In Annapolis, happy hour is for the dogs. Loews Annapolis Hotels and Paws Pet Boutique in Annapolis have teamed up to host Canines and Cocktails for a Cause, a series of happy hour fundraisers to benefit local animal shelters.
Michelle Ullrich Kownacki, the owner of Paws Pet Boutique, first had the idea of a happy hour benefit last year after hosting a dog fashion show for the Comcast Network. “People have different hobbies. Some like to boat, some like to read, and some like doing things with their dogs,” she said. “I?m one of those people. I thought, wouldn?t it be fun to do some evenings where the dogs and their owners could get together?”
And the “barky hour” was born. Owners and their pets are invited to sip cocktails, nosh on appetizers, socialize ? and donate to a good cause at the same time.
Each event benefits a different nonprofit organization, including Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland, The Humane Society of Prince George?s County, The SPCA of Anne Arundel County, Fidos for Freedom, Mid-Atlantic Westie Rescue and Modest Needs.
“All these charities really work for better conditions and respect for animals,” Ullrich Kownacki said.
This is the second year the Loews Annapolis Hotel has partnered with Paws Pet Boutique in sponsoring the events. “It?s important to be part of the community and support local organizations. The barky hours are part of our Good Neighbor program,” said Ellen Gale, regional director of public relations for Loews. “We recognize that pets are very much a part of the family, so we embrace families traveling withtheir pets.”
April?s barky hour, which benefits the Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland, welcomed 100 guests, raised $1,200 and saw one rescue d beagle adopted by a loving family.
“I get complete enjoyment and inspiration from my dogs every day,” Ullrich Kownacki said. “They add so much. My life would not be whole if my pets weren?t a part of them. And I think a lot of people feel that way.”
