Check out these South Florida spots that are going to the dogs

Hi 'Reeses Fans!

Wow! So many more places are realising how much fun it is to be "puppy" friendly. Puppies love having fun, and we always bring our Mommies & Daddies with us to have fun too!!!

Tonite I am going to Gigi & Luca's for a pre-Bring your Puppy to Work Day Party. I can't wait to go and see my friends, and sniff out any super deals while I'm there.

Check out the latest from the newpaper below!

Love


Tyreese

On a typical Saturday afternoon, Ozzy rolls out of bed, gets his hair done and heads out to CityPlace for some shopping and socializing. He might mingle over gourmet baked goods and check out the latest fashions.

Finally, he stops at Starbucks -- to sit at the feet of his owner while she sips coffee.

Ozzy is a shih tzu, and he's one of many South Florida dogs who don't spend their days cooped up inside. Instead, they're out and about at some of the hottest spots and social events.

South Florida is a dog-friendly place. And the right pup is as essential an accessory as a Louis Vuitton bag.

A new state law goes into effect July 1 allowing local governments to determine whether dogs are permitted on restaurant patios. Not that it matters too much in South Florida anyway. Dogs have been quietly tolerated everywhere from cafes to malls to coffeehouses.

For many people, dogs are the ticket to meeting new business clients or Mr. or Ms. Right or Right Now. Planned events bring singles together or allow South Floridians to give back to their community -- or both.

We've put together a list of some of the most unique, dog-friendly places and events in South Florida. Time to start thinking outside the bark park.

Habitat Cafe

Owners can enjoy breakfast and lunch at this Palm Beach Gardens cafe, and dogs can feel welcome at the outside courtyard. Owners Lori and Phil Smillie are happy to bring water to thirsty pooches and accommodate any of their fellow dog owners. The Smillies are the proud owners of a Yorkie named Lucy, who doesn't hang out at the restaurant.

During the week, the cafe attracts a business lunch crowd. Stop by with a dog on the weekends, when things are a little livelier at this plaza, with live music during lunch.

The whole area is dog friendly, too, with a doggy boutique next store called Bella Paws. The dog store features everything for the posh pup, and in-store events like pet photography. The cafe and boutique complement each other nicely, creating a mini haven for dogs in north Palm Beach County.

Cort's Coffeehouse

Staffed by Plantation's young and hip (believe it or not, there are some), this coffeehouse is a refreshing alternative in a sea of strip malls and chain restaurants.

Now you and your dog can have your mocha served by a bored-looking art student with spiky hair. Dogs can hang out with their owners at the outside seating, and enjoy the open-mike nights and various events hosted by the coffeehouse.

Saturday morning is "Dog Day at the Cafe," says Wes Cort, the owner's son, who helps run the coffeehouse. A small group of devotees bring their dogs from 9 to 11 a.m. for breakfast.

However, dogs are welcome any time, and a glass jar with free Milk Bone treats sits on the counter.

Sandy Paws Pet Boutique and CityPlace

Visitors to this cute boutique are often greeted by Ozzy, a shih tzu who is the grand dog of employee Robyn Sherman. Ozzy keeps watch over the cutesy and original doggy gear, including an extensive selection of homemade gourmet dog treats that look tastier than some human treats. Posters, books, toys and keepsakes complete the store.

The store also hosts events, and owner Christine Trudel in July will start a monthly "Yappy Hour," with wines and appetizers.

On the weekends, you can pick up a "Mommy's Single" or "I Have Two Daddies" dog shirt, and walk the dog around CityPlace. Palm Beach's pretty people bring everything from tiny teacup dogs to Great Danes to see and be seen. Starbucks is a popular gathering place for dog owners to have coffee and enjoy the parade.

Bar Boutique

Lawyer Jill Ginsberg wanted to open her law office in downtown Hollywood, but was running into trouble getting the permit.

So she opened a boutique and bar in the front of her office, and created a dog-friendly space.

Bar Boutique hosts Woof Wednesdays, a wine and cheese event on the first Wednesday of every month, that benefits Pet Rescue. The last event featured a dog and owner fashion show.

Ginsberg owns three shih tzus that she adopted from shelters. A board in the back of the store features photos of pets that need sponsors, a way to help an animal out without adopting it.

Dogs are always welcome at Bar Boutique, with water and food provided to visiting animals, but pet traffic definitely picks up during Hollywood's ArtWalks, every third Saturday. Downtown Hollywood is full of roving canines, from large to small.

LivingFLA.com events

There is certainly no shortage of ladies who attend the events organized by this Web site. They bring along their dogs who are as groomed and pedicured as they are.

The site tries to organize at least one dog-related event a month, according to organizer Cary Roman.

"Depending on the time and place, we get anywhere from 40 to 80 people, of all ages," Roman said.

Events include business networking and happy hours, with plans in the works for a pet-friendly singles brunch. Professionals in their 30s attend most of the sites' events, although there is a mix. Some events are geared toward singles, some are not. Pet groomers and others in the pet business also use the events to network. Proceeds benefit area animal shelters.

"We have a reputation for doing nicer events -- good food and wine, not your typical singles event," said Roman.

Broward Humane Society

This nonprofit organization may not organize very many "bring your dog along" events, but the ones it does organize are blockbusters.

The annual Walk for the Animals fund-raiser, held in late February or early March, attracts pets and owners from all over South Florida.

The annual Bark at the Park lets owners bring their dogs to a Florida Marlins game. The event, held June 15, benefits the Humane Society.

And if you need some time apart from Fido, try out the PetSet, the Humane Society's fund-raising group. They organize social and networking events, and are a prime source of pet-minded professional singles.

Dairy Queen

Treat your dog to the same treat you'd give yourself at Dairy Queen. On Mondays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., dogs can enjoy a free cup or cone of Dairy Queen's trademark vanilla ice cream.

Everyone from couples to artists to trendsetters bring their dog -- a must-have in Wilton Manors. On most Mondays more than 100 dogs will traipse through this local landmark.

Lincoln Road

This pedestrian mall is a hotspot for locals and tourists, and rightfully so. Shopping, outdoor cafes and street performers bring out gawking tourists as well as Amazonian models.

Dogs are quite possibly the only thing they have in common. Girls in bikinis cruise by on bikes with their tiny fluffy dogs in baskets. Couples stroll by with their bulldogs. Bodybuilders walk dogs the size of small horses. Boston terriers and beagles patiently lie down next to their owners at cafes, or slurp from dog bowls left for them.

Dogs can be found on Lincoln Road almost 24/7, but Sunday afternoon and early evenings bring them out even more. While their owners stroll the farmers' and antique markets, the dogs check each other out. A squabble rarely breaks out, but for the most part, dogs bring people together in a city where people can be very divided.


Let Rover run free at these South Florida dog parks. Most are open from dusk to dawn seven days a week, and allow leash-less play. All are free except where noted, and puppies younger than 4 months old are not allowed. Each dog must have a current rabies vaccination.

BROWARD COUNTY Bark Park at Snyder Park
3299 SW 4th Ave., Fort Lauderdale

Dr. Paul's Pet Care Center Dog Park
2575 Sportsplex Drive, Coral Springs

Happy Tails Dog Park at Seminole Park
6600 SW 16th St., Plantation

Markham Park Dog Park
16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise

Pembroke Pines Dog Park
9751 Johnson St., Pembroke Pines

Poinciana Dog Park
1501 S. 21st Ave., Hollywood

Dogs can swim on fri-sun nights at A1A and Sunrise BLVD in fort lauderdale for $5.00

PALM BEACH COUNTY Mizner Bark: The Boca Raton Dog Park
751 Banyan Trail, Boca Raton

Greenbriar Park
2975 Greenbriar Blvd., Wellington

The Dog Park at Lake Ida Park
2929 Lake Ida Road, Delray Beach