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As temperatures start to rise, The Hop and Animal Compassion Network (ACN) are partnering to bring all of Asheville’s canine friends a sweet way to cool down. For the third year, The Hop Ice Cream Shop is hosting a series of Doggie Ice Cream Socials to benefit Animal Compassion Network, a nonprofit organization working to rescue and rehabilitate homeless animals in the Asheville area.

The socials (scheduled for May 5, June 2, July 7, and Aug. 4) will feature The Hop’s famous ice cream for humans and their much newer dog-friendly ice cream, Happy Tails. From 6–8:30 p.m. on each of the four ice cream social evenings, dog owners are welcome to bring well-behaved, leashed dogs to either Hop location (640 Merrimon Avenue, Suite 103 or 721 Haywood Road) to indulge in the peanut butter-based dog treat that was developed by Greg and Ashley Garrison, owners of The Hop.

In addition to the delicious ice cream, dogs and their owners can look forward to perusing booths set up by local artists who make animal-themed art. “A favorite is always the dog caricature artist,” says Kelly Stoner of ACN, “He always has a long line of people excited to have a portrait of their dog made. He’s really impressive.”

The event grew out of a long-term partnership between ACN and The Hop. “We saw it as an opportunity to collaborate [with ACN] and make an event to help encourage people to come out with their dogs and get ice cream,” Ashley Garrison says. “Fifty percent of the profits made during the two-and-a-half-hour period will be donated to ACN’s adoption and foster programs.”

Animal Compassion Network has successfully prevented the euthanasia of tens of thousands of healthy, adoptable pets through its Adoption and Foster Programs. Much of the success of ACN can be attributed to its emergency foster program. “It doesn’t cost a dime [to foster a pet],” says Eileen Bouressa, ACN executive director. “The money earned at The Hop will go towards giving the foster families dog food and paying for medical bills for the animals who are maybe coming from places where they haven’t received the best health care.”

While The Hop’s donation will mostly fund the foster program, Animal Compassion Network’s ultimate goal is to have each of its animals find a permanent home. In hopes that all of its animals will be placed, ACN will have several adoptable dogs at the event to meet and greet attendees interested in making an addition to their family.

“The Doggie Ice Cream Socials are a lot of fun,” Ashley says. “There are always families with kids and dogs running around, and everyone’s hanging out. It’s a great environment and we’re able to make a pretty large donation to ACN ... but anytime you have dogs and ice cream together it’s bound to be a good time.”