tampa
Sweet Zoe, a Yorkshire Terrier.
No Raining on This Parade. You might have thought waking up to a cloudy,drizzly,damp Saturday morning would have prevented dog owners from getting going out with their dogs. Not a chance. On Saturday, Marchy 7, dog lovers united and walked the walk on behalf of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay for the annual Bark in the Park at Al Lopez Park. Lots of vendors braved the inclement weather to set up early, like Groovy Cats & Dogs Holistic Boutique. Rescue groups were invited to participate with their adoptables. Plenty of contestants participated in the costume contest which was hard to judge. Fox-13’s Charley Belcher emceed. Good news for the animals, the event raised nearly $90,000 for the shelter. www.HumaneSocietyTampa.org - Rover reporting and photography, Jacqui Silla.
Bulldogs, Bailey & Barney. (Center): One brave dog lover was daring enough to try out the Smoochie Poochie contest and received a nice, wet, slobbery kiss from an adoptable Mastiff. (Far right): Dog lovers alway know to rush the Groovy Cats & Dogs Holistic Boutique tent. They always have something special cooked up for dogs. Ariana Halvaei was serving free Lotus Pet Food and treat samples, quickly gobbled up by participating dog walkers. The tent was wiped out within minutes. Not to worry, there is more wholesome goodness at the store, located in Carrollwood. Give them a call and see what’s cooking. 813.265.1333.
jacksonville
It was quite a St. Pawty’s Day on March 17 at the Jacksonville Landing. Doggie King and Queen of Green were named, and vendors sold dog treats, collars, leashes, and photography services. Because the holiday landed on a Sunday this year, the Landing was more crowded than ever for this, the greenest of Yappy Hours. Thousands of people were delighted to see dogs dressed in their St. Patrick’s Day best, while the question, “What’s going on?” was always followed by, “It’s Yappy Hour!”
Rover reporting and photography by Heidi Joy Howard.
(Far left): The fun day improved even more after Kim Ramsey got her paws on a copy of The New Barker. Labradoodle, Indy, thinks he'd make a pretty good cover model, too. (Left): Golden Retriever Dyson loves an excuse for a green-tie event.
80 THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com