Furry Tails: A (Great) Dane By Any Other Name
Did you know that the Great Dane is Pennsylvania's state dog? That's why it's the breed immortalized outside of Pittsburgh's pet-friendly Hotel Monaco.
A Great Dane statue stands regal and on-guard right outside the front entrance.
"We have been pet friendly since we were founded in 1981," says Christina Paonessa, a public relations coordinator with Kimpton Hotels. "The policy probably came about since Bill Kimpton used to bring his dog, Chianti, (he was a big wine lover) to work because he felt that dogs have a knack for lifting spirits."
The hotel is now asking for your help giving their Great Dane a name!
They are kicking off this fun contest in October, which is, appropriately, National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. The #NametheDane Facebook contest begins Oct. 4 with a "woof-top" adoption party, "The Pet Connection."
The best part, all proceeds from the ticket sales to this family-friendly party go to Animal Friends.
There will be adoptable dogs from the shelter, an interactive photo booth, a shelter item drive and readings of Dr. Seuss's new book "What Pet Should I Get?"
Also, for the kids – Dr. Seuss-themed snacks and a really cool "Oh The Thinks You Can Drink" make-your-own lemonade bar. For the adults – complimentary specialty cocktails from Wigle Whiskey.
The party will be held on Oct. 4 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the hotel's 9th floor rooftop venue. The hotel is located at the intersection of 6th Avenue and William Penn Place.
(Click the image to make it larger.)
Now, back to that contest! Hotel Monaco is asking for Pittsburgh-inspired name suggestions.
And that's very appropriate considering how important the Great Dane is to our state.
The breed was obviously a favorite of the founder of our Commonwealth, William Penn. A portrait of him and his own Great Dane hangs in the Governor's Reception Room in Harrisburg. According to VisitPa.com, the breed was a "great" hunter and worker in frontier Pennsylvania.
And so, on Aug. 15, 1965, the Great Dane became our state dog, coining the political phrase "barking dog vote" as the state lawmakers made dog sounds, barking and "arfing," to give their approval.
Click here to read the official act naming the Great Dane Pennsylvania's state dog.
So, to enter your suggestion, go to the Hotel Monaco's Facebook page anytime from Oct. 4 to Oct. 18, hit the "Like" button, and then enter your suggestion. But make sure you use the hashtag, #NametheDane, to make it count.
Hotel Monaco officials say a group of internal judges will select the winner.
So what's the prize you ask? Only an overnight stay at the hotel and dinner for two at The Commoner restaurant.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your thinking cap on and Name the Dane!
Click over to Hotel Monaco's Facebook page here to enter! And check out the Hotel Monaco's pet-friendly accommodations here!
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Stay tuned animal lovers for more Furry Tails! You can follow me on Twitter at @HeatherLang24
