Bird Key dogs fundraise for Nate's Honor Animal Rescue

The pampered pooches of Bird Key gave back to dogs less fortunate than themselves on Sunday, Feb. 19. They strutted down a catwalk and did their best tricks to raise money for Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue. 

“One of the people on our committee has done this at another club, and we thought it would be a fun thing to do for the Women’s Association because so many people on Bird Key have dogs,” Jennifer Lackland said. “Anytime you walk down Bird Key, your dog will meet 10 other dogs.”

This was not just a stroll around the yacht club parking lot though. This was a fashion event, complete with an elevated runway, DJ and lobster lunch. The Maine Line food truck was parked to the side, and chairs lined both sides of the runway.

DJ Jesse from STAAR Entertainment had each dog walking to their own tune. Piper the golden doodle, and winner of the Diva Dog category, was clad in the most risque outfit of the day. She wore only a pair of pink flowered panties, and therefore walked to “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. It’s unfortunate that Bird Key resident and former lead singer Brian Johnson missed it. 

About 30 other dogs strutted their stuff too. DJ Jesse offered tidbits about each dog. Izzy walked to “Dancing Queen” by ABBA and knows the names of her favorite toys. She matched her mom in a pirate costume that was handmade for her through an Etsy vendor. 

“This is her third dog parade. She loves dressing up,” Lynne Short, Izzy’s owner, said. “She knows that when she puts a costume on she’s going somewhere, so I dress her up and she goes to the door.” 

Ruby the French bulldog won first place in the Best Costume category, and that diva didn’t even step a paw onto the runway. Her sidecar didn’t fit. 

The remaining three categories were Best Trick, Owner/Dog Look Alike and Class Clown. Lackland’s dog Luna won Class Clown for dressing as a cow and laying down mid-runway. 

It was fun and games with a purpose. The event raised over $4,000 for Nate’s. Development and Fundraising Director Rob Oglesby said the money will go toward the current capital campaign. 

The animal rescue is raising $10 million to expand its facility to include additional kennels and exam rooms, a maternity center, walking trail, surgical suite and interactive education center.