On Saturday October 3rd, Island Dog Outfitters on Clearwater Beach will host the 1st annual Pars 4 Paws golf scramble. The event will be held at Lansbrook Golf Club in Palm Harbor and proceeds will benefit the Suncoast Animal League. Registration fee is $85 per golfer or $340 per team and sponsorship opportunities are available. Call 608-6836 to register. Registration Form Download

Last month, the Indian Rocks Beach City Commission voted to become more dog friendly, adopting a bill recently passed by state legislation that allows for dogs in dining establishments. The ordinance, will take effect on Oct. 1 and is strictly voluntary-the decision to allow dogs to dine will be left to the business owner. The new law applies only to dogs, and is restricted to outdoor areas such as decks or patios.

There are 13 doggy dining regulations, like requiring employees not to touch or pet the dogs while serving, not allowing dogs to come in contact with any dishes or utensils used for food service, and hand sanitizer is to be provided at all outdoor tables where dogs are allowed.

Other Florida municipalities that have approved doggy dining: Bradenton, Cocoa Beach, Crystal River, Dunedin, Ft Walton Beach, Jacksonville, Manatee County, Melbourne, Miami Beach, Neptune Beach, Ocala, Orlando, Osceola County, Panama City Beach, Sarasota, Siesta Key, St Augustine, St Petersburg, Tampa, Winter Park. For a complete list visit http://www.floridapetfriendly.com/

Pampered Pet Expo - Orlando, FL
August 7-9, 2009
Half-price admission Friday evening!
Class & Presentation Schedule of Events

Education classes, from 15 minute presentations to half-day classes run all day on topics such as training, behavior, diet & treats, DOGA (yoga with your dog) CPR, Build a Profitable Pet Sitting Business, communicating with your pet. and more!

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  Shop for pet food, toys, treats, supplies, housing, clothes, costumes, furniture, health care, services from vendors from all over the country
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  Watch incredible pet-themed entertainment
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  Give an adoptable pet a new home in the Petfinder adoption area with Central Florida’s rescue groups
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  Location:Orange County Convention Center, West Concourse, International Drive, Orlando
  

Cruisin For Critters II poker run for animals will be held October 3rd. Kickstands up at 9:30 am from Eve's Family Restaurant with last bike in at Quaker Steak & Lube by 1 pm. Stay for an afternoon of entertainment until 4 pm! Awesome prizes!

Download and complete both the Registration Form and Waiver to participate.

Start: Eve's Family Restaurant 3050 Oldsmar Rd, Tampa
Stops: Captain Jacks Sunset Grill, Tarpon Springs - Danny's Food and Spirits, Palm Harbor - Fletcher's Harley Davidson, Clearwater
Finish: Quaker Steak and Lube US 19, Clearwater

The Humane Society of Pinellas will host Bark at The Ball Park III on Friday, Aug. 21, at Bright House Field. The gates will open at 6 p.m. for a 7 p.m. game between the Clearwater Threshers and Dunedin Blue Jays. After the game, you and your pooch can run the bases.

Come early to enjoy the variety of vendors on hand and treat your dog to free samples and a massage. There will be a raffle for gift baskets, T-shirts for sale and pets available for adoption.

Gates open at 6 pm.
Tickets start at $4. Call 467-4457.
Brighthouse Field is located at 601 Old Coachman Road in Clearwater.

The SPCA has some tips to help you protect your pet from the summer heat. Pets can suffer from overheating, dehydration and sunburn in the hot Florida summer.

• Make sure adequate water is available at all times for your pet, when you are out riding, walking or just lounging around, have a container ready.

• Do not leave your pet in the car without adequate ventilation. Car interiors can easily approach 110 degrees in the summer months. Signs of overheating include heavy panting, dark pink or even reddish gums, and your pet may feel quite hot to the touch. If this occurs, soak your pet with cool or cold water immediately and take him promptly to your nearest veterinarian. This is an emergency situation and requires immediate care.

• Paws can burn on that hot pavement, so make sure that your dog is not getting ‘paw burn’ from the sidewalk. Wherever you go, look for shade, and try to take your pets out early in the day or later in the day after the intense heat has subsided.

• For the longhairs, a summer cut may do them wonders. Not too short or they may get sunburn. And because cats typically never allow groomers other than themselves, brushing will help alleviate overheating.

• Be aware that there may be more pesticides and insecticides in the air, so avoid taking your pet to areas that may have been recently sprayed.

The Kenwood Dog Park opened on Saturday. Dogs were treated to fresh sod, treats, water and ballons. The 3 acre park was paid for by the city's recreation fund. The park is located at 20th St & 4th Ave. N in St Petersburg.