“September is Going to the Dogs—Twice!” says Tricia Montgomery, the Development Director of the Gulf Coast Humane Society. Indeed, Yappy Hour at Bell Tower and PupArt at Backyard Social are two September events pet lovers won’t want to miss. 

The monthly Yappy Hour takes place on Friday, September 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers on Daniels Parkway and U.S. 41. You can bring your best furry friend and join the fun at the always-popular Yappy Hour at Bell Tower! “Enjoy a fun Friday night with drinks, shopping, music, and dog-friendly fun. It’s free to attend, and the paw-fect way to kick off the weekend with your pup by your side,” adds Montgomery. During the September event, dress your pooch in 1960s flower-power and join the pack for retro peace and love fun.

A recent fundraising Yappy Hour event took place on Friday, August 8, at Bell Tower Shops. During the “Darcy Dives for Donations” event, Executive Director, Darcy Andrade suited up in full scuba gear to take the plunge and bob for tennis balls—all to help support the shelter’s expenses for medical care, food, and shelter for the pets.

Also, PupArt: Painting with Paws, takes place on Saturday, September 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Backyard Social, located at 16371 Corporate Commerce Way in Fort Myers. 

“Unleash your pup’s inner Picasso at our new PupArt event at Backyard Social!” says Montgomery. You and your dog can create a one-of-a-kind paw-print masterpiece together while enjoying pooch-themed cocktails and good company. The fee is $15 for a paw printing station for pups and people. All proceeds benefit the animals of Gulf Coast Humane Society, located at 210 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers.

“These events help raise awareness and support for the lifesaving work of Gulf Coast Humane

Society, all while celebrating the incredible bond between pets and their people,” explains Montgomery.

Find out more about other fun fundraising events, including Paws and Pose, a $20 per person monthly yoga class with shelter pets held in the lobby on the 4th Sunday of every month at 11 a.m. to12 p.m. Visit gulfcoasthumanesociety.org/calendar/.