If you live with an animal, you can probably name that animal's favorite go-to, hangout, chill-down, get-nutty space, the place that they love to play, nap, and cuddle with you.
Honest? They may have four or five such favorite spaces around the house and yard, including the couch, behind the couch, the back of the couch, and the nest of pillows on your bed. But there may soon be a new favorite destination to add to your pet's list, though it is a spot that's beyond your front fence.
It's the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, a new "community space" in Playa Vista that focuses on "...the celebration and study of the relationship between people and their pets — and the important and beneficial impact of the human-animal bond."
Announced in the fall of 2016, PetSpace, which officially debuts on Saturday, June 24, will carry an educational component, as its mission implies, but count on plenty of room for high-spirited play and connection, too.
This means your pup is invited, yes (just check out the list of dog must-dos before you and your hound head over). And if you want to adopt a new kitten or pooch, that's a possibility, too, as PetSpace will offer adoption services complete with "interactive adoption suites."
Like all community centers, multiple happenings and things to do will fill the PetSpace calendar, from classes that encourage kids to burnish readings skills by reading aloud for adopt-ready pets to behind-the-scenes tours.
While the seminars, tours, and adoption-oriented introductions will be ongoing, along with several other events around the center, note that the free Grand Opening party on June 24 will include a few special touches, like tours and on-site food trucks.
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After the opening? PetSpace will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, with some holiday closures, and is free to visit. Do note that some programs have a fee, so check before you go.
The Wallis Annenberg PetSpace was a longtime dream of its founder, the Foundation Chairman and CEO of the philanthropic Annenberg Foundation and namesake of the center. "In my life, animals have been a profound gift — not just dear companions, but teachers and healers, showing how to live and love fully in the moment," said Ms. Annenberg.
With PetSpace Ms. Annenberg hopes to "...pass on the kind of awe and affection and insight animals have provided me for all my years."
So many animal devotees understand that very strong and sweet sentiment, one that will play out, literally, through play and learning, at the new center built to honor the human-animal bond.
