Dogs who met at Freedom Fest 2023 will have puppies

Last year at Freedom Fest, love was apparently in the air for two canines.

At the 2023 Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce's Freedom Fest, the Hot Diggity Dog Contest brought dogs and dog lovers together for a costume contest. While waiting for the butterfly release last year in Bicentennial Park, dogs Tinkerbell and Bisou met and it was puppy love at first sight. 

Their owners, Medge and Michael Jaspan and Frank and Martina Kinslow, saw the instant connection between the dogs and became fast friends.

After a year of numerous playdates, Bisou and Tinkerbell are expected to have puppies. They will be born around July 9. 

"We have done many doggie playdates with other dogs and have seen nothing like these two," said Medge Japsan, Bisou's owner. "I have even noticed that when they are around other dogs, Tinkerbell is very loyal to Bisou. No other dogs are in love like they are."

The Jaspans and Kinslows are grateful that the romance of their pets made them good friends. The couples are excited to be grandparents and bring new puppies around the Key.