A fairly new -- and controversial, it seems -- initiative to make downtown Spa City more dog-friendly than ever (which I reported on last fall) is officially launching in a couple weeks.

The Dog-Friendly Downtown Program (DFD) allows shoppers to identify businesses that allow dogs inside via a decal displayed in the window. To date, over 30 businesses have signed onto the program, say organizers Melanie Dallas, of Sloppy Kisses, and Adrianna Flax, of Saratoga Arts.

They have a slate of events lined up Saturday May 15 to kick off the program.

From the press release:

Area dogs and their owners are invited to participate in the DFD Scavenger Hunt and Doggie
Yappy Hour.

Scavenger Hunt, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., downtown

Participants (both human and canine) are tasked with visiting as many DFD
businesses as possible to answer a canine-related question specific to that business. Scavenger
Hunt participants must answer at least seven questions correctly to be eligible for the prize raffle, to be held as part of the culminating event of the day, Doggie Yappy Hour.

Doggie Yappy Hour, 3 to 5 p.m., Putnam Den, 63A Putnam St.
Mayor Scott Johnson, his wife Julie and their new dog will be recognized and will give out prizes donated by DFD businesses to Scavenger Hunt participants.

Scavenger Hunt ballots are available at Sloppy Kisses at 493 Broadway. They can also be downloaded at www.dogfriendlydowntown.blogspot.com.
The event will take place rain or shine.