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There is a slight change in the weather. A tinge of fall perhaps? Well, this is Florida, and the weather here has been known to play tricks on its residents. Football season is here, but we’re not entirely done with hot weather. However, the dog-friendly activities have certainly kicked up a couple of notches, indicating that fall is just around the corner and folks want to get out. Seminoles, Gators, Bulls and Bucs fans can show their team spirit with some dog accessories from your favorite dog boutiques and stores. And let’s not forget our Tampa Bay Rays team spirit. You’ll find the best selections of dog gear with a wide variety of price points at places like Pet Food Warehouse, One Lucky Dog and Pawsitively Posh Pooch in St. Pete and Groovy Cats and Dogs in Tampa’s Carrollwood.

Today at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa it’s the AKC’s Responsible Dog Ownership Day. It’s a wonderful collaboration between the Tampa Bay, Brandon, Clearwater and Pasco Kennel Clubs and various breed-specific rescue groups. There is no cost, except for a $5.00 parking fee, it’s indoors and air-conditioned. If you’re interested in a particular breed of dog, this is the place to be today. Come out and speak to AKC handlers, groomers and trainers. Find out about the personality of a particular breed and if that dog would be a fit with your family and lifestyle. Come see agility demonstrations and even put your own dog through some agility tests – no experience necessary. The best message one can take away from the show might be the fact that there is a rescue group for almost any breed of dog. From puppies to seniors. Visit The New Barker for free goodie bags with coupons from Downtown Dogs, Fluffy Puppies, Tampa Bay Area Grooming Academy and more. Julie Ashlock with Canine Comfort Pet Massage will be giving massages at The New Barker booth. We’ll also be raffling a couple of grand prize giveaways, including some super cool stuff from Pet Flys. The show goes on from 9am until 5pm, today only.

While you’re in Tampa, consider stopping by Gaspar’s Grotto for their monthly Pets on the Patio Yappy Hour. Summer hours for today’s event are 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. The Grotto’s Galley has been completely renovated and they’re introducing a fabulous new menu from Chef Craig Smith. Get a preview tonight and stay tuned to The New Barker online calendar and PupDates as we announce a week’s worth of Pirate, Pups and Partying at Gaspar’s Grotto, 1805 7th Avenue in Ybor City. http://www.thenewbarker.com/Events.htm

Does your dog like to swim? Then the Pup Splash at Ross Norton Pool and Park in Clearwater just might be the ticket for you and your dog, located at 1426 South MLK Jr. Avenue in Clearwater. Laura Allen Studios will be taking photos for The New Barker, so get your dog on out to the pool. Fluffy Puppies will be handing out some coupons and The New Barker will be giving away subscriptions. The hours are 10 a.m. until Noon for dogs weighing less than 20 pounds; Noon until 2 p.m. for dogs weighing more than 20 pounds.

Today’s weather is definitely Farmer’s Market weather. And one of the prettiest in the area is probably Sarasota’s Farmers Market, downtown. Grab a cup o’ java at Java Dawg. You can’t miss it: The big red double bus with the long line. The fresh artisan-roasted coffee is worth the wait. Then stroll through the fresh produce, colorful plants and be sure to stop by Wet Noses Dog Boutique’s own booth. Say hello to Christine. She always has something special to say and hand out. For a map and directions: http://www.sarasotafarmersmarket.org

Tomorrow at the Dunedin Brewery, it’s Dunedin Dog Rescue’s monthly Suds on Sunday. Dogs get bathed and the owners get a free beer. It’s the best deal in town and becoming one of the most popular dog events in the South. Really. Where else can you hear some eclectic live music, get your dog washed and taste some of the most delicious micro-brewed beer ever? And while you’re in Dunedin, stop by Skip’s Bar and Grill to check out the famous DogEden art wall where hundreds of dogs (and cats) have been painted by artist Anna Hamilton. For location and directions to the Dunedin Brewery: http://www.dunedinbrewery.com/location.html

It’s a fun-packed, dog-friendly kind of weekend. Remember to have enough water on-hand for you and your dog. Email your photos (info@thenewbarker.com) of these and any other events you’ve visited. You and your dog could be in the next issue of The New Barker.

As we have mentioned during the month of August, the Humane Society of Sarasota County has the Food Pantry that gives donated pet food to those in the community who cannot, for whatever reason, feed their pets right now.

There are similar services across the state: Animal Pantry of Central Florida was started by nine year-old Zach who was shocked to see so many surrendered pets after visiting a local pet rescue. Zach has done an amazing job (with help from mom, Erica) raising awareness and pet food for those in need in his community. And at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Casper’s Cupboard has provided more than 500,000 pounds of food so far this year. Compare that to a total 360,000 pounds of food they handed out last year. Can those numbers be for real?

Again, WellPet came through with a huge donation to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay in 2009 as they did recently for the Humane Society of Sarasota County. KuDOGs to all who have helped.

Regarding the promotion The New Barker did in conjunction with the A.R. Gurney play, Sylvia at the Florida Studio Theatre, Wet Noses Dog Boutique and the Humane Society of Sarasota County: even though the show, Sylvia ends its run tomorrow – please don’t forget the Food Pantry’s ongoing needs. Chris, owner of Wet Noses on St. Armands Circle will have a large cart to continue collecting food all year long.

The Wednesday evening Sylvia Stories VIP Reception and Special performance was a resounding (make that a howling) success. As the rain poured outside, the atmosphere inside was upbeat with conversations revolving around – what else? Dogs. It seemed everyone had their own Sylvia story.

Catering by Mattison’s – complete with a full bar, was fabulous. Chef Paul Mattison even stopped by to check on things and talked a bit about his own dog Gemini. Deborah Millman, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Sarasota County and the shelter’s events coordinator, Ginny Armington were in attendance with two adoptables, Duncan and Bandit.

DJ Alan of Beach Breeze Weddings set the tone with some great jazz music. People streamed happily into the two lobbies of the beautiful Florida Studio Theatre bringing their donations of dog food for HSSC’s Food Pantry. Gift baskets provided by Wet Noses Dog Boutique, HSSC and The New Barker dog magazine were raffled off just before curtain call. Christine Baer, owner of Wet Noses Dog Boutique said, “This is one of the most exciting events I have ever participated in. From beginning to end, it was a success for everyone involved, especially with the food donation of 900 pounds that The New Barker arranged for the Humane Society of Sarasota.”

The evening’s performance of the play Sylvia, A.R. Gurney’s romantic comedy starring man’s best friend, was at once hilarious and poignant. The actress who played the part of Sylvia (the dog), Katharine Abbruzzese was adorable. Every dog owner in the audience laughed knowingly at her dog antics and personality. Kris Logan-Walker, owner of Fluffy Puppies in Clearwater and photographer Laura Allen were in attendance. “It was a great story. I had a good healthy laugh, which I really needed. The story was good for the soul,” said Laura.

Danae DeShazer of Florida Studio Theatre said the audience from Wednesday evening’s performance was one of the best during the play’s five-week run so far. “The actors were energized by the enthusiasm and response from the audience,” said Danae.

Sylvia runs through this Sunday, August 29. There are still tickets available. Remember to bring an unopened bag or can of dog food and enjoy the show. Hey. Hey. Hey.

We are pleased to announce that The New Barker has arranged a donation of between 800 and 900 pounds of dog food to be shipped to the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) on Wednesday, August 25. WellPet, the maker of Wellness, Holistic Select, Old Mother Hubbard and Eagle Pack agreed to donate and ship the food after receiving a phone call from Anna Cooke, editor of The New Barker. The donation is in conjunction with the fundraising promotion The New Barker is coordinating with the Florida Studio Theatre and Wet Noses Dog Boutique during the Theatre’s production of Sylvia. The play, written by A. R. Gurney, is a romantic comedy about how much one stray dog influences the lives of a married couple.

In addition to providing shelter and care for abandoned animals, the Humane Society of Sarasota County has a program that provides pet food to disadvantaged pet owners in the community. The Food Pantry at HSSC collects pet food through donations, enabling them to provide food to those in our community who find themselves undergoing financial hardship and are unable to feed their pets. The service is actually helping keep the number of owner-surrenders down and most importantly the Food Pantry is keeping families and their pets together.

Right now, the number of people in our community who have pets and are suffering from a financial crisis is astonishingly high, putting a severe strain on the Food Pantry’s supply. The Florida Studio Theatre along with The New Barker dog magazine, Wet Noses Dog Boutique and Mattison’s City Grille have partnered to help re-stock the Shelter’s Food Pantry.

Now through August 29, we have asked those purchasing a ticket for the play Sylvia, to please bring an unopened bag or can of dog or cat food. The public has resoundingly responded. And we are so excited that one of The New Barker’s esteemed advertisers, WellPet has answered the call to assist with some really wonderful food.

Plan on attending the August 25 performance of Sylvia at the Florida Studio Theatre. There will be a Sylvia Stories Pre-Show Cocktail Party, co-hosted by The New Barker dog magazine and Wet Noses Dog Boutique with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails provided by Chef Paul of Mattison’s City Grille. Meet and mingle with the actors prior to a special VIP performance of Sylvia. Three selections from the Sylvia Stories submissions will be chosen and featured in an upcoming issue of The New Barker. Submit your own Sylvia love story to info@floridastudiotheatre.org. Prizes will be awarded. Adorable Adoptables from HSSC will be on hand. And hopefully, through the generous donations of our caring animal community, the Food Pantry will be filled to the brim once again.

Feed your mind, body and soul through the arts by donating to the Humane Society of Sarasota County’s Food Pantry. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the arts, and our best friends. Call the Theatre box office to purchase tickets at 941.366.9000.

Another added treat: Hotel Indigo Sarasota is offering a special room rate the evening of August 25. The Hotel is dog-friendly and near the Theatre’s Downtown Sarasota location. For reservations, call 941.487.3800.

CONTACT:
Anna Cooke
Editor, The New Barker
727.214.7453; anna@thenewbarker.com

Everyday, People Are Needlessly Giving Up Their Pets.
If You Could Help, Would You?

Did you know that in addition to providing shelter and care for abandoned animals, the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) has a program that provides pet food to the community in need? The Food Pantry at HSSC collects pet food through donations and provides the food to those in our community who are struggling financially and unable to feed their pets. The service is keeping families and their pets together, bringing the number of owner-surrenders down.

Right now, the number of people in our community who have pets and are suffering from a financial crisis is astonishingly high, putting a severe strain on HSSC’s Food Pantry supply. The Florida Studio Theatre along with The New Barker dog magazine, Wet Noses Boutique and Mattison’s City Grille want to help re-stock the Food Pantry.

Now through August 29, we are asking those purchasing a ticket for the play Sylvia, to please bring a donation of dog or cat food. We are looking for unopened bags or cans of any brand. We felt that Sylvia, the romantic comedy about man’s best friend, by A.R. Gurney, was the perfect show to raise awareness about the Food Pantry’s service and its current needs.

Additionally, in honor of all the dogs that have come and gone through our lives, we are collecting your stories to share. Called, Sylvia Stories, each of them will be posted on the Florida Studio Theatre website and displayed in the lobby of the Keating Main Stage, where Sylvia will be performed. Post your Sylvia Story here:

Plan on joining us August 25 at the Florida Studio Theatre for a Sylvia Stories Pre-Show Cocktail Party, co-hosted by The New Barker dog magazine and Wet Noses Boutique and catered by Mattison’s. Meet the actors prior to a special VIP performance of Sylvia. Adorable Adoptables from the Humane Society of Sarasota will also be on hand. Three selections from the Sylvia Stories submissions will be chosen and featured in an upcoming issue of The New Barker. Prizes will be awarded, including a package stay at Hotel Indigo in Sarasota. Hopefully, through the generous donations of our caring animal community, the Food Pantry will be filled to the brim once again.

Call the Box Office at Florida Studio Theatre to purchase your VIP Ticket: 941.366.9000.
Feed your mind, body and soul through the arts by donating to the Humane Society of Sarasota County’s Food Pantry. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the arts, and our best friends.

Sylvia Overview: After 22 years of marriage, Upper East Side empty-nesters Kate and Greg finally have time to work on their strained relationship. But when Greg brings home a flirtatious stray mutt, an unlikely love triangle develops as wife and dog vie for Greg’s attention. Played by an actress, this precocious, street-smart poodle/lab mix not only talks back when spoken to, but also quotes Homer and sings Cole Porter — making her a formidable “other woman” in one of the most unusual romantic triangles in the history of theater.

CONTACT:
Anna Cooke
Editor, The New Barker
727.214.7453; anna@thenewbarker.com

Danae DeShazer
PR/Marketing Associate, Florida Studio Theatre
941.366.9017; ddeshazer@floridastudiotheatre.org

We have a new addition to our family – Doogie McDougal, a black Scottish Terrier, also known as the Aberdeen Terrier, popularly called the Scottie (beam me up). He is a big dog in a little dog’s body and is full of vim and vigor. He stole our hearts one evening at a Dunedin Bluejays Bark in the Ballpark where the Dunedin Dog Rescue volunteers were socializing their foster dogs.

The description of the Scottie’s temperament on the AKC website says they are a determined and thoughtful dog. “They should exude ruggedness and power, living up to the nickname, the “Diehard.” Indeed, that would be Doogie, chaser of squirrels, lizards and beetle bugs. He loves his crate and will often thoughtfully go in on his own to nap throughout the day.

Yesterday, walking into the kitchen, I noticed an apron and dish cloth on the floor. I turned to look at the four dogs. Three were in their beds in the breezeway. Doogie was staring up at me just beyond the kitchen with a soulful “I-don’t-know-what-got-into-me” look in his eyes. Do you think the gentle scolding I gave him with a smile on my face sends a confusing message? That’s like asking “do I look fat in these jeans?” Don’t touch that question with a ten foot leash.

This morning, while making coffee, with all four dogs readying themselves to go outside, I noticed Doogie rustling around inside his crate. When I turned around, there he sat just outside his crate. Placed at his front paws were the two missing mitts or pot holders from the pantry. One had been partially devoured (no evidence of fuzz anywhere). His look was again soulful, but now he was the one with the smile on his face.

I cannot figure out what he was possibly thinking or doing. And since I am one of the biggest anthropomorphisers in the world, I began deducing his antics using human attributes (and a Sean Connery accent, of course): Let’s see. Was he guiltily presenting them to me (“oops, furrrgot ta tell ya about theeshh lash night”)? Or was it his good morning joke (“heh, heh, heh – werrre ya missin somethin from the pantrrree)?

Either way, it made for a funny scene and a great laugh. I know, I know…reinforcing bad behavior. I sense we’ll have more incidents like these.

Do you know that your dog does not have to be dressed up to enter? The Humane Society of Pinellas is looking for dogs (cats, turtles, birds, rabbits too) with pizazz and personality for their 2011 calendar. Tomorrow’s event is free.

Pet calendar contest comes to mall in Clearwater – St. Petersburg Times
http://www.tampabay.com

It’s the day after the 4th of July and members of our household (dogs and humans) came out of it pretty much unscathed. We won’t count the one pile of poop, dropped in-house (by one of the dogs) as a result of the rain and constant setting off of fireworks by the neighbors. Four dogs, one accident – pretty decent odds. Still, I wonder why we were the ones uncomfortable with walking down the street and asking the neighbors for a reprieve from the constant barrage of explosions. We decided it would be better to just hunker down with the pups and wait it out. Better that, than being classified as cranky neighbors, or worse, unpatriotic.

We ventured outdoors with the dogs around midnight to the distant sound of fireworks. There were spent casings on the back deck. A cloud of smoke hung in the air from the aftermath of the neighbor’s grand finale. A little unsettling. As someone wrote us on Facebook: all is quiet for now. Until New Year’s Eve.

Tonight at 7p on CNN’s Headline News Network, Jane Velez Mitchell will devote an hour on another explosive subject: that of animal rights. Among other things, she will be speaking with Bob Barker and Pierce Brosnan. Should be a heated hour of discussions and footage.

Tampa Bay Rays (and dog lover) James Shields pitched a sizzlin’ game last night against the Twins, giving him his 50th career victory. Now that’s hot. The Rays are playing at home tonight against Boston. It’ll be the start of a seven-game series at home.

Hot ticket item of the week for dog lovers: This coming Saturday, The New Barker is co-hosting Bark at the Ballpark with the Tampa Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Party with your dogs on the promenade and then catch some smokin’ minor league ball as the Tampa Yankees take on the Brevard Manatees. Dogs and humans must have a ticket to get in. And there are some free ones floating around town: Downtown Dogs in Tampa’s Hyde Park; Groovy Cats & Dogs in Carrollwood; Fluffy Puppies, Clearwater location; Paw Paws Boutique in Countryside Mall; One Lucky Dog and Pawsitively Posh Pooch, each on 4th Street NE, St. Pete; Gone to the Dogs on St. Pete Beach. See you at the ballpark.

And, be on the lookout for the summer edition of The New Barker, coming out soon. It’s going to be hotter than (ahem) a fire cracker lit on both ends. Bada BANG.

Since early May, we’ve been taking progress photos of Dunedin artist Anna Hamilton’s dog mural. Anna is painting the mural on the east face wall of Skip’s Bar & Grill, a well-known dog-friendly neighborhood bar. Her goal is two-fold: to beautify the exterior wall of a business and to help raise money for Dunedin Dog Rescue. Every dog on the wall belongs to someone.

Anna put a simple call out to some folks in town to see if there would be an interest in having their dogs forever immortalized as a piece of art on the wall. “That mural will be there as long as Skip owns the bar,” said Anna.

People have come out in droves. While Anna paints, people have stopped to ask her if their dogs can be added. Some people yell out of their car windows, telling her they’re coming right back with a photo of their dog to be added to the wall. Some people bring photos of several of their dogs. Some of the dogs featured are beloved family pets either recently deceased, or they have been gone a long time.

“The best dog I’ve ever had has been gone for five years, and I think of him every day,” said one passerby, adding, “What better way to honor him than to have his likeness on a wall to help Dunedin Dog Rescue?”

The price to have one’s dog included on the wall depends on the size and placement. The more prominent the dog, the higher the price. Anna can be found painting almost every day and will being do so through June 20. That is when phase one of the wall will be officially completed and a celebration will take place at Skip’s with Dunedin Dog Rescue and The New Barker.

Anna is not only talented but efficient and imaginative. It is amazing to see how quickly she is able to transform a large portion of the wall in just hours. And the design of the wall comes to her as she is painting.

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of watching her work on another project in Downtown Dunedin at Cappuccino’s Cafe and Wine Bar. Over lunch one afternoon, I watched as she transformed a plain brown wall into an Italian vineyard within the span of about an hour and a half. The perspective of the completed mural is amazing. And she created it all from her imagination. She did not have a photograph as a guideline. “I can just see it in my head,” said Anna.

She is so pleased with the response for the mural at Skip’s and she wants to do more of the same around the Bay Area, perhaps even the whole state. Right now, The New Barker is helping coordinate a similar project at Gaspar’s Grotto in Ybor City to help raise funds for Tampa Pets, the organization that has been putting on the Adoption Expos at the Fairgrounds for the last three years.

Take a look at some of the photos of Anna’s progress. We are especially pleased with the park bench.

Okay, one more post about Tiger Woods (hey he’s doing it to himself). He’s withdrawn from The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra, Florida, blaming an injury he fears might be a bulging disk in his upper back. Again: Really?

He has set himself up for so many one liner responses (mark our words, you’ll hear them on Letterman and Leno this week). But we’ll keep it clean and just go with this one: Tiger, it’s really the monkey on your back that’s tampering with your ability to play. Seek out the wisdom in your dogs’ eyes. Re-group with the pack. Your family needs you. Golf doesn’t.

Read about a golfer the media should be following for inspiration in the latest issue of The New Barker: Dog lover and professional golfer, Ken Green. Pick up a copy at any independent dog boutique, veterinarian and bookstore in Florida.

And truly, best of luck to Tiger and his family.