By Peggy Scott
SDUN Columnist

A man, a woman and a Saint Bernard go into a bar – no, it’s not a joke, it’s a preview of a couple of cool canine events next week that invite people and their furry best friends to eat, drink and be hairy, er, merry, together. Food and drink specials, dog-centric activities and even fido-focused art promise to make these gatherings something to bark about.

Monday, June 14, brings “K9’s and Cocktails” to Station Tavern & Burgers in South Park. From 5 p.m.-9 p.m., the normally-closed-on-Monday Station will offer an adapted menu, and participating vendors such as South Bark Dog Wash and Walkin’ the Dog will have goodies for the four-legged attendees. Artisan Ernie Orfila will showcase his glass tile dog portraits, and Kaya Robinson will have a display of her dog-themed jewelry. A portion of the proceeds will go to the San Diego Humane Society.

The next day, June 15, Hotel Indigo in downtown’s East Village kicks off its summer “Canine Cocktail” parties. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the hotel’s ninth-floor Phi Terrace Bar, pets can enjoy a menu of complimentary dog bones, snacks and water bowls courtesy of City Dog self-service dog wash and its vendors. Pooches’ human companions can munch on $2.50 sliders, accompanied by $4 drink specials and half-off bottles of wine. And what dog doesn’t like a good ball game? The bar offers a great view of Petco Park’s home plate, so partygoers can catch a few innings of the Padres as they take on the Toronto Blue Jays. For those more interested in a good read, author and pet travel correspondent Edie Jarolim and her terrier mix, Frankie, will be on hand (or paw) to sign copies of “Am I Boring My Dog? And 99 Other Things Your Dog Wishes You Knew.” Books are $14.95 and will be provided by Warwick’s Books.

Grab the leash and go sip a libation – but remember, no booze for Bowsers. It’s bad for them and someone has to be the designated driver, right?

Station Tavern & Burgers
2204 Fern St.
South Park
255-0657
stationtavern.com

Hotel Indigo
509 Ninth Ave.
Downtown
727-4000
hotelsandiegodowntown.com