Loews Annapolis Hotel and Paws Pet Boutique Announce Line-up for

Fifth Annual “Canines and Cocktails for a Cause”

The monthly Friday night dog-friendly happy hour series benefits area animal rescues

Annapolis, MD (April 8, 2011) – It’s the time of year where dog lovers will want to pencil in dates on their calendar as the fifth annual line-up for “Canines and Cocktails for a Cause” has been announced.

Loews Annapolis Hotel and Paws pet boutique will host the fifth annul “Canines and Cocktails for a Cause” series from April 29 through September 23, 2011. The dog-friendly happy hours with a twist will benefit local animal causes, as dog-owners and their four-legged best friends will enjoy cocktails, appetizers, mocktails and Fido snacks. Each event, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on The Weather Rail’s patio, has a theme ranging from ‘Canine Iron Chef’ to a ‘Fall Fashion Show’ and includes contests for dogs. A portion of the drink and food purchases from the night and raffle benefits each charity.

“By organizing this series each year, we have the opportunity to share information about local animal charities that not everyone may know about,” says Michelle Kownacki, owner of Paws pet boutique. “Everyone has a lot of fun during the events. Plus Loews Annapolis Hotel is so dog-friendly that it is a perfect spot for dogs and their owners to share an outing together.”

The six 2011 beneficiaries of “Canines and Cocktails for a Cause” include: SPCA of Anne Arundel County, www.aacspca.org; Homeward Trails Animal Rescue, www.homewardtrails.org; Paws4Vets, www.Paws4Vets.org; Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue, www.mabcr.org; Chesapeake Cats and Dogs, www.ccadcatanddogrescue.org; and DonorsChoose.org, www.donorschoose.org.

The “Canines and Cocktails for a Cause” is free to attend and all well-behaved canines and their owners are welcome. The line-up features:

Friday, April 29

SPCA of Anne Arundel County – www.aacspca.org

“Canine Iron Chef Demonstration”

Executive Chef Olivier Senoussaoui will prepare some delicious “Fido food” on the patio and will share recipes and tips so owners can prepare the selections at home. Dogs for adoption from the SPCA of Anne Arundel County will enjoy mingling with guests.

Friday, May 20

Homeward Trails Animal Rescue – www.homewardtrails.org

“Have a Ball Bobbing for Balls”

Dogs will want to play this game as they will fetch balls from the kiddie pools. All guests will have a ball as they enjoy this refreshing event. This is the first time Homeward Trails, the featured cause, will be joining the event with dogs for adoption.

Friday, June 24

www.Paws4Vets.org

“Annapolis Dog Days of Summer Celebration”

Guests this night will learn about dog-friendly activities to enjoy in Annapolis and about the work Paws4Vets does to place psychiatric service dogs, mobility service dogs and rehabilitative assistance dogs with veterans.

Friday, July 29

Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue – www.mabcr.org

“Best Dog Trick Competition”

The competition is on, as dogs’ show-off their best tricks and compete for prizes. The first-time featured cause, Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue, will have information on Collies seeking new homes.

Friday, August 26

Chesapeake Cats and Dogs - www.ccadcatanddogrescue.org

“Canine Ice Cream Social”

Because August and ice cream go together Paws pet boutique will have locally-made, natural dog “ice cream” available. An “ice cream” eating contest to top off the night will benefit Chesapeake Cats and Dogs. Several dogs seeking homes will be available for adoption.

Friday, September 23

www.Donors.Choose.org

“Canine Fall Fashion Show”

Dogs will take to the catwalk and strut their stuff as the newest Fall fashions from Paws pet boutique will be showcased. Money raised from this event will benefit local schools through teacher’s online requests for items such as pencils, musical instruments, or playground equipment from DonorsChoose.org.

The “Canines and Cocktails for a Cause” dograisers are rain or shine. Self-parking is available at the hotel for $2. For additional information please call (410) 295-3202.

Locally owned and operated by Annapolitans, Paws pet boutique opened in 1999 to celebrate and improve life with dogs and cats. This local business provides distinctive dog and cat supplies and people gifts, while supporting charities that improve the well-being of animals. The business mission is to strive to make a difference and raise awareness to pet causes and in 2010 Paws raised more than $13,000 for area charities. For information about Paws Pet Boutique, located in the heart of the historic district of Annapolis across from the State House at 64 State Circle, call (410) 263-8683 or visit www.pawspetboutique.com.

About Loews Annapolis Hotel

The 216-room regatta-themed Loews Annapolis Hotel sets the standard for luxury hotels in Annapolis as the only AAA Four-Diamond hotel. Located at 126 West Street, in the city’s historic district, Loews is conveniently located to nearby attractions: the State Capital, the U.S. Naval Academy, City Dock and the Chesapeake Bay. Breeze, the hotel’s restaurant offers contemporary cuisine with a focus on local Chesapeake Bay foods. The casual Weather Rail Lounge offers daily happy hour specials and lite dining throughout the day. For information about Loews Annapolis Hotel, located at 126 West Street, call (410) 263-7777 or visit www.loewshotels.com.

About Loews Hotels

Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels owns and/or operates 18 hotels and resorts in the U.S. and Canada, including the newest 414-room Loews Atlanta Hotel which opened April 1, 2010. Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews portfolio features one-of-a-kind properties that go beyond Four Diamond standards to delight guests with a supremely comfortable, uniquely local and vibrant travel experience. Loews boasts some of the industry’s most innovative and successful travel programs, including Loews Loves Kids for families and Loews Loves Pets for discerning animals on the road. For reservations or more information on Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or check www.loewshotels.com.

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Media Contact: Ellen Gale

(410) 295-3224 or