Animal Welfare League to hold 'Bow Wow Luau'

If you like drink specials, door prizes, animal photo opportunities and a costume contest for dogs and their human companions, the Bow Wow Luau is for you.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria will hold the Hawaiian-themed fundraiser May 23 at the Hotel Monaco in Old Town Alexandria. The Canine Wingman Company is sponsoring the inaugural event, which raises money for homeless animals at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter.

The dog-friendly event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m., weather permitting in the Hotel Monaco Alexandria courtyard, located at 480 King St.

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 animal welfare league.

“I frequently attend Doggie Yappy Hours with my wingman, Oliver,” says Randy Plante, founder of the Canine Wingman Company, in a news release. “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,” said animal welfare league spokesman Patrick Cole. “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 animal welfare league 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 benefiting the league.

Admission to the Bow Wow Luau is free of charge.

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