Hotel Derek is kicking off its Derek Dog Day Out—a social networking mixer for professionals and their four-legged family members. 

The first Derek Dog Day Out takes place July 30 from 6 – 9 p.m. and funds raised will benefit Citizens for Animal Protection.  Guests can mix and mingle, get massages for themselves and their pets while expanding their professional network. 

Derek Dog Day Out is an extension of Project Derek Dog, an annual event held at Hotel Derek each spring. 

The 2009 Project Derek Dog winner, Madison, will host events throughout the year to help raise funds for CAP, an organization which does extraordinary animal welfare work.

Madison, a chocolate brown standard poodle took the title this year and now makes appearances at dog-related hotel events.  Madison’s owner, Sondra Pulford and Hershey Grace, of CAP, are event co-chairs.

"Hotel Derek has been committed to the well-being of animals since it first opened,” said Hans Schmitt, general manager for the hotel.  “We think of our pets as part of our family and invite guests to bring their four-legged family members to experience the warm.

Participants in Derek Dog Day Out are asked for a $10 donation, which includes one drink and complimentary hors d’oeuvres.  For information visit Hotel Derek on the Web or CAP's Web site.