Want to know THE PLACE TO BE with your dog on the last Friday of the month from 5:00-7:00 p.m? Folks 'in the know' are gathering at Bark 'N Roll on Free Street for Yappy Hour! Yappy Hour was born last summer when I approached Sibyl Murphy, Bark 'n Roll's owner, and asked if I could stop by with my "Around Town Hound" classes. Sibyl jumped at the chance to host Yappy Hour. She had been nurturing the idea of providing a place for dog owners to socialize and bring along their pets for quite some time and she does a great job of putting it all together. Bark 'n Roll graciously provides finger food and liquid refreshment for human guests along with an evolving menu of canine "paw food" for their four-legged counterparts. Fresh water for the dogs is dispensed from a bubbling rock fountain. Regular fare includes complimentary in-store baked biscuits and 'Pup Cakes'. Last Friday night's repast included an assortment of unusual treats including Pupcorn - a big hit with dogs and their owners. Pupcorn are cute little snacks shaped like puffed dogs. (I overheard an owner say they reminded her of Pepperidge Farm's Goldfish.) I did see a lot of dogs feasting on cheese bites as well.

I have missed few of Yappy Hour's gatherings since its debut last July. Each one is interesting and a little different from the previous one. "Pug Night" was conceived three Yappy Hour's ago when at least seven area pug owners attended with their Pug companions. Last night the majority of dogs were Chihuahua's, and again area owners apparently planned it that way. Regrettably, I wasn't able to capture a decent group shot (but it wasn't for my lack of trying!)

If you go, keep in mind that the store's physical space is more intimate in nature and may not be appropriate for all dogs. Please don't bring dogs with 'space issues' who might be bothered by proximity to other dogs and people. Confidentially, I leave my dog at home (since she is happier in her own space) but we will be heading in soon to take advantage of Bark 'n Roll's self-serve dog wash. It's a great deal for only twelve bucks! No fuss, no muss, no aching lower back and the chance to check out new and eclectic doggie products once Charlee's clean and sweet-smelling again.
Ya' gotta love it!

Yappy Hour

When: Last Friday of the month from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Where: Bark 'n Roll, 13 Free Street, Portland, Maine

Photos
On the couch: Jessica Cameron with Mario, Millie Pelleiter with Harley, Vicky Lannigan with Murfy
Saying 'Hello': Dakota (a rescue from Harvest Hills) and Django
Kirsten holding Jaboo
Django again and Dakota checking out people food
and last, but not least - Rosie, a Miniature English Bulldog

(Did you spot the "fake dog?")