Bird Key Women's Association smashes doggy fundraising goals

By Dana Kampa
| 5:00 a.m. March 11, 2025

Liliana Torres and Jennifer Hache cuddle a pair of the 2-month-old boston terrier puppies that Nate's Honor Animal Rescue brought in its puppy wagon to the Bird Key dog parade.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

With 2-month-old ambassador Boston terrier puppies here and tutu-wearing poodles there, Bird Key Yacht Club became the social hub for all things canine on Sunday for the annual dog parade.

The fundraiser, coordinated by the Bird Key Women's Association to benefit Nate's Honor Animal Rescue, was the most successful one yet.

Jennifer Lackland, co-president of the women's association and event coordinator, said 100 percent of the proceeds go to the rescue.

"Last time, when we did it two years ago, we made over $4,000," she said. "Today, before people even showed up, we had over $9,000 worth of sponsorships."

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About 30 dogs paraded down the catwalk in a friendly competition for the best trick, best costume and biggest diva. Cash donation cast the final votes.

The respective winners were Brody the yellow lab, handled by Kathi-Ann Gage; Ruby the French bulldog, handled by Kay Cox; and Piper the golden doodle, handled by Chuck Eldridge.

Brody, who wore a Kansas City Chiefs jersey, did his best belly-flopping rollover as his trick, which his owners said was a tribute to the team's most recent Super Bowl performance.

Judges gave a special shout out to Skyy the pug and her entourage, who dressed up as characters from "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial."

Emily Huynh, volunteering at the dog show with Sarasota Military Academy Prep, takes a moment to hold a puppy.

Sarasota Military Academy Prep volunteers Emily Huynh, Kamilah Barros, Lucy Dispenza, Dylan Cruz Carbonell, Thaddeo Knipfer and Anthony Ramirez accompany Militar Studies Instructor Captain Bill Edwards to help out with the dog parade.

Carolyn Christian from the Bird Key Women's Association welcomes attendees before the competition begins.

Tess hits the runway with Suzanne Yerdon.

Carole Stone gives her miniature poodle a spin.

Lily the miniature poodle strikes a pose.

Elvis has left the building, accompanied by Enid Hamelin.

Harper and Sunny the English labrador retrievers bring their rambunctious energy with the Bisplinghoffs.

Buddy the Yorkie, one of the day's smallest competitors, gets a treat from Christina Shantz.

Sandy takes a detour off stage to demonstrate her trick with Janet Stanard.

Returning champs Ruby the French bulldog and Kay Cox, again win the title of best dressed.

Ruby the French bulldog shines like a gem.

Welsh terriers Merlin and Pippa cause double the trouble.

Pembroke Welsh corgis Penny and Oliver get an early start to celebrating St. Patrick's Day with handler Lana Berry.

There's no joking around for Izzy the springer doodle and Lynne Short.

The whole Kobren family, including Cathy, Axl, London and Bear gets involved as Skyy the pug tries to find home.

The catwalk is a breeze for Breezy the yellow labrador retriever and handler Gigi Matthews.

Brody takes a well-earned break after earning the best trick title.

Bowie Limoges, 5, of Ottawa carefully holds one of the puppies at the dog parade.

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.