Dog Samaritans Program on Today.com

Rancho Mirage, CA— Westin Mission Hills —

Across the country in Southern California, the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage runs a similar foster program called the Dog Samaritans Adoption Project in partnership with the nonprofit Animal Samaritans.

A lobby dog hangs out in a little doghouse and playpen so guests can spend time cuddling a pooch or taking them for a walk around the property.

The program helps dogs get used to socializing with people and children, and gives guests a chance to spend time with a dog, which can be particularly meaningful if they’re missing one at home.

Raquel Wood, executive assistant to the general manager, runs the program, which has re-homed 137 dogs. Some are adopted by vacationing families, others by business travelers who take a dog for a walk between meetings and inadvertently fall in love. Eight have even moved to Canada with their new families.

“Our dogs have been adopted all over,” she told TODAY. “It’s just great to see.”

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, though Wood said there are occasional complaints from guests who are allergic to pet dander. Those people are referred to a sister property next door that doesn’t allow pets.

Every August, the hotel hosts a free reunion for people who have adopted dogs through the program, staff and volunteers from Animal Samaritans, and local residents. The chef cooks peanut butter cookies for the canine guests and bartenders mix dog-themed cocktails like “Salty Dogs” and “Frisky Chihuahua Margaritas” for pet parents during a “Yappy Hour.”

“To see the dogs thriving, it’s just such an incredible feeling,” Wood said.

About Animal Samaritans – animalsamaritans.org
Animal Samaritans is a community-leading 501c3 Animal Welfare organization established in 1978 to improve the lives of animals and people. They champion compassion and respect for all living creatures, with a primary focus on dogs, cats, and the humans who love them.

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