A Pet Portraiture Event by Urban Out Sitters, March 12 & 13th, 2005; 12 pm – 4 pm - Urban Out Sitters – 161 N. Halsted, Chicago IL 312-651-7387. Urban Out Sitters, Chicago’s only luxury hotel and doggy daycare facility, is hosting a Springtime event that’s “not like any other,” says co-owner Tommy Spinosa, “We will transform our space into a striking, Spring-inspired backdrop.” Spinosa and partner Joseph Giannini, who own and manage the pet hotel and daycare center at 161 N. Halsted, are hosting their first annual “Hop Along Tails” pet portraiture event.

Featuring the photography of Chicago Newsman Bob Kessler, “Hop Along Tails” will be the premier event for any pet owner interested in sharing this unique opportunity with their pets. Dogs and owners alike are encouraged to have their photo taken with Wendell D. Rabbit, Urban Out Sitters newest mascot. This 6’ tall “Rabbit” dressed for the occasion is “better then any Mall Rabbit” exclaims Joseph Giannini. Guests will also have the opportunity to view Urban Out Sitters’ pet care environment, often likened to a “palace for pampered pups.” Digital snapshots on a single, 4x6,ink-jet, photo paper printout, will be available for $8.00. Photos are printed on-site. For additional prints or customized greeting cards; link to the photographers site at www.urbanoutsitters.com

Following the national attention given to Urban Out Sitter’s previous pet photography events “Paws 4 Santa” and “Howlin’ Hounds Halloween,” Spinosa and Giannini present “Hop Along Tails” and the other planned affairs as opportunities for clients to meet other dogs and their owners.

In the last six years, Spinosa and Giannini have grown a part-time dog walking job into a successful full time pet care business. The two now offer a range of professional pet care services including dog walking, pet sitting, vacation cat sitting, and a doggy daycare program as well as the most luxurious hotel all for dogs from all over the Chicago area. For this Spring-themed event, Spinosa and Giannini are “transforming” the already posh surroundings into a springtime wonderland.

This year’s event, to be held at the daycare at 161 N. Halsted, will be Saturday, March 12th and Sunday, March 13th from 12 pm – 4 pm; all are encouraged to stop by with their pets and pose with Wendell for a picture Spinosa and Giannini say their dog daycare facility is “by far the best in Chicago.” For more information, Urban Out Sitters can be accessed on the web at www.urbanoutsitters.com or by calling 312-651-PETS (7387).