Times might be tough, but dog owners in Boston have no excuse to let their dogs go hungry with the opening of a restaurant just for canines where they are welcome to put their paws up and drool over the food.

The Alpo Chop House Originals Grill opened Nov. 13 at 167 Newbury Street for two days only from 3 to 8 p.m. The Grill was free to the dog-owning public on a first come, first served basis.

Doggie diners were invited to celebrate the holidays by sampling the Grill special: Alpo Chop House Originals filet mignon flavor made with Angus beef. Local Boston dog-owning VIPs, including Red Sox Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk, were on hand to greet and serve the pooch patrons who sat at rustic wooden tables with dog-themed place settings and menus.

Additional activities at the Grill included a photo booth where dogs got their pictures taken with their owners, and a special visit by adoptable dogs from Mass Paws, a local rescue organization. 

“During the season of giving, what better way for Boston dog owners to show their four-legged friends how much they love them than by taking them out for a delicious, mouth-watering meal,” Fisk said. “Our dogs are truly our best friends and there’s nothing they deserve more than a fun night out with other canine ‘can-noisseurs’ at the hottest new restaurant in town.”

Purina Alpo is making an $8,000 donation to Boston-area shelters on behalf of all dinners served.