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