From staff reports

It’s the “dog days of summer” every Saturday at The Bridges at 57th starting June 3, as four-legged companions are invited to shop and even dine with their owners.

Participating stores at the retail center at 57th Street and Louise Avenue will have a Dog Days window cling and will open their doors each Saturday through August to well-behaved canine shoppers.

“With Shop Dog Boutique on site, we see a lot of people coming and going with their four-legged friends,” property manager Tammy Baumgartel said.

“These are generally very well-behaved dogs that are treated like part of the family. We wanted to give shoppers the opportunity to continue enjoying their time at The Bridges after a visit to Shop Dog, and in the summer, we don’t want dogs waiting in hot cars.”

Shop Dog Boutique will serve as a watering hole for thirsty canine shoppers, with water dishes available outside and free treats inside. Many other stores also will be handing out snacks.

Bracco and Starz restaurants will have designated dog-friendly areas on their outdoor patios every Saturday. There are outdoor tables, chairs and benches throughout the park-like development, and a pet-waste disposal station will be installed on site.

Bridges was inspired to welcome dogs by dog-friendly retailers in other markets such as Pottery Barn, Anthropologie, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Sioux Falls stores including Home Depot and Lowe’s.