Inn, the accommodating and friendly staff extended a return invitation to the Aussie, who looked up, as he departed the lobby, as if to say "Que Sera Sera."

See photos in the "Carmel" section of Holiday Time.

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Sebastian Thor Named "Mr. July" in 2003 International Calendar

Celebrated Aussie Bestowed Top Honors by Doodle Prints

Melbourne, Australia and San Francisco, California – December 20, 2002 - Continuing his growing international fame, Sebastian Thor has been selected "Mr. July" for an historic first-issue calendar featuring the emerging Labradoodle breed.

It's been quire a year for the "Doodle." Newsweek Magazine trumpeted the Australian imports rapid "rise to canine stardom," in a July issue, and the New York Times, following high-profile adoptions by Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez and Scot Howard, blazed the headline "The Labradoodle has its Day!" Even broadcast television got into the act, with station WABC doing an extended, on-air feature and declaring the breed "the new, hot dog."

Now, elite on-line boutique Doodle Prints is publishing the first Labradoodle calendar. Specializing in providing products with a distinctly Doodle theme, for fun loving Labradoodle owners and lovers worldwide, Doodle Prints selected Sebastian Thor as one of only twelve Labradoodles to represent the popular breed.

In learning that he'd made the cut, Sebastian paused from his Sunday egg and bacon omelet and commented "Woof!"

Competition for the coveted calendar spot was fierce, as photo nominations poured in from hundreds of proud Doodle parents around the world. Even Sebastian had a difficult time selecting which of his many photogenic moments to submit for consideration. The feisty pup spent hours pawing through everything from rambunctious puppy photos to more recent toddler shots, finally deciding that a new roll of pictures absolutely had to be taken.

In the end, Sebastian submitted an entire portfolio and a photo from his childhood was selected for the "Mr. July" spot. Publishers Denise and Chris, though, commented "we could have used them all, as the photos were all soooooooooo sweet." Their own canine, Cheyenne, serves as "Mr. June." Australian heart-throb Magic, whose guardian Monica is well known and loved among Labradoodle cognoscenti, fills the March spot.

The new 2003 International Labradoodle Calendar will be available mid-January but orders are already being accepted at www.DoodlePrints.com.au. Sebastian is also considering a U.S. and International signing tour, later next year.

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Sebastian Thor Hosts Society “Event of the Season!”

San Francisco’s Glitterati Strut their Stuff for celebrated Australian Labradoodle; Social event also benefits “2002 Toys in 2002” drive

San Francisco, California – December 9, 2002 - Leaving his distinct mark on San Francisco’s robust social scene yet once again, Sebastian Thor, Saturday evening, hosted nearly 75 of the City's most notable notables at a holiday gala in his Parnassus Heights home. The guest list, reflecting Sebastian’s egalitarian Australian heritage, included a diverse cross-section of Bay Area personalities – authors, doctors, lawyers, peninsular technologists, queens, leather divas, politicians, relatives, neighbors and folks who just like to drink at a hosted bar. Local television personalities and broadcast media were also in attendance.

Keeping true to his city-wide philantropic effort, Sebastian's social event benefited the “2002 Toys in 2002” drive, spearheaded by celebrity fundraiser Mama Sandy Reinhardt, which collects toys for youngsters suffering from HIV and Aids related illnesses. Guests were asked to bring new, unwrapped gifts in lieu of a traditional hostess memento. Over 50 toys were collected for the worthwhile cause.

Sebastian, having just returned from an extended stay at the Happy Pets Inn, a Napa Valley doggy resort and spa, was the consummate host. Dressed in red ribbon and brass sleigh bells, and freshly rejuvenated from the Napa mud baths, hydro spa treatment and final visit to the grooming salon, the well behaved pup received accolades from the entire guest list.

Party staff also gave him their begrudging respect. Celebrity Caterer Jose’ Romero, accustomed to his high profile clientele giving him his lead, expressed some initial irritation with the pup. “I am Jose’!” he pointed out, as he flew around the dining room. “My other clients NEVER insist on inspecting each dish I serve!” Sebastian’s clear satisfaction with the baked ham, smoked turkey, brochettes, stuffed grape leaves and other delicacies – and especially with the salmon plate - ended up winning over the flamboyant chef.

Doorman Adrian, expecting Sebastian to fly out the front door and to personally greet each arriving guest, was amazed that the young pup remained in the entry hall, assisting with the collection of coats and giving enthusiastic thanks over the arrival of one stuffed toy after another.

Likewise, the Flying Dutchman parking valets were initially short-tempered. “We are used to being given instruction, but we’ve never had a party host BARK them at us,” was a common comment. When the young lads realized Sebastian’s easy-going Australian charm, though, they rapidly became “mates.”

Sebastian handled the party-going crowds like an experienced entertainer. His greetings were enthusiastic and polite, but not overly rambunctious, and he was remarkably subdued around the enticing holiday displays and tempting Christmas tree. When the room became a little too crowded for the diminutive pup, he – much like his Dads – took refuge behind the bar, where bartender Annette was likely to drop an occasional lemon rind or martini olive.

Several guests, who have known Sebastian since he immigrated to San Francisco in late September, were amazed at how quickly the youngster has matured. “It’s more than just his size,” observed family friend Jeff Leonard, “it’s his temperament.” Sebastian has grown from just 9 ½ pounds to 32, in less than 3 months, and has faded from a deep chocolate into a more gentile café color. To Jeff’s observation, though, he is now a well-behaved young adult, who listens well to Dads and who now prefers to give puppy kisses rather than to chew everything in sight. While he still maintains many of his puppy enthusiasms, he also evidences a much calmer, confident manner.

During the holiday party, guests mingled in both upper and lower gardens, festooned with white lights, large beds of red poinsettias, and several dozen votive candles. Regrettably, owing to the poisonous nature of poinsettias, Sebastian was banned from the lower garden and contented himself with batting at the floating candles in the water fountain, when he joined his guests for an outdoor smoke break. This new endeavour replaced Sebastian's work on the "hole to China," which had been filled by groundskeeper Drew, earlier in the day.

Celebrations continued until well past 1am, with the last guest helped from the floor to his cab around 2am, but Sebastian took a prime position in an armchair, much earlier, and drifted off to sleep in the midst of the Beach Boys Christmas Album and a still-very-noisy living room. The excitement of the day, and the generous sneaks of brie and salmon from guests, proved overwhelming for the Aussie, in his first time role as an American party host.

Many a nenowned guest, as they left the holiday extravanganza, were over-heard saying that they could hardly wait for Sebastian’s New Year’s Eve event – a planned spectacle known only to the pup's circle of intimates.

See photos in "Christmas 2002" section of "Holiday Time"

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Sebastian Thor Matriculates!

Famed Australian Immigrant Graduates with Honors; Takes Just Rewards at San Francisco’s Fort Funston

San Francisco, Calif. - November 11, 2002. Just one day after his 18th (week) birthday, Sebastian Thor graduated, with honors, from San Francisco’s prestigious Perfect Paws academy. His studies there, in “Beginning Obedience and Socialization,” included coursework in Household Manners, Handling, Socialization and Basic Training.

Proud Dads Scot and Glen presented the cocky pup with a black, adult, leather studded collar and graduation trip to Fort Funston, the nature and wildlife preserve on San Francisco’s rugged Pacific Coast.

Sebastian’s initial academic record might best be described as “spotty.” While the cleaver pup excelled at his exercises, both in class and in home tutoring sessions, his attention often seemed easily distracted by his less-boisterous classmates. While others sat contentedly at their master’s feet, Sebastian wiggled, squirmed, barked, and often rushed for the treats he knew were kept in the instructor’s fanny-pack. On more than one occasion, he was subjected to the “dark closet time out.”.

Other parents in the class did not facilitate Sebastian’s concentration, either. They so appreciated his natural good looks and engaging charm, that they often encouraged his misbehavior with hearty greetings and a bevy of previously unknown treats. He was clearly both the class clown and the class favorite.

At final exam time, though, Sebastian Thor showed the stuff of which he is made. Appearing at the head of the class, he executed a flawless “sit – down – sit – stand – come – off” routine. In fact, he completed his moves faster than Dad could issue the commands, leading some disgruntled skeptics to suggest he had memorized the answers to his quiz.

Apparently, the instructor was more concerned with results than method, because Sebastian was awarded a richly decorated diploma.

Sebastian’s graduation gift was a “grown dog” collar, to replace the red puppy version he had quickly outgrown. In the 9 ½ weeks since his immigration from Australia, the perky pup has matured from a mere 10 pounds to a scale-straining 25 and his coat has turned from a deep chocolate to a rich café’ (or perhaps it’s mocha) color. And, his puppy antics are beginning to generate significant impact. (His backyard “hole to China,” for example, now smells faintly of won ton.)

Fort Funston, a spectacular site covering acres of coastline, was the setting for Grad Night. The venue, characterized by an endless sea of rolling sand dunes, cliffs, hiking trails and beaches, all along the thunderous Pacific, is popular with hang gliders and dog enthusiasts. It was Sebastian’s first visit, and his first significant “off leash” experience.

Sebastian took the place by storm. Socializing with literally hundreds of dogs, running – at full speed – through miles of dunes, chasing everything from driftwood to gulls, and attracting the attention of nearly every passer-by, it took nearly two hours to negotiate the walk from parking lot to beach. So energetic were these celebrations that the exhausted pup collapsed from exhaustion and, were it not for the rejuvenation of a squeaky toy, Dad Glen was fearful that the now-hefty immigrant would have to be carried back to the car.

During the visit, Sebastian’s constant “checking in” with Dad, and his incredible responsiveness to the “come” command, confirmed his graduation award. In fact, he received a number of unsolicited compliments of amazement, from other doggy parents, over his degree of attentiveness for one so young.

Dad Scot has confirmed that Fort Funston will now be added to Sebastian’s regular busy social calendar. With his new command of American English, and with his new appreciation of the off- leash privilege, Sebastian is expected to respond even more enthusiastically to his favorite expression: “Go for a Ride?”

See photos in the "At Puppy School" section of "Around Town."

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Sebastian Thor Helps Lick a Record

Annual Celebrity Pie Throw Nets $20,000 for Sonoma County Charities.

Guerneville, Calif. - October 14, 2002. Sebastian Thor, this last weekend, continued his tradition of community service by lending his energetic and enthusiastic support to the 10^th Annual Russian River Celebrity Pie Throw. The two-day event, hosted by the “Triple R” Resort, features a Chinese Auction for the privilege of landing a cream pie on one of the local notable personalities.

Hosts for the annual event included Lenny Broberg, International Mr. Leather 1992, Irene Soderberg, famed cabaret entertainer, Miss Donna Sachet, Empress 30 of San Francisco, and the incomparable Snatch, performance artist and T.V. personality. The Sonoma County Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence assisted with operations.

Sebastian Thor, the noted Australian Labradoodle, was an early participant in the event, lending his well-honed inspection skills to assuring organizers that all was in readiness and, as the audience arrived, he served as welcoming committee and greeter. Just 13 weeks old, however, the crowds, costumes and – in particular – the flying whipped cream, proved overly stimulating for the novice pup and he retired home early.

Sebastian, making light of his early departure, was heard to joke that he is watching his calories, after developing a bit of a “fat puppy belly,” and wanted to remove himself from temptation’s reach.

A reliable source, who wishes not to be identified, though, later reported that Sebastian did, indeed, get his fill of yummy cream. Dad Scot, recently selected as Mr. North Coast Leather, was one of the celebrity volunteers at the Pie Throw, and arrived home very sticky and smelling of Sonoma’s best pie filling. Sebastian, anxious to make his further contribution to the event, gave his unwavering attention to the clean-up effort.

Benefiting local Sonoma County charities – including the Sonoma Senior Center, Face-to-Face, Food for Thought and the Aids Emergency Fund – the Pie Throw raised over $20,000 this year, a record amount. Every penny raised goes directly to the beneficiaries, since volunteers staff the event and prizes are donated by local businesses.

See photos in "2002 Season" section in "At the River."

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Do Society Puppies and Academia Mix?

Star Sebastian Thor begins his Education with a “less than stellar” performance.

San Francisco, Calif. -October 8, 2002. Sebastian Thor, following in the rich tradition of San Francisco’s elite, yesterday enrolled in beginning classes at the Perfect Paws academy. Joining five other pups, the 12 week old selected “Beginner Obedience and Socialization” as his initial course and, working to a typically aggressive schedule, intends to complete studies in Household Manners, Handling, Socialization and Basic Training in only 6 six weeks.

Early results suggest that Sebastian will excel at Socialization but may have a greater challenge when it comes to the Obedience portions of the curriculum.

Perfect Paws begin the initial evening class with “Puppy Free Play.” Prior to arrival in his classroom Sebastian appeared quite apprehensive at the new surroundings, nuzzling his head into Glen’s shoulder and whimpering, as they climbed the stairs together. But, the beginning student adjusted immediately upon seeing his new playmates and, before long, was charging after the other students with happy barks and wagging tail. Ever creative, he made a particularly good impression with peers by demonstrating that the group water bowl could be put to better use as a swimming pool.

The academic portion of the evening was problematic. While other students sat quietly in their owner’s laps, or at their feet, Sebastian was not ready for the party to end. He squirmed, pulled at his leash, barked and was generally inattentive. (Several parents suggested he might have learned this behavior from observations at home). Dad sat embarrassed and even the admonition “Don’t Let a Jack Russell show you up, Sebastian!” seemed to have no effect.

Material covered, during this first evening, included masterful touching, sit, no bite and no jump. Even promises of favorite hors d'oeuvres would not encourage the over-excited student to attempt these exercises. Instead, his focus was directed toward sampling the treats that other parents were trying to provide to their cooperative pups.

Eventually, Sebastian had to be restrained, in the “belly up, hunched lap smother,” to get him to relax and yield. Proving that intelligence was not the problem, he then completed each of his exercises, in short order, and gave an “OK . . . Can we get back to Play?” look to the crowd.

The course instructor suggested that Sebastian might have benefited greatly from watching the behaviors of his peers; something that he seemed to do earnestly, and thus did not require a large training time. Glen was concerned that her comment was a nice way of saying “I don’t think you need to bother coming back.”

Next week, Sebastian will learn “stay.” Perhaps that should have been the introductory subject.

See photos in "At Puppy School" section of "Around Townl."

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Can Cats and Dogs Get Along? Famed Catwoman Welcomes Celebrated Aussie Dog

Emmy-winning Legend Julie Newmar Welcomes Sebastian Thor to San Francisco

San Francisco, Calif. -September 27, 2002 - After less than a week as one of San Francisco's newest immigrants, Sebastian Thor, an Australian Labradoodle puppy, has already left his mark on the City's famed social scene. At a recent gala charity benefit, no less a personage than Julie Newmar, Emmy-winning star of stage, screen and television, extended a warm welcome to the roguishly handsome, wavy-haired new canine celebrity.

Labradoodles, a new but fully recognized breed of dog, hail from Australia and display the high spirits and frontier independence typical of those from "Ozzie Land". Sebastian Thor, by far the most intelligent, attractive and adventurous member of his immediate family, arrived in the U.S. on Thursday, September 19th. He was quickly rumored to have told the less distinguished local pooches that he is determined to make good in his new homeland.

Miss Newmar, perhaps best known for her originating role as Catwoman, in the long-running hit American television program "Batman," was overheard telling the tousled, enthusiastic Aussie import: "Aren't you a handsome devil!". She was also overheard predicting a brilliant career for the intelligent and talented trailblazer from Down Under, adding, "Some people claim dogs and cats are natural enemies, but speaking as Catwoman, I can only say - rowr . . . purr . . . he's a cutie!"

Miss Newmar's comments came during a VIP reception following a full program that included a performance by the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, on-stage reminiscences by the popular actress and a special screening of the film, "To Wong Foo. Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar!"

Sebastian was quite evidently pleased to receive, in addition to her kind words, a personal note from Miss Newmar, which he will treasure as a memento of his first major social role in the City by the Bay.

Other guests at the event included Assemblyperson Mark Leno and San Francisco Performance Artist Donna Sachet. The benefit, held at the Castro Theater, was organized to benefit the Aids Emergency Fund, (AEF).

See photo in "Celebrity Events" section of "Around Town."

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HMO Controls Puppy Health Care Costs

Sebastian Thor visits U.S. doctor and adopts innovative approach to health maintenance

San Francisco, Calif. -September 25, 2002 - Sebastian Thor, breaking with tradition yet again, yesterday gave his endorsement to a radical new approach to puppy health care - the Health Maintenance Organization, (HMO), for non-humans. Under the new program, the immigrant puppy pays a fixed annual fee for his routine doctor visits and receives a substantial discount on any special procedures that may be necessary. As with the Human HMO concept, fees vary with the age of the patient.

The Animal Health Network, in San Francisco's prestigious Diamond Heights, was selected as Sebastian Thor's health care provider of choice.

Sebastian stresses that, as with traditional HMO's, it is important for the patient to take responsibility for his own health care. For example, in reviewing his chart, Sebastian reluctantly agreed to the listing of his species as "canine." However, when he noted his breed identified as "Lab Mix," Sebastian gave a persistent whine of objection.

A spokesperson later explained to the medical staff that the Labradoodle was a recognized Australian breed and that preservation of the pup's ethnic heritage was an important issue, especially in diversity-aware San Francisco. Personnel immediately corrected the error.

During his first visit to the Network Clinic, Sebastian received a complete medical exam and the second in a series of puppy inoculations. PCV, (Primary Care Vet), Dr. Johnson pronounced the recent immigrant to be in excellent health and, at 12.5 pounds, to be growing correctly for his age.

Sebastian himself, perhaps recalling his last visit to a doctor, (when he left with less than he had when he arrived), appeared subdued and slightly frightened. He offered only minor objection, though, and then only when his temperature was taken.

Following the doctor visit, and for the remainder of the day and evening, Sebastian evidenced extreme sleepiness - even collapsing as he tried to bound up the front stairs at home. Dads Scot and Glen, however, were grateful for the evening of peace and quiet and are already looking forward to the pup's next Doctor visit, scheduled for October 16.

See photos in "At the Vet" section of "Around Town."

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Sebastian Thor Immigrates to the United States

Aussie Puppy begins new life in San Francisco

Yarragon, Australia and San Francisco, Calif. -September 19, 2002 - Celebrity Labradoodle Sebastian Thor, formerly of Yarragon, Australia, today announced that he has been granted U.S. citizenship and has established residence in San Francisco, California.

The celebrated Australian puppy arrived in Los Angeles, to substantial fanfare, aboard a Qantas Airlines flight from Melbourne. He was met at LAX by Garry, who provided customs clearance, hygiene, and loving services, before separating from his sisters and continuing on to San Francisco International Airport.

During his layover, Sebastian's sister Daisy was met by her own family, who immediately contacted new Dads Scot and Glen, announcing that they had seem him and that he was a Very Good Puppy.

Reflecting his new identity as a U.S. Citizen, Sebastian arrived in San Francisco aboard an American Airlines flight. The airline staff was incredibly accommodating to the young pup, giving him water and lavishing attention, and would not allow Scot and Glen to leave with the tired traveler until everyone had given a look and a pat.

The new immigrant was a little slow in making his appearance at the airport and, after finally exiting his travel cage, seemed a little groggy. Once he determined that he "was home," however. he because very excited, energetic and loving over his new City by the Bay.

Dad Glen served as driver, en route to Sebastian's new home, and the pup sat in Scot's lap, (smelling very, very much like a puppy), during the short journey to his new residence in Parnassus Heights. (A spokesperson later asked, "How would YOU smell after a 17 hour trip?). Sebastian was clearly curious about EVERYTHING.

This evening, six hours after his arrival, Sebastian Thor clearly loves his new home. He has eaten, had a bath and both Scot and Glen are amazed that he has already learned his name, and even the word FROGGY for his favorite new toy! His new Den, (others call it a "crate"), is OK bit the little immigrant didn't much like it, at first, when he went down for a nap. But, Dad Scot slept on the floor, just outside, until he fell asleep. That worked great!

See photos in "The First Year" section of "At Home."

	Sebastian Thor Tours Carmel-by-the-Sea *December 30, 2002*		Sebastian Thor Hosts Society "Event of Season" *December 9, 2002*
	Sebastian Thor Named "Mr. July" in 2003 International Calendar *December 20, 2002*		Famed Catwoman Welcomes Celebrated Dog *September 27, 2002*
	Sebastan Thor Matriculates! *November 11, 2002*		HMO Controls Puppy Health Care Costs *September 25, 2002*
	Sebastian Thor Helps Lick a Record *October 14, 2002*		Sebastian Thor Immigrates to the USA *September 19, 2002*
	Do Society Puppies and Academia Mix? *October 8, 2002*