Happy hour promises doggone fun

No matter how much you love your dog - unless you know the bar owner or maitre d' - canines usually have to park it at home when you go out for a drink or a bite to eat.

Christina Urbanowicz doesn't think that's fair. And she doesn't even own a dog. Which is why the researcher in the psychology department at Children's Hospital, an avid dog-sitter, is one of the boosters behind the second-annual Canine Happy Hour fundraiser for multiple sclerosis research.

"We just thought that people are really excited about their dogs in general, and we hadn't heard of many things combining cocktail time and having fun with your dog," says Urbanowicz, 25.

Though the Mount Adams resident doesn't own a dog, she loves man's best friend and hopes the cocktail hour will draw young professionals and raise awareness for the Accelerated Cure Project, a national nonprofit that is working to uncover the causes and find a cure for MS, which affects more than 5,000 Cincinnatians.

Last year's happy hour at the Anderson Park District Dog Field brought out more than 160 dogs and 200 owners, raising $5,000. Dogs have the run of the 3.5-acre off-leash park while their owners listen to local rock bands and watch demonstrations by dog trainers and a doggie fashion show. There are free drinks for dogs (water only) and a cash bar for owners.

The best part? Some "pooper scooper people" will be on hand to help keep things clean. There's also a mobile veterinary tent, local shelter workers with animals available for adoption, goody bags for the dogs, door prizes and a silent auction.

The pampering will extend to paw readings by pet psychics, on-site dog masseuses and canine agility trainers to tell you how to make your pup more mobile.

Proceeds from the event go to the Accelerated Cure Project, with some of the money also going to help fund improvements and maintenance of the Anderson Township Dog Park.

E-mail gilkco@aol.com