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Doris Day’s hotel in Carmel is one of the pet-friendliest around

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Actress and animal lover Doris Day, who died early Monday at age 97, will also be remembered as co-owner of the Cypress Inn in Carmel, Calif., a place Sunset Magazine once described as “probably the most famous dog-friendly hotel in the country.”

On Monday, a remembrance poster was put up at the hotel, and locals dropped off flowers in her honor. Many on social media posted their memories of staying at the inn at Lincoln and 7th streets in Carmel

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The lobby of the boutique hotel features posters from her movies, such as “Pillow Talk,” “That Touch of Mink” and “Young at Heart.”

But mostly the inn, which she co-owned with businessman Dennis LeVett, was known for being a place that welcomed and pampered pets.

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“Since leaving the Hollywood spotlight more than 30 years ago, Doris has turned her attention to a second career with the same enthusiasm and energy that put her at the top of the entertainment world: the welfare of animals,” the inn’s website says.

“She has worked tirelessly rescuing, healing and placing thousands of abused or neglected animals. Eventually, she started her own organization: Doris Day Pet Foundation which later became the Doris Day Animal Foundation. She later initiated the Doris Day Animal League.”

Terry’s Lounge, the popular restaurant inside the hotel, “speaks equal parts Shar-Pei and Sazerac with an animated Yappy Hour and muttinis served daily …,” according to the website.

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Each year on Day’s birthday, which was April 3, the hotel would throw a big birthday party (which she didn’t attend) and screen one of her films. This year it was “Pillow Talk,” which served a custom-made cocktail made with Tito’s vodka, Chambord, Stirrings peach liqueur, pineapple juice and a splash of soda. All proceeds went to her animal foundation.

Many Twitter posts on Monday were from pet owners who had stayed at the inn in hopes of meeting Day. And many honored her animal activism along with her music and film roles.

The hotel charges a nightly pet fee of $30 for one pet, $50 for two and $70 for three. Room prices in late May start at $299 a night.

Info: Cypress Inn

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