The Collier County Sheriff’s Office along with its partners at Collier County Parks & Recreation, Domestic Animal Services and the American Heart Association invited the public to take their dogs for a stroll around the park’s 1.5-mile lake as a fun way to get heart healthy.
More than 100 dog owners attended the event to enjoy the beautiful weather while walking around the lake. Attendees also had a chance to meet with CCSO representatives to discuss the various ways to stay safe, pose for a commemorative snapshot by photographer Sara Timmons and learn about local animal rescue organizations including DAS, The Pit Bull Crew, Humane Society Naples and Shy Wolf Sanctuary. The Lucky Dog Company provided a mini-agility course for the dogs to try out as well.
McGruff the Crime Dog was dubbed the event’s “Dog of Honor” and was seen mingling with his fellow canines.
The dogs also had a chance to strut their stuff during the inaugural cutest dog contest; emceed by Michael Toolan of Collier County Parks & Recreation and judged by McGruff and two local survivors of heart disease.
It was a tough decision for the judges as all the dogs were cute, but they managed to narrow it down to the top three contestants: Ember the German shepherd, Marley the beagle and Tad the Siberian husky mix. Six additional dogs earned runner-up recognition.
The dog walk raised more than $400 and all proceeds will benefit the AHA in recognition of American Heart Month.
Photos by Kristi Lester/CCSO(5)
