An open-admissions shelter, the Anti-Cruelty Society also offers a full range of affordable training options, a low-cost spay/neuter clinic and a free behavior hotline. Even better, the ACS plays host to an indoor Happy Hour every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., supervised by behavior and training specialist and self-proclaimed "giant dog nerd" Erik Weitz.

To attend, contact Weitz by noon on Friday of that week and he'll add you to the roster, space permitting. All dogs must be at least six months old, spayed/neutered and not exhibit any signs of aggression. Still worried about how your teeny pup will fare? No worries: The second Saturday of every month is small-dog happy hour, complete with 25-pound weight restriction. Each session costs $10 to attend and the sixth session is free. As a private, not-for-profit humane society receiving no federal, state or city funding, your Happy Hour fee is put to good use.

Free parking is available in the ACS lot, enter on Wells St. just south of Grand.

Centerstage Reviewer: Roni Shapira