SKYBARK.COM BLOG

By Sandy Robins
msnbc.com contributor
updated 7:01 a.m. PT, Fri., May. 30, 2008

Back in the ’70s, when singer Alicia Bridges was belting out her hit “I Love the Nightlife” and nightclub owner Steve Rubell had New York City trendoids on the velvet ropes outside his famous Studio 54 — a scene that forever encapsulated the night fever frenzy of the disco era — no-one could have possibly forecast that today’s party animals would, in fact, be animals. Dogs to be exact.

These days, many pooches around the country lead a very active social life after dark and the trend is definitely growing. And, if Rubell is the name most associated with the nightlife of the ’70s, then Los Angeles businessman Brandon Hochman must take today’s credit for putting dogs in the nightlife mix.

Hochman’s personal pet peeve was that he loved the L.A. party scene, but was troubled that he couldn’t take his own pooches Mish Mash, a Maltipoo, Lucy the Labrador and Baxter the Pug with him for a drink and a good time.

Consequently, he decided to open L.A.’s first doggie night club appropriately named SkyBark on the rooftop of his downtown offices, with unique doggie restrooms as part of the master plan — Hochman invented the Pet-a-Potty, an indoor pet toilet that allows pets to take indoor bathroom breaks. This grass sod system can be installed anywhere — nightclubs, theatres, hotels — wherever dogs are.

When SkyBark’s doors opened in 2005, California’s canines were howling to rock and roll on a special 3,000-square-foot lawn doggie dance floor, lap up “muttinis” and set a precedent nationwide.

The venue with a stunning 360 degree view of the city skyline has a full bar, DJ’s spinning the latest music and a wonderful mix of celebrities and pet lovers from all over Southern California.

“It’s not just about having a fun evening out with your dog,” says Hochman. “The covert charge from every event is donated to an animal charity and different rescue groups benefit from each event. This way we are sharing the wealth amongst all those in need.”

To get on the guest list is simple; anyone with a well-trained pooch can attend. Concierges at pet-friendly hotels are alerted in advance of parties so that travelers with dogs can plan ahead. Alternatively, anyone can sign up for the SkyBark newsletter on SkyBark.com which provides information on forthcoming events.

SkyBark has become a fixture on the Los Angeles social scene, last year winning awards for the best pet service in L.A., and was named “the hottest new club in Los Angeles in 2007” by the National Enquirer. Read full article MSNBC