The Watering Bowl Holds Open House

Despite the snow, more than 40 dogs took pictures with Santa and played around at The Watering Bowl on South Lindbergh Sunday afternoon. The business held its first Open House event and invited area dogs as well as adoption-hopefuls from Stray Rescue. 

The Watering Bowl is a dog daycare center where owners can leave their pets to play with other dogs and certified trainers. The center often partners with Stray Rescue, a no-kill organization who rescues and treats stray animals and then works to find them a home. 

Several adoptable dogs came to the open house to take photos with Santa and exercise. Owners could also drop off gifts to benefit Stray Rescue. 

"This is great for the dogs, it gets them out to socialize and they can learn to be around other dogs," said Linda Lipa. Lipa fosters Mentadent, a six-month-old puppy from Stray Rescue. "We can see how they act and when we find them a family, we can give them so much more information about the dog."

The dogs played with balls and ropes in a large room while waiting to get a picture with Santa. First timers as well as regulars attended and played out in the snow. 

"This is his favorite place to be," said Mike Watt. Watt's dog, Drago, is a 160-pound English Mastiff. Despite Drago's size, he was terrified of Santa. "At first we thought it was the gloves, but nope, he's just scared of Santa," Karen Watt said. 

Co-owners Ryan Wolk and Jeremy King opened The Watering Bowl last February. Since then, they've had several events including 'yappy hours' on Halloween and during the summer. 

"We're just business people who love dogs," Wolk said. 

Certified trainers monitor an average of 30-35 dogs each day at the daycare center. Dogs who come during the day must have their vaccinations as well as pass a temperance test. The open house was The Watering Bowl's first event open to all dogs. 

"I'm really pleased with how it went," Wolk said. "We really like giving back to Stray Rescue."