Sploot Veterinary Care is hosting a "Date With Your Dog" mixer on Thursday, July 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. The event at the Improper City patio in RiNo will provide an opportunity for local pet lovers to meet one another — and get their pup's approval on prospective romantic partners.
"Dogs are a great buffer," says Haleigh Watts, brand and community engagement manager for Sploot. "They're great conversation starters, icebreakers, they make you more comfortable. People are actively trying to date in Denver. How do we make it more approachable, a little bit more fun, a little bit more relaxed?"
The idea has already taken off: 355 people RSVP'd to attend before organizers closed the online reservation system, according to Watts. Though RSVPs are closed, walk-ins are still welcome. "We aren't going to turn anybody away," she says.
The event is free and open to the public; dogs are not required for entrance, though they are encouraged. Attendees get their first drink for free, as well as free photographs with their dogs taken by Denver Pet Pics. Improper City has also put together a special menu for the occasion in addition to its normal offerings.
Though Sploot often hosts community events, this is the company's first-ever dating endeavor, Watts says. She came up with the idea herself, explaining that she was inspired by listening to the "Denver dating horror stories" of her single friends, many of whom have dogs.
"I was thinking, what if you finally find the right person and you get along so well, but you both have dogs and they don't get along?" she asks. "What do you do?"
If Thursday's event goes well, Watts says "Date With Your Dog" could become a quarterly affair, and potentially spread to Sploot's other locations in Colorado Springs and Chicago. She also has her eye set on an event for cat owners in the future, if organizers can find an appropriate venue.
"We just want to bring people and dogs together for community and connection. That's kind of what Sploot is all about," Watts says. "We want to provide these very fun, memorable experiences, and show the humanity behind Sploot. There are real people back here caring for your pets and trying to create lasting experiences."
In addition to Sploot, the event is also hosted by the Table for 1 podcast, which will be present, interviewing singles throughout the evening.
The event is free and open to the public; dogs are not required for entrance, though they are encouraged.
Frimufilms/Freepik
"It's a great opportunity to make that connection and pet a bunch of dogs along the way," Watts adds. "We are encouraging anybody to attend. You just must love dogs. That's the only requirement."
"Date With Your Dog" runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Improper City, 3201 Walnut Street; admission is free.
