Sammy chilling-out in the Viva Suite at Red Rock Casino Resort Spa

I think overly cutsie things are, for the most part, gross.  I think it’s just one more thing for which I have to thank my mother (who, while being the least saccharine person I know, is, ironically, responsible for my Sweet n’ Low habit).  But wouldn’t you know, this aversion goes right out the window when it comes to my miniature schnauzer, Sammy.

Las Vegas has become a town chock-a-block with pet salons with names like Sniffany & Company, The Paw Spa, Le Chien, and Sammy’s spa de choix, Snooty Pets, where Stephanie and Cathy have been grooming, massaging, and pampering him with Ooh-la-la treatments and Blueberry Facemasks every few weeks, for nearly a decade.  But, I’m afraid it doesn’t stop there.  Snooty Pets is also a bakery, and I cannot help but to have some Wheat-Free Turkey Burgers and a few Peanut Butter Cannolis thrown on my tab, as I wait for him to come out from the salon (where, as a longtime “Teacher’s Pet” he hangs-out in a basket at Cathy’s feet, instead of in a kennel).  And yes, they’re for him, not me (jeez…).

When he was a puppy, I tormented the poor pooch by playing dress-up (again, him; not me).  You think your dog looked fierce in an imitation Burberry Nova-Check coat?  Big woof!  My little Sam-Sam braved the rain in a genuine Aquascutum trench (as did Winston Churchill, Humphrey Bogart, the Queen Mum, and Inspector Clouseau).  Once I figured-out that he was loathe to be confined in canine clothing, I kept to the accessories: Collars from Bottega Veneta, leashes from Mark Jacobs, bowls from Kevy K, and more Gucci Dog swag than I’m willing to admit to buying, herein.  (Even as I type this, I’m thinking – "Damn, I'm a mess.  No wonder I was single, for so long!")

Michael Crandall (with Louis), Judi Perez (with Lola), and Steve Siegel at Yappy Hour at Rumor Boutique Hotel (Photo: Tom Donoghue)

So, what does all of this mean?  Well, for one thing, I’m obviously not the only person who’s insane about his dog.  Pet-friendly properties aren’t a wholly new concept, in Las Vegas – especially if you’re rolling as a “whale” (Sammy was particularly fond of his stay in one of the Sky Villas at Palms Casino Resort).  What I am noticing are the new adventures and activities being dreamed-up by some particularly creative puppy-loving executives around town.  My favorite?  Yappy Hour at Rumor Boutique Hotel.

Dreamed-up by The Siegel Group’s trinity of Steve Siegel, Michael Crandall, and Judi Perez (whose Yorkshire terrier, Louis, is the event’s spokesdoggie), Yappy Hour takes place every other Thursday, from 5-8pm, at the decidedly dog-friendly Rumor.  There are displays and kiosks featuring of all sorts of doggie goodies, including beds, clothing, collars, and even a canine massage therapist (which is, I assume, a person who massages dogs, not a dog giving double-paw lomi-lomi rubdowns – but I could be wrong).

A couple of Yappy Hour attendees at Rumor Boutique Hotel (Photo: Tom Donoghue)

Rumor’s mixologists have created a number of specialty cocktails, such as Louis’ Long Island, the Puppy Love, and the Dachshund Delight; as well as plenty of continuously refreshed water in special dog bowls placed all over the property.  Meanwhile, the kitchen will be preparing such Yappitizers as Kobe Sliders, Mac Styx, 5-Spice Seared Tuna, Chicken and Bacon Quesadillas; not to mention a plethora of dog treats that will keep even the most persnickety pooch giving you a high paw!

Yappy Hour
Rumor Boutique Hotel
455 East Harmon Avenue at Paradise Road
Thursday, June 16th (and June 30th and July 7th)
5 – 8pm

Get into it!