Local bar going to the dogs

By Mo Cranker on September 11, 2018.

Amanda Ensz and Lael Zeleny sit on the Silver Buckle's patio Monday afternoon with Cali, Bella and Karma. The Buckle is opening its patio as dog friendly Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and will also be hosting the SPCA and a number of its animals throughout the day with the hopes of getting a few adopted.--NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER

mcranker@medicinehatnews.com @MHNmocranker

No one should ever have to choose between their friends and their dogs.

The Silver Buckle agrees.

The South Railway-based sports bar is unveiling its patio as dog-friendly Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and will be hosting the SPCA and a number of the shelter’s dogs at various points throughout the day with the hopes of getting them adopted.

“We actually got the patio certified a couple weeks ago — we’ve just been trying some things out to see how it will work with the dogs out here,” said part owner Lael Zeleny. “We’re inviting everyone down with their dog Friday to come out and have some food or a beer and to have a good time.

“There’s still a bit of good weather and sunshine to come, so people are more than welcome to come out with their dogs.”

Zeleny says the Silver Buckle’s patio will be the first in the city to become dog-friendly, and he is excited to share it with the community.

“I don’t have a dog right now, but I know when I did there were times where I would stay at home instead of going out with friends so I could play with my dog,” he said. “That’s what we’re trying to eliminate with this — people shouldn’t have to choose between their pets and their friends.”

A big part of Friday’s unveiling will be the inclusion of the SPCA and its animals looking for forever homes.

“They’re a great organization,” he said. “We figured they do so much for our city, why not have them here on Friday for this?

“They won’t be here the whole time but they will have a number of dogs that people can hopefully adopt and they’ll be accepting donations.”

Zeleny says there aren’t set-in-stone rules around the patio but hopes people can use their best judgment when deciding if their dog should be there.

“If your dog loves you and only you that’s great, they might not be right for this setting,” he said. “If your dog is social and can get along with other dogs then they are more than welcome.

“We’re hoping people can be responsible pet owners and clean up after their pets — we’ll have bags on the patio in case anyone forgets them.”