Follow Fido to Yappy Hour, a monthly cocktail party for canines and their companions at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Pooches, hounds and pups enjoy complimentary hand-made dog biscuits and lapping up refreshing libations, thanks to bacon, chicken, cheese, beef and liver flavored water, while their companions can purchase burgers, brews and wines, with proceeds going to support a local animal rescue organization.

Yappy Hour 2013 will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on The Dana Lawn. Season Three kicks off the third Thursday in May and continues through September on the second Thursday of the month.

• Thursday, May 16
• Thursday, June 13
• Thursday, July 11
• Thursday, August 8
• Thursday, September 12
  

Yappy Howl-O-Ween
Thursday, October 24 / 4 to 7 p.m.

Canines and their companions are invited for tricks and treats in celebration of Howl-O-Ween. This seasonal Yappy Hour celebration is a chance for pups to strut their stuff in their favorite costume. A panel of judges will determine which canine will take home the prize in the costume categories of Scariest, Funniest, Most Glamorous and, of course, Best in Show. First place prize in each category is a hand-painted dog bowl by Debby Carman of Faux Paws Productions. Cost to enter the costume contest is $10 per canine.

Yappy Howl-iday
Saturday, December 7 / 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Santa Claus will make a special appearance for the Yappy Howl-iday Celebration. This festive gathering of canines and their companions provides Fido with the opportunity to be photographed with the “Big Dog” himself – Santa Claus. In keeping with the resort’s Season of Giving, guests are asked to bring unopened canned or dry dog food, treats or dog toys to be donated to an animal rescue organization.