Bring the Pup to Pet Friendly Palm Springs

By Kelly O'Connor

Sit, Stay, Relax — It's a Dog Lovin' Desert

As the owner of a spit-fire chihuahua-mix, I'm glad I live in Palm Springs, where there are so many dog friendly stores, shops and apartments.

For visitors, we even have hotels that welcome your best friend. A few of those include the Parker Palm Springs, The Hilton Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Riviera Resort.

But who likes to be cooped up all the time. We don't, so why would our beloved furry friends? Guide Dogs of the Desert has the perfect solution — Yappy Hour, 6-8 Thur. June 12 at the Parker Palm Springs, 1800 E. Palm Canyon Dr.

The casual, no-guilt affair (no worries about leaving the pup home alone) lets owners and their pets frolic on the grassy knoll adjacent to Norma's Restaurant. There will be hors d'oeuvres, wine, sodas, and a speciality cocktail called "The K9."

The cost is $35 and will benefit Guide Dogs of the Desert, a school that provides mobility, companionship and independence to the blind through the use of a guide dog. The recently opened Guide Dog Depot, 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, offers an education center and retail items for all dog lovers.