Photo by Abby Sands Miller

In looking for the most popular dog-friendly spots on the Northshore, Country Roads couldn’t have chosen a more likely curator to suggest nominations than Melissa Serpas.

An animal advocate personified, Serpas was instrumental in securing the land and raising the funds to create Pelican Bark Park, the favorite spot chosen by this magazine’s readers for Northshore dog lovers.

As a board member of the Bark Park’s founding group and a pet enthusiast, Serpas has devoted countless hours to the park and other dog-friendly projects. Serpas and husband, Christian, share a family of two Chihuahuas, Phoebe and Zack, and four cats, Pricilla, Presley, Samantha and Liam, several of which are rescue animals.

“When we first got Phoebe (the older Chihuahua), I was obsessed with taking her everywhere with me,” Serpas said. “This was the first time I had a dog since I left my family home and the experience just spurred me on to make that happen.”

Serpas created Yappy Hour, a second Wednesday of the month fundraising evening where pet owners and their pooches can enjoy time together at local hot spots.

“When we initiated the program, we would use themes for many of the events like a Howl-o-ween Pawty, Saints Pup Rally, Dog Days of Summer and a Mut Strut,” she said.

Northshore destinations such as the Columbia Street Tap Room, Ruby’s Roadhouse, Sorelli’s Brick Oven and Beach House rotate hosting pet-friendly events to raise money for the St. Tammany Humane Society and Adoption Center.

“We are fortunate to have so many wonderful establishments who welcome our pets,” Serpas said

Pelican Bark Park site is in the larger Pelican Park recreation area on old Highway 190 in Mandeville. The Bark Park features two separate, fenced off-leash areas, one for animals 25 pounds and more, and another for smaller dogs.

Doggie wading pools, water bowls, a paw wash, shade trees, benches and a gazebo add to the park’s ambience and functionality.

Serpas’ other nominations for dog-friendly spots include the Mandeville lakefront itself, which features a section where dogs can play off leash during certain hours.

The Northshore Farmers and Arts Markets in Covington and Mandeville also made it into Serpas’ nominations. Vendors sell homemade doggie biscuits and other doggie paraphernalia. Often, the St. Francis Animal Sanctuary trots dogs out for adoption at the Mandeville market, said Serpas.

Zorro’s Cool Stuff for Pets and People and FUNzone for Dogs made the top five and is another of Serpas’ favorite places to spend time with her pets.

The owners, Trina and Ted Pullig, are active supporters of the St. Tammany Humane Society, Serpas noted. Ted Pullig is also an accomplished artist and creates pet portraits, often donating his work to benefit animal rescue causes.

Another of Serpas’ nominees is the Beach House Bar & Grill, which prepares doggie burgers for its four-legged guests. “The Beach House is probably the most dog-friendly restaurant on the Northshore,” said Serpas.

Pelican Bark Park
63350 Pelican Boulevard
Mandeville, LA (985) 626-7997

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