British Columbia·Photos

Puppy love and coffee served at pop-up dog café

More than 100 people lined up for a chance to pet some dogs and grab a coffee at the B.C. SPCA's Cups & Pups event.

Lineup wrapped around the block as dog lovers waited for their turn to get into B.C. SPCA's Cups & Pups event

Eleven-week-old Berger was a show stopper at the B.C. SPCA's Pups & Cups event. (Tina Lovgreen/CBC)

More than 100 people lined up at a pop-up, pup café to get some puppy love and a cup of joe during their lunch break. 

"I don't think we knew the lineup would be that extravagant, but it's amazing to see," said Charlotte Ellice, with the B.C. SPCA's West Vancouver branch.

Dog lovers had to donate $10 to get in and could grab a coffee by donation while they walked around and met some of the dogs that were up for adoption. (Tina Lovgreen/CBC)

A $10 donation bought paw lovers 10 minutes of hang-out time with dogs that are up for adoption at the B.C. SPCA. 

The dogs, ranging in age from 11 weeks to seven years, came from all over the province. 

Dogs brought in for the event came from all around the province. (Tina Lovgreen/CBC)
B.C. SPCA staff made sure to bring in dogs that would be social and comfortable in a crowded situation. (Tina Lovgreen/CBC)

They were brought in, in shifts to avoid them being overwhelmed.

"There is a lot going on, so wanted to make sure they are comfortable in these settings, and if not we take them back to the shelter and bring in the other dogs," said Ellice. 

Eight-month-old Rain, a mix of mastiff and German shepherd is up for adoption. (Tina Lovgreen/CBC)

The goal of the event was to get the dogs adopted, but no one got to walk away with a companion just yet. 

Those interested in providing permanent homes for the dogs still have to go back to the shelter and follow the regular adoption procedures. 

Not everyone who showed up was interested in adoption. Ellice says that's OK. 

"We have an abundance of animals in our shelters, and the goal is to encourage people to adopt and not go out there and shop for animals," she said. 

While all the dogs were up for adoption, no one walked away with a dog today. All adoptions have to be done at the shelter and need to follow the proper adoption procedures. (Tina Lovgreen/CBC)
Ten-month-old Jessie is a mixed breed Rottweiler. Her handler described her as very active and eager to learn. (Tina Lovgreen/CBC)

While today's puppy cafe was a one off, if it is successful Ellice said there may be more puppy play time in Vancouver's future. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tina Lovgreen

Video Journalist

Tina is a Video Journalist with CBC Vancouver. Send her an email at [email protected]