Looking for something to do?

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, consider a drive over to Alameda.

Remember Monica?

Monica Sanchez used to work for Very Important Pets 5 years ago. She is the pretty, ambitious, smart young woman, mother, wife and entrepreneur (among many other things) that worked at Very Important Pets for a couple of years. She and her husband were managing Ultimate Grounds on Park Blvd in Oakland when I asked her to come to work for me. She did some part time work while developing her own pet sitting business "Pick of the Litter" all the while working at Ultimate Grounds (aah youth.....). Anyway, fast forward to 2010. Monica and Miguel are now proud owners of Wesend, a coffeehouse at 1536 Webster St. in Alameda www.thewescafe.com ! It is beautiful AND DOG FRIENDLY!!! They have thought of everything. They have installed an awning for protection from the elements on their gorgeous patio! Heat lamps, lights, a fountain, etc... -all the comforts of a perfect stop for breakfast, lunch, snack or whatever you and the pup are in the mood for. They have hit the ground running and their little shop is already a hit. Monica would be thrilled to see some of her "Very Important Pets alumni". Stop by to see her before or after an outing in Alameda.

FYI - There are a couple of dog parks near Wesend. A small dog park (under 30 lbs) www.alamedasmalldogs.org and the big dog park right next door within Washington Park . I recommend sitting in the parking lot and watching the crowd before going in so you can make sure the dogs are playing nicely. There is also the Main St. Linear Dog Park @ Main Street and Atlantic Ave. It is right next door to the Alameda ferry terminal. It stays pretty quiet and it has a beautiful view. No water for the dogs though so bring your own. For a lovely walk (with or without the dog) go to the shoreline at Crown Beach (another East Bay Regional Park gem) . The beach is off limits to dogs but the walking path welcomes leashed well behaved canines. There are bags supplied for picking up after our pets.

For more information regarding Crown Beach go to: /www.ebparks.org/parks/crown_beach. It is a lovely way to spend a day in Alameda.