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At Midtown's Hotel Indigo, Tuesday evening cocktail hour is a little different than most places. While a mix of friends and family mingle on the patio, they are sprinkled with — if not outnumbered by — an array of pooches.

"The patio is really nice, and it's a good time to fellowship with other owners," said Shannon Barker, a Midtown resident who, along with her husband, Thomas, attended recently with 16-year-old pomeranian Rush.

Sierra Brown / sbrown@ajc.com (ENLARGE)

William Florence, 5, and sister Amanda, 6, play with Labradoodles on the patio of Midtown's Hotel Indigo during a Tuesday night canine cocktail hour.

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For the past three summers, the hotel has hosted Canine Cocktail Hour, where people and dogs alike can mingle. For dogs, there's complimentary water and diabetic and vegan treats. There's also a menu for steak, chicken and specialty water for Fido. Their owners can enjoy dog-inspired drinks like "Grey Hound," "Yellow Lab" and "Salty Dog."

"[The cocktail hour] gives our neighbors a chance to interact with our guests, and they love it," said Gabriele Webster, general manager of the lndigo. Webster said the Midtown community has welcomed the idea, which has attracted a local following.

LaVista Park resident Joe McCarthy has been to the cocktail hour several times with his two dogs. "I think this is great for the city to incorporate things in your life and blending them together," McCarthy said. "[Events] like this make Atlanta an urban city; it's very forward thinking."

The special cocktail hour also attracts people from afar. "I came from Athens just for this," said Tori Tarrant, 30, who brought her 8-year-old dog, Memphis.

Kids are welcome, too. "They love the song 'Who Let the Dogs Out,' " said Kim Florence of the dog-themed music playing as her children Amanda, 6, and William, 5, played with two Labradoodles.

Part of the proceeds from Canine Cocktail Hour benefit the Humane Society.

IF YOU GO:

Canine Cocktail Hour

6-9 p.m., Tuesdays through Labor Day

Hotel Indigo

683 Peachtree St. N.E.

404-874-9200