You don’t have to be a Bulldog to enjoy a cocktail in the Classic City — all dogs are welcome at this “hairy” happy hour.

Hotel Indigo, located downtown on College Avenue, is known for its trendy looks and environmentally-friendly design, but perhaps its most unique attraction is its Canine Cocktail Hour.

Every Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m., attendees can mingle with other dog owners and enjoy doggie-themed drink specials, such as “salty dogs” and “greyhounds.”

Nikki Boatwright, assistant general manager of Hotel Indigo, said the event began as soon as the hotel opened last August.

“Athens is such a pet-friendly city,” Boatwright said. “We thought it would be a good way to involve the locals.”

Catherine Hay, a 2009 University alumna, said she lives in the downtown Athens area and was surprised by how pet-friendly the city is.

“There are surprisingly a lot of places that allow dogs,” Hay said. “I heard about the Canine Cocktail and decided to check it out. It’s really a neat event.”

The hotel features a large lobby and extensive outdoor area, allowing guests to choose where to sit depending on the

weather.

Hotel Indigo provides plenty of water for thirsty canines and gives away free goodies each week. Their newest treat has been blue dog collars featuring the Hotel Indigo logo, a popular item among the attendees.

Dogs and people alike are welcome at this happy hour. There are both indoor and outdoor areas for owners to enjoy their drinks, and for dogs to play with others. Doggie freebies are given out each week. PHOTO BY MEAGAN KELLEY

O’Shea Cleveland and her fiancé, who just received his doctorate in business management from the University, were in town to visit some friends when they heard about Canine Cocktail Hour. They chose to stay at Hotel Indigo because of its pet-friendly suites.

“We had been traveling for about 11 hours with our dog in the car,” Cleveland said. “We read about the event and thought it would be a good way for us to involve our dog in our visit, [and] get him out of the car.”

Paige Carmichael, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the School of Veterinary Medicine, said she heard about the Canine Cocktail Hour while attending her husband’s rehearsal at the hotel a few months ago.

“We are huge supporters of Hotel Indigo,” Carmichael said. “When I heard about the Canine Cocktail, I thought it would be a great way for me to socialize my dog in a controlled environment.”

Attendance varies throughout the year, but there is always a sizeable crowd.

Boatwright said the event has attracted attention among Athens residents as well as students.

“It’s a little warm in the summer,” Boatwright said. “Participation varies a little each week, but we host so many different events during the summer, as well as our weekly get together.”

This past Halloween, Hotel Indigo hosted a Dog’s Night Out, where participants dressed up themselves and their companions for prizes such as Best Costume, Most Original, and Best Owner and Pet.

“We had about 50 people in attendance,” Boatwright said. “We are definitely going to do it again this fall.”