Finally, after multiple delays and much anticipation, the ground-breaking So Fetch Canine Social Club will open Wednesday in Kelowna.
So Fetch bills itself as the first, exclusive indoor dog club in BC and the first-ever eatery for dogs in the world.
The name 'So Fetch Canine Social Club' is inspired.
Riffing off the 'go fetch' dog command comes 'so fetch' with the 'fetch' coming from the movie Mean Girls, in which 'fetch' is the catchword for 'so cool' or 'awesome.'
And then, 'canine social club' conjures up images of dogs hanging out and grabbing a bite to eat and drink together in a chic setting.
It's exactly the sort of vibe co-owner and creative director Lyndsey Puhalsky is launching with her redefining of the dog cafe experience.
So Fetch Canine Social Club has been in the works many months and will finally have its 'soft' opening Wednesday in the bottom of the Ella highrise condominium building at the corner of Ellis Street and Lawrence Avenue in downtown Kelowna.
'Soft' refers to an unadvertised opening so the businesses isn't inundated with too many customers right off the bat, overwhelming the new facility and new staff.
But, this story and the built-up hype about So Fetch could mean a lot of people and their pooches dropping by to check it out.
"We've been pushed back so many times, but now we're ready to open and so excited," said Puhalsky.
"We've had to break boundaries with BC health regulations to make this happen. But, still, there are some regulations we'll have to follow. On one side will be a dog-friendly lounge where people can sit inside with their dog and have a mocktail and healthy snacks. On the other side of the glass will be a dog cafe and bar where humans can be with their dogs while their dog grabs a bite to eat and a mocktail."
This is where the doggie cafe concept really kicks in.
All the food for dogs contains human-grade ingredients and is shaped like human foods we all know and love.
For instance, woofles is the doggie equivalent of waffles.
Doghetti is spaghetti for your canine.
Pup-izza is pizza for your pup.
Pupcuertie is the dog-friendly version of charcuterie.
And there's also doggie-edible pupcakes (pancakes and cupcakes).
Doggie drinks include broth 'shots.'
"These are meant to be treats for your dogs, not meal replacements," said Puhalsky.
"And owners should decide how big the portions should be for their dog."
Pawties will also be a big part of So Fetch -- birthday parties for dogs, interactive dog pawties, holiday pawties and photoshoots.
There will be a ball pit and VIP (very important pup) memberships to access extra perks and exclusive access to special events.
But, So Fetch stresses memberships are not required to drop by and socialize, eat and drink.
And even if you don't have a dog, So Fetch's doors will be open to everyone.
Some of the pawties could be off-leash, especially for small dogs.
So Fetch will also have grab-and-go dog treats so you can pick up something tasty for Rover to have at home, on the beach, on a walk or over at a friend's.
Besides treats, the retail shop will also sell all the doggie accessories imaginable from leashes and collars to beds and clothes.
"Ever since we made our first public appearance at the Okanagan Pet Expo in May there's been a lot of hype circling around So Fetch Canine Social Club," said Pahalsky.
"We want to keep that momentum going right through our official opening."
At the pet expo, So Fetch sponsored the 'Pug Dash' and photography station and answered questions about what it will be, where it will be located and when it will open.
Puhalsky has a background in marketing, event planning, art and design and has spent a lot of time in California with her pomeranian, Sayje, for work and play.
"Everywhere in California is so dog-friendly -- the beach, patios, restaurants, hotels and stores," she said.
"It inspired me to research dog cafes and dog bars all over the world and create an experience that will work in Kelowna. I'd say the biggest inspiration would be The Dog Society fun space in San Diego."
Puhalsky's partner in the venture is her mom, Lori Van.
Puhalsky is the creative side of the business, her mom the sales and administrative expert.
