For dog lovers, there’s not much better than bringing your pup to a good patio and enjoying the sunshine. But early next week, you can do just that while supporting plans for a brand new dog park in Columbia.
The Petite Pup Patio Social is set for 4-6 p.m. Tuesday at Cafe Berlin and is the first fundraising event for Dog Wild, a planned membership-based dog park with a bar. The idea comes from Rebecca Welly and her partner, who developed the idea during the long days of the pandemic. As they continued to talk about it, it just started making more and more sense, especially for Columbia, Welly says. “Columbia’s a wonderful dog town,” she says.
Last spring, Welly brought the Dog Wild idea to Missouri Startup Weekend, a local entrepreneurship event, and came in third place, earning $3,000 to help start rolling. Welling says she’s squeezed that turnip as dry as possible, and it’s time to start seriously fundraising and raising awareness of the business proposal to get more interest.
The event Tuesday will include food, drinks, raffle prizes, art and tasty treats for the pups in attendance. Welly says they’ll have T-shirts and bandanas for sale, a backdrop for selfies and an interactive graffiti wall. While it is a dog-friendly event (for dogs who like other dogs), it is only open to pups under 35 pounds due to limited space. All dogs also must remain on leashes.
Welly says she plans to have an online donation platform set up by the event Tuesday, as well as being able to accept Venmo and other forms of payment.
Tickets are $10 at the door and include two raffle tickets. For more information, visit dogwildcomo.com.
