The Animal Rescue League of Boston threw a party on Tuesday, August 19 to celebrate its recent makeover, which included major practical and cosmetic enhancements, and to thank the community for its support in the process. At the Summer Social, over 100 human guests and about 30 dogs indulged in a tasty summer buffet including ravioli, grilled vegetables, mini wrap sandwiches, finger foods and sweets; tested out the stylish and pet-proof new lobby and patio furnishings and romped in the new and improved dog play yard, which was resurfaced for better paw-comfort and cleanup and outfitted with additional play equipment. Violinist Rhett Price volunteered his talents, lending the social a hip vibe with his fiddle-shredding renditions of rock classics and current favorites. Guests were offered dog- and cat-specific goodie bags courtesy of the ARL' award-winning clinic, Boston Veterinary Care. Marketing and communications director Ami Bowen was very pleased with the event. "We felt very happy to see familiar faces and meet many new ones at our Summer Social last week. We wanted to thank the community for all of their support for our dog play yard renovations, as well as welcome newcomers to the neighborhood and let them know about the work the ARL does. Between the turn-out, the positive feelings, and all the new people and their pets who got to experience the dog play yard and learn more about the ARL, we consider the event a great success and again thank the community for their support," Bowen said in a follow-up e-mail.

In addition to the new surface material, an artificial turf called K-9 grass, the yard has some new exercise features, including a see-saw and a two-sided ramp. The play-yard renovations required community support and the review and approval of the South End Landmark District Commission (SELDC), and both came in resoundingly. Individuals and neighboring businesses such as Berkeley Perk Café, Emilio's Pizza and Berkeley Barber Shop helped gather over 430 supporting signatures to present to the SELDC. According to Meghan Hanrahan, preservation planner for the South End, the ARL's proposal met with smooth sailing at its May 6 SELDC hearing. "The SELDC approved the application as presented, so there were no modifications made, though the Commissioners did note that the approval was granted due to the specific use, location, and choice of material. I will note that the ARL had reached out and consulted with me prior to submitting their application," Hanrahan said. In her remarks, ARL president Mary Nee gratefully acknowledged the support of Mayor Walsh's chief of policy, Joyce Linehan, who spoke in support of the play-yard renovation at the May 6 hearing. The new ground cover and exercise features will benefit neighborhood dogs, who are allowed to use the yard during certain hours, as well as the ARL's shelter dogs.

The lobby's chic facelift includes a vibrant paint job and chic yet pet-friendly seating and other furnishings contributed by Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams. The seating's champagne-colored metallic upholstery is made of a faux leather that resists scratches and stains. Completing the lobby's lively look is colorful, animal themed artwork lining the mostly-glass walls. The ARL's patio, a popular lunch and relaxation spot for staff and visitors, received new outdoor furniture donated by Home Depot.

Addressing the Summer Social's guests, Nee noted with pride that the ARL was recently named best local charity by Boston's A List and Boston Veterinary Care was chosen Boston's top veterinary clinic by Boston A List voters.