Yappy Hour in the Lap of LuxuryPhoto/Text by Renee Burrell
This around town hound, Pouf Le Roux, a.k.a. “Puff,” took a break from mingling during yappy hour to soak up the resort’s fetching atmosphere. It’s not far fetched to see dogs at the Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa in Belleair. Last Friday evening a lawn social, tagged as “Yappy Hour” was held providing a social diversion for area mutts. There was lots of tail and cock-tail wagging as dogs and their owners enjoyed the hospitality at the pet friendly Belleview Biltmore with hostess Kris Walker, owner of Fluffy Puppies-a Place For Dogs, located at 1447 S Ft Harrison Avenue. Walker said, “This was our first Yappy Hour this year at the Biltmore. We were very happy with the turnout and were excited to find out that the new management will keep the Biltmore dog friendly.” Dogs mixed and mingled, and nibbled on biscuits that Walker bakes in- store and graciously provided. Dogs that were inclined to do so took a dip in the wading pools. Royalty watchers were thrilled to rub elbows with a few King Charles Cavalier s that showed up for the fete. Walker relayed how yappy hour evolved, “I used to have Yappy hours on the patio at the store but as they grew bigger we ran out of room. Alia Trickey, the Spa director at the Biltmore, approached me last year to collaborate with the Biltmore Resort & Spa, since they are dog friendly. We put a little kiosk in their spa shop and planned a Halloween party in which about 200 dogs and their owners came. It was quite a hit!” If you and Fido missed last Friday’s Yappy Hour, and don't want to miss another of Fluffy Puppies’ events, you'll get a chance to step out with your dog in upcoming months. “We have planned our second Who Let the Dogs Art? art show to be held at the Biltmore for Sunday, September 16, to benefit South East Guide Dogs. We expect around 30 artists from around the country who specialize in Dog art to exhibit their works. Anyone coming can buy pieces of art or jewelry or special order portraits of their dogs. We are also planning our 2nd Halloween party on October 25 with costume contests and game for dogs and their owners, to benefit Stop Pet Overpopulation Together (SPOT),” Walker announced. |