OkcPets Magazine May 2021

May/June 2021 • OKC Pets 29 By Michael Bell T he other day I was reviewing a horo- scope (not my own, but one that I found interesting). It stated: “Psy- chologists have identified a quality they call NFD: ‘need for drama.’ Those who possess it may be inclined to seek or even instigate turmoil out of a quest for excitement.” When one purposely brings a dose of chaos into one’s life simply to cure feelings of boredom… hold on a minute, doesn’t that sound a little like what we as pet owners do when we adopt a new fur baby into our families? We add a little chaos to our lives. Well, 2020 certainly had no lack of surprises or chaos with the COVID-19 pandemic, a freak ice storm in October, and, of course, you gotta mention that pet ownership in the OKC metro area grew exponentially (remember we overcome boredom by adding chaos). But 2021 hasn’t been that much of an improvement. We had a once-in-a-century snowstorm, and the pandemic seems to still be a factor even with vaccines being admin- istered. I do have some great news though, that offers a fantastic way to overcome our boredom, and you can even take your pup along! It is my great honor to be one of the first to introduce Solo’s Park & Pub, a concept that combines an outdoor off-leash dog park with an indoor bar and grill. The 1.1-acre dog park located in the Chisholm Creek area includes separate areas for large and small dogs and offers mixed surfaces like turf, crushed granite and mulch. These areas will also include recreational training aids and play areas. The restaurant’s simple, classic menu will include items like burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and salads and make for an enjoyable evening spent with your pup. A full bar with experienced staff will offer specialty cocktails as well as several local brews from our many OKC breweries. Owner Julianne Thomas, a local OKC resident, named the business after her dog Solo who recently passed away. Julianne was upset that she was not able to be with her pup when he passed, and she was deter- mined to change that for the rest of us; hence, the creation of Solo’s Park & Pub. Her establishment comes at the right time to fill the need of a city that is in the process of adding pet friendly to its iden- tity. Solo’s Park & Pub offers an outdoor attraction for both humans and our pups. Julianne knows and made use of the fact that many dog owners want to spend their money where they can take their families, and as dog owners, we recognize our dogs as part of our families. Solo’s Park & Pub is a membership-based dog park, with memberships starting at $9.95 for daily use, and will offer single and family memberships. The facility showcases a creative, unique space in the use of materi- als and topography. They offer dog-sitting by professionally trained staff. For humans, there will be ac- tivities that include yard games, adoptions, training and social events. There are even areas for dogs and their owners to hang out without using the off-leash park areas, and dogs are always welcome in the bar areas. At OKC Pets Magazine, we are dedi- cated to promoting dog friendliness and recognizing those companies that aspire to be a dog-friendly environment in the OKC area. Solo’s Park & Pub is one of those companies. Julianne has developed a concept that will allow humans and dogs to have a safe and enjoyable night out on the town. I have high hopes and anticipation that Solo’s Park & Pub will become one of the more recognized places for dog owners to spend their time. Visit solosparkandpub.com for more information or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @solosparkandpub. “More than just a park…” Solo’s Park & Pub offers: • Restaurant & Bar • Chaperoned Dog Park • Dog-Sitting • Single & Family Member- ships • Dog Wash Stations • Yard Games • Social Events & More