The Art Of Dog.™

You wouldn’t know Phoenix and Lily hadn’t been raised in the lap of luxury from the way they took to yachting. Sitting on the foredeck as the prow of the Nauti-Dog II cut through the calm waters off St. Petersburg’s coast, the two dogs sunned themselves and enjoyed the occasional mist of salt water. Phoenix and Lily, along with their human parents Dianne Wiles and Nooney Ritacco, were guests courtesy of Nauti-Dog II owners Anne and Tony Baker. The Bakers, who ran the Nauti-Dog Cruise Contest in conjunction with THE NEW BARKER dog magazine, asked entrants to submit a short essay explaining why they should win the prize—a cruise in the temperate Gulf with their canine companions.

While all of the entries were compelling, Dianne’s entry detailing Phoenix and Lily’s rocky beginnings stood out amongst the 40-plus entries as being the most deserving. Watching Phoenix and Lily enjoy the warm December day out on the Gulf, it is unthinkable that these beautiful, fun-loving dogs were once as far from the lap of luxury as one could get—the gutter.

Dianne and Nooney, from Jacksonville, Florida, know all too well the hard-luck beginnings their two dogs survived. Phoenix, a two year-old Black Lab/Bulldog mix, was dubbed “Gutter Dog” by the Department of Animal Control after he was found in a ditch on a hot August day, perilously close to dehydration in the sweltering 100-degree heat. Phoenix looked like “one big scab,” and had ripped out his dewclaw trying to escape.

Dianne found him lying half-dead in a kennel next to the euthanasia room, but like his namesake, Phoenix seemed to rise from the ashes even as death lingered a hairsbreadth away.

As Dianne drew nearer, Phoenix started wagging his tail, slapping it against the stainless steel cage. A volunteer photographer of adoptable dogs with First Coast No More Homeless Pets, Dianne was accustomed to working around animals, and was no stranger to the harsh realities of shelter life. Yet she could not hold back tears once she met the emaciated Phoenix and learned about the hardships he’d endured, including eating sticks and leaves to survive. It would be a year before his weight reached a normal level and all his fur grew back.

Lily, a four year-old Dachshund/Catahoula Leopard Dog mix, is Phoenix’s beloved older sister and Dianne and Nooney’s “first child.” Like Phoenix, Lily’s name signifies her rebirth. She was adopted on Easter, and was thus named for the Easter lily. When Dianne found Lily through an online ad, she discovered that a rescue group had pulled a pregnant Lily from the pound. Since they could not deliver puppies at the pound, Lily and her unborn pups were going to be euthanized. After giving birth, Lily found herself without a home. It was a happy coincidence that Dianne and Nooney were looking to expand their own family around the same time.

Like Dianne and Nooney, yacht owners Tony and Anne harbor a deep-seated love for their “furry children.” Themselves parents of Rat Terriers Calvin, 12, and Chloe, 13, Tony and Anne knew they wanted to do something that could incorporate their entire brood. “Yachting is like our vacation,” Anne said. “We’d rather take our dogs on the boat with us than go anywhere without them. It’s our paradise.”

The Bakers wanted to share their paradise with other dog lovers, and thus began Nauti-Dog Yacht Charters. They customized their yacht for canine passengers by adding a doggie-door and making sure furry guests had plenty of room to roam. The Bakers have found that boating is a very soothing experience for dogs. “It’s therapeutic,” Anne said. “Dogs that were neglected, abused, or nervous—they do great on the boat. They can relax and enjoy it.”

Tony observed the comforting effects of the cruise on Phoenix and Lily. “They’re very, very calm,” Tony said. “They had such a rough start, they deserved the ride.”

When Dianne discovered her entry in the contest had won, she had no idea how Phoenix or Lily would react to being on the boat. “I’m so proud of them,” Dianne said, reflecting on her earlier worries. “I kept thinking, ‘What if Lily tried to jump over the edge of the boat?’ or ‘What if Phoenix was scared?’ But they loved it.”

As the Nauti-Dog II heads back to the marina, a pod of dolphins suddenly appears off the starboard bow. Phoenix and Lily, like the human passengers, quickly move to get a closer look. The dolphins fall back to jump and frolic in the yacht’s wake, as if inviting everyone to come and play. The irrepressible Lily gives a long, warbling howl, and Phoenix wags his tail, a goofy canine grin on his face. Their joy is a powerful reminder of the day’s real luxury—being together to experience it.

Dog friendly cruises on the Nauti-Dog II start at $199 for a group of up to six adults and six dogs. Call 727.458.3513.

First Coast No More Homeless Pets provides low-cost spay/neuter programs in Jacksonville. Call 904.425.0005.

Trinity Regional Rehab in Trinity, Florida is hosting its Second Annual Dog Days of Summer on Friday, May 20 from 4:00p.m. until 8:00p.m. Last year, more than 400 people and their dogs attended, which helped raise $1600 for the SPCA Suncoast. This year the event will also benefit Cindy’s Pets with Pasco County, Florida’s Meals on Wheels.

It had been noted that many Pasco County seniors, while participating in the Meals on Wheels program, were giving a portion of their delivered meals to their pets. In fact Meals on Wheels volunteers identified 155 pets owned by homebound seniors who would benefit from a pet food assistance program.

The Genesis Prep School, along with interested parents and friends came together when they realized seniors were having difficulties feeding their pets. Cindy’s Pets was created in the memory of Cindy Allgood, a pet lover.

In January, volunteer Meals on Wheels drivers began delivering donated pet food to 83 seniors for a total 149 pets: 90 cats, 52 dogs and seven birds. One of the seniors was so moved by the gesture, she called Meals on Wheels to thank them and offered to send money from her Social Security check.

How to Help: Donations of pet food and money are always needed. Volunteers to package and deliver the pet food are needed. And there is an Adopt a Pet program. Those interested, can “adopt” one of the pets on the program for a month or an entire year by donating money to purchase the pet food. One cat is $12 per month; dogs, depending on size are $15 to $25 per month. Donations may be dropped off at the following locations:
Genesis School East Campus, 8100 Mitchell Ranch Road, New Port Richey, FL.
Genesis School West Campus, 6609 River Road, New Port Richey, FL.
Longleaf Learning Center, 3035 Alachua Place, New Port Richey, FL

Those interested in becoming a vendor at the Dog Days of Summer should contact Annette Claire at 727.859.4100. Trinity Regional Rehab Center is located at 2144 Welbilt Boulevard, Trinity. You may also contact the media sponsor, THE NEW BARKER dog magazine at info@thenewbarker.com. The cost for a vendor space is $25, or you may donate a gift basket worth $25.

“We’re really interested in quality gift baskets to raffle off,” Annette Claire, director of marketing for Trinity Regional Rehab Center told THE NEW BARKER. “That is how we’re really going to raise the most money for Cindy’s Pets.”

For more information on Cindy’s Pets, visit http://www.cindyspets.org.

National Pet Week is May 1 through May 7, and all across Florida, dogs have multiple entertainment options in which to celebrate. And that’s great news for their human companions who may be looking for a little something different to do.

Tomorrow night (April 29), Return to Wonderland is one of the most anticipated events of the year, bringing together more than 50 artists who will be displaying their work and talents. It is billed as an “Escape Down the Rabbit Hole For a Night You Will Never Forget.” Hosted by Barkin heARTS, the event starts at 8p and will go on until 2a at The Heights Tampa, 1910 North Ola Avenue, Tampa. A benefit for the SPCA of Tampa Bay, it promises to be daring, glitzy and fun. Contact Johnna at 813.541.2328. Up and coming artists, there is still time to get in under the wire to display your work. Don’t be late for this very important date.

Another fun event that we dog lovers have been looking forward to is the 2nd Annual Pet Fashion Show and 2012 Calendar Kick Off Pawty, Saturday, April 30. Hosted by Paw Paws Pet Boutique and The New Barker, the event starts at 10a with registration, followed by the Pet Fashion Show. Westfield Countryside Mall is allowing dogs within the Mall for this fabulous fashion event of the year. The best part, dogs do not have to be in costume to participate. Just bring their pet pizzazz and personality. Proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Pinellas, with an opportunity for your dog’s photo to appear on the cover of their 2012 calendar. For more information, email twila@HumanePinellas.org or call 727.797.7722, ext. 222.

Across the Bay Area, (also on Saturday, April 30) it’s a WWE Smackdown with Superstar Christian signing autographs and mugging for the camera, all to benefit St. Francis Society Animal Rescue. There will be adorable adoptables on site (cats and dogs) from Noon until 5p at Citrus Park, 12835 Citrus Plaza Drive, Tampa. For more information call St. Francis Society Animal Rescue at 813.830.7251.

Also on Saturday in Jacksonville, the Ratbone Rescues group is having their annual reunion and fundraiser at Dogwood Park from 9a until 6p. Or, if you happen to be in Lakeland, come out to support the Humane Society of Polk County at The Doggie Bag. Their April Concert Series comes to a close with a Gala Wine Tasting, with wine donated by The New Barker for the cause. Call 863.683.6220 for more information. The Doggie Bag is at 1745 East Edgewood Drive, Lakeland.

Pet Pal Animal Shelter is hosting their annual Puppy Love Fundraiser Saturday evening with an exciting venue change. We’re looking forward to heading out to the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront, 333 1st Street South, St. Petersburg. There will be a sit-down dinner, silent and live auction, 50/50 raffles with live music by Screamin Donkey. Volunteers have spent the last couple of weeks prepping and wrapping some wonderful prizes. For ticket information, call 727.328.7738. Or we’ll just see you there between 6:30p and 10p.

To stay pUP-to-Date, it’s a good idea to regularly check The New Barker calendar. Upcoming events include The Derby Jubilee followed by the Baldwin Park Doggie Derby in Orlando to benefit the Sebastian Haul Fund; Groovy’s Natural Pet Wellness Expo in Tampa’s Carrollwood; Pet Food Warehouse’s First Annual Pet Rescue Event, St. Pete. Those events and plenty more are in store for the weekend of May 6, 7 and 8.

If you are a pet business looking for a great way to showcase your product or services, contact anna@thenewbarker.com. We are co-hosting several fun, dog friendly events including the Dog Days of Summer (May 20 in Trinity), Trail of Tails (May 21 in Jacksonville) and the Tampa Yankees Bark at the Ballpark (June 3, Tampa).

If you haven’t already, join us in our daily posts and observations. We’ll see you around Florida and remember to dog responsibly.

On Thursday, April 14, American Stage presents the outdoor production of RENT. The evening’s extra special touches include a Pay What You Can admission price, Parkshore Grill Catering and (we think the most important touch) the ability to bring your dogs to enjoy the show.

Each year, American Stage in the Park features an outdoor performance on the waterfront at Demens Landing Park (corner of 1st Avenue South and Bayshore Boulevard SE in downtown St. Petersburg). In 2010, The New Barker hosted HAIR on opening night (unofficially called HAIR of the Dog for the evening’s performance). It was the first time American Stage had opened their production to allow dogs in the audience. So successful was the evening’s attendance, they agreed to do it again for this year’s performance of RENT.

Commenting on last year’s performance, Andy Orrell, Director of Marketing for American Stage said, “Once everyone settled in, the dogs mostly enjoyed the outdoors, taking in the Bay breeze and then cuddling up with their humans.” Orrell added, “When Anna Cooke, editor of The New Barker first proposed the idea to us in 2009 it was as if a collective lightbulb went off in our heads. Of course, what a doggone great idea.”

RENT is the hit rock musical based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme and is known to have changed the face of theatre forever. The story follows a year in the lives of a community of young artists, all struggling to live and celebrate life in New York’s East Village.

Demens Landing is one of the most beautiful parks in Florida. What better way to catch a performance under the stars than with your dog, lounging by your side? Bring your blankets or low lawn chairs for your comfort. And you may bring a picnic basket, but adding more pleasure to this year’s outdoor production is the addition of Parkshore Grill Catering. They will be cooking up some fabulous food – cheese boxes, salads and sandwiches for sale at the park. A portion of the proceeds will benefit American Stage.

The evening’s performance begins at 8pm. Come out a little earlier to mingle with other dog lovers, some of the performers and to simply enjoy a beautiful venue. There truly is No Day But Today. Share it with your dog.

It’s the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies versus the Butler University Bulldogs tonight in the men’s final four basketball tournament. And unless some miracle occurs, like dog bones raining down from the sky, it looks as though only one of the two real dog mascots will be on the sidelines tonight. And The New Barker dog magazine is calling a furry foul on game day.

Blue II, the seven-year-old English Bulldog and mascot for Butler University was granted a waiver by the NCAA that allows him on the court for the game. UConn’s mascot, Jonathan XIII, a white Siberian Husky, apparently has not been granted the same waiver. While Blue II was flying first class to Texas last week, Jonathan XIII had to read about his rival’s travels via the newspapers lining the floor of his kennel.

Maybe Blue II has a better publicist. He is definitely getting major face time on television. On Saturday evening (pre-game against Virginia Commonwealth) after posing with cheerleaders, he sat next to Charles “I am not a role model” BARKley. The jury is still out on who barked louder – BARKley or Blue II.

The dog’s handler, Michael Kaltenmark said that Blue II knows when to put his game face on, and is ferocious on the court, yapping at the opposing team’s players.

UConn has used Jonathan the Husky as a mascot since 1935. The Alpha Phi Omega fraternity has been in charge of the Jonathans since 1970. A spokesperson for Jonathan commented about tonight’s game, “Just wait and see. While the players are dribbling on the court, that stupid Bulldog is going to be dribbling all over the floor. They’re gonna have to put on a couple more of those mop kids just to clean up after him.”

The game tonight for the national championship is a showdown between two of the hottest teams in the country. It’s being billed as a dog fight with Butler as the underdog against UConn, who has 10 straight tournament game wins under their dog collars.

Two questions remain to be answered: How much camera time will Blue II receive tonight during the game? And will APO fraternity figure out a way to sneak Jonathan XIII onto the court? We double dog dare you.

To dog lovers in Dade City, come out & play at Agnes Lamb Park today from 2p-5p during the 2nd Annual Dogs’ Day in Dade City. A contest celebrating beautifully-decorated wagons with dogs, Canine Got Talent contest, food, vendors, entertainment. FREE copy of THE NEW BARKER to the first 50 guests.

Come see us today at the 19th Annual Mutt Strut, a fun-raising event for the Humane Society of Pinellas. Bring your dog, get some exercise during a beautiful walk @ Honeymoon Island State Park/Dunedin, all while helping to raise money for HSP. There is still time to register for the walk today at the park. A goody wag bag valued at more than $25 to the first 300 registered walkers. Photos by Laura Allen Studios. A big Woof to Twila, the staff & volunteers at HSP.