Yappy Hour Kicks Off New Dog Policy in NH's Mall at Fox Run

A Yappy Hour was held at the Mall at Fox Run in Newington and it was a hit for all who attended.

The mall will now allow dogs inside as long as they stay with their owners while they shop.

Individual stores will let shoppers know if dogs are allowed inside by displaying a dog-friendly sticker on their windows. People can also ask before entering the store.

On May 26, nonprofit organizations and businesses which work with dogs and their owners were at Yappy Hour.

Delise West, owner of Sit.Stay.Smile. Pet Photography, was there with her photographer taking pictures of dogs catching treats. All the proceeds went to Hero Pups, which provides support dogs for veterans and first responders.

Photo by Kimberley Haas

West is the person behind creating dog-friendly environments for people to enjoy their favorite activities with their pooch.

"We started the dog-friendly movement in 2019. We were hosting Dover Dog Halloween and we knew we were going to have an influx of people in Dover so we wanted to find a way to let those people know about the businesses downtown and try to get them to stay at the end of the event," West said.

West went around to all of the businesses and then created a sticker that shop owners could use in their windows, similar to what will be used at the mall.

West said they expanded this year into Portsmouth and there are about 21 businesses that now have stickers indicating they are dog-friendly.

Also at the mall event were representatives from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Woof! Pet Supply in Hampton, Pet Supplies Plus in Somersworth, Inspire K-9's Training Center and the NH Dog Walking Club.

Photo by Kimberley Haas

Eric Brasier, general manager of the mall, said each store has its own rules and regulations. Some have corporate policies they need to follow.

"But by and large everybody is on board with it," Brasier said.

Brasier has said they are thinking of creative ways to meet customer demand and are moving toward a mall which is a place for an experience in addition to retail shopping.

Contact Managing News Editor Kimberley Haas at Kimberley.Haas@townsquaremedia.com.

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Yappy Hour Kicks Off New Dog Policy in NH’s Mall at Fox Run

LOOK: Here Are 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs