Pet Power Couple Judges Two Pet Pirate Contests in Celebration of Gasparilla Pirate Festival

TAMPA, Fla. - Jan. 8, 2015 - PRLog -- Pet Power Couple, Pet & Lifestyle Expert Charlotte Reed and Dr. Michael Fleck have put their talents to work by judging two, pet pirate contests in celebration of Gasparilla. On January 3, Reed and Fleck kicked off their judging duties at the Barkarilla, the Fifth Annual Pirate Pooch Parade, hosted by Ye Loyale Krewe of Samuel Bellamy and held at Dirty Shame in Ybor City. The day’s activities benefitted Animal Based Charities, Inc.  Next up is the Cute Pirate Pet Contest on Saturday, January 10. This contest will be held at Ybor City’s Tequillas and hosted by Krewe of Alegria. Proceeds will benefit Suncoast Animal League.

Gasparilla Pirate Festival is an annual, multi-day event in Tampa, FL, that celebrates the legend of Jose Gaspar, a mythical Spanish pirate alleged to have called Southwest Florida, home. Gasparilla boasts activities ranging from parades and a road race to art festivals and concerts. Gasparilla-goers come from far and wide to rejoice and delight in all things pirate.

According to Petrendologist Charlotte Reed and Michael Fleck, DVM, “Pet owners want to share their lives with their pets. What better way to enjoy one another than to participate in Gasparilla’s pet activities – Barkarilla and The Cute Pirate Pooch Contest.  But, pet safety must come first. And, pet owners need to recognize that they are canine ambassadors, being considerate of other pets, pet owners and others.”

In an effort to ensure that both pets and their owners have a safe and fun time at Gasparilla’s pet events, the Dynamic Pet Duo offers the following tips:

1. A Comfortable Costume

Gasparilla’s theme for the day is pirates. It is no surprise that many guests dress their pets in swashbuckling costumes. We know they look cute! But don’t force your pet to wear a costume or alter a kid's costume to fit your pet.  Your pet can look just as adorable in a skull and cross-bone bandana or leash, collar and/or harness. Be sure to snap a picture to remember your favorite pet pirate!

2. A Healthy Pet

Pet owners want to have a fun day without worrying about the thereafter. Be considerate to other pet owners by bringing a clean, healthy and parasite-free dog to the pirate-themed celebrations. No one wants a sick doggy after such a stellar time!

3. Good Manners Mandatory

Although you may want to take your best, four-legged friend to the pet parade, do not bring aggressive dogs or a pet that lunges at or barks excessively at other animals and/or people. Sound like your furry friend? Work on socializing your pet during the year so you can attend Gasparilla’s pet activities next year.

4. A Leash, A Must

While your pet may be well-trained, a large crowd or a loud noise can cause him a fright flight. Keep your pooches safe by keeping them on a leash at all times. You’ll both feel better and more secure.

5. No Sharing Allowed

Like children, pets can spread illness. Giarda, a protozoan disease, is at epidemic proportions in the State of  Florida. Avoid the spread of the disease by having your pet drink from his own water bowl. Don’t let him share with friends.

6. Scoop The Poop

Care for the Ybor City environment and its workers, scoop the poop.

7. ID Is Key

Don’t leave home without a pet identification tag that contains your current address and cell phone number.  If your pet is micro-chipped, even better.  Be sure that your microchip registration is updated with your current address and contact information. Ideally, microchip your pet and have him wear an ID tag. You’ll be thankful that you did!

Ready for the Cute Pirate Pet Contest? Join Petrendologist Charlotte Reed and Michael Fleck, DVM as they judge the contest this Saturday, January 10 at Tequillas in Ybor City, Florida. Unable to make it? Keep up with their action by listening to their new radio show, "The Pet Buzz," on WSRQ Sarasota Talk Radio on 98.9 FM, 106.9FM or 1220AM, starting Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 9:00AM/EST. You can also catch "The Pet Buzz" via live stream or podcast at http://sarasotatalkradio.com/.

If you would like to learn more about the Dynamic Pet Duo of Petrendologist Charlotte Reed and Michael C. Fleck, DVM, contact: dynamicpetduo@gmail.com.

About Charlotte Reed
Charlotte Reed is the leading pet trend & lifestyle expert. Millions have had the opportunity to watch her on Better TV, CNN, Comedy Central, Fox & Friends, Nate Berkus, The View, Steve Harvey, Today's Show, VH1 and The Willis Report as well as many other television and radio shows around the globe, discussing “The What’s New” for pets and their people. Reed is the co-host of “The Pet Buzz,” a new radio show on WSRQ Radio in the Tampa Bay area. She is the Pet Solutions columnist for “First for Women” magazine, providing money saving tips to their readers. Charlotte has been a popular blogger for NBC’s Petside.com and Pet360.com. As the Happy & Healthy Pets blogger, Reed provided health and wellness pet care tips for Prevention.com readers. Charlotte is also the author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette (Adams Media, 2007). Additionally, she served on the New York State Veterinarian Board for nine years, helping to set veterinary policy and educational standards for the State of New York. Reed is a graduate of Lafayette College and Fordham University Law School. For more information, visit CharlotteReed.com.

About Michael Fleck, DVM
Dr. Michael Fleck is a veterinary media expert, frequently appearing on TV and on radio. He lectures around the world primarily on the topic of skin and ear care for the companion animals. Additionally, Fleck has written articles for medical and pet-related publications. He is also the co-host of "The Pet Buzz," a new radio show on WSRQ Radio in Sarasota, Florida. As a practicing veterinary for over 35 years, Dr. Fleck has owned and operated veterinary practices in Michigan, Florida and Guam. Presently, he practices at the Animal Medical Center of Bradenton (http://www.amcofbradenton.com), located in Bradenton, Florida, focusing on small animals. He earned a Bachelor of Science and a degree in Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. Additionally, Fleck has a Master's degree in Reproductive Physiology from Western Michigan University. In 2005, Dr. Fleck founded Epiderma Pet which has developed high performance pet skin, ear care and other products under the trademark name, Epi-Pet. Dr. Fleck is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the veterinary medical associations of California, Michigan and Florida.