- March 24, 2025
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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.
Photo by Dana KampaEmily Huynh, volunteering at the dog show with Sarasota Military Academy Prep, takes a moment to hold a puppy.
Photo by Dana KampaSarasota 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.
Photo by Dana KampaCarolyn Christian from the Bird Key Women's Association welcomes attendees before the competition begins.
Photo by Dana KampaTess hits the runway with Suzanne Yerdon.
Photo by Dana KampaTess hits the runway with Suzanne Yerdon.
Carole Stone gives her miniature poodle a spin.
Photo by Dana KampaLily the miniature poodle strikes a pose.
Photo by Dana KampaElvis has left the building, accompanied by Enid Hamelin.
Photo by Dana KampaHarper and Sunny the English labrador retrievers bring their rambunctious energy with the Bisplinghoffs.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Buddy the Yorkie, one of the day's smallest competitors, gets a treat from Christina Shantz.
Photo by Dana KampaSandy takes a detour off stage to demonstrate her trick with Janet Stanard.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Returning champs Ruby the French bulldog and Kay Cox, again win the title of best dressed.
Photo by Dana KampaRuby the French bulldog shines like a gem.
Photo by Dana KampaWelsh terriers Merlin and Pippa cause double the trouble.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Pembroke Welsh corgis Penny and Oliver get an early start to celebrating St. Patrick's Day with handler Lana Berry.
Photo by Dana KampaPenny and Oliver
Photo by Dana KampaPeyton brings some game to the stage.
Photo by Dana KampaThere's no joking around for Izzy the springer doodle and Lynne Short.
Photo by Dana KampaThe whole Kobren family, including Cathy, Axl, London and Bear gets involved as Skyy the pug tries to find home.
Photo by Dana Kampa
The catwalk is a breeze for Breezy the yellow labrador retriever and handler Gigi Matthews.
Photo by Dana KampaThe catwalk is a breeze for Breezy the yellow labrador retriever and handler Gigi Matthews.
Photo by Dana KampaBrody takes a well-earned break after earning the best trick title.
Photo by Dana KampaBowie Limoges, 5, of Ottawa carefully holds one of the puppies at the dog parade.
Photo by Dana Kampa
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."
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."
