Monarch Beach Resort Moments Magazine Issue 8 | Page 35

Left: Naked Dog Bistro in Laguna Beach; right: Local dog parks give your pooch space to run and play. For a truly singular way to treat your pet, a stop at the bistro is a must. Its menu, which consists of fresh foods, baked goods and other products, has carved out a distinct niche. “All of the dog food we make here is hand- crafted and we have it fresh every day,” Poe says of the human-grade platings. Seven unique, natural food options present the healthiest of fare. Poe says the most popular flavor is currently beef pot roast that is “just like mom used to make.” Other options include the lean Paw Lickin’ Chicken and the wild salmon blend, which is made with qui- noa, kale and fresh berries. The store’s bakery includes custom-crafted cakes, so that customers can choose their own shape, flavor and color scheme. “We have a dozen different assortments of all sorts of treats, from cakes to cupcakes to scones to creative things like ‘doggy’ hot dogs and pizza slices,” Poe says. For an even broader selection of products, Pets Plus in Laguna Niguel presents a full array of multi- aisle options akin to most national chains, but has been family-owned and operated since 1988. As one can never be underprepared when taking your pet on the road, just in case of medical needs, visitors seeking a vet can contact Pacific Park Animal Hospital in Laguna Niguel; and, for imme- diate care, Animal Urgent Care of South Orange County is located just 10 miles from the resort. RUN AND FUN When it’s time for Fido to expend some energy, the resort’s surroundings present a host of dog parks. In Dana Point, the city’s 28 parks present ample dog-friendly choices, with Creekside Park, Heritage Park and Sea Canyon Park all providing “dog fun zones.” The first dog park established in the county, Laguna Beach Dog Park, sports 2 acres dedicated to off-leash fun within Laguna Canyon. This popu- lar puppy playground is open six days a week from 6 a.m. until dusk, and is closed on Wednesdays. “In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful dog parks in all of Orange County,” Poe says. “It’s fully grassed and nicely maintained with water fountains, benches and some shade trees.” The park is located just a few miles from Main Beach, where leashed canines are also welcome to Groomers throughout Orange County are available to tame your pet’s mane. join their owners anytime of day during fall, win- ter and spring, as well as prior to 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. during the busy summer season. The Laguna Niguel Pooch Park presents another excellent option, offering an acre of fenced space coupled with sun shelters and picnic tables. FRESH FUR If all of that fun in the outdoors leaves your four- legged friend in need of a bath, or it’s just time for a fresh haircut, there are plenty of nearby groom- ers ready to pamper every pooch. Dana Point Grooming & Pet Spa features a full menu of dog services, including bath and haircut, cleaning only and nail trim; for feline friends, cat baths and haircuts are also offered. Just down the way, Dawgy Style Groom Shop, also in Dana Point, works with a full array of specialized styles, ranging from American Kennel Club breed cuts to ear and nail care, and the team is happy to work with dogs with special needs. Further freshness can be found at Dog Tub in Laguna Beach, where the self-service washing endeavor that was “started by a girl and her dog” is collared with a special selection of food, treats and accessories. In nearby San Juan Capistrano, the art form of pet pampering finds a special level of treatment at The Zuri Pet Spa & Resort, where doggie boarding and day care services are combined with luxury spa treatments such as mud baths and blueberry facials, providing pets with their own special vacation. To-and-from chauffeur services are also available. For those who prefer for the full grooming treatment to come to their pets, the convenient Paws For a Tail mobile pet grooming service, described as a “self-contained spa on wheels,” is totally climate-controlled with a full-size bathtub and hydraulic table. No matter where you go for grub, grass or grooming, you and your furry friends are sure to have a spectacular stay. MONARCHBEACHRESORT.COM 35