Mutts, purebreds, and their owners gathered on 49th Street west of College Avenue for the first Neighborhood Mutt Meet. The festivities centered around City Dogs Grocery, the newest store to open in the renovated Uptown Business Center. The center is on the southwest corner of 49th and College.

Many area businesses donated raffle prizes for the event. Judith Sturges displayed her amazing pet paintings; a large painting by Judith of City Dogs Grocery's pet "CEO", Patty, hangs in the new store. Judith's works can be seen on the web at www.idada.org/artistDetail.asp?ArtistID=68. The Indianapolis Obedience Training Club (IOTC) demonstrated the results of their training programs. Several training club "students" were paraded around to show a few of the commands learned at the IOTC. Artist Karen Kovich, from Bloomington, Indiana, set up a table in front of City Dogs. She was kept busy during the meet sketching caricatures of dogs in attendance. Uncle Artie's BBQ, which is across the street from the Uptown Center, provided the food for the meet.

"We had a great turnout," said City Dogs Grocery owner Susan Smith. "Our goal was to raise awareness for FACE (Foundation Against Companion-Animal Euthanasia) and raise some money for them. In addition to the donations given by attendees at the FACE booth, proceeds from our caricature artist, Uncle Artie's BBQ, and raffle ticket sales benefitted FACE." More information on FACE Low-Cost Spay Neuter Clinic can be found at www.facespayneuter.org