hite Samoyed Popeye and light gray Alaskan malamute Arran, both 18-months old, were jumping around in their playroom at Kelapa Gading Mall, North Jakarta, occasionally running up to guests visiting for an early dinner.
The two pooches were among 15 variegated dogs at the Boogie and Doggie café, which customers can interact with during meal time.
“As a pet lover, I always wanted to have quality time hanging out with my dogs, but I noticed there were not enough accessible spots that allow pets to visit, especially in the Kelapa Gading area, despite an abundance of dog lovers,” said co-owner Viony Lionardo recently.
While spending time eating out with pets can be complicated in Jakarta, as many eateries do not allow visitors to bring their animals along, pet-friendly cafes are now blossoming in Greater Jakarta.
Viony launched Boogie and Doggie in April this year together with her friend Kenny Sastro, whom she met at a dog show she had participated in since 2008. The dogs in their cafe now, she said, were all their well-trained show pets.
“The golden retriever I have at home, Gold Legend, has been the defending champion of an international dog show for the past 11 years,” said Viony.
Her passion and experiences with dogs led Viony to help transform a block of Kelapa Gading Mall that she said used to be a desolate area. Since the café opened, she said, it was never quiet, especially after office hours and on the weekend.
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