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Posh Pets event goes to the dogs at Ave Maria park
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AVE MARIA — Many of those attending the Posh Pets event couldn’t resist petting Donna Sciuto’s pug puppy.
About every two steps, Sciuto and her son, Kodah, 2, stopped after one person or another asked to pet the adorable 3-months-old pug named Rocket.
From Lhasa apsos to Golden Retrievers, hundreds of dogs and their owners enjoyed a celebration Saturday in Ave Maria in South Park, which has a separate dog park with two fenced areas for large and small dogs.
Several pooches were dressed up for the event, strutting a complete costume, fancy bows and collars.
The free event, which was open to the public, included many activities for dogs and dog owners, including pet photos, a smallest and largest dog contest, best trick contest and a Canine Couture Fashion Show, which awarded the cutest, funniest and most original outfits.
A pet psychic attended, and a massage boutique and on-site micro-chipping were offered.
Representatives from the Shy Wolf Sanctuary and Collier County’s Domestic Animal Services were also on hand.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Domestic Animal Services’ emergency medical care for homeless animals and other pet initiatives.
“This is very nice,” Sciuto, 27, said.
It was the Golden Gate family’s first time at a pet event where Rocket played with other dogs.
“This event is very informative,” she said.
Sciuto said she enjoys taking her son to community family events and now they can attend pet community events as well.
“I love this event,” she said
Families roamed around the park, checking more than 30 booths at the event, including pet boutiques, an animal chiropractor and gourmet dog treats.
Among proud pet owners were Bob Carr, 44, and his wife, Kelly, 42.
The Naples couple decided to bring two of their four rescued mixed breed dogs named Daisy and Gizmo, who they’ve had for four years, to the event to check out new pet products and mingle with other dog lovers.
The event was a great way to enjoy a Saturday afternoon away form the worries of Wall Street and the elections, he said.
They also attended Howl-A-Day Jubilee in the past, which is hosted by Collier County Domestic Animal Services and Collier County Parks & Recreation at Veterans Community Park in North Naples.
Barron Collier Co. executive Blake Gable said he was pleased with the large turnout Saturday in Ave Maria.
“It’s all part of building a community,” Gable said.
The event was sponsored by Pulte Homes, Naples Dog Magazine, Southwest Florida Dog Trainer’s Alliance, the Secret Ingredient, Signs & Things, Buttercup Studio and Pearle Vision.
Sonia Class echoed Sciuto about enjoying the event.
Class, 42, brought the family’s “baby,” a black Labrador mix dog named Pebble to the event.
Yet it was more than just freebies for the pets, Class said she enjoys mingling with other pet owners and talking about their pets.
In the past, she has attended pet events at Veterans Community Park.
Class, of Golden Gate Estates, was at the event with her godchild, Christian Ponce, 9, and step-daughter, Hailey Rodriguez, 13.
Christian made sure to collect free items for his American Eskimo dog that was at home.
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I dunno...pet psychic at Ave Maria?
Doesn't seem to mix well in a Catholic community.
Although the entire idea is great.
But psychics and Catholics usually don't mix.
Maybe it's different in the dog world.
#1 Posted by beetlejuice on October 4, 2008 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lol.....Beetle......I heard that multiple volunteers were standing by with hoses and high-powered nozzles.
#2 Posted by volochine on October 5, 2008 at 2:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What happened Frankz? Did you wake up on the wrong side of your sister?
#3 Posted by cnygolfer on October 5, 2008 at 7:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Remember:
Dog is God spelled backwards
and
God is Dog spelled backwards
Plus
Pope Bennie warns that modern culture is pushing God out of people's lives.
(they must be seeing the light after 2000+ years??)
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nati...
#4 Posted by bicoastal on October 5, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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