Fall 2026

Working Dogs BY MICHAEL CHATFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLI ULDALL 108 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 6 “You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson Willow A relatively rare breed (Australian Shepherd/Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever), this 3-year-old works with interior designer Gigi Austria at Kasavan Construction. She’s in the office every day and accompanies her human on site visits. “Willow is very energetic and loves meeting the pets in the homes we visit,” Austria says. As befits a designer’s pup, Willow loves fluffy pillows and couch- es. But, for some reason, she also loves ruining things that are white. “Fortunately, only my things, not clients,” Austria laughs. Finnegan T his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was a fea- tured Working Dog as a mere pup in 2019. Now, “He’s turned into a great little shop dog,” says owner Nancy Dodds of her eponymously named Carmel gallery. He loves people, but he’s a terrible monster for treats. “He thinks everyone coming in is packing them, and he’s so adorable that everyone gives in.” This breed is generally sweet-tempered, but this guy takes it to another level. “I think they were bred to be spoiled,” Dodds adds. “At least, that’s what Finnegan thinks.”