Sponsored by House Wine
The popular Ballard bar celebrated Pride Month by hosting its second annual collaboration with House Wine. "We have an ongoing collaboration with House Wine that we've done over the last couple of years, and House Wine reached out to us again to continue to do that partnership with a pride event," Dog Yard Bar's Marketing Assistant Hannah Sheil said.

House Wine was on location handing out free samples of limited-time flavors and merch. "House Wine is known for its participation and support. During Pride, they have the [rainbow] can and everything," Sheil said. A percentage of all House Wine's June profits go toward LGBTQ+ charities and organizations.

When House Wine reached back out to the bar to collaborate on a second Pride party, Sheil started brainstorming ways that they could top last year's event. "I wanted to come up with an idea to make it a little more exciting in how we celebrate Pride," she said. "One idea was for people and their dogs to have a foam party. It's something that other dog bars around the US have done, and I've always wanted to do it. I thought, what better time to have a foam party than Pride?"

Dog Yard Bar partnered with Leapfrog Foam, a small company with experience doing foam parties for animals. "They're very popular with dogs, and it's an animal- and dog-safe foam. They can fill up a 20 by 20 space five feet high if they wanted to. We're not going to do that much, but I think it will be just enough for the dogs to have fun," Sheil said.

Let the puppy party begin!
When the foam cannons finally started, there was more than enough sudsy snow falling to create jubilation among the dogs in attendance. Dogs of all sizes, from Great Danes to French Bulldogs, pounced into the growing pile of fluffy foam. Though Leapfrog warned the foam should not be consumed, some dogs didn't listen. Pride is about rule-breaking, after all.

Clothes came off as the dogs got into the Pride festivities. Collars and rainbow bandanas were removed so the dogs could better feel the foam against their fur. For some bathing-averse dogs, it was the closest thing to a bath they will ever enjoy.

The people were just as excited as the dogs. Proud owners snapped photos and videos of their pups dancing through the pile of fluff. The Golden Retrievers in attendance found a particular fondness for the foam. One even sat in the middle as the bubbles fell around them in a large mound.

"I think the event is great. It's nice to relax and allow your dog to run around, and representing the community is also amazing," said local dog parent Reanna.

Safety first!
Safety was a concern for all the staff members at Dog Yard Bar. Like any event, all dogs are required to show proof of vaccination and make an online account with the bar. The staff members on site are also all trained in animal first aid and behavior. "All of our staff are trained in dog behavior and dog handling. Our assistant general manager comes from the dog show world. He's worked with dogs for 15 to 20 years. He's very knowledgeable about behavior and everything," Sheil said. "That's the draw of Dog Yard, especially. In a regular dog park, you don't know if the dogs are vaccinated, desensitized, or have good behavior."

Dog Yard did not charge a specific event fee for the Pride party. As with all their events, humans got in free, and dog admission was $16. "That entry fee day pass is good for the whole day. You can come in the morning and later for the foam party, or vice versa. You can come for the foam party, then leave and come back later. We do a little stamp on your hand, and then it's good for the whole day," Sheil explained.

Catch the next party
For anyone interested in treating their dog to the next rover rager, Dog Yard Bar has a packed June schedule, including an event for dogs of all kinds. Every Saturday and Sunday morning, Dog Yard Bar also hosts breed-specific meet-ups. "Those are awesome ways for people, if they don't know other dog owners who have the same breed, come to meet them. I've seen dogs flourish in this environment," Sheil said. As the owner of a Corgi, she has seen her dog thrive when surrounded by other stubby-legged floofs.

"We also do ones that aren't necessarily breed-based, but just groups," Sheil added. "We do a shy and senior dog one, for the lowkey type of dogs or ones for small dogs only." Small dog parties are valuable for petite pooches who can't enjoy most dog park spaces due to the large rowdy breeds that often dominate them.

Dog Yard Bar's next sponsored event will be for the summer solstice on June 21. "We are planning an event with June Shine for the summer solstice, so Wednesday, June 21, 4 to 7 p.m.," Sheil said. "June Shine will be joining us, similar to how House Wine is joining us, samples, all that fun stuff."

This weekend Dog Yard is hosting a Boston Terrier meet-up on Saturday, June 17, and a Schnauzer meet-up on Sunday, June 18. They also host puppy play nights every Monday at 6 p.m.