Over the past year, we’ve interviewed many members of the hospitality industry, and one constant among the interviewees has been a profound love for their pets. We thought it would be great to share this love with our readers. That’s why we recently launched an ongoing feature called “Wag Wednesday” to showcase industry peeps and their pets.
This week, we’re featuring the Executive Chef of one of our favorite steakhouses: Peter Vauthy of Red, The Steakhouse. Read on to find out more about him and his dogs Capone and Peanut.
Your Name: Peter Vauthy
Your Pets’ Names: Capone and Peanut
Sex: Both Male
Age: 6 & 5
Breeds: Capone is a French Bulldog and Peanut is Terrier Chihuahua Mix
How did you come to own your dog(s)? What drew you to them?
I hadn’t had a dog for 20 years and I moved to Miami and needed a buddy. I had a thing for French Bulldogs so I searched for months until I saw a picture and immediately fell in love and scooped him up. Peanut was a rescue who was supposed to be only 6-7 pounds but has grown into a 15-pound fireball.
How would you describe your dog’s personality?
Capone is the most mellow dog I have ever encountered! He is the canine definition of “cool as a fan.” He is content sleeping on your lap or watching TV for hours. He won’t even get out of bed until he hears the food hit the bowl.
Peanut is the exact opposite. He barks at every stranger who comes in and even me when I come home sometimes. He’s feisty, suspicious and loves the sound of his own bark.
How has owning a pet made your life richer?
After years without a dog, I will never want to be without them ever again. The unconditional love and devotion can make even the longest night as a chef better and will bring an immediate smile to my face when I get home. Richer? They make me rich beyond measurement!
It’s said that dogs reflect their owners and vice versa. How does this apply to you and yours?
I’ve been told that Capone and I look very much alike — I can see that! I seem to have his looks and my kitchen personality of being intense and vocal comes out in Peanut. They are my yin and yang and 2 of my best friends.
Tell us a funny story about you and your dogs.
Capone has this thing for riding around on the golf carts by the Marina. When he was a puppy, he would bark at them and the guys driving would stop and let him ride along. So one day we are out on a friend’s yacht, and we have to drop someone off at the Marina, which even for a second can be super expensive. I see one of the guys and mention to him that I am Capone’s dad. Boom! No charge! Funny thing is that there are more than a few people who know me as “Capone and Peanut’s dad.” No name — just the guy who pays the doggie bills.
Are you involved in any pet organizations or philanthropies?
I always donate to the Humane Society of Miami when they have their doggie brunch at the Fontainebleau. It’s become tradition and I cant say no to those organizations at all. I support a few local rescues as well: Jamie’s Rescue and Death Row Dog Rescue to name a few. I donate to all kinds of dog causes — not only here but anywhere that I see someone doing positive work in the name of animals.
We follow a lot of dog social media accounts like Doug the Pug and Menswear Dog. Do you? Which are your favorites?
I follow French Bulldog Lovers, IHEARTDOGS and Thug_THE_Frenchie just to name a few.