Lizzie’s Place, a local coffee shop in Florence, has expanded their backyard area to offer customers an outdoor dog-friendly area.
The area provides customers with covered seating, turf, water bowls, leashes and leash hooks at every table. To ensure a clean and pet-safe environment, waste disposal stations have been installed.
A few guidelines for this space: all dogs should be on a leash at all times, no dogs on furniture and dogs are not permitted in the indoor café.
All owners are responsible for their pets’ actions.
According to café manager Leah Graham, the new space was created to meet growing interest from pet owners.
“People treat their dogs like family, and we wanted to make sure our space reflects that,” Graham said.
The patio project was developed in coordination with Donna Tate, a local animal welfare advocate and volunteer with Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services. Tate said the addition of pet-friendly spaces can encourage public engagement.
“Creating dog-friendly areas encourages people to get out and connect with others in the community,” she said.
The café also partnered with Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services to host an on-site adoption event . The event took place, along with the grand opening for the space, on April 19, and featured several dogs available for adoption. According to staff at both organizations, the turnout was strong. Photos from the event were shared on social media by both the café and the shelter.
Georgia Burlison, a Florence resident who visited during the opening, said the space is being well-received.
“It’s safe, it’s clean and it’s fun,” said Burlison “It’s something the community can really use.”
Lizzie’s Coffee is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The café serves a variety of coffee drinks, teas, and baked goods and regularly hosts community-focused events.
