Month: October 2013

The Amazing Power of DOG.

To say that Richard Gonzmart is a passionate human being is almost an understatement. As President of Columbia Restaurant Group and a 4th generation family member, he has helped the restaurants garner many prestigious awards.

Richard Gonzmart with Rex and Rusty in front of the Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City. Photograph by Anna Cooke for The New Barker dog magazine.
Richard Gonzmart with Rex and Rusty in front of the Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City. Photograph by Anna Cooke for The New Barker dog magazine.

But Richard’s most notable accomplishments are rooted in giving back to the community. And despite whatever obstacle encountered – he continues to move forward, never looking back. Admittedly, this has been no easy task.

Richard is motivated to find a cure for cancer as a result of having friends and family affected by the disease, who are surviving and even thriving after treatment.

After experiencing their dedication and commitment firsthand, Richard continues to donate to and raise money and awareness for the University of Florida’s Veterinary School of Medicine, Oncology Department.

Richard Gonzmart with his wife Melanie and Rusty in front of the University of Florida Veterinary School of Medicine in Gainesville, Florida.
Richard Gonzmart with his wife Melanie and their German Shepherd Dog, Rusty in front of the University of Florida Veterinary School of Medicine in Gainesville, Florida.

He hosts several events throughout the year to help raise funds for H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute for Adolescent Young Adult Sarcoma research. One of those events, RICHARD’S RUN FOR LIFE, is coming up on November 1st in Ybor City.

In 2011, eight-year-old Josalyn Kaldenberg was just a few days away from having her right arm amputated due to a malignant tumor inside the humerus. Shriners Hospital for Children and Moffitt Cancer Center teamed up on an unprecedented surgery to save her arm.
In 2011, eight-year-old Josalyn Kaldenberg was just a few days away from having her right arm amputated due to a malignant tumor inside the humerus. Shriners Hospital for Children and Moffitt Cancer Center teamed up to perform unprecedented surgery to save her arm.

We are inviting you, fellow dog lovers, to join THE NEW BARKER in support of the 2013 RICHARD’S RUN FOR LIFE 5K Run. THE NEW BARKER has pledged to raise another $1,000, as we did in 2012, thanks to our fellow dog lovers, subscribers and supporters.

The 2012 Richard's Run for Life race honored Josalyn, who is once again playing the piano and playing with her four younger siblings and the family's two dogs.
The 2012 Richard’s Run for Life race honored Josalyn, who is once again playing the piano and playing with her four younger siblings and the family’s two dogs.

We’re asking just 1,000 of our subscribers and supporters to each donate $1. In return, a photo of your dog will appear in the next issue of THE NEW BARKER. Then we will create a limited edition poster commemorating the run and the accomplishment of 1,000 dogs and their humans. THE AMAZING POWER OF DOG poster, featuring your participating dog, will go on sale in 2014 to help continue to raise money for Mr. Gonzmart’s cause.

The New Barker Dog Magazine has pledged $1,000 to the 2013 Richard's Run for Life 5k Run. Will your dog be one of the 1,000 to participate in this milestone event for children? Why, yes…because your dog is amazing. $1 dollar. 1,000 dogs. 1,000 steps closer to the cure.
The New Barker Dog Magazine has pledged $1,000 to the 2013 Richard’s Run for Life 5k Run. Will your dog be one of the 1,000 to participate in this milestone event for children? Why, yes…because your dog is amazing.

By the way, 100% of the money raised through RICHARD’S RUN FOR LIFE goes to  H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute for Adolescent Young Adult Sarcoma research.  After the run, registered runners and walkers are treated to the Best Post Race Party Ever in Centennial Park featuring music, food and drink provided by Columbia Restaurant.

If you are inspired to give more, for a $5 donation, you will receive the next edition of The New Barker Dog Magazine, mailed to you, as our gift + a picture of your dog in the magazine and on THE AMAZING POWER OF DOG poster.

Visit www.thenewbarker.com and click onto the link to donate. Your $1 dollar pledge will get your dog's photo in the next issue of The New Barker dog magazine. Your dog will also be honored on the commemorative poster, The Amazing Power of DOG. Hurry. We only have five days to go.
Visit www.thenewbarker.com and click on the DONATE link. Your $1 pledge will get your dog’s photo in the next issue of The New Barker dog magazine. Your dog will also be honored on the commemorative poster, The Amazing Power of DOG. Hurry. We only have five days to go.

Every Home Should Have a Dog. And Every Dog Should Have a Home.

Yes, we do love dogs. Leanne came perfectly dressed to work The New Barker dog magazine booth during Florida's Largest Home Show at the Florida State Fairgrounds.
Yes, we do love dogs. Leanne came perfectly dressed to work The New Barker dog magazine booth during Florida’s Largest Home Show at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

Florida’s Largest Home Show and The New Barker dog magazine have teamed up to bring something warm and fuzzy to the Florida State Fairgrounds this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (October 18, 19 and 20). The Fall Fling Adopt-A-Pet will provide a free venue for Florida rescue groups to showcase their adoptables, hand out information and even collect donations for their cause: saving dogs from euthanasia.

For 29 years Turner Expo has produced Florida’s Largest Home Show in the Tampa Bay Area. With more than 900 exhibits, the shows have been selected as one of the top 30 premiere home shows in the country and featured in the National Home & Garden Show Series. The success of the shows inspired Turner Expositions co-owner Paige Kolm, to give back to her community, which has been so supportive of the Home Shows. The avid dog lover is concerned about the high rate of euthanasia and the number of homeless dogs. It is a fact that an astounding 9,000 dogs and cats are killed every day in shelters across the country. “I just wanted to stop being an observer and become a doer. We, as a community, have to help change this situation, and we cannot rely on one entity to shoulder the entire burden,” said Paige.

Of particular benefit to the rescue groups’ adoption efforts is that visitors coming to The Home Show are prepared to shop for the home. In other words, people come with the mindset to spend money. “It’s an entirely different demographic and vibe for the shelters and rescue groups participating,” said Anna Cooke, editor of The New Barker dog magazine. While browsing aisle after aisle of appliances, the latest in home entertainment technology, bedroom decor and comfort options, landscaping, high tech cookware and more, the visitor is pleasantly surprised by the appearance of puppies and dogs. “It’s a nice break for the shopper to interact with the dogs. And, it gives the volunteers fostering the adoptables an opportunity to reach out to a new group of people,” added Cooke. “Maybe some dogs will be adopted. Maybe some shoppers will be inclined to make a donation. In either case, we’re informing more people, outside of the world of rescue, about the work these volunteers are doing.”

Volunteer Pat Hose accepts a donation from The New Barker dog magazine.
Pat Hose, a volunteer for Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay, accepts a donation from The New Barker dog magazine. The New Barker donated five dollars of each magazine subscription purchased via the Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay website.

The Spring Show in March, 2013 was the first time Florida’s Largest Home Show invited the rescue groups. Animal Based Charities helped coordinate the rescue groups. “We had more than 25 groups participate over the three-day event,” said Kolm. “We were so pleased with the response from our guests, that we decided to do it again for our Fall Home Show.”

Home Sweet Dog Home. The New Barker booth during the Spring Home Show and Adoption Fling featured products by Bowsers Pet Products.
Home Sweet Dog Home. The New Barker booth during the Spring Home Show and Adoption Fling featured products by Bowsers Pet Products.

In conjunction with the Fall Fling Adopt-A-Pet, on Saturday, Bay Area Kennel Clubs are participating in an AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day. There will be Canine Good Citizen evaluations, demonstrations in Freestyle, Agility and Rally/Obedience. One-on-one sessions with a trainer, a Meet the Breed Parade and more. At The New Barker booth, homeowners will be able to speak with experts about liability insurance for their dogs, a different kind of home security and personal protection option, hospice care/end-of-life planning for the family pet and more. IN DOG WE TRUST will be selling their official NFL sanctioned line of dog bandanas.

Show hours are Friday, October 18, 11a-6p; Saturday, October 19, 11a-7p; Sunday, October 20, 11a-5p. The event is free on Friday during the ABC Action News FREE Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, adult tickets are $8; senior tickets are $7; children under 12 get in free. The Florida State Fairgrounds is located at 4800 US Highway 301 North, Tampa. Attendees will want to use the 301 entrance gate.

Yes, Florida's Largest Home Show is Dog Friendly.
Yes, Florida’s Largest Home Show is Dog Friendly.

Contacts:

Paige Kolm/Turner Expositions/813.677.6925

Anna Cooke/The New Barker Dog Magazine/727.214.7453