Costume contest raises awareness for pet charities

By Ian Swaby
| 2:30 p.m. February 4, 2024

Although they did not arrive in time for the costume contest, Noel, Misty, Olivia and Tico, who belong to Flora Rodriguez of Tampa, drew attention from guests.

Sarasota
Neighbors

There were dogs with wings, dogs in tutus, and dogs with unicorn horns at "My Furry Valentine" on Feb. 3 at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime.

It was more than an early celebration of Valentine's Day; it was a chance to help dogs at rescues in the local area.

Present at the event were Tender Heart Charities Inc., Satchel's Last Resort Animal Shelter/Sanctuary, Rescue Garage and Low Rider Dachshund Rescue of Florida.

The public had the chance to meet the staff at the rescues, as well as some of their adoptable dogs, while also browsing vendors of pet products, enjoying food from Hamlet's Eatery, listening to live music and exploring the selection of items at The Bazaar.

One group of participants that was enjoying the experience was the Peterson family, including Dave Peterson and Jamii Peterson, and their children Lincoln Peterson, 2, and Paige Peterson, 6, who enjoyed a visit to the Tender Heart Charities tent.

“We live in Sarasota, so it’s always nice to find these hidden gems,” Dave Peterson said.

Lisa Martin-Manns, co-founder of the rescue, credited the event with increasing its exposure in the community.

"We’re excited to be out here. Every time we’re out here, we’re excited," she said.

Kim Livengood, co-owner of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, echoed her comments.

“We love to be able to support the local rescues that are working so hard to find homes for so many dogs, and it's just a really fun, free community event. That's one of the things that's bazaar is all about — bringing the community together," she said.

Costume contest Best in Show winners Dr. Donita McCants, Axel Rose, and Stephen Rose, 10. McCants's mobile veterinarian service, Veterinary Concierge Services, will soon serve the Sarasota area.

Jimmy Walker, a volunteer with Tender Heart Charities, bonds with Tukker.

Shannon Abbe of Tender Heart Charities pets Dory while talking with her owner Leigh Hughes.

Lincoln Peterson, 2, watches the costume contest.

Gail Yeager and her Yorkshire terrier Hetty won the Most Creative award in the costume contest.

Rosanna and Bruce Palmer, who are volunteers with the Port Charlotte organization Low Rider Dachshund Rescue of Florida, made the trip to the event

Samaya Laeger, 9, Brian Laeger, Paula Silverman and Ollie walk down from the stage.

Nycole Harrison pets Penny, a dog Allison Phinney adoped from Low Rider Dachshund Rescue of Florida.

Kathy Brake with Saoirse, and Jacki McDonald, with Tally, won the award for Best Group.

Fluffy, and Hope Ferrias of Pet Supermarket.

Linda DeMarco introduces Benson, a soon-to-be-adoptable dog with Low Rider Dachshund Rescue of Florida, to Leslie Jenis and Barb Nuti of Rescue Garage.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.