NILES — Around the nation this Memorial Day, the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to serve their country were honored and remembered.

To honor the four-legged friends who also put their lives on the line to help their country, Bittersweet Pet Resort and Stables hosted an inaugural K9 War Dogs party Friday.

Lynna Nelson, the pet resort manager, said while they did not have any war dogs on site that day, they wanted to remember the canines who help to make soldiers’ jobs a little easier.

“It is Memorial weekend and we wanted to give it a dog theme to honor the dogs that served,” Nelson said. “We know there are a lot that serve and this was [our way] of honoring them overall.”

Specially, for the K9 War Dogs party, pooches who were housed at the resort were given red, white and blue leighs to wear around their necks. They were then treated to apple slices and hot dogs and Bowser beer, which is made of broth.

“[The Bowser Beer] has vitamins and minerals in it and they really seem to like it,” Nelson said.

The dogs were also given a chance to get some exercise outside. A swimming pool was accessible for them to bob for apples and there was ample space for them to run around American flags posted into the ground. 

Dogs of all sizes seemed to appreciate the party Friday.

Bounding across the grass, golden retriever Louie’s tongue lolled from his mouth as leaped from activity to activity, pausing to cool off in a bone-shaped pool. He was joined by several other doges, Freddy, also a golden retriever; Bree, an American pit bull and Minnie, a Labradoodle, to name a few.

Staff helped to keep the party going by tossing balls to the dogs or engaging them in a soccer game with a giant rubber blue ball. More than 20 dogs attended the party Friday. They were separated at the party based upon their size and age.

With many people traveling for the three-day weekend, Nelson said they had more dogs at the resort and this offered an opportunity to get the pets outside for a dog-gone good time.

Throughout the year, Nelson said the pet resort hosts several other parties, such as a Super Bowl themed party for the football season, where dogs get a chance to play a little friendly football game. While exercise is one benefit to getting the dogs out for some play, the parties also make for ample photo opportunities, adored by the pets’ owners.

“The owners really like to see the pictures,” Nelson said. “A lot of times we include special treats.”

The pet resort is located at 2100 Weaver Road in Niles. The facility has served the community for more than 20 years and offers pet boarding, dog daycare and grooming services. For more information, visit bittersweetpetresort.com.

As for the party Friday, it was easy to see how the activities can provide enjoyment to pets and people alike.

“They get exercise and it spices things up a bit,” Nelson said.