Ritz Barklton hosting Yappy Hour for dogs, owners

Ritz Barklton will be hosting its first ever Yappy Hour on June 11.

Monthly Yappy Hours will focus on providing a fun experience for local pups and their owners while raising funds for local dog rescue groups. The first local rescue to receive donations will be Please Rescue Me, run by Grace Reed.

Yappy Hour has a $10 entrance fee. Each ticket purchased gains one person and their pup entry to the event. One half of that fee will go to Please Rescue Me, and the other half buys guests one drink of their choice, either wine, beer or soda. Additional beverages will be full-priced. A selection of $5 appetizers will also be served.

Raffle tickets for $1 will be available for purchase. Several local businesses, including Chitwood Feed and Supply and Maricopa Animal Hospital, will be donating some of their services and products as prizes.

Brad Wilhelm of K-9 Services will be available to talk to any dog owners who are having training or behavioral issues with their dogs.

Dogs are required to be current on all vaccinations. They must also be on leashes and under their owner's control at all times. We will provide water bowls for the dogs and also a pooper scooper and bags to help owners to clean up after their dogs. We will set up a table and special entrance for the dogs which leads to the patio. Due to Pinal County Health Code, dogs are not allowed inside the restaurant.

“We are so excited about this and looking forward to seeing everyone there,” said event organizer Julie Rae Applegath. “If you know of any local businesses who would like to donate a service or product for the raffle, please email me.  Any local business who donates will be allowed to hang their banner on the patio for the event.”