Yappy Hour & Bowl Stroll returns to dog-friendly Bell Tower Shops Friday, Aug. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m.

On the second Friday of each month through summer – Aug. 13 and Sept.10 – canines and their owners enjoy a “bowl stroll” throughout the shopping center, where blue dog bowls identify the numerous merchants who are pooch-friendly. Dogs must be leashed. The social event is free with beverage proceeds benefiting the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

“Yappy Hour is a fabulous outing for dogs and their owners,” said Becky Thompson, general manager at Bell Tower Shops. “Our shoppers really enjoy having their dogs with them for happy hour, dinner and shopping.”

The mission of the Gulf Coast Humane Society is to provide humane care for surrendered animals in Southwest Florida by offering refuge, providing medical care and facilitating an adoptive home. GCHS is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization serving the area. For more information, visit www.GulfCoastHumaneSociety.org.

Bell Tower Shops is an open-air lifestyle center, located in Fort Myers at U.S. 41 and Daniels Parkway, with more than 35 retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue and The Fresh Market, nine restaurants and Bell Tower 20 Regal Cinemas. The center’s sidewalk garden setting of lush landscaping, splashing fountains and covered walkways makes it a popular gathering place. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the center. To learn more, log onto www.TheBellTowerShops.com, or call 239-489-1221.

Pooch-friendly merchants include:

Ann Taylor

Banana Republic