'Drinking With Dogs' Series Returns This Spring

DETROIT (WWJ) - Ever wish you could enjoy an adult beverage accompanied by your favorite furry friend?

That's the idea behind "Drinking with Dogs" --  the brainchild of Canine to Five doggie daycare owner Liz Blondy.

Blondy told WWJ Newsradio 950's Sandra McNeil she started the Detroit area bar series five years ago as a great way for dog owners to meet other dog owners. She said the program is also good for the economy.

"I feel kind of like, as a small business owner, it's important to lift up small business owners. That is kind of what we all should be doing for each other," Blondy said. "So, it's nice to say, 'Hey, go spend your money at this independently owned and operated restaurant.'"

Blondy said it's gotten so successful that establishments are coming to her asking how they can take part.

This year's series opens on Tuesday, May 12,  at 6 p.m. at Fountain Bistro in Campus Park. Other Drinking With Dogs events will take place at Como's in Ferndale and at the Whitney.

"Another thing  that I really like about it is I think that a lot of people really aren't familiar with some of the venues," Blondy said. "Or --  in the case of the Whitney -- people think, 'Oh, the Whitney -- it's so fancy, it's too fancy for us' -- when in fact it's a lovely, mildly casual patio and people really enjoy being out there with their dogs."

[Check the calendar for the schedule here].