Dogs of Starstreet Precinct

‘There’s a sense of community here,’ says Cheung, who has made friends in the neighbourhood simply by walking his dogs and meeting other dog owners and dog lovers. He met one recent arrival in the neighbourhood, Ayaka Tobari, this way.

Tobari has been fostering animals all her life, and started a non-profit animal rescue in South Korea. She’s currently fostering three-month-old Dooby, a delightful mongrel. Work brought her to Hong Kong, and she’s since fostered five dogs. She moved into the area a year ago, again drawn to the Precinct because of its acceptance of her furry companions.

Dooby and Tobari enjoy the outdoor spaces that many of the Precinct’s businesses have, such as the semi-outdoor coffee bar at Elephant Grounds. Many of the area’s eateries have at least a few outdoor seats, or large windows that blur the line between indoor and outdoor, and dogs are welcome (that goes for Francis, Pici, Le Garcon Saigon, APT. Coffee and others; APT. also offers dogs water bowls to hydrate between stops while their walkers enjoy a cup of specialty pourover).

New arrival Blend & Grind on Sun Street also has water available for dogs (and ice on hotter days), and smoothies, juices, coffee and light bites for ‘pawrents’. With its open-plan, indoor-outdoor space, it’s fast becoming a favourite among many of the area’s fur friends. The cafe’s director, Jonny Rees, is often seen in the area with Derek, his three-year-old German Shepherd. Giando’s al fresco terrace is another spot frequented by Starstreet’s canine cuties, particularly on weekends when owners stop in for the popular Italian brunch.

Humans aren’t the only ones having delicious meals, however. Eco-conscious Edgar offers organic pet snacks, and dogs are welcome inside the shop. Wagyu, Walnut and Dooby are regulars, say Cheung and Tobari, and the pooches are often tasked with taste testing new products, a job they take on eagerly. Although she only moved into the neighbourhood a few months ago, “Dooby already recognises the shop,” says Tobari with a laugh. “She knows it’s where they give her treats.” To which Cheung quickly adds, “They eat better than we do!”

Kapok, a long-time retail fixture in Star Street Precinct, also allows well-behaved dogs, so you can get a second opinion from your four-legged friend before you commit to some of the shop’s famously design-led products.

Tranquil and highly walkable, it’s little wonder that the area is a favourite among dogs and their owners. Add a crop of entrepreneurs with both four- and two-legged customers in mind, and a dog’s life in Starstreet Precinct seems downright dandy.