Dog lovers, lovees meet up at Yappy Hour

The Desert Sun • June 24, 2009

Hundreds of dog owners and their pets mixed and mingled Tuesday at Old Town La Quinta's, where "No dogs on event lawn" signs were temporarily covered up to accommodate Yappy Hour.

Owners attended the social event, held by Guide Dogs of the Desert, with old acquaintances and made new friends as their dogs did the same.

Executive Director Roccie Hill, who brought her own dog to the event, said her organization hosts Yappy Hours throughout the Coachella Valley to give dog owners a place to socialize along with their pets.

"This is an instant icebreaker to have a dog with you," she said.

Yappy Hours also serve as fundraisers for Guide Dogs of the Desert, which accepted donations and held a raffle and auction at the event.

"This gives people an opportunity to give a little bit, and a little really makes a difference," Hill said.

Charisty Majors of Indian Wells brought her 12-year-old Havanese, Sasha, and said she saw many friends at the mixer.

"It's a nice opportunity to get (our dogs) all together when they're not on their own territory, like the house, and trying to be possessive," she said.

La Quinta residents Suzanne Nash and Janice Freebern said they met at the event.

"We've just been talking dogs — and tennis," Nash said as her 7-month-old dog, Lucy, sat nearby.

Both women said they enjoyed the event.

"I'm seeing how well behaved most dogs are," Nash said just before Lucy ran to see another dog, causing Nash to fall over backward in her chair. "As opposed to my dog."

But Freebern, who brought her 11-year-old dog named Koala, had earlier complimented Nash on Lucy's behavior.

"That's so good for 7 months," she told Nash.

Guide Dogs of the Desert Organizers said they were bowled over by the high turnout at La Quinta's first Yappy Hour.

Leslie Locken, leasing and property manager for Old Town La Quinta, estimated 250 to 300 people attended over the course of the two-hour event.

"I thought if we had 50 people, that'd be a good turnout," she said. "We're thrilled."

Hill said Tuesday's was likely the most well-attended Yappy Hour to date.

Local businesses donated the food and wine served at the event, Locken added.

"We really wanted to do this event for them... and have the money go to Guide Dogs of the Desert," she said.