Mike, here is the expat get-together info for Cuenca:
Gringo Nights in Cuenca
Tuesday, 5 – 8 p.m., DiBacco´s Italian Restaurant and Bar, 9 – 61 Calle Tarqui at Bolivar
Thursday, 5 – 8 p.m., DiBacco´s Italian Restaurant and Bar (Gringo Newcomers Night), 9 – 61 Calle Tarqui at Bolivar
Friday, 5 – 7 p.m., California Kitchen, Luis Cordero 5-65 and Calle Larga
Friday, 5 till closing, Fabiano’s Pizzaria, Calle Presidente Cordova 4-84 at Cueva
Friday, 5:30 – 8 p.m., Zoe Restaurant, Calle Borrero 7-61 at Sucre
Other gringo meet-up locations are: Café Eucalyptus, Calle Gran Colombia 9 -41 and Benigno Malo; Inca Lounge and Bistro, on the Barranco just east of Calle Benigno Malo; and Akelarre Bar, General Torres 8-40 and Bolivar.
We don’t own pets, but many expats do (although I don’t any who own six!). I’m sure you’re aware your situation will limit the availability of rentals, and an additional security deposit will probably be required. But I think you would be able to find something suitable. Perhaps you will meet other pet owners at one of the gringo hangouts, and you can certainly post a request for assistance and advice in GringoTree.
P.S. In Cotacachi you won’t find any organized get-togethers but will will meet gringos everywhere, especially at the expat-owned restaurants: Casa de las Frutas, Solid Rock, Serendipity, El Trebol.