Ormiston Cafe is making room for man’s best friend.
With special Yappy Hours devoted to pet pooches on the first Saturday of the month, the idea has taken off in a big way.
A dog lover himself, owner of Ormiston Cafe Sanjay Luthra says it is not only about a new community getting to know each other but also about their four-legged companions getting an opportunity to meet up and have some bow-wow time.
He introduced the idea of doggy happy hours for pet owners to bring along their pets on the first Saturday of the month.
He says after seeing many families enjoying quality time at the weekend and their dogs being left behind at home, he created an event where dogs can socialise with each other for a couple of hours and enjoy some treats.
“The first time we had almost 40 dogs of all breeds and while some of them were very friendly and played together, others we more reserved,” he says.
“We serve them free dog treats and ‘puppyccinos’ as they join in for some paw-time in the patio outside the cafe.
“A lot of times when I am at the cafe I feel bad that I have to leave my dog behind at home so this is a good opportunity for our furry friends to socialise.”
The idea of a Yappy Hour was introduced in February and pet owner and member of the Howick Local Board for Botany Mike Turinsky says that it’s great for the neighbourhood.
“It’s nice for a community to get to know each other and often pets are good conversation starters. I think this is a brilliant idea and more people should take advantage of it,” he says.
- Ormiston Cafe Yappy Hours, first Saturday of the month (depending on weather) from 9am-11am at 240 Ormiston Road, Flat Bush.
