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Second Annual Petfest of Ruskin
On April 21st, C.A.R.E. held their second annual PetFest in conjunction with the St. Pete Times.The weather was great, Dr. Ott's off leash
dog park was freshly mowed, the vendors waited with anticipation, the doggie pools were filled, music played and the volunteers were ready
for fun. As guests (dogs and companions) arrived, the energy was high. To the dogs, it was just another playday, but what they ultimately
encountered was a lot more. Lots of attention and lots of people. The 2nd Annual Petfest of Ruskin, Florida, sponsored by the St. Petersburg
Times, Tampa Bay Times along with T.E.C.O., Frosty Paws, TLC Diversified, Dynamic Printing, Southshore Community Bank, Ruskin Chamber of Commerce,
Mercantile Bank and Growingupwithpets.com, was held Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dr. Ott's off-leash park. The event was a
benefit for C.A.R.E. the only no-kill-animal shelter in Hillsborough County.
During the opening ceremonies, as the national anthem was played, the flag raised was originally flown in the capital of the United States in 1976
and since has only been flown of the 4th of July. This was such a special occassion, Tim Otte wanted to fly it.
Hillsborough County Commisioner, Rose Ferlita, spoke about the importance of the work Dr. Ott and so many other volunteers have taken on.
Dr. Ott thanked everyone for continuing the work he had started and thanked Don Hinderliter for his time and hard work as the current president
of C.A.R.E.
The day was filled with contest such as, best pet tricks, look-alike contest, best costume and more! Preliminary numbers show
almost 1000 people attended the event. C.A.R.E. gave out gift bags to those who had adopted from the shelter and encouraged others to do the
same when looking for a new companion. The information table was busy answering questions and enrolling new members. The auction was a success
with lots of items donated from around the community.
As dogs ran and played, people talked and compared notes on their furry friends. We at C.A.R.E. are delighted to have been a part of this event
and look forward to it again next year. C.A.R.E. voluteers are always grateful for the public's participation in helping our unwated, abused and
sick four legged friends find new homes and get the proper care and attention they deserve. It is our hope that the Hillsborough County community
continue to work toward resposible pet ownership and remember to spread the word, spay and neuter your pets.
Below are some pictures from the event. Click on each to see a larger version.
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