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 launched an ongoing feature called “Wag Wednesday” to showcase industry peeps and their pets.
This week, we’re featuring Patrick Rebholz, Executive Chef at Quality Meats Miami Beach, and his big pups, Riley and Milan.
Your Name: Patrick Rebholz
Your Pet’s Name: Riley and Milan
Sex: Male and Female
Age: 6 and 10
Breed: American Bulldog and Labrador & Pitbull Mix
How did you come to own your dogs? What drew you to them?
My wife acquired Milan from one of my culinary mentors Anthony Gray (chef of Bacon Bros Public House) about the same time I was courting her. Riley was a rescue puppy I spotted barreling through the woods at the shelter parking lot and was booking it away from one of the vet techs toward my car. His body was unable to keep up with his monster paws, but he eventually grew into them 110 lbs. later. The day after I saw him, my wife surprised me late night after a shift for my birthday with him.
How would you describe your dogs’ personality?
Milan is like a money glass of wine after a relaxing day. Riley is the guy everyone wants at their bachelor party!
How has owning a pet made your life richer?
You always have someone to greet you with a lick and a wag, no matter what kind of shit was thrown your way or what time it is.
It’s said that dogs reflect their owners and vice versa. How does this apply to you and yours?
Naps and food are top priority. I wish they had the same work ethic!
Tell us a funny story about you and your dogs.
This is a tough one: They are both always doing absurd and weird stuff like eating my son’s diapers to spooning on the couch together. I once had Riley with me on a hunting trip, and he ate through our rations bag and whittled away all the corn off a cob clean — just like you would holding two tooth picks at either end at the dining room table.
We follow a lot of dog social media accounts like Doug the Pug and Menswear Dog. Do you? Which are your favorites?
Just yours!
See past editions of Wag Wednesdays here.