Once a month, you can take your best friend out for a drink and support a dog rescue group at the same time. Savannah’s Café hosts a yappy hour during which well-mannered pooches are welcome to join their humans on the patio for drinks or dinner.
The dogs don’t get to eat or have a glass of wine, but they do get ice water and special dog treats. Our dogs reported that the treats were delicious. Human guests can order from Savannah’s regular menu or buy a glass of Mutt Lynch wine. A different rescue group benefits from each yappy hour: The servers who work the yappy hour donate their tips, and a portion of the Mutt Lynch wine sales are donated as well.
Many stylishly dressed small dogs were in attendance at the January yappy hour, which benefited Get Rescued in Gulfport. Get Rescued sponsors Lynda Shehan of Auntie Lynda’s Pet Care, Reef Dog, and Pet Angel’s manager, Bill DeBusk, were in attendance with their dogs as well.
Many of the small dogs sat on their owners’ laps, with one in a dog stroller. Larger dogs, including our golden retrievers, lounged under the tables. With about a dozen dogs lying around, plenty of food around, and with a procession of unfamiliar dogs and people coming and going, what was amazing was how calm and quiet the dogs were. No one barked, fought over crumbs, or tried to beg or steal food.
It’s wonderful to see dogs and their humans out having fun together, and I’d love to see more places open their doors to dogs. Most dogs would love to be included in a family outing from time to time. If you’re worried that your dog might not be calm around other dogs and diners, start with something easier than a dog-focused event where you know other dogs will be present. Most cafes and restaurants that have sidewalk seating welcome dogs.
Take your dog along and just have something small — a cup of coffee, maybe — and watch your dog’s reactions to people, to food being served, to other dogs if any happen to walk past. If your dog lies down calmly and watches the action, he or she might enjoy yappy hour. On the other hand, if your pet is the sort who pulls toward or barks at other dogs or people, you might want to work on his or her manners before venturing out!
The Get Rescued in Gulfport event is on February 27. Pets are welcome to attend, but, again, there will be many dogs and a lot going on — think carefully about whether your dog can handle the excitement!
Savannah’s yappy hours are the third Sunday of each month, starting at 4 p.m. Call the café to find out which group is benefiting, and enjoy a fun, charitable outing with your furry friend. Check out the New Barker's calendar for more yappy hours and other dog-friendly events. I'll be posting a list of dog-friendly eateries in St. Petersburg in an upcoming post —- if you have a favorite, let me know and I'll be sure to include it!
This article appears in Jan 27 – Feb 2, 2010.