Newington’s Mall at Fox Run to Become Dog Friendly

Business leaders at the Mall at Fox Run in Newington know people love their pets, so they are going dog friendly and throwing a Yappy Hour to celebrate.

Eric Brasier, general manager of the mall, said on Monday morning that when he worked for Saks Fifth Avenue, people loved to bring their dogs in for the shopping experience.

"When I got here, I noticed it was service dogs only," Brasier said.

Brasier started working on a plan to get four-legged friends into the halls of the mall, and it still hasn't been formally announced, but the Mall at Fox Run will become dog friendly this month.

Brasier has ordered stickers for individual tenants.

"The mall itself will be dog friendly and if a store wants wants to be dog friendly, they get one of these stickers," Brasier said.

Brasier said they are thinking of creative ways to meet customer demand and are moving toward a mall which is a place for an experience in addition to retail shopping.

Brasier said becoming dog friendly is part of a growing trend on the Seacoast.

"The seacoast region is very dog friendly, especially if you go into Portsmouth, there's always people walking dogs," Brasier said.

Yappy Hour will be held on May 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. and is open to the public.

Inspire K-9's will be bringing dogs for an agility and trick show.

Sit.Stay.Smile Pet Photography will be taking pictures of dogs catching treats and all benefits will go to Hero Pups.

Hero Pups will be at the event and members of their organization will be speaking about their mission to provide support for veterans and firts responders.

Brasier said NH Dog Walking Club, Alliance of Therapy Dogs and a pet supplier or two will also be at the event.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 57 percent of U.S. households own a pet, with dogs and cats still being the most popular pet choices.

Approximately 38 percent of households nationwide have one or more dog, according to a survey the association conducted in 2016.

Contact Managing News Editor Kimberley Haas at Kimberley.Haas@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @KimberleyHaas.