Golden retriever meetups: A 'paradise' for dog lovers and their pups
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"You need this in your life right now," says one man as he FaceTimed his away-at-college daughter before turning around his iPhone to reveal an unusual sight: Dozens of leashed golden retrievers of all shades and sizes, tails wagging with excitement and tongues out, meeting and greeting one another with their equally exuberant owners at Huntington’s Six Harbors Brewing Company’s first dog meetup on April 6. The event drew an estimated 150 dogs to the brewery.
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Drivers on the busy thoroughfare out front slowed to take in the boisterous gathering, which included a drone hovering overhead, Starbucks workers handing out Pup Cups, and dog families jockeying to take photos with a brewery staffer dressed in a fuzzy head-to-toe golden retriever costume.
The drizzly gray weather did nothing to dampen the festive spirit at the event, held partially outside despite the weather. One A-frame board summed up the vibe in colorful chalk: "Happiness is a beer plus my dog near."
Pawsitively Golden
The so-called "Golden Meetup" found inspiration in Six Harbors’ so-called "brew dogs," Buddy, Barley and Brandy. The trio of golden retrievers, who belong to business owners Karen and Mark Heuwetter, solidified their following during the COVID-19 pandemic by delivering beer door to door as a pick-me-up during the days of self-isolation and later returned as mainstays at the New York Avenue tasting room.
Six Harbors Brewing Company owners Karen and Mark Heuwetter with Buddy, Barley and Brandy at the Golden Meetup, the first golden retriever event at the Huntington brewery. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
As greeters, Buddy, 8, Barley, 6, and Brandy, 5, offer competition in the dog-eat-dog downtown Huntington hospitality scene. Not only do the three have their own Instagram account (@sixharbors.brewdogs), but they are impeccably well-groomed, unusually friendly and extremely attentive.
According to the Heuwetters, the pooches seem to love every minute, dog day or not, as they interact with customers coming for beer, especially the ever-popular Captain Blood Orange and Bay Hills Blueberry flavors.
"There's not one person who walks up and doesn't have a smile on their face," says Karen Heuwetter, who opened Six Harbors with her husband in 2018. "I think people look forward to seeing them because it just makes your day a little bit brighter."
Bobo hopped up on a table at the event to the delight of his people, Julianna Corso, left, and Emmi Triplett, of Oyster Bay. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
The initial "Golden Meetup" post was shared on the brewery’s Instagram account more than 3,300 times, drawing attendees from as far away as Pennsylvania and New Jersey, she says.
Married couple Sunny and Lalai Subhanaga, 35 and 30, took advantage of a live artist on site, having their caricature done with their golden retriever, Cooper, 6, who they say understands commands in both Thai and English. They traveled from Bronxville for the event. They take their 100-pound dog to the park every day near their home, but brought him so he could meet "new friends," says Sunny, a mechanic.
Six-year-old Cooper and his people, Sunny and Lalai Subhanaga, came all the way from Bronxville to take part in the meetup. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
"We thought this was pretty unique and special to attend," says Commack resident Marie Moran, 39, an administrator who came with her husband, Julian, 38, a cardiovascular technician; daughters, Alice, 5, and Lucy, 2, and their pet Bailey, 7.
They and others greeted Mark Heuwetter while entering the parking lot at the start of the meetup. "Thank you for this day," says one woman. "You’ve got to do this again," says another.
"It’s a golden paradise today," he says, watching the crowds with a smile on his face and Buddy, the top dog, beside him.
Asked if Six Harbors will host other dog meetups, particularly for other breeds, Karen Heuwetter said she's thinking about it. "I'm not sure yet," she says. "We'll see."
MORE FUN FOR PUPS
Great Dane meetup at Lithology Brewing Co.
211A Main St., Farmingdale
The brewery will host a Great Dane meetup which will include a pop-up truck appearance by The Barking Biscuit, LLC, a Wantagh company that makes homemade dog treats and donates a portion of sales to animal charities
- When 2 to 5 p.m. May 4
- Cost Free
- More info 516-962-0585, lithologybrewing.com
Puppy Yoga with Pawsitive Possibilities Rescue
Earth Warriors Yoga, 208 E. Main St., Patchogue
The event benefits the Middle Island-based nonprofit shelter, and some of their adoptable puppies, as well as a pop-up dog boutique and a table featuring Embark Dog Training will be on-site.
- When 11:30 a.m. May 10 and June 29
- Cost $50, which includes complimentary mimosas and free parking behind the building; yoga spots can be booked online
- More info 631-245-7513, earthwarriorsyoga.com
Give a Dog a Dream Walk and Wag
Heckscher Park, Park Avenue and Route 25A, Huntington
Walk in the park to help benefit shelter dogs. Registered walkers receive a scarf for their dog plus a goody bag filled with pet-related items.
- When Noon to 4 p.m. May 10
- Cost $20 suggested donation registration fee in advance
- More info giveadogadream.org
Nassau County SPCA animal adoption event
Village Green, 361 Main St., Farmingdale
Join the Nassau County SPCA for an animal abuse awareness day where you can adopt or foster a pet. Also, pet-friendly vendors, giveaways and raffles.
- When 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 17
- Cost $20 donation includes a swag bag
- More info 516-576-2921, nassaucountyspca.org
Guided walk with LI-DOG Pack Walk
Isaac Dog Park at Veterans Memorial Park, west of the Route 25A intersection in Calverton
Leashed, well-behaved pooches and their owners can join the walk hosted at dog-friendly parks.
When 10:30 a.m. May 18
- Cost Free, but reservations are requested in the "Events" section of the organization’s Facebook page or meetup group.
- More info lidog.org
With Lynn Petry
More Things to Do
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