Central Mall is going to the dogs this month with each Wednesday set aside for Dog Days, a pooch-friendly activity each Wednesday designed to cater to canines.
Shoppers are encouraged to bring their canine friends beginning this Wednesday with the Paw-Parazzi, where a themed backdrop, props and costumes will be available for owners to take photos of their dogs with their own cameras or phones.
Jodi Galloway, Central Mall marketing director, said this is the first time the mall has offered an activity centered around dogs, and what better time to have it than in the dog days of summer.
“We are noticing more and more shoppers like to do things with their pets, and consider them parts of their families, so we are trying this out,” Galloway said.
Dog Days events continue on Wednesday, Aug. 12 with Forever Homes, a pet adoption night designed foe humans looking to open their home to a dog in need. Dogs from The Humane Society of Southeast Texas will be there looking for their forever families.
Bone-appetit is scheduled for Aug. 19 when nutrition an fitness tips will be available from local vets as well as sample foods and more to keep dogs healthy from nose to tail.
Dog Days culminates on Aug. 26 with Fashion Hounds. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their dogs for a fashion show and costume contest.
During each event Central Mall is partnering with Posh Pets in Nederland to provide a doggie refreshment area which will include items such as doggie treats, water, grooming wipes and fragrance sprays.
“Up to 47 percent of households in the U.S. have a dog and mote than 14 states now have malls that are dog-friendly environmental,” Galloway said. “We encourage shoppers to come celebrate their four-legged family members with a night out on the town.”
Galloway said the mall is using the Dog Days event to explore the possibility of opening the facility up to dogs on a more permanent basis.
There is a code of conduct for dogs participating in the special Wednesday events:
• Only well behaved dogs will be allowed in mall
• All dogs must be on a leash (6’ or less)
• No unattended dogs (inside or out)
• Owners must clean up after your own dog
• Off Limits: Restaurants, Food Courts, and some stores (ask before entering)