Bow Wow Luau

Hawaiian-style “yappy” hour features costume contest, drink specials, and giveaways.

Alexandria, VA, May 9, 2013 – On Thursday, May 23, 2013, the Canine Wingman Company is sponsoring the inaugural Bow Wow Luau, a Hawaiian-themed Doggie Yappy Hour at Hotel Monaco Alexandria. The event will raise funds for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) and the homeless animals in their care at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter. The dog-friendly event will take place from 5PM to 8PM (weather permitting) in the Hotel Monaco Alexandria courtyard, located at 480 King Street in Alexandria, VA. The Bow Wow Luau includes a costume contest for dogs and their human companions, drink specials courtesy of Jackson 20, photo opportunities, door prizes, and much more.

Hotel Monaco Alexandria is a pet-friendly hotel that has a long history of hosting Doggy Yappy Hours, which feature treats for dogs and the Jackson 20 bar menu for adults. To welcome the warmer weather, the Canine Wingman Company is transforming this popular event into the Bow Wow Luau. The luau includes a costume contest, with prizes awarded to the Best Dressed Dogs and the Best Costume Combination of dog and human. Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, and traditional island attire are all encouraged. Guests can also participate in a 50/50 raffle to support the AWLA.

“I frequently attend Doggie Yappy Hours with my wingman, Oliver,” says Randy Plante, founder of the Canine Wingman Company, “and I regularly support the AWLA. I created the Bow Wow Luau to give people a fun Hawaiian party to attend with their dogs, while helping our four-legged friends that are less fortunate.” Plante is also the author of My Wingman Oliver, a book detailing his adoption of Oliver from a shelter and their adventures in and around Alexandria.

“The League is thrilled to be part of the Bow Wow Luau,” says Patrick Cole, Director of Communications and Outreach for the AWLA. “Not only is this a festive way to celebrate our canine companions, it is a chance for animal lovers to help the AWLA’s adoptable dogs find great homes so they might be able to attend an event like this in the near future.”

Leis will be sold for $5, or 3 for $10, and complimentary sunglasses and other door prizes will be given to all guests and their dogs. The Canine Wingman Company will also sponsor a photo booth, where guests and their dogs can have pictures taken in front of an island backdrop with their personal cameras. Adoptable dogs from the AWLA will be present, and League representatives will be available to discuss other ways to support Alexandria’s homeless animals. Jackson 20 will create a special tropical drink for the Bow Wow Luau and gourmet dog treats from Barkley Square will be sold, with proceeds benefitting the AWLA. Admission to the Bow Wow Luau is free of charge.

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About the Canine Wingman Company
Randy Plante, and trusted canine sidekick Oliver, established the Canine Wingman Company to self-publish the book My Wingman Oliver, and to unite dog lovers in Northern Virginia and beyond. The Canine Wingman Company sponsors charitable fundraisers throughout the year, and notifies dog lovers of the many canine events that take place in the DC metropolitan region. A main focus of the company is to highlight the benefits of adopting a dog and expound the unique bond that exists between people and their dogs.
www.CanineWingman.com

About the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is an independent, local, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four Star Charity. Operating the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, an open-admission facility and Alexandria’s only animal shelter, the League provides care for thousands of animals every year, including strays, lost pets, local wildlife, rescue animals, and pets surrendered by their owners. Serving the community since 1946, the League has contracted with the City of Alexandria to provide animal care, control, and sheltering services since 1989. The AWLA is committed to ending animal homelessness, promoting animal welfare, and serving as an educational resource for the community.
www.AlexandriaAnimals.org

About Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco Alexandria
Hotel Monaco Alexandria, opened in January 2008, is Alexandria VA’s premier four-star boutique hotel. Located in the city’s Old Town neighborhood on King Street, it’s where rich American history meets high style and genuine hospitality on the banks of the Potomac. Guestrooms are rich in amenities and special features, including unique two-level loft suites and 28 terrace rooms with balconies. The hotel offers access to local restaurants, shops and the historic Mount Vernon as well as convenience to Washington DC, just 10-minutes away. Hotel Monaco Alexandria is located at 480 King Street, Alexandria, Va. 22314. For more information and to make reservations, please call 703-549-6080 locally or toll free at 800-368-5047 or visit www.monaco-alexandria.com

About Jackson 20
In the twenty-first century, Jackson 20 offers a sense of history and a delicious addition within a contemporary place that suitably fits Old Town Alexandria's historic past. Adjacent to Hotel Monaco Alexandria, Jackson 20, taking its name from President Andrew Jackson and his visage on the $20 bill, is a 125-seat Modern American tavern with a warm and bustling ambiance designed with clean, simple lines that embrace reclaimed brick, stone, leather and wood.  Jackson 20 also features seasonal café-style seating along King Street where diners can enjoy the charms of Old Town Alexandria. Chef Brian McPherson’s menu features regional American cuisine with a ‘southern accent’ utilizing ingredients sourced from local waters and nearby farms. Dishes are complemented by a strong American wine list and a bevy of creative cocktails. Jackson 20 is located at 480 King Street, Alexandria, VA. 22314. The restaurant is open Monday to Thursday: 7:00am to 10:30pm; Friday and Saturday: 7:00am to 11:00pm; Sunday 8:00am to 9:30pm.  For more information and to make reservations, call 703-842-2790 or visit www.jackson20.com or www.opentable.com