Dog at previous Yappy Hour event located at Gateway – 1552 N. High St. Credit: Courtesy of Christiana Moffa
The Ohio State community will have the opportunity to mingle with pups at Yappy Hour: Puptoberfest, a dog-centered community event returning to the University District on Oct. 3 from 2-6 p.m.
The Oktoberfest-inspired event will take place at Gateway Plaza, 1552 N. High St., and bring people and dogs together for an afternoon of activities and community, according to Christiana Moffa, general manager at Gateway University District.
Yappy Hour is a free, annual event designed to promote pet adoption and connect people with rescue organizations, Moffa said. The afternoon will include a Rescue Me Pageant, live music and a twin-with-your-pet contest. Vendors will also be present, offering services and activities such as pet portraits and caricatures.
“It is my annual event that I organize to really spotlight the ‘adopt, don’t shop’ message,” Moffa said.
Moffa said Yappy Hour is personal for her. The inspiration behind the event grew out of her love for Rio, a rescue dog she found on Facebook while he was on a stray hold at a high-kill shelter in Los Angeles.?
After moving back to Columbus, Rio became a beloved member of the community. Though he has since passed, his legacy is felt throughout the event, Moffa said.
“He was the greatest little dog,” Moffa said. “Rio’s memory will always be alive.”
That legacy will continue at this year’s Yappy Hour through the event’s focus on rescue animals and adoption, Moffa said.?
At least three rescue organizations — Colony Cats, D.A.S.H. Animal Rescue and Grateful Acres Pet Sanctuary & Adoptions — will be at the event, giving attendees the opportunity to meet animals that are looking for homes.
Moffa said one of the most exciting features of the event will be the Rescue Me Pageant, which will showcase costumed cats and dogs that are up for adoption.
“It’s really important for people to see, aside from just going around to the rescues, to see what the animals are like, what their names are and to hear the rescue talk about why a forever home for that particular animal is such a good thing,” Moffa said.
While Yappy Hour gives guests a chance to meet animals in need of homes, the event also offers something for animal lovers or students who may have left their own pets behind when they came to college.
Kate Chrystal, a third-year in psychology, said being separated from her dog makes her appreciate the company animals can provide.
“I miss my dog so much,” Chrystal said. “I have pictures of her on my wall and everything.”
Chrystal said spending time with dogs can provide a much-needed break when life gets stressful.
“I definitely think it decreases stress levels being with a dog, especially since it’s like being with a companion,” Chrystal said. “You don’t have to talk about why you’re stressed, I think that’s definitely helpful.”
The connection between students and animals is part of what Moffa said she hopes Yappy Hour can bring to campus.?
Moffa said students need spaces outside of classrooms and residences where they can socialize comfortably.
“It is an event that provides a gathering space,” Moffa said. “[Students] want a variety of fun and chances to be with their friends, to eat or to drink or to shop.”
That desire for a relaxed environment resonates with students like Chrystal, who said spending time around animals can be uplifting.
“I’ve done puppy pilates and stuff like that,” Chrystal said. “I’m obsessed with dogs, so I think it does reduce stress and it’s something fun to do. It’s fun and you feel happier after being around puppies and dogs.”
Moffa said the various activities give attendees an opportunity to experience that sense of joy together.
Beyond the twin-with-your-pet contest, various vendors and live music, Moffa said she hopes people are able to learn the importance of pet adoption.
“There are ways that you can give back, even if you can’t be a pet parent yourself,” Moffa said. “And then when you do want to have a pet, whether it’s now or down the line, you know what your different options are, that you can go to a rescue or to a shelter.”
While Moffa hopes the event encourages people to consider adoption, she said Yappy Hour is also about bringing the community together and giving people a chance to relax.
“Everyone genuinely just wants to come and hang out with the dogs and hang out with each other and forget about their troubles for a bit,” Moffa said.
