The people of Peru are not bothered by the many dogs, and often don’t even name the dogs they keep. It’s common to see dogs chasing cars, socializing in packs, scavenging in dumpsters, even napping inches from the road, not even flinching as automobiles whizz by. Most appear to be feral and unkept, but when followed from one location to the next they always go to their own homes. A quick bark at a door gives the mangy looking mutts quick access to the house.

The famous Peruvian Hairless dog, a breed with origins in pre-Inca cultures, is not the only breed to be found wandering the streets of Peru. A variety of pure bred canines and mutts can be spotted at every corner, some well cared for, others left to their own devices.

Dogs of Peru all have an attitude about them that separates them from their US counterparts. With their scruffy looks you might assume they would be sad and dismal, but these pups are far from it. Many are confident, hardworking, playful, and content. They rarely run up to strangers to play or beg for treats, rather they stay alert and watch with a silent wisdom that can only be attained from a life on the streets.

For more photos stay tuned for the release of ‘Dogs of Peru’ coming soon to bookstores everywhere.

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“Santa Paws is bringing holiday cheer to our two- and four-legged guests and neighbors,” said Niki Leondakis, president and chief operating officer, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.  “Pet patrons always receive special pampering at Kimpton, which is why we want to offer them this special way to celebrate the season.”

Kimpton Hotels are known for their exceptional service and pet friendly atmosphere. As the first full-service hotel company to welcome pets, Kimpton has no limit on the quantity of dogs allowed, and amazingly there is no additional charge for pets! So that means you can bring your four Border Collies, three Great Danes, two Chihuahuas, and a Yorkie in a pear tree – all for free, isn’t that Grreat!

Guest doggies at Kimpton Hotels, also known as VIP (Very Important Pet), will find their names written on a dog announcement board, along with refreshments, and an exceptionally friendly and dog loving staff. Rooms include pet bowls and comfy pet beds, with leashes and poop bags available at reception. Many hotels even have a Director of Pet Relations, hotel canines who welcome guests with an enthusiastic wag, help the concierge make suggestions for local pet-friendly hot spots, and who make celebrity appearances at events for local animal organizations.

Santa Paws is an opportunity for Kimpton hotels to get involved and partner with local organizations that include: Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals, Washington Humane Society, Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Baltimore SPCA, Operation Kindness, Humane Society of Vero Beach and River County, PAWS Atlanta, Aspen Animal Shelter and Aspen Valley Horse Rescue, Ginger’s Pet Rescue, Oregon Humane Society and San Francisco SPCA.

This year the Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco has partnered with the San Francisco SPCA for their Santa Paws event. A suggested donation of $20, which benefits the San Francisco SPCA, will get visitors warm fuzzy feelings for helping animals in need, and two photographs taken by a professional photographer printed on-site, and presented in an SPCA holiday greeting card. There will be holiday refreshments, pet treats and toys to keep you and your pets happily entertained! “We are all excited about this year’s Santa Paws event,” says Peter Dyckes, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, who also plans to spend the weekend at the hotel with his family and new Yorkie puppy.

Santa Paws is free and open to the public. Although some locations, such as San Francisco, will have a professional photographer on site, it is recommended that owners bring cameras to capture a photo of their pet in Santa’s lap. 

Santa Paws will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in hotel lobbies on Dec. 11 and 12, 2010, at the following Kimpton hotels:

Alexis Hotel (Seattle, WA); Cypress Hotel (Cupertino, CA); EPIC Hotel (Miami, FL); Eventi Hotel (New York, NY); FireSky Resort & Spa (Scottsdale, AZ); Hotel Allegro (Chicago, IL); Hotel Marlowe (Cambridge, MA); Hotel Monaco (Alexandria, VA); Hotel Monaco (Baltimore, MD); Hotel Monaco (Washington, DC); Hotel Monaco (Denver, CO); Hotel Monaco (Portland, OR); Hotel Monaco (Salt Lake City, UT); Hotel Palomar (Atlanta, GA); Hotel Palomar (Dallas, TX); Hotel Palomar (Philadelphia, PA); Hotel Palomar (Westwood, CA); Hotel Solamar (San Diego, CA); Sir Francis Drake Hotel (San Francisco, CA); Sky Hotel (Aspen, CO); The Muse (New York, NY) and Vero Beach Hotel & Spa (Vero Beach, FL).

For more information about Santa Paws or to learn more about Kimpton Hotels please visit www.KimptonHotels.com

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Henry is a spoiled and famous Yorkie that lives and loves on the French Riviera in Cannes France. Oh La La!

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If you have this ticket number please email us your name, address and email so we may confirm the winner and mail you your Shopping Buddy. info@dogchatter.com Thank you for supporting Dog Chatter and the Niles Dog Show on July 17!

Have a happy and safe 4th of July, don’t forget to look both ways before lighting your firecrackers! Photo Courtesy of Sandie Taylor Animals First Pet Resort. www.animalsfirst4u.com

65 lbs. Molly believes that a child’s car seat should be thoroughly tested before allowing any person under 60 lbs. to go on a car ride. Buckle up!

Two year old Jordyn loves carrying 4.5 lbs. Kimber around like one of her stuffed animals. Good thing the drop to the ground isn’t too far for Kimber!