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Getting Sloppy Kisses in Saratoga Springs

by on May 14th, 2010
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Saratoga Springs Dog-Friendly Downtown decalWe were in the Catskills … heading to the Adirondacks. En route, a tweet from @toby_pup alerted us to “a big dog friendly event” in Saratoga Springs, NY. We did some research, and found out that Dog-Friendly Downtown was officially launching on Saturday (tomorrow). So we did what any self-respecting dog lover would do – track down someone in the know.

We met with Melanie Dallas, owner of Sloppy Kisses and co-creator (along with Adrianna Flax of Saratoga Arts) of the Dog-Friendly Downtown initiative. According to Melanie, the goal was simple: get shops in downtown Saratoga Springs to identify and market themselves as dog friendly. So starting about a year ago with a test group of 12 businesses, the number of participating stores grew to 20, and now numbers 35. Dog owners can identify these shops by a decal displayed on the storefront door or window. Interestingly, no participating store has dropped out after signing on – we’d have to conclude that being dog friendly has been good for business!

On Saturday, the initiative officially launches. From 11 am to 3 pm, there will be scavanger hunt involving the participating businesses. Dog owners and their companions must collect answers to canine questions specific to each store or store owner. From 3 pm to 5 pm, there’s a Yappy Hour at Putnum Den where prizes will be awarded to scavenger hunt winners.

Here’s some Sloppy Kisses pics. We’ll be doing a follow up report on Monday!

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Here’s the interview with Melanie and Dani Stein of Saratoga.com that led us to Sloppy Kisses.

Comments

Comment Archive

Amy@GoPetFriendly Oct 25, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Honestly, I'm quite surprised by your comment. We found Melanie to be very friendly and welcoming when we were in Saratoga. We'd never met her before, but she invited us to park the RV in front of her store during the scavenger hunt and even sent homemade treats for the dogs. I'm sorry your experience was not as pleasant as ours.
Dogggylover1 Oct 14, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Saratoga is a great pet friendly place but everyone knows that the owner of Sloppy Kisses is extremely RUDE. I would never suggest shopping there and everyone I've ever asked talked to about sloppy kisses has said the same thing. As a true dog lover I've given them a few chances and every time was worse than the last. RUDE RUDE RUDE
Saratoga Springs for Dog-Friendly Businesses Aug 19, 2010 at 8:55 pm
[...] and known mostly for all things equine, Saratoga Springs is extending the love to canines. As we reported on Friday, the community was officially launching its Dog-Friendly Downtown initiative on Saturday. Starting [...]
Rod@GoPetFriendly May 17, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Hey Jim. Yes, it was pretty amazing. Many of the stores were high-end clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, etc. - not "just" stores selling "pet stuff." And to think there were 35 businesses that are part of this. In all of GoPetFriendly's travels thus far, this is certainly the most progressive dog friendly initiative we've seen.
Rod@GoPetFriendly May 17, 2010 at 8:29 pm
We had fun meeting everyone, too. And we're happy that the day was just perfect from a weather perspective. Believe it or not, Saturday was our first yappy hour ... we're gonna have to schedule more of those!
Rod@GoPetFriendly May 17, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Thank you for taking the time to comment. We had a great time in your town ... just thought it was a great community. And the dog friendly initiative certainly seems to be successful. Trust me, we'll be back!
Rod@GoPetFriendly May 17, 2010 at 8:25 pm
I have a follow up post today (Monday) that tells how wonderful the launch went. And just to make it clear, the initiative is not just about putting water bowls at the front door. Dogs and owners are both allowed inside the stores - so you're right, it's a pretty progressive movement. I also thought it was interesting that not one store that signed up to by dog friendly has dropped out.
Rod@GoPetFriendly May 17, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Hey Jim. Yes, it was pretty amazing. Many of the stores were high-end clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, etc. - not "just" stores selling "pet stuff." And to think there were 35 businesses that are part of this. In all of GoPetFriendly's travels thus far, this is certainly the most progressive dog friendly initiative we've seen.
Rod@GoPetFriendly May 17, 2010 at 4:29 pm
We had fun meeting everyone, too. And we're happy that the day was just perfect from a weather perspective. Believe it or not, Saturday was our first yappy hour ... we're gonna have to schedule more of those!
Rod@GoPetFriendly May 17, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Thank you for taking the time to comment. We had a great time in your town ... just thought it was a great community. And the dog friendly initiative certainly seems to be successful. Trust me, we'll be back!
Rod@GoPetFriendly May 17, 2010 at 4:25 pm
I have a follow up post today (Monday) that tells how wonderful the launch went. And just to make it clear, the initiative is not just about putting water bowls at the front door. Dogs and owners are both allowed inside the stores - so you're right, it's a pretty progressive movement. I also thought it was interesting that not one store that signed up to by dog friendly has dropped out.
Jim (Doggybytes.ca) May 17, 2010 at 3:01 am
British Columbia, where I live, is considered to be a very "dog friendly" province, but some of the "pet friendliness" you write about puts BC to shame. Many of the shop owners will set bowls of water outside their storefront for the pooches, but I don't know of any that will actually allow dogs in their stores - other than pet stores.
terrimiller May 15, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Hi - I had a great time meeting you folks today and doing the whole shopping thing....I have posted a picture of me shopping on the Facebook pages of Sloppy Kisses and my mama. Boy did I have fun. I didn't buy stuff only for me either - I helped mama get a kick-butt pair of earrings and a bracelet at a really great store - 80 West. Ladies, we will both be back. Ebbie lou and mama Terri
News From the Dog Blogosphere May 15, 2010 at 10:16 pm
[...] Rod and Amy were in getting sloppy kisses in Saratoga Springs, NY visiting with Melanie Dallas, owner of Sloppy Kisses (what a great name eh?) who along with [...]
marebarker May 15, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Thanks Rod for stopping in our store (Impressions of Saratoga) today during your tour of downtown Saratoga Springs! It was so nice to meet you, hope you make it back soon. Kennebunkport Maines is a fun place to travel with dogs too if you ever get out that way. Lot's of hotels and beaches are dog friendly but of course Saratoga is still the best!
michelechollow May 14, 2010 at 9:05 am
This is just plain common sense--open pet-friendly businesses, and you will improve your business. I prefer shopping at places where pets are welcomed. It seems that the owners are friendlier too.

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