Nightlife is going to the Days
Party With Your Pooch And Meet New Friends - That’s The Idea Behind New Social Networking Events For People And Pets Alike. Now doggie daddies and mamas can mingle with their mutts at a series of pet events at the Waterfront in the Aloha Tower Marketplace.
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What are puppy parents to do when they want to lead a young, fabulous social life but can’t stand the idea of leaving their beloved pooch at home?
Now doggie daddies and mamas can mingle with their mutts at a series of pet events at the Waterfront in the Aloha Tower Marketplace.
“We wanted to provide an alternative hot spot for pet lovers, primarily a place for dogs to go to beside doggie parks,” explains Jason Pascua, chief executive officer of J2 Marketing Solutions.
Known as Pet Events at the Tower, these animal-welcome shindigs are the brainchild of Pascua and Jade Medeiros.
A native to Oahu, Pascua has been in marketing and promotions for 16 years. A true renaissance man at heart, his love for being creative and building relationships led him to develop JP Productions, a promotions company that has brought many memorable acts and events to the Islands.
Medeiros was born and raised on the Big Island. She previously worked as a mortgage consultant and loan officer before becoming director of nightlife development for LEVEL 4 Nightclub & Ultra Lounge.
After the two met up through running in similar social packs, Pascua says their commonalities were so eerily similar that they decided to form J2 Marketing Solutions, a marketing consulting company and, from there, Pet Events Hawaii.
“There is no other event like this in Hawaii, and we would like to let everyone know that we are pioneering these events,” emphasizes Pascua of their vision to make Hawaii a more pet-friendly environment. “We are both marketing experts and doggie lovers by heart. Together, we brainstormed and agreed to take on this challenge.”
They held a pre-launch Muttiny Night Feb. 20, where a large turnout generated an even larger buzz - or is that bark? - about this new breed of nightlife scene.
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“Our pre-launch party in February ... was great for those who attended,” Pascua enthuses. “The feedback was outrageously positive. We have retained 100 percent of our supporters from the last event and picked up key supporters for future events like Pet Discount Warehouse, Hawaii Dog Foundation, Tails of Hawaii and more.”
The two main supporters of Pet Events Hawaii are also friends of Medeiros. Renee Iseke of Bark Avenue says Medeiros would often discuss her dreams of running events for the young pet parent while shopping in the Koko Marina high-end pet boutique with her Australian silky terrier, Lulu.
“It’s really exciting to see that she finally got it started,” smiles Iseke. “Everybody’s looking for someplace to go with their dogs because there are so few places you can go. I think it’s just going to grow; it’s a great idea.”
Mary Long of Hawaii Pet Magazine, a local publication devoted entirely to keeping on pulse with animal news and lifestyles, adds: “She’s been working on this forever, and when she told me that she finally got everything rolling this past winter, I was so excited.
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“It’s a great way to socialize with your pets,” she adds, “because not only can you meet other owners and really talk about your dogs, but the dogs can interact with each other. The most important thing to being a responsible owner is to have a well-socialized dog. So even at these events, where it’s very casual, the dogs can kind of smell each other, get to know each other, play a little bit, and you’re having fun too.”
The treat-lined red carpet rolls out at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 28, for a Mardi Gras Petstravaganza. Like any major event JP Productions throws, Pascua promises there will be ongoing activities to keep everyone - from Chihuahua to pit bull, from club-hoppers to hobnobbers - well-entertained.
“There will be a doggie lounge, a doggie potty area, a doggie water station, food and drinks, dancing and mingling,” Pascua teases of all the fun planned. “And, most importantly, speakers for doggie awareness and health will be there.”
There also will be three fashion shows complete with 20 models and their human handlers; artwork on display and for sale; dogs from the Hawaii Dog Foundation available for adoption; a doggie play zone courtesy of Tails of Hawaii; and, of course, plenty of vendors bringing the latest in pup products and services.
The theme is Mardi Gras, so dress your dogs in beads, feathers and crazy colors for the costume contest or just to look good for photo ops. Need another reason to put your best four feet forward? Local line Cocojor will select the spokesmodel dog for its clothing line. The chosen dog will be featured in ads for a international company (to be announced at the event) in Hawaii and Japan.
“Planning is intense, but we both do well under pressure. It can take several months to plan red-carpet events like ours, but we can make things happen in less than a month. We’ve done it many times,” says Pascua, adding that owners should make sure their dog is sociable with both humans and animals and remains on a leash, in a carrier or in a stroller at all times. Owners will be responsible for their pets, and service may be refused if rules are not followed.
“It’s a fun-filled networking environment that incorporates fashion and new trends and includes awareness activities as well as promotes overall good health and family bonding in the pet industry,” he says. “I am very happy with the outcome, and I encourage those to see what we are doing. Bring your dogs; this is big!”
The two “J"s invite families, celebrities, doggie clubs - any and all demographics - to come be a part of their unique pawties.
Tickets cost $10 pre-sale, $15 at the door, and are available at Bark Avenue, Pawsh Place and all Pets Discount store locations.
More events will be popping up at other locations around Oahu; visit www.peteventshawaii.com or call 386-3823 for updates.
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