A sniff at a fire hydrant, a whiff of hot dogs slowing grilling and a chance to make new friends — sounds like canine nirvana.

For a handful of dogs on Memorial Day, it probably was. Big dogs, small dogs and everything in between were greeted with open arms and dog treats at C.J. Higgins Confections on Ninita Street for Doggie Days, an open house to celebrate Chuck Higgins' move from a dog-friendly to a dog-welcoming retail business.

For Higgins, the occasion was especially gratifying. The chocolatier had worked hard to bring his business in line with state Environmental Department rules to secure a variance that allows dogs in a business where food is served. It's the first of its kind, according to state officials, and many people at the event said they hoped more would follow.

"I think it's great," said Laurie Wilson of Teca Tu Emporium, a pet boutique at the Sanbusco Market Center, who attended the event with her Bernese mountain dog Mowgli. "Santa Fe is such a dog-friendly place and we need more places like this."

Teca Tu and Sanbusco have always been dog friendly, Wilson noted, although dogs aren't allowed at Borders or the restaurant, El Tesoro Café. The restaurant does accommodate diners with to-go meals, she said.

"It does seem there fewer places are allowing their dogs," she said. "And people like to be with their pets."

That was one of the main reasons the variance was so important, Higgins said. Customers often had their dogs with them, but didn't like leaving them in cars or tying them up outside to pop in for gourmet chocolates, caramel corn and other confections. The dogs are still off-limits in certain areas, but the new rules are ones Higgins said he can live with. And he said he remains open to customer suggestions.

While the lounge area of the business isn't huge, there weren't any problems with dogs mingling during the event, Higgins said. Some people did have to watch that they didn't trip over leashes on the way to the counter, but the friendly dogs didn't mind the maneuvering.

"I was thrilled," Higgins said. "It was just a nice group of dog owners, and it created quite a buzz."

Heidi Kingsbury of Heidi's Canine Services brought her youngest of three Shar-peis, Cosmos, into the lounge for tricks and some bilingual commands. He was adorned with a beanie cap and whirligig. Other dogs were dressed for the occasion with bow ties and brightly colored neckerchiefs. Their human companions also got into the mood with T-shirts displaying animals or slogans like "Dogfather."

Outside the main building, Chris Dowd of All Ears Basset Sanctuary brought a few lovable bassets for adoption. There were a few inquiries about the dogs, Higgins said.

Aside from door prizes, gift certificates and dog demonstrations, Higgins also had free ice tea, cotton candy and, of course, hot dogs. He's also decided to add a fine lines of dog treats for his loyal customers, some from Teca Tu and another line of vegetarian dog biscuits from Pooch Pantry on Johnson Street.

But he'll leave the dog-treat making to others. "We're great at making candy, so we'll let others do what their good at."

Another dog welcoming party is planned for the first weekend in August, Higgins said. The experience was upbeat, he said, and the show of support is always important.

"We got to meet a lot of nice, new furry creatures," Higgins said. "It was great."