Harbor Pets is kicking off a grand re-opening celebration in Greenport by giving back to a good cause.
A celebration will take place at the shop, located at 25 Front Street, on August 15 through 17, to mark Kimberly Loper’s new ownership of the pet boutique. Loper also owns Life is Gruff, which produces all-natural gourmet dog treats.
Loper has revamped the pet shop and is offering a larger selection of new merchandise.
Her goal with the event is to help pets in need, she said.
“Hosting this event, working with fellow North Fork pet professionals and giving back to the community is something I wanted to do since taking over the store in late April of this year,” Loper said. “Our grand re-opening celebration is a great way for dog owners to meet other dog owners and pet experts in the area, maybe even adopt a new four-legged family member and have a great time while also giving back at the same time.”
Loper, whose Life is Gruff company also features apparel for humans, managed a garden center in Center Moriches for 10 years before she started baking treats for black Lab Trooper in 2004. Her current dogs include Trooper, 6, and a rescue Cane Corso Mastiff, Tank, 2. She said she has been giving back to animal rescue groups since 2010.
Festivities will begin on Friday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Harbor Pet. Greenport Village officials, adoptable dogs from the North Fork Animal Welfare League, pet industry professionals and Loper and her family and friends will be present.
During the day on Friday, NFWAL adoptable dogs will be available meet until 2 p.m., after which dogs and their owners are invited to celebrate from 3 to 5 p.m. for with a “Yappy Hour,” Loper said.
Pet parents can have their dog’s portrait drawn by pet portrait Linda Ozelis for a cost of $15 per portrait. Refreshments will be served for humans and canines alike.
On Saturday, doors to the shop are slated to open at 10 a.m. and from noon to 2p.m, owners ‘Ask the Trainer’ from the North Fork School of Dogs questions regarding dog-training dilemmas! From 3 to 5 p.m. owners can have their pets’ pictures taken by a professional pet photographer, The Puparazzi, Judy McCleery. Pictures cost $10 per dog and will be printed on-site for owners to bring home. Dogs’ photos can also be taken in a Kissing Booth.
Guests are invited to dress up their dogs for the photos.
Also on Saturday, from 3 to 5 p.m., a Yappy Hour will repeat; refreshments for humans will be offered and dogs can sample of Life is Grruff treats. Owners are invited to bring their pet in his or her best “yachting” outfit.
During the three-day event, there will also be free samples of various pet foods and a raffle for baskets. Store specials and discounts on select merchandise will be available throughout the store all weekend.
A portion of the proceeds from the weekend sales will be donated to the North Fork Animal Welfare League.
For additional information, go to ww.Harbor-Pet.com or call (631) 477-1518.
