- November 2, 2024
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Ruby and Kay Cox win for best costume.
Photo by Lesley DwyerGuests buy raffle tickets to benefit Nate's Honor Animal Rescue.
Photo by Lesley DwyerJudges Shary Price, Elaine Hargarten and Dee Kropf
Photo by Lesley DwyerChristina Shantz walks with her Buddy the yorkie.
Photo by Lesley DwyerPiper the Scotty is the most patriotic of all the dogs.
Photo by Lesley DwyerKaren Kent , Sophia and Tito look like they've walked a runway before.
Photo by Lesley DwyerSarasota Military Academy Prep students Pedro Silva and Krystal Niblett volunteer to help with the show.
Photo by Lesley DwyerLeslie Breck and Buddy dress as elves for the show.
Photo by Lesley DwyerOliver and Penny refuse to leave the stage without treats.
Photo by Lesley DwyerLynne Short and Izzy wear matching pirate costumes.
Photo by Lesley DwyerMaya sails down the runway.
Photo by Lesley DwyerHanna, Abby and Emma wait their turn.
Photo by Lesley DwyerBreezy and owner Gigi Matthews wear matching outfits.
Photo by Lesley DwyerBuddies Henry and Oliver play bunnies for the day.
Photo by Lesley DwyerCarole Chrisman offers treats to Molly and Cooper to coax them off the stage.
Photo by Lesley DwyerNate's Honor Animal Rescue has puppies in portable cribs.
Photo by Lesley DwyerJill Hennessey, Marilyn Huseby and Carol Patulo play with the puppies.
Photo by Lesley DwyerIzzy is wearing a pirate costume that was handmade and bought on Etsy.
Photo by Lesley DwyerThe stars and their owners relax after the show.
Photo by Lesley DwyerThe Maine Line food truck serves lobster for lunch.
Photo by Lesley DwyerPiper wins Diva Dog of the day.
Photo by Lesley DwyerJennifer Lackland's dog Luna stops to rest.
Photo by Lesley DwyerThe pampered pooches of Bird Key gave back to dogs less fortunate than themselves on Sunday, Feb. 19. They strutted down a catwalk and did their best tricks to raise money for Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue.
“One of the people on our committee has done this at another club, and we thought it would be a fun thing to do for the Women’s Association because so many people on Bird Key have dogs,” Jennifer Lackland said. “Anytime you walk down Bird Key, your dog will meet 10 other dogs.”
This was not just a stroll around the yacht club parking lot though. This was a fashion event, complete with an elevated runway, DJ and lobster lunch. The Maine Line food truck was parked to the side, and chairs lined both sides of the runway.
DJ Jesse from STAAR Entertainment had each dog walking to their own tune. Piper the golden doodle, and winner of the Diva Dog category, was clad in the most risque outfit of the day. She wore only a pair of pink flowered panties, and therefore walked to “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. It’s unfortunate that Bird Key resident and former lead singer Brian Johnson missed it.
About 30 other dogs strutted their stuff too. DJ Jesse offered tidbits about each dog. Izzy walked to “Dancing Queen” by ABBA and knows the names of her favorite toys. She matched her mom in a pirate costume that was handmade for her through an Etsy vendor.
“This is her third dog parade. She loves dressing up,” Lynne Short, Izzy’s owner, said. “She knows that when she puts a costume on she’s going somewhere, so I dress her up and she goes to the door.”
Ruby the French bulldog won first place in the Best Costume category, and that diva didn’t even step a paw onto the runway. Her sidecar didn’t fit.
The remaining three categories were Best Trick, Owner/Dog Look Alike and Class Clown. Lackland’s dog Luna won Class Clown for dressing as a cow and laying down mid-runway.
It was fun and games with a purpose. The event raised over $4,000 for Nate’s. Development and Fundraising Director Rob Oglesby said the money will go toward the current capital campaign.
The animal rescue is raising $10 million to expand its facility to include additional kennels and exam rooms, a maternity center, walking trail, surgical suite and interactive education center.
