(Credit: Regina H. Boone/Detroit Free Press)
Patios are often a crowd favorite as the cool Michigan weather gradually gives way to warm summer days and metro Detroiters flock to outdoor spaces to their enjoy food and drinks.
Liz Blondy, owner of Canine to Five, a six-year-old doggie daycare on Cass in Detroit, works to find places that not only her human clients will enjoy, but their four-legged friends as well. Thus, the Drinking with Dogs patio parties were formed. The first Drinking with Dogs event kicks off Tuesday at Whiskey in the Jar from 6:30 to 10 p.m. The next one takes place June 28 at Foran's Grand Trunk Pub.
The patio parties will be held the fourth Tuesday of each month until September.
Where did the idea for Drinking with Dogs come from?
The idea for the event came primarily from my close relationship with all my customers. Countless times I would be at a local bar within Detroit and run into familiar faces from Canine to Five. Overtime the idea was just created between all my friends and myself. I also think it is very important to showcase various local Detroit businesses.
What has the response been like over the years?
The response has been amazing over the past few years. It always shocks me every time I show up to see how many people and their four-legged best friends are enjoying themselves on the patio of a local bar. We hope to have some of the best turnouts for this summer.
Are the venues that you’re visiting typically dog-friendly or is it a one-time thing for the Drinking with Dogs event?
That’s a question for the bar owners.
From what you see working at Canine to Five, can you describe how people behave with their dogs? (Are they “just” pets? Are they like children? Are they treated like a best friend? etc.)
All Canine to Fivers love their pets dearly. Myself included most definitely treat dogs like children and their best friend.
For people without dogs, what’s the motivation for them to come to one of the Drinking with Dogs events?
Wet sloppy kisses!! People without dogs come and join us all the time. Most of them have a true love for dogs but may just not be able to have one at this time. It’s a great opportunity for them to get to play with other people’s dogs. Also it’s simply a great way to meet new friends and enjoy themselves after a long day of work.
For more Drinking with Dog dates, visit Canine to Five.
