As polo horses raced across the Sarasota Polo Club March 10, Lakewood Ranch’s Jackie Bartley’s attention was focused on Chica, the golden Chihuahua cuddled in her arms and giving her kisses.
Bartley came to Nate Honor Animal Rescue’s annual Ponies for Pups fundraiser to support puppies, but Chica stole her attention as she sat down to watch the polo match. Chica had been sitting in the next row with her owners, Monica and Tony Cervantes.
“As (Jackie) went by, Chica’s tail started going,” Monica Cervantes said.
That was enough to earn Bartley a puppy snuggle.
Hundreds of supporters of Honor turned out for the charity event, which featured puppies for adoption, a silent auction, food and drink and a live polo match. At the event, Honor’s leaders announced the organization would be expanding with an $8 million facility on its existing property.
Nate's Honor Animal Rescue's Development Director Rob Oglesby announces plans for Nate's expansion with permanent buildings.
Seven-year-old Kate Reardon gets her puppy snuggles in with Sneezy, who is up for adoption. She and her family already have two basset hounds.
These 3-month-old puppies, Queen Bee, front, and Barrie, behind, are up for adoption.
Jacqueline Ruane and her dog, Star, vist her father, University Park resident Richard Ruane.
Sarasota's Lynn Barrie spends the day with her daughters, Jaymie Klauber and Zara Barrie. They hold their dogs, Edie, Robbie and Luka (left to right).
Sarasota's Lynn Barrie spends the day with her daughters, Jaymie Klauber and Zara Barrie. They hold their dogs, Edie, Robbie and Luka (left to right).
Sarasota's Mike Roberts bids on a golf foursome during the silent auction.
Jan Swallow, of St. Petersburg, visits her friend, Cedar Creek resident Shelley Thayer. They enjoy the VIP lunch buffet.
The VIP lunch included a spread of baked goods, including miniature apple pies.
Longtime Honor volunteer Jay Crawley loads up on chocolate-covered strawberries for himself and friends.
Sarasota's Tony Cervantes samples a lemon curd cup. It's his first time to the event.
Alan Anderson and Michelle Bennett get lunch in the VIP section through sponsorship by Bulldog Pools.
Jeff and Karen O'Keefe, of Sarasota, want to support the cause.
Guests enjoy watching a live polo match during the fundraiser.
Rosedale's David and Maggi Parsons brought out their dog, Abby.
Karen and Jon Albert, of Siesta Key, came out with friends.
Veterinarian Dr. Adam Sorrells volunteers his skills for Nate's Honor Animal Rescue. He came with his wife, Summer, and children, Lily and Emma. Also pictured are visiting grandparents Alma and Chuck Brinkman.
Lakewood Ranch's Bob Swiatek gives his dog Tanner a taste of ice cream as his wife, Patricia, watches.
Lakewood Ranch's Carol Belmont serves an apple pie to her husband Gary Corson.
Lakewood Ranch's Bob and Leslie Richards show off their dog, Bandit, who they adopted from Honor.
Tailgaters watch the polo match with their pups on hand.
Mill Creek's Paul Weott, with his dog, Vinny, hunt for divots to stomp.
The Budweiser clydesdales provide wagon rides during halftime.
East County residents Christine Mazur, Stacy Tocci and Reeny Kaney make sure to hunt for divots during halftime.
Jackie Bartley, pictured with Bill Eberhart, snuggles with Chica, owned by Monica Cervantes.
