'Yappie Hours’ for dogs

At Mickey’s first evening at a nightclub he listened to loud music, scarfed down appetizers and lapped up cocktails of chicken soup and beet juice instead of gin or vodka.



A 13-year-old Boston terrier, Mickey was among 50 dogs — and 250 humans — at a party in Boston by SkyBark, which began in Los Angeles. The gathering was aimed at marketing canine products while raising money for charity and is part of a new trend toward nightlife where humans are encouraged to bring their dogs.

Such parties are sponsored by companies marketing extravagant dog products, including all-natural, wheat-free dog treats at $11 a pound, synthetic-grass covered indoor porta-potties for $280 and leather jackets for $540.

Canine cocktail parties give entrepreneurs a chance to push their high-priced wares to consumers who are drawn in by the chance to socialize with other dog lovers.