Best Friends Animal Society has launched free weekly dog adoption events at The Botanical at 8th and A, just two doors down from the soon-to-open Citipups pet store.

The adoption events will take place on the bar’s patio Fridays from 4-7 p.m. for an undetermined period.

As The Bentonville Bulletin previously reported, Citipups has drawn opposition from some local residents who believe retail pet stores contribute to the issue of "puppy mills" — high-volume breeding operations that may subject animals to inhumane conditions.

David Barton, who is opening Citipups, relocated his business to Bentonville after New York passed legislation banning retail pet stores. He previously told The Bentonville Bulletin that he vets breeders and plans to offer a 14-day health guarantee for each puppy.

Michelle Logan, executive director of Best Friends Animal Society, said the organization's mission is to encourage responsible pet adoption.

“We are trying to engage the community to make sure consumers are making smart decisions with their purchasing power,” Logan said. “The majority of retail puppies that are sold originate from puppy mills, which provide inhumane housing. It’s a cruel life for the breeding stock, and puppies from those situations tend not to be healthy. They also add to the overpopulation of animals, so we really work to have adoption.”

Alan Gooding, co-owner of Botanical, said his bar was happy to host the event.

“We’ve got five dogs at home. They’re all rescues,” Gooding said. “It’s going to sound a bit corny, but dogs are a big part of the family. Seeing how many dogs are in shelters around here—every time we go, we would bring 20, 30 home if we could. I think the focus needs to be on going to the shelters and finding your pets and your future best friends there rather than going out and shopping for them.”

At the first event on April 28, many attendees were unaware of Citipups’ pending opening.

Sandra Jo Rampy was overcome with joy as she played with puppies from Best Friends. “I’m in tears because there’s puppies,” she said.

She and her husband, Scott, had seen the event online and decided to attend but didn’t know about Citipups. After reading The Bentonville Bulletin’s previous coverage, Scott said he “wasn’t in support of it.”

Rachel Denny and Clay Nivens also attended without realizing a pet store was opening nearby.

“I saw the sign but didn’t know what it was,” Nivens said. “I like to come here, we go to Best Friends sometimes, so I thought it was cool that they were coming here… I think if you can adopt a dog, that’s best for everyone.”