The Pets of Esalen
With their ability to show affection, their loyalty, and the adorable ways they show gratitude, pets might be the easiest beings to love. A pet bond is one of the most soulful relationships bipedal mammals like us can have. Research even indicates that pet and animal lovers tend to be kinder people with greater capacity for empathy, thanks to all the oxytocin we emote for our four-legged friends.
While the no-pet policy at Esalen proper is steadfast and unwavering, many staff members who work on-campus live with their beloved beasts a short drive away. (Remote staff only need to worry about keeping those cuddly family members off-camera during Zoom meetings.) Either way, our fluffy and smooth ones offer daily doses of unconditional love. So, our individual and collective heart swell for these shmoopies clearly needs to be shared. Check out the cats and dogs that melt our hearts — and, hopefully, yours.
Ana
"Aka Smoothie and Fluffy, these USDA Salchichas are half brothers born a month apart. When I went to get Smoothie I saw Fluffy and could not leave without him too. They are 10 lbs each with HUGE personalities. Bixby loves his toys, Baxter loves to tease. They both love to burrow/snuggle. They could care less about treats but LOVE people and other dogs! They love their walkies, playing on the beach, and raging with their BFF Chilli."
Tim
"Penny is a sweetheart, loves people and other doggies so much. She's my little girl, my baby, a Big Sur pup. We met at Best Friends Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Penny is my solid. Living at a place where there is so much interaction, as an introvert, going home previously was extremely lonely. Now, I open the door and there is immediate love, a being who stirs my heart."
Cristen
“Dutch, my black lab mix, entered my life just over a year ago— from him, I learn what it means to find joy in the little things: taking walks and dropping whatever you’re doing for a cuddle session. Roy and Earl have been with me since my early 20s. Earl is goofy but loving, and Roy is stoic but caring. They got me through some of the toughest points in my adult life.”
Shira
“People say we look alike, and I accept that compliment. He has human eyes; it feels like he is gazing into your soul and beyond. I’ve asked him to please enlighten me with his wisdom instead of deafening us all with his barks. Squeaky balls, the beach, and leashless hikes are his jam. He is a professional cuddler and a lovable weirdo.”
Kelly
“I love that Bruce doesn’t miss a beat, he’s high-energy, curious, super sweet with kiddos, and a cuddle boy. He loves to swim in lakes, rivers, and the ocean — such a good swimmer since the day we adopted him!”
Bill
“Watching them play and their infamous breed “side eye” melts my head. They’re equal parts loving and stubborn — always good companions.”
Camille and JJ
“Aka Queen Daisy, we love her because she is the most terrifying guard dog we've ever had. She may appear cute, but just look at those baleful eyes. She's a killer.”
Nani
“Luna gives the best kisses and cuddles that I could ever ask for and is my forever Baby!”
Megan
"RylieGirl is the sweetest protector you ever did meet. She is a snuggler, a show off, and a dear companion. No raccoons come around our chicken coop anymore, that’s for sure. Tupac, my cat is a lover, a poet and a gangster. He keeps the homestead rat-free, and insists on cuddles when I’m feeling the bluest."
Sherri
"Eleanor is an Australian Cattle Dog which means she's incredibly smart, sassy and absolutely spoiled. We are inseparable, and I'm so in love with her. I've never had a dog piss me off and try my patience but I couldn't live without her either, ya know? She's my therapy, exercise, reason to smile, and oftentimes my annoyance. She's my everything."
Jacy
"Mochi, our new gal, was my light during the pandemic. She’s super playful and always happy, which makes me happy no matter what else is happening. Her favorite spot is a combination cat tarot and crystal shop! Very Petsalen! Evie is my OG and a very classy lady. We’ve shared almost two decades of adventures and memories together, and I treasure them all."
Jess
“The neediest old man puppy to ever live! Nicky takes a while to warm up to new friends, but once he does, he jumps on your lap and forces your hands to pet his silky fur coat. He loves treats. A born and bred New Yorker, Nicky has grown to love his Big Sur home in the mountains — chasing birds and curious about anything remotely close to him.”
Cara
“Scout, aka Lil Man, found me 12 years ago when I was on a journey to cultivate self-love. He wandered into my world as a scruffy little street dog and quickly buried his way into my heart. Our favorite things to do are take a hike on a sunny day, play catch, and, most importantly, snuggle. His love is infectious, and he will greet any passerby as family.”
Leah
“LeiLei is my sweet 2-year-old shepherd mix puppy who loves to snuggle and lounge around the house. She is obsessed with sticks, balls, and riding in the car. My two very energetic kitties are Dank and Dabby, who love to chase each other and play with LeiLei. Dank and Dabby cuddle together by day and get into mischief at night. I love the fun pet energy they all bring.”
Abi
“My furbaby! Born in Malibu, raised in Tahoe, brought to the ocean where he can be a merdog alongside his mermaid mom. My Aries boy is the most adventurous, gentle, sweet, and handsome boy. He loves with no obligation. He never talks back and continuously brings me joy every day. I love him more than anything in the world.”
Eva
“Cookie has a very loving personality. He always wants to sit next to me and cuddle. Oso is funny — he either sits on the couch like a human or sits by the window like a cat. I love Luna’s energetic personality; she always wants to go on walks and play catch with her ball.”
Mary
“My little princeling! Chet’s a wise and trusting boy. He assumes good intent from everyone he meets — human, dog, or otherwise. I try to follow his lead.”
Dave
“Rocket is a gentle, loving spirit with a playful side.”
Casey
“I love them as my teachers of presence and wildness. They are also hilarious, and make me laugh daily.”
Mary Ellen
“Charlie is a lapcat who has ruled the house for 14 years. He’s very smart and makes his desires and needs very clear. He’s smart enough to never leave the deck when he goes outside.”
Douglas
“He’s our loyal protector, Assistant Chief Fun Officer (I’m the chief!), and personal trainer. Romeo is a handsome Rhodesian Ridgeback and has the sweetest temperament. A lover of people and other dogs and a devout guardian of our daughter, which gives us peace of mind in the wildness of Big Sur.”
Hero photo credit: Megan Steen