INTERNATIONAL: After a ‘ruff’ day of walking and playing fetch, one of the dogs’ favorite ways to unwind is with a treat at Dubai’s first pet dining establishment.
Opened in December 2021, ‘Happy Bark Day’ is one of the region’s few ‘cafés’ that exclusively serve dogs and cats, with a menu full of healthy, human-grade meals designed by founder Hyunsuk Ku.
Ku, who moved to Dubai in 2008 from South Korea, decided to get her pet nutrition certification after her first dog, Maum, fell ill.
So she began preparing treats using fresh, high-quality ingredients, tailoring the contents for her friends’ dogs who had special dietary requirements.
At Happy Bark Day, Ku serves a rotating menu of treats prepared every day, with items like ‘puppacinos’ - made using a slow broth of oxtail or chicken, and ‘pupcakes’ made with beef or salmon combined with vegetables, or even tiered trays of treats for ‘afternoon tea’.
Dogs sit on high benches, placing their paws on the table, eagerly awaiting their order - which they quickly devour as soon as they arrive.
Kirkwood, one of the pet owners, said that it’s great to have an indoor destination for her dog, with Dubai’s scorching summers making it hard for pets to be outdoors. Plus, she’s glad that the treats are healthy and made by a nutritionist.
Meals at Happy Bark Day cost between $10-$20, with cakes made especially for dogs’ birthdays costing around $55.
Ku is hoping to expand her store and open more locations across the UAE, but for now, she’s happy to be working with her favorite animals everyday.
“I just love them with unconditional love. I get emotional. They’re my babies,” said Ku, hugging her dog Sarang and wiping tears from her eyes.
PHOTO: VARIOUS OF DOGS AT A CAFE FOR DOGS AND CATS IN DUBAI / OWNER OF THE SHOP SERVING FOOD TO THE ANIMALS / COMMENTS BY CUSTOMERS, OWNER OF THE CAFE
