The Rally to Restore Dogma

Nov. 2, 2010 - PRLog -- November 2, 2010 - Today is Election Day in the United States. Once again, the nation's eyes will be on Florida as its citizens vote for a new Governor in a hotly contested race. In an effort to get out the vote, The New Barker, Florida's top dog lifestyle magazine, has organized dog owners for a Rally to Restore Dogma. Whether you are a Dogmacrat or Repuplican, let your bark be heard at the voting booths. Need to know who's running for what in Florida? Go here: www.uselections.com/fl/fl.htm

All tongue-and-cheek aside, seriously, today is an important day in America._Thankfully, whatever the outcome, life goes on with our dogs.

Friday, November 5 visit Taste Cafe in Safety Harbor for the unveiling of the Humane Society of Pinellas County's 2011 Calendar. The suspense is finally over. Who made the calendar's cover? Taste Cafe is located at 500 Main Street, Safety Harbor.

On Saturday, November 6 it's the 4th Annual Wag-A-Palooza at Plaza Bella on Bloomingdale Avenue in Valrico. Hosted by the Merchants of Plaza Bella, the free event will feature rescue groups and their adoptables, valuable savings for holiday shopping and delicious food samplings. For more information, contact Debbie at 813.681.8686.

Also on Saturday, November 6, it's Dox-A-Palooza, the annual fundraising event hosted by DARE, Dachshund Adoption, Rescue and Education. The event takes place at the Mango/Seffner Dog Park, 11717 Clay Pit Road in Seffner. There will be a silent and live auction, rummage sale, dog costume contest and plenty of raffle prizes. And of course, what would a Dachshund event be without the famous Wiener Races?

November 6 is the first Saturday of the month and that means it's time to celebrate Pets on the Patio at Gaspar's Grotto in Ybor City - one of the coolest pirate bars in the world. Check out their new Galley, updated menu (re-vamped with the knowing palate of Jeannie Pierola), and the renovated patio. The giant, remote-controlled red umbrellas are a fabulous touch. And check out the new wall mural being created by pet portrait artist Anna Hamilton for TampaPets.org. Your pet could be forever immortalized in the pirate ship painting. Just send in a picture of your pet, or bring one along Saturday evening. For sign up to the PupArt Mural, go to www.tampapets.org/events.php_Gaspar's Grotto is located at 1905 East 7th Avenue in Ybor City. Call 813.248.5900 for new Pets on the Patio hours.

If your holiday plans include bringing a new dog or cat into your home, consider adopting. Another consideration: think about adopting before the rush of the holidays is upon us in an effort to calmly introduce your new pet into his or her environment. While the thought of presenting a new puppy wrapped in a shiny red ribbon is tempting, oftentimes the excitement during the immediate holidays is too much stimulation for a new pet. And for humans too, especially children. Fortunately, we have a couple of early adoption options for consideration.

On November 13 TampaPets.org, in conjunction with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County Animal Services, will be hosting its sixth Adoption Expo at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Through this unique partnership and with the help of the ASPCA, the event continues to remain free to all participating rescue groups and to the public. Another bonus for the Fall Adoption Expo - the parking is free. Visit http://www.tampapets.org/expo.php for more information. This is an all-round great experience for the entire family.

The Happy Paws Pet Expo takes place on Saturday and Sunday, November 13 and 14 at the Fort Lauderdale War Memorial Auditorium. This event has been in the works for almost a year and will be one of the best bets for a two-day event. Families are encouraged to bring their dogs as this is an interactive event, complete with competitions in agility, flyball and more. Entertainment from media personalities and some amazing performing animals as well. And of course, rescue groups will be on hand with their adoptables ready to take home.

Also on Saturday, November 13, Pug Rescue of Florida is gathering Pug lovers from across the state to the largest Pug Meet-up of all time. PugsGiving will be held at the Maitland Civic Center. And speaking of Pugs, one of Florida's biggest Pug lovers, the incomparable Robert Plunket, will be emceeing Hot Dogs and Cool Cats at Michael's on East in Sarasota. Mr. Plunket has scripted a murder mystery to outshine all others. It's all in fun and all to benefit the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC). For ticket information, call HSSC at 941.955.4131.

For details on these events and a complete calendar of Florida dog-friendly events, go to www.thenewbarker.com/Events/htm

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The New Barker is Florida's top dog lifestyle magazine, currently reaching more than 30,000 dog owners each quarter. 2011 will mark the fifth year The New Barker has been publishing. Supported by paid subscriptions and advertisers.