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Community Corner

Four-Legged Fundraiser at Highlander Park

Think your dog has what it takes for the runway or the stage?

The Suncoast Animal League's fifth annual is en event for the whole family, including our four-legged friends.

The Suncoast Animal League is a non-profit, no-kill animal rescue agency. Their annual event includes a variety of activities for dogs and their owners. These include Fido Idol, a singing competition which promises to be very entertaining, not least due to the unpredictability of the contestants.

“The fun part is watching the owners trying to get their dog to sing like they normally do at home,” Rick Chaboudy, executive director of the Suncoast Animal League, said.

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The Mutt March, which takes the form of a pledge walk (this year's theme is Mardi Gras), also features a canine fashion show called Doggie Project Runway, and an artistic talent show called Pup Art. Entries are accepted on the day of the event, so it is not too late to get involved.

This year also sees a cycling event being run in conjunction with Mutt March, with three courses available covering 16, 32 and 62 miles. Already more than 130 riders have signed up, including a 73-year-old man who registered for the 62-mile course.

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An auction is also being held with tickets and on-field passes for a Tampa Bay Rays game. Chaboudy said that this year’s Mutt March will be the biggest and best yet with record numbers of vendors and contributors already confirmed. Vendors are selling food, drinks, arts, crafts and pet supplies.

Several breed rescue groups will have dogs available for adoption. The Suncoast Animal League will have 11 puppies and six adult dogs, including MacKinley, a 4-year-old male.

All proceeds from Saturday’s event will go to the Animal League and Chaboudy hopes that this will be the year that they reach their goal of raising $35,000. Money is just one resource that the Animal League is short on.    

“We always need volunteers,” explained Chaboudy, “especially people willing to foster an animal.”

With more animals in need than they can house, the Animal League depends on the kindness of local volunteers to provide foster homes for the cats and dogs, Chaboudy said.

The Mutt March is at from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Editor's note: Dunedin Patch Editor Katie Dolac is serving as a judge in the Doggie Project Runway event.

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