By Janet McAfee
Nothing is more fun for us animal lovers than events that include our dogs! You are invited to YAPPY HOUR at the beautiful Shops on San Pablo on Tuesday, February 28 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Fun, fashion, food, friends, and well-behaved Fido on a leash make for a wonderful Coachella Valley afternoon. The redesigned San Pablo corridor in Palm Desert creates a welcoming small-town feeling, and the Yappy Hour mutts might strut outside if weather permits. The Italian deli across the street has outdoor dog friendly tables. Located on the same block with two pet grooming salons, the Shops on San Pablo is one block north of Highway 111.
Yappy Hour includes refreshments for the humans and treats for the dogs. A bar with a donation jar for Loving All Animals nonprofit charity provides a range of beverages. There is no cost to attend.
Opened in July 2020, this interesting venue is a collection of small unique mini shops within a larger building featuring special fashions, clothing for dogs, artistic gift ideas and many fun surprises. The venue has become a community gathering place where friends meet to shop while listening to local musicians such as Johnny Meza. Every Thursday from 4:30pm to 6:30pm visitors enjoy Karaoke. Once a month a birthday party is scheduled for attendees born in that month. You can rent the facility for your own event such as a wedding shower. Shopping here is a fun way to support local small businesses.
Where else could you try on the exclusive line of Paris Hilton velour track suits to work out in style? Timmy Woods designed the famous Eiffel Tower purse seen in the Sex and the City movie. Her mini shop displays Timmy’s amazing one-of-a-kind handbags including some made of wood. Local resident Sally Lanivich will show her beautiful high-end costume jewelry and vintage couture. Dazzle your friends with one of Mirasa Nicole’s bling clothing and gift items.
In the southeast corner of the business, a Medical Esthetician working under Dr. Tom DeAngelo provides non-invasive skin procedures. They host frequent beauty seminars and workshops to help you stay youthful while you strut your stuff in style.
Fido and Fluffy are not left out when it comes to fashion at the Shops. Local resident Patt Savastano with Spoiled Dog Designs has some unbelievable creations for animals in her booth. You may know Patt from when she had a booth at the Palm Desert Sunday Street Fair. Patt does creations for dog events including dog weddings. If you are still “dogless”, seeing these adorable outfits might send you to the nearest animal shelter.
The fashion show will feature an array of outfits, demonstrating how to accessorize, and with a well-dressed pup in tow. Yes, there will be something for the guys! Scott Fisher, long time Loving All Animals volunteer, will walk down the runway modeling the latest men’s wear. Clothing from size 2 to 22 is available for purchase. There will be raffle prizes, and a prize for the best dressed person with the best dressed pup. Fido will be provided teats. There will even be a Howling Contest for the dogs. I will bet on a Husky to win this one!
Meet Lorie Loftis, the charming animal lover and businesswoman who started a venue that brings great style and joy to our desert. Lorie’s mother, Lindi Biggi, is the renowned founder of Loving All Animals rescue organization. Lorie was my first Mobile Mutts partner when LAA began in 2007. We were a team rescuing dogs, cats, and a few birds while we shared some laughs along with the joy of rescuing and adopting homeless animals.
Lorie is pictured below with her precious Chihuahua named Joy, a Loving All Animals alumni on her “gotcha” day. She tells us, “I’ve always loved dogs, and it’s great living with a pack of them. My grandparents lived on an Oregon farm that had llamas, buffalo, monkeys, chickens, rescue horses, and of course dogs. Little Joy has brought me so much joy after my other Chihuahua Chica passed away. Chihuahuas promise to burrow under the covers, and they sit loyally by your side. Pets are always included in my business plans!” Contact Loving All Animals at (760) 834-7000, www.lovingallanimals.org.
Come on by on February 28 and enjoy the festivities! The Shops on San Pablo are located at 44850 San Pablo in Palm Desert. Call 760-501-5818 to RSVP or if you have any questions. LIKE their Facebook page to track their events and special sales. Check them out at www.theshopsonsanpablo.com.
Don’t miss this special event where you can glamorize your Spring wardrobe and support homeless animals.
