Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida will be rockin out with live entertainment and adorable dogs (big and small) this Sunday, March 13 between 11a and 5p. Leashed dogs will be allowed, so bring a blanket and plan on chilling and grooving to some great live music in what’s being described as “a dream line up.”
Tampa Bay’s “play 98.7,” a CBS Radio station, is hosting the event along with sponsors, Verizon and The New Barker dog magazine.
In addition to vendors and food, about 30 rescue groups with adoptable dogs will be on hand throughout the day.
Headlining the entertainment will be Kris Allen, winner of the popular television series, American Idol, Season 8. Kris says his passion for music began when he taught himself to play the guitar at age 13. He also plays the piano, viola and ukulele. His music is influenced by his travels to Spain, Morocco, Thailand, Burma and South Africa. His debut album, Brand New Shoes, was released in 2007.
Ryan Star is a singer/songwriter, pianist, guitarist and a finalist on the CBS reality show Rock Star, season two (2006). The talent show was looking for a lead singer to front the band Supernova, whose drummer is Tommy Lee. Ryan was just 14 when he formed his own first band, Stage. His song, “Brand New Day” is the theme song for the Fox television drama, Lie to Me.
Matt Hires is a 22 year-old Florida native and is described as the epitome of the Sunshine State: barefooted, artistic, easy-going. Matt uses the same acoustic guitar that his father gave him when he was sixteen years old, handmade in 1977.
During high school, Matt gravitated towards punk. Today, his acoustic music is more introspective.
Coachman Park, by the way, is on a beautiful bluff overlooking the waterfront. It’s a great venue with plenty of green space for dogs. The New Barker dog magazine does advise to Dog Responsibly by bringing plenty of water for you and your dog, sunscreen (yes, for you and your dog), and poop bags. Please, no retractable leashes. Tickets are only $10 and $1 of each ticket sold will benefit Animal Based Charities.
Party with the Rescue Ink Cast, all afternoon today@Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin. The weather is nice, I wish you were bootyful. Come on out to benefit Florida Boxer Rescue. We’ll be there with lots of vendors, food and of course, the requisite contingent of canines. ‘Til fiveish.
“We think abusers are losers, and we have no problem “educating” them about the error of their ways,” says Joe Panz, a founding member of Rescue Ink.
The Humane Highway Tour rolls through Tampa Bay this weekend with the cast of New York-based Rescue Ink. Definitely not your mother’s rescue group, there will be three opportunities to meet this army of nine tattooed, motorcycle-riding street guys who have zero tolerance for animal abuse. Rescue Ink was featured in the current issue of THE NEW BARKER, Florida’s top dog lifestyle magazine.
They’re in town to raise money for Florida Boxer Rescue and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. They also want to raise awareness that animal abuse and neglect are not cool. “We think abusers are losers, and we have no problem “educating” them about the error of their ways,” says Joe Panz, a founding member of Rescue Ink. He adds, “Hey, we’re no angels, and we’ve made plenty of mistakes ourselves. But we’ve been given a second chance, and we think neglected and abused animals deserve one too.”
Friday, March 4, Quaker Steak and Lube in Clearwater will host a meet and greet with the guys from 6pm until 9pm. There will be plenty of raffles and discounted food with the proceeds benefiting the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
Saturday, March 5, Rescue Ink will make an appearance at Bark in the Park, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s Annual fundraising walk. The event takes place at Al Lopez Park in Tampa and starts at 8:30am. There will be photo opps with the guys, a dog talent contest, pet-related vendors, and demonstrations. For more information on Bark in the Park visit the Humane Society Tampa Bay.
On Sunday, March 6, Rescue Ink will lead a Ride for Rescue Poker Run that starts at Fletcher’s Harley-Davidson in Clearwater at 9am, and ends up at dog-friendly Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin for a Beach Bash. There will be live entertainment, dog-related vendors, free dog food samples from Natura, delicious food (including a vegetarian plate) for humans, raffle items (including a 2010 Harley-Davidson XL883N Sportster Iron in Silver Denim) and a Costume Contest for Dogs, sponsored by Fluffy Puppies/Clearwater. There are three categories in the Fluffy Puppies Costume Contest: Best Biker Dog, Best Tacky Tourist Dog and Best Dog/Owner Look-Alike.
Bill Gray, president of Florida Boxer Rescue said, “We’ve heard from biker fans from all over the country who will be making the Humane Highway Tour in Tampa Bay their first stop prior to Bike Week 2011 in Daytona Beach.” Each one of the nine members of Rescue Ink will lead a team of bikers on the Ride for Rescue Poker Run. “A couple of devoted Rescue Ink fans have pre-registered and even donated some extra money to Florida Boxer Rescue for an opportunity to ride with a couple of the guys during the Poker Run,” added Bill. For more information on the Ride for Rescue Poker Run and Beach Bash, visit Humane Highway Tour
It started out innocently enough. Well sort of. Nine real-life tattooed tough guys from various New York neighborhoods – Brooklyn, Queens, Ozone Park and Howard Beach. Witnessing acts of cowardice going down against animals, they began to take matters into their own hands. Don’t pick on the little guy. Don’t try to assert your supposed toughness on a weaker creature like a defenseless dog. And, don’t be a bully.
The guys who comprise this unorthodox rescue group called Rescue Ink, have zero tolerance for animal abuse. And it’s not an act, which becomes very apparent during a conversation with any one of them, which The New Barker did by phone on November 6, 2010. Anna Cooke, editor of The New Barker with Bailey at the 2010 Humane Society Tampa Bay Bark in the Park, Al Lopez Park, Tampa. Photography by Danette.“Oh, we had to clean up the language a bit for publication,” said The New Barker editor, Anna Cooke. “But they are who they are, and that came across loud and clear even over the phone,” she added. Cooke interviewed the guys just after they’d finished marching in a National Pit Bull Awareness Day Parade in Austin, Texas. “There were 500 Pit Bull mixes registered to march with them that day,” added Cooke.
Joe Panz, one of the founding members of Rescue Ink told Cooke, “Look, we were the toughest guys in the neighborhood, so anytime anyone had a problem, they’d come to us. Back in the day, rescue groups were mostly comprised of women, and they started coming to us for help. All I can tell you is, whenever we arrived on the scene, we were pretty convincing. Still are.”
Reports and word of mouth began circulating, comparing the group to Robin Hood. And not the men-in-tights Robin Hood. No, we’re talking cigar chomping, hot rod and motorcycle-loving dudes, several of whom also have a passion for maintaining their ‘big guns.’ Joe’s particular workout schedule clocks in at a minimum of three hours a day.
It didn’t take long for the media like The New York Times to hone in on the group.
“They asked if they could come spend a day with us. They ended up following us around for three days,” said Joe. And things really took off after that.
Joe Panz, a founding member of Rescue Ink. He knows how loyal dogs can be. When he was shot five times, his Rottweiler remained by his side through that long night. "Your life is only as good as your word," he said.Now the group fields between 200 and 300 calls per day. Requests for help come from all around the world, reporting cases of abuse, neglect or animal torture. If the guys can’t get to a case themselves, they call on their vast network of friends they’ve amassed over the last six years.
Their television gig with National Geographic for a season was a blessing and a curse. It brought the group exposure, but the public’s misconception is that the guys are now wealthy as a result.
To say they have each other’s backsides is an understatement. Each of these guys knows what the other is capable of doing. But violence is the last thing on their minds. “Anyone can use violence, but that doesn’t do anyone any good. You gotta be tough enough not to be scared to talk your way out of any situation. We call it peace with superior firepower. We do whatever is necessary within the law,” said Joe.
When they appear on the scene of abuse or neglect, their objective is to fix the problem, not take the animal away. They know the person involved in the abuse or neglect case will just get another dog.
The guys, who have had their own run-ins with the law, realize they’re in no position to judge. “We’re not the authority. But everyone deserves a second chance. Hey, we got one.”
As a fully functioning rescue group, Rescue Ink has veterinarians on call 24 hours a day to help out as needed. Their 25-acre rehabilitation center is run by Mary Fayet. They call her their Den Mom. “We also call her home ‘the land of broken toys.’ She has all these small dogs in various stages of health and rehabilitation that she takes care of,” said Joe.
Their Junior Pet Detective Program is directed towards kids. “We talk to them, discourage them from getting involved in gangs. We talk about bullying and tell them to stick up for the little guy. We tell them to champion those who can’t defend themselves. We tell them it is better to be admired than to be feared,” Joe said.
Big Ant has a house full of rescues, from rabbits to cats to Pit Bulls.Big Ant, another founding member, added, “We’re just doing what we do. People listen to us. One way or the other, we’re gonna be heard.”
The guys consider themselves the rescue group for the rescue groups. “A lot of these groups, they think and act with their hearts, not their heads. And please, leave your egos at the door. It’s not about your rescue group or you. It’s about the dogs needing help. How are we going to fix a situation? That’s what keeps me going.”
Emotions run high with this band of brothers, but they believe that with every change, it’s one step forward in the right direction.
“When you think you’ve seen the worst, along comes something else that’s even worse. The laws have to be changed,” said the third founding member, John O, whose significant other is involved with a rescue group herself. He takes comfort in being with his family and kids. “My parents, they’re 83 years old and they still make me laugh,” he said.
"We've sacrificed a lot to keep this thing together," Johnny O told The New Barker.He adds, “We can’t help everyone. We can’t save every dog. We have to just take each case as it comes. There are a lot of whacked out people out there. But I look at it this way…I’m able to sleep at night. It’s all okay because what goes around, believe me, definitely comes around.”
Rescue Ink is coming to Tampa Bay, March 4-6 as guests of Florida Boxer Rescue, The New Barker dog magazine, Fletcher’s Harley-Davidson, Bon Appetit Restaurant, Humane Society of Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County Animal Services. Dubbed the Humane Highway Tour, Rescue Ink will be making special appearances at Al Lopez Park, Tampa and Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin.
There are three days left of this year’s Florida Classic Clusters in Brooksville. THE NEW BARKER is once again honored to have been part of this two-week, all breed dog show. Today we hung out with the Junior Handlers. What a dedicated, energetic and genuinely nice group of kids. And their dogs seemed just as happy to be prancing around the ring with them. The show runs through Sunday from 8a to 5p. Get there early and catch the excitement. Free behind-the-scene show tours; get up close and personal with professional groomers in the grooming tents. Florida Classic Park is located at 5360 Lockhart Road, east of Brooksville.
A Rather Special Wine Tasting.
THE NEW BARKER and ISJ Productions are hosting a wine tasting on Friday, January 21 to benefit St. Petersburg’s Pet Pal Animal Shelter. The event will be at American Spirits, 230 3rd Street South in St. Petersburg from 7p until 9p. American Spirits will be pouring samples from between 15 to 20 of 2011’s best wine buys. Hors d’ oeuvres will also be served. Call 727.328.7738 for more information.
Also on Friday, January 21, SONO Cafe is hosting their monthly Yappy Hour. The Cafe serves up some of the most delicious food in the Bay Area. Great setting, overlooking the Curtis Hixon Dog Park at 120 West Gasparilla Plaza in Tampa. Yappy Hour will be from 6p-8p.
Rally to Rescue. Let’s Send These Dogs Homeward Bound.
Are you looking to add another dog or cat to your household? The Rally to Rescue adoption event in Pinellas Park will be your best bet on Saturday, January 22. More than 20 breed specific rescue groups will be on hand with their adoptables. There will be demonstrations and pet vendors. Learn more about rescue groups, what these volunteers do and how to become a volunteer foster pet parent yourself. Rally to Rescue will be from 10a until 2p at Pet Supplies Plus, 7331 Park Boulevard North in Pinellas Park.
Dig it…here’s the scoop from THE NEW BARKER on dogs, Yappy Hour at Cappuccino’s Cafe in Dunedin, Scottish Terriers, Manatee County Animal Services and PugZ Bar & Grill.
Furever Plaid.
What do you get when you put a group of Scottish Terriers together with their humans? A whole lot of Plaiditude. On January 9th THE NEW BARKER and Cappuccino’s Altro Posto Cafe in Dunedin hosted the Scottish Terrier Club of Tampa Bay during the monthly Happy Yappy Hour. And, there was plenty of Tartan swirling around as this fun and feisty breed socialized with one another.
Alas, while it was too cold for any of the men to brave wearing kilts, there were more than a few Scotties who donned some handsome plaid dog wear. The gathering was an eclectic group that included several champion Scottish Terriers, experienced agility competitors and a rescued puppy mill breeder dog. The event raised around $500 for the Club’s own rescue group.
“It was so much fun that we’ve already booked the event for next January,” said volunteer and Rescue Coordinator, Janet Skinner. Rescue groups interested in having a Happy Yappy Hour booked can call Cappuccino’s Cafe at 727.738.8009. There are some Sunday openings still available, but they do go pretty fast.
Thinking Outside the Crate.
What do you get when government officials and their constituents communicate by putting creative ideas on the table? A solution that will help save more dogs and cats from euthanasia. That’s exactly what happened less than a year ago, when Animal Services of Manatee County floated a concept to the county commissioners that would make adoptable dogs and cats more accessible to the public. The idea came to fruition and just this week, on January 10th, Manatee County Animal Services opened its new Adoption Center at 305 25th Street West, Downtown Bradenton. The vacant space in a county-owned building is a visible, bright and airy storefront that should get plenty of foot traffic. “We’re convenient to folks who work Downtown and might want to stop in during their lunch breaks,” said Animal Services Chief, Kris Weiskopf.
Kris explained to THE NEW BARKER that Manatee County Animal Services has transfer agreements with about 60 animal welfare groups around Tampa Bay and beyond. “In 2009 Manatee County’s euthanasia rate was at 61%. In 2010 it dropped to 55%. We want to continue lowering those numbers and we see the storefront as one solution that can help us reach our goal.”
KuDOGs to Manatee County Animal Services for such an innovative initiative. It’s this type of progressive thinking (which by the way did not necessitate additional funding) that makes a difference in the positive growth of a community. Shown above are two dogs that were available at the Adoption Center’s opening on Monday: Mazda and Jésus.
PUGz Paying it Forward
Dunedin has yet another dog-friendly eating and drinking establishment. PUGz Bar & Grill has embraced the dog community and the dog community has certainly embraced them. During the holidays the restaurant collected donations for Dunedin Dog Rescue under their Christmas tree.
Stay Pup-to-Date on dog-friendly events by visiting THE NEW BARKER calendar and also by signing up for Weekend PupDates. You’ll receive a current list of dog-friendly events a couple of times a month. Some hot dog-friendly events this weekend: Florida Classic Clusters/Brooksville; Cocktails for a Cause/Mise en Place/Tampa; Dogs Dig Downtown Bradenton; Barkarilla at Gaspar’s Grotto/Ybor City; Mutts & Martinis/Tavares.
Need more? Be sure to subscribe to the one Florida lifestyle magazine devoted to dogs and their dog-loving human companions. THE NEW BARKER is a quarterly magazine full of relevant stories, beautiful photos, travel and health tips and more. Each cover of THE NEW BARKER features an original piece of art by a different Florida artist, making each issue a collector’s item.
Do you have the latest issue of THE NEW BARKER yet?
It’s been reported to THE NEW BARKER that family dogs in Florida have willed on this unseasonably cold weather we’re having. The reason? So they can sleep in bed with their humans, of course. And the dogs are winning. More than ever, people have been making exceptions to their house rules, and are allowing dogs up on their beds. What is going to happen when the weather warms up? THE NEW BARKER predicts dog trainers will be very busy in March.
Holiday Sightings
‘Twas the night before Christmas in Downtown Sarasota.
Many creatures were stirring, humans and dogs taking walks.
Wine glasses were placed on the tables with care,
Knowing Cafe Americana diners soon would be there.
While waiting for two quarts of freshly made sauce,
What to my wondering eyes should appear?
A Harley-Davidson bike with sidecar and five tiny dogs.
And what a sight. Dan and Mari were dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus and their Maltese Bikers were dressed as little furry elves.
You Let Those Dogs Out.
If Sunday, December 26 was any indication, dogs and their humans have cabin fever and are ready to get outdoors. Despite the cold temperatures and wind gusts, there was a really nice crowd at Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo for the Annual Holiday Lights Dog Parade. The Holiday Lights spectacle continues through January 2, and dogs are allowed to stroll through the gardens along with their humans.
Speaking of getting out – this is the week to catch some great buys for dog supplies. We hear that Downtown Dogs in Hyde Park is the go-to place for Gasparilla Pirate Gear for dogs. Get that gear and book a Pet Pirate photo session with photographer Nicole Geller. You’ll be registered to win a chance to ride on a Gasparilla Parade float with your dog. Too cool for words.
And to keep the Christmas spirit burning bright, check out the fabulously festive dog boutique, Pawsitively Posh Pooch on 4th Street in St. Pete. In fact, make a day of it and visit One Lucky Dog, just down the street for some special goodies. Then hop on over to Pet Food Warehouse to check out their newly expanded store and beautiful cat room featuring adoptables from Save Our Strays. Getting hunger pangs? Visit dog-friendly restaurant El Cap on 4th Street in St. Pete for a delicious burger and fries.
Looking for unique breed specific gift ideas for that hard-to-buy-for human on your list? You have to check out Paw Paws in Countryside Mall/Clearwater. They have more than 50 different breed specific items. Want to stock up on some pretty dog-themed tree ornaments? Visit Fluffy Puppies Dog Boutique in Clearwater with more than 2500 square feet of total dog fun. Then step across the street for a respite of delicious dessert and gourmet tea at Wildflower Cafe.
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting St. Pete Beach, check out the shops on historic Corey Avenue. Say hello to Max, the store dog at Gone to the Dogs and delight in some one-of-a-kind dog bowls, treat jars and toys.
Dog Events
The weather should start to warm up a bit for the weekend and that’s good news. Dog-friendly events will start to heat up too. On New Year’s Eve in Key West, it’s the Sixth Annual Key West Dachshund Walk at noon, just for the fun of it. In West Palm Beach, December 31 through January 1, the Tailwaggers AKC Agility Trials take place at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. Our fave band, The Yard Dogs, will be playing at the Ft. Myers Beach Moose Lodge on January 1 for the 6th Annual Hair of the Dog Party. The monthly Pets on the Patio at Gaspar’s Grotto in Ybor City has been moved to January 8.
Looking for a little culture and comedy? Ventriloquist Todd Oliver brings his band of merry dogs to The Lakeland Center on Sunday, January 9 for a show at 3pm. Come see Lucy, Elvis and Irving in a hilarious stage production of talking dogs. What, you’ve never heard a dog talk? Then, you’re in for a real treat. Learn what your dogs are saying about you behind your back. Tickets are on sale now and $4.00 of each ticket sold will benefit the SPCA in Lakeland. If you’re lucky enough to go, please remember to bring along an unopened can or bag of dog food for the shelter.
PUPDATES –
More events are on the near horizon, including the annual Florida Classic Clusters, an incredible two-week AKC-sanctioned January event in Hernando County. Be sure to mark your calendars for the March 5 Bark in the Park event. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Florida Boxer Rescue, Fletcher’s Harley-Davidson and THE NEW BARKER are bringing all members of the RESCUE INK team to the Bay Area for the Humane Highway Tour.
As always, stay Pup-to-Date on the latest dog-friendly events by signing up for PupDates. See you around, dog fans. And remember: Please Dog Responsibly.
The Winter edition. Good, clean fun with stories as fresh as the driven snow, but much warmer. It’ll warm the cockles of your heart and turn a frown upside down. If you are a subscriber, sit back, relax and we thank you for your support. If you feel lucky, visit one of our distributing partners before they run out. http://www.thenewbarker.com
Tomorrow (Saturday) THE NEW BARKER will be heading to Dogs Dig Downtown Bradenton at the Farmer’s Market on Old Main Street. Photos with Santa from 9:30a-11:30a and then at noon there will be a Doggy Attire Contest with awards. Benefits the Humane Society of Manatee County. THE NEW BARKER will also be in St. Petersburg on Beach Drive as the Museum of Fine Arts partners with the SPCA Tampa Bay to celebrate the mixed breed dogs. The Great American Melting Pot Dog Contest will take place at noon. If your dog is any kind of mix (and at least half of the dogs living in American households today are) then come on out. Contest categories include Best Dog Trick, Biggest and Smallest Lap Dog, American Melting Pot Idol, Biggest Owner and Smallest Dog/Biggest Dog. The contest sign up begins at 10. We’re also asking for donations of unopened cans or bags of dog and cat food. For your donation, the Museum of Fine Arts will give you a 20% discount on an annual membership. Ahhh, The Art of Dog is at work here.
On St. Pete Beach, it’s a Christmas Parade featuring the Merry Bichons from the Suncoast Bichon Club. Afterwards, stop by Gone to the Dogs for some holiday cheer and very special, specials.
Speaking of special, specials – a furry dogmother told us that 4th Street N in St. Petersburg is going to be a happening place tomorrow. Check out the dog-theme Christmas trees at Pawsitively Posh Pooch.
And down the street at One Lucky Dog, they’ve reported to us that they’re having some special Holiday Savings Events for the next couple of days.
On Sunday, December 12, THE NEW BARKER will be at Cappuccino Cafe’s monthly Happy Yappy Hour from 1p-4p. Great Pyr Rescue, those big, beautiful furry Christmas dogs will be the beneficiary of Sunday’s event. Live entertainment and your $5 donation gets you a glass of house wine. If we ask nicely, maybe the chef will serve up some kind of hot toddy too. Give her a call – 727.738.8009.
On Thursday, December 16 at Hyde Park Village, Downtown Dogs co-hosts the HOWLiday Block PAWty. THE NEW BARKER has attended the last couple of these and they are alot of fun. Music, great food and beverages and it benefits the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. for more info, call Downtown Dogs at 813.250.DOGS.
Doug Koktavy, author of the award-winning book, The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer is making several stops in Florida this weekend. The New Barker dog magazine and TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach have partnered with several retailers to provide Doug with a venue in Sarasota, Apopka, Clearwater and Tampa. 50% of the book sales will be going to various rescue groups in Florida as a result. “Our goal is to sell 100 books and raise around $1,000 for each venue’s rescue group,” said Anna Cooke, editor of The New Barker.
And if Thanksgiving travel plans have you out-of-town during this five-day event, you can still purchase your book and have it signed by the author. The owners of each of the businesses hosting the events will hold onto your signed copy until you return. If you are a dog lover or know someone who is, The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer will make a thoughtful holiday gift, personally inscribed by the author. Beautifully illustrated by artist Chris Smith, the book is a gift that gives twice, knowing that 50% of the purchase price will be going to a Florida rescue group.
A bit about the book:
Doug’s beautiful Black Labradors, Beezer and Boomer both had terminal illnesses, but they left behind a legacy of amazing lessons. Doug wants pet owners to know that while you may be saying goodbye to your furry or feathered family member, these are not the worst of times, but the best. The book is much more moving and inspirational than it is sad. In fact, it was bestowed the prestigious Nautilus Book Award in April, 2010. The book is in good company with other Nautilus Book Award winners, including Deepak Chopra, MD and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
“When we think about the days ahead without our cherished pet, we give in to the fear. We’re so afraid, in fact, that we’re actually missing out on what could be our pet’s best gift to us.”
Anyone living with companion pets should have a copy of this book in their library to refer back to from time to time. There are wonderful life lessons on the pages, things that one can put to use daily, in all relationships.
Doug’s first stop is this Friday evening in Sarasota for a wine reception at Wet Noses Dog Boutique in St. Armands Circle. Christine Baer, owner of Wet Noses said of the book, “When my dog Max was diagnosed with cancer, Anna told me about The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer. I went right out to purchase a copy and immediately read it. It was just so helpful for me. I absolutely loved the book, and I’m looking forward to meeting Doug this weekend. The reception is my way of saying thank you for writing such a wonderful book.”
The reception at Wet Noses will be from 5:30pm until 7pm. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. A $5 donation is requested which will go towards the purchase of the book. Doug will be signing books, and 50% of the proceeds will be going to the Humane Society of Sarasota County.
“We’re thrilled that Doug is coming to Sarasota and helping us raise much-needed funds for the shelter,” said Executive Director, Deborah Millman. She added, “One thousand dollars will provide food for all our shelter pets for more than a month. It will provide health checks and spay/neuter for 20 orphans waiting to be adopted.”
On Saturday, Doug will then be at Media on Main in Downtown Sarasota from 10am until noon. He will give a presentation along with Bentley’s House, a local pet grief counseling group. This will be another Sarasota opportunity to get up close and personal with the author, have your book signed and again – 50% of the book sales will go to the Humane Society of Sarasota County. Contact Chris Baer at Wet Noses to reserve a copy of the book for either Friday’s or Saturday’s event. 941.388.DOGS (3647).
The rest of Doug Koktavy’s itinerary is as follows:
Sunday, November 28, 1p-3p
Centers for Animal Therapies/C.A.T., LLC
In Apopka. Call Jo at 407.869.1145
50% of book sales will go to the C.A.R.E. Foundation.
“One thousand dollars will provide a new roof for the pen area, housing four dogs, two goats, a pig and a tortoise,” said Christin Burford, Executive Director of the C.A.R.E. Foundation. “Each of these rescued animals works hand-in-hand with autistic children,” she added. Currently, the roof is a torn tarp.
Monday, November 29, 6:30p-8p
Fluffy Puppies, Clearwater
Call Kris at 727.446.7999
50% of book sales will go to Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida.
“One thousand dollars will treat five dogs for heartworms and provide annual shots for 20 dogs waiting to be adopted,” said Lise Amundrud, a volunteer with Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida. “We have more than 120 Labs in foster care right now and spend on the average, $450 per dog in medical costs. So, $1,000 will help offset our high medical expenses,” she added.
Tuesday, November 30, 6:30p-8p
Downtown Dogs, Hyde Park Village in Tampa
Call Rene at 813.250.DOGS
50% of book sales will go to TampaPets.org, a partnership between Hillsborough County Animal Services, Humane Society of Tampa Bay and about 60 rescue groups.
“One thousand dollars will go towards the 2011 Tampa Pet Adoption Expo Fund to ensure the expos will continue to remain free to rescue groups participating,” said Cory Cooper, board president of TampaPets.org.
Doug Koktavy is an attorney and now Certified Counselor, Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement. If you or someone you know has lost a pet or going through a pet’s terminal illness, come hear Doug talk. It could be the single, most inspirational thing you do all holiday season.
The Art Of Dog.™ 
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