Wolf & Bear Dog Cafe: a wintry escape with the dogs

By ALMA J. BUELVA

​DOG lovers are in for a wintry treat at the new Wolf & Bear Dog Cafe which features a log cabin where canine, caffeine and even a little booze can be enjoyed in the company of “snowdogs”.

Wolf & Bear Dog Cafe, by the same owner of Bengal Brew Cat Cafe, officially opened last Thursday (Nov. 10) in Manhattan Parkview in Cubao, Quezon City. It is unique in the way the interiors evoke images of snow-capped mountain with wolfish and bearish dogs prowling below the log cabin. 

A staff pets one of the "Snowdogs" at the Wolf & Bear Dog Cafe. (MetroPets photo)

The 120sqm space is roomy enough to house 10 to 12 big dogs assigned to one compartment each, a living room area where small dogs entertain guests, and the log cabin and spirit bar upstairs where the medium-size dogs sleep, eat and play.

Proprietor Don Michael Perez told MetroPets that he got the idea for his dog cafe's name after overhearing two strangers' spirited discussion about his white Alaskan malamutes, Sari and Ghost. Ghost particularly resembled a polar bear when it was younger, he said, and the strangers were arguing whether they're seeing a wolf or a bear.

A log cabin overlooks the area of the snowdogs. (MetroPets photo)

​At the new dog cafe, Sari and Ghost are joined by Siberian Huskies and Akita Inu. Perez named some of the big dogs after the direwolves of the Starks from the popular HBO series Game of Thrones, so expect to meet Lady, Summer and Grey Wind as well.

Wolf & Bear dog cafe has its own entrance, but one can also use the adjoining door from Bengal Brew. In a small enclosed area between the two cafes was where we met Winter, a docile Newfoundland, stationed there with one staff to let people know that they are about to enter dogs' territory.

WINTER is coming (for you!) This amiable Newfoundland will steal your heart. (MetroPets photo)

​Children below 12 years old are not allowed in the snowdogs area. Guests are always accompanied by trained staff, and two visitors can sit and mingle with a dog in its compartment as long as they want, unless there's a queue of people that also want some downtime with the big furry dogs. 

A kid assisted by an adult was about to join the merry dogs that are all eager to play. (MetroPets photo)

​The big dogs were having quite a slumber party when we visited and were not to be disturbed. The management also put up a special sign in the alpha dog's station to inform people that the leader of the pack must be approached with caution.

At the log cabin, highly spirited pugs, Jack Russells, Italian Greyhound, Shih Tzus and poodles kept the crowd busy. The cabin area is where people can have food and drinks and, perhaps, cocktails. Wolf & Bear dog cafe has a liquor license, Perez said. 

Chatter, caffeine, canine in one place. (MetroPets photo)

​The living room section below is homey and decked with stuffed toys. One can almost imagine a fireplace there with fire crackling to make it toasty enough (air-conditioning for the dog cafe is supposed to be colder than usual) for guests and the small and teacup dogs around. 

Who goes there? These two cuties were guarding the front door. (MetroPets photo)

If you are planning to visit this latest pet-themed cafe, the schedules and rates are as follows:

* Weekdays 11a.m. to 11p.m.
* Weekends 12noon to midnight
* P199 for an hour (weekday rate for the dog OR cat cafe) with one drink
* P299 for an hour (weekday rate for BOTH cat and dog cafe ) with one drink
* P399 for two hours (weekday rate for BOTH dog and cat cafe) with food and drink.
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Both the Bengal Brew Cat Cafe and the Wolf and Bear Dog Cafe can also be booked for private events.  The two cafes combined can accommodate up to 70 people.