At Downtown Dogs we are unapologetically shameless dog lovers.

We proudly welcome and celebrate all sizes, ages, and breeds of dogs. We care for the shy ones, the outgoing ones, and the overly exuberant ones.

Our trained team works hard to get to know all of our customers and their dogs’ particular wants, needs, and personalities. This helps ensure that all the dogs are appropriately engaged, stimulated, and supervised. We like to say that “we meet dogs where they are at.”

We first met Charlie back in 2014. He came to Downtown Dogs as a puppy and came in with a bang!

When he’s at Downtown Dogs, Charlie answers to “Charlie Sauce” or just “Sauce.” These silly nicknames, derived by our team from a shortened version of his last name (Saucedo) suit Charlie and his personality perfectly.

Below, Charlie’s dad and Downtown Dogs General Manager Lindsay, share some anecdotes about this beloved Downtown Dogger. Sauce is quite a character—reading about his shenanigans will likely put a smile on your face!

Tell us about Charlie Sauce:
Charlie, or “ Sauce” as you call him, is a nine-year-old, 65 lbs. Vizsla. He’s been coming to Downtown Dogs for daycare and boarding his whole life. It’s a home away from home for him. He’s got his buddies on the play floor and on the staff. We all feel warmly welcomed and “known” when we walk in the door. We totally trust that Charlie is in good hands when he’s in Downtown Dogs’ care.

Favorite toy:
Luca, my son, age 8, is Charlie’s favorite “toy,” for sure! They’ve grown up together.

Favorite treats:
Ice cream, bread, and taco meat.

Biggest quirk:
Charlie hates all insects. Flies, spiders, and ants. Six legs or eight—if he can catch it he will. If he can’t, he’ll flee the room. (Side note: Downtown Dogs’ owner, Ralph, feels the same about insects!)

Best trick:
Charlie is crafty—an A+, super stealthy sneaker of food from the kitchen counter.

Why you and Charlie value Downtown Dogs?:
That’s easy! Your dog-loving team, especially Lindsay. She’s Downtown Dogs’ General Manger and the expert on everything Charlie!

Sauce according to Lindsay:
I remember his first day—Charlie was running and barking all over the play floor like a wild child. To this day he’s raring to go upon arrival. He still gets darling, puppy-like bursts of energy and starts jumping and running around to try to get us to chase him.

Sauce loves going outside when there aren’t bugs. Dad is right, Charlie HATES bugs. His best friend is a miniature Australian shepherd named Charlie (funny enough). He also enjoys snuggling up next to Copper, my Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Sauce is a real character and a dog with a lot of personality. We always joke about the dogs we see on videos who walk on their hind legs like humans and how they look like Sauce! He’s such a big prankster too. He won’t pass up the opportunity to untie a dog handler’s shoes when they aren’t looking.

Sauce is one of my best pals at Downtown Dogs. He’s quirky, funny, and loving. He’s super snuggly when we tuck him in at night for boarding. Maybe it’s because we both started at Downtown Dogs the same year, but I feel particularly privileged that the team and I have gotten to watch him grow up. I don’t know, I guess he’s just got that “secret Sauce” that makes him irresistible!

Charlie Sauce as a puppy and Charlie Now.

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The advice provided is based on many years of experience as dog parents and operators of one of the largest and longest established dog daycare and boarding facilities in the Twin Cities. Always consult your veterinarian. When not sharing advice, our dog bloggers — Frannie, Lyle, and Helen — share a space with their people, Downtown Dogs owner Ralph Bernstein and his wife, Abbe.