People don't just walk their pups around the block anymore. Residents treat their furry friends like members of the family. They're treated better than the kids, in their baby carriages, sucking down water beside a sushi place, panting from their Baby Bjorn perches.
With the dog days of summer upon us, bring your pooch on an outing to both benefit those animals that are less fortunate or to just munch on organic treats. Here are five of the best animal-focused events coming up.
5. Come! Sit! Play! Improv Comedy Show
9:30 p.m. Friday, August 9, at Showtime Theatre, 503 SE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. Visit sickpuppiescomedy.com.
While the comedy troupe may be sick, they are friends to the animals. The group, led by Casey Casperson, sells up to two throne-like seats for each show. The whopping $100 ticket has been purchased the last 3 months, and it scores you a couch, front and center for the show, and a warm, fuzzy feeling. The entirety of the ticket cost is matched by the Puppies, and donated to the Humane Society.
"Dogs have been very near and dear to my heart ever since I was a little kid. There were times where my only friend was a dog," says Casperson.
The Humane Seat for Friday's Come! Sit! Play! is still available. Also, as a first, audience members are invited to try out their funny bone by joining the cast after the show onstage.
4. Pawty Time
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, August 11, at The Shoppes at Village Pointe, 6018 SW 18th Street, Boca Raton. Visit Facebook.
The Shoppes at Village Pointe are going to the dogs! Pawty Time is a pet-friendly event created just for Fido. Included at the Pawty will be entertainment, dancers, art, bounce houses, food, a Happy Dog Contest, pets for adoption, and more. Four-legged models are part of the fashion show. And we ain't talking about any human crawling down the runway.
Vendors at the event will donate 10% of their proceeds to Tri-County Humane Society.
3. Animal Adoption Fair
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, August 25, at War Memorial Auditorium, 800 Northeast 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale. Visit animaladoptionfair.com.
Bring Spot to enjoy a day out on the town and maybe pick up a friend. This animal adoption fair features more than 50 rescue organizations with their pets for adoption, including dogs, cats, ferrets, rats, birds, and more. Yes, rats!
Information, exhibits, auctions, and raffles will take place. Vaccinated and well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to attend. The fair was created to bring attention to homeless animals and their needs in this community.
2. Pup Crawl
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, September 29, in the 200 block of Clematis Street, West Palm Beach. Visit pupcrawlwpb.com.
The doggies are on display at this free, pet-centered event. Join in for music and food vendors, pet demonstrations, kids activities, pet vendors, adoptions, and mascot appearances.
A pet parade of pups wearing their best looks takes center stage midday. Restaurants and businesses will be offering specials to those sporting the Pup Crawl wristband, available for purchase for $10 from on-site non-profits.
1. Canines & Cocktails Sundays
5:30 p.m. Sundays through February 12, 2014, at Preston's Wine and Martini Bar at the Riverside Hotel, 620 East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Visit this site.
Bring your pup for a yappy hour in the shaded courtyard. You and Rover can people-watch and wind down on Sundays at the Riverside Hotel. People receive half off drinks and appetizers. Four-legged friends will receive water and organic treats. Pretty snazzy for an animal that greets friends by sniffin' it's bottom.
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