Tory was a bit reluctant to kiss on the first date, even if that seems to be standard practice for the 120-pound three-year-old.
Despite Victoria Minish urging the waist-high Great Dane to plant one on a stranger, the pup wouldn’t budge.
“I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my entire life because of these two dogs,” said Minish, Tory’s owner. “It’s unconditional love.”
Minish, Tory and Skylar, a 150-pound, four-year-old Great Dane in a pink glitter tutu, were among thousands of pet owners and animal lovers at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando Saturday.
The trio made the trek from Altamonte Springs for the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando’s annual Paws in the Park fundraiser. The event, with an expected attendance between 10,000 and 12,000 people, is one of two major events organized to benefit the nonprofit.
Steve Bardy, the alliance’s executive director, said the day was free, but they expected to raise $100,000 for the organization. Donations came from sponsors and private citizens who gave online and at the park.
Photo Gallery: See more pooches, paws and fun from Lake Eola »
Saturday featured activities any furry friend — and their owners — could love. Vendors were set-up featuring the latest in animal accessories and services, including doggie spas, dog skincare lines and leashes.
California-based Splash Dogs constructed an above-ground pool for a dock-jumping dog competition. Visitors could round out their Saturday morning by taking family photos with their pets featuring special guests, Walt Disney World’s very own Mickey Mouse and Pluto characters.
Bardy said Disney has been one of the alliance’s biggest supporters, making the organization one of only three that Disney promotes to its team members.
He said the day was the alliance’s way of thanking the community for supporting them the last eight decades.
“We appreciate all the people that came to Pet Alliance last year and adopted their pets and the previous 80 years,” Bardy said.
Funds raised from Paws in the Park helps pay for animal services performed on dogs and cats the alliance make available for adoption. Dogs cost about $325 and each cat costs $225 before they’re ready.
And as the organization charges average adoption fees between $25 and $50, there’s a gap that needs to be covered for each rescued animal, said Bardy. Last year, the group adopted out 7,217 animals.
Doug Glicken, chairman of the alliance’s board, said it takes the entire community to keep the organization running.
“It really does take a community to come together and realize the importance of the pets in our lives and saving the lives of animals,” Glicken said.
Tiffany Halley, who adopted her cat from the alliance, said she wasn’t surprised by Saturday’s crowd.
“There’s tons of people out there that care about pets.” Halley said. “Dogs, cats, anything. I even saw a pig out here.”
Halley found her dogs becoming the subject of a popular photo opportunity Saturday as she was dressed up as a hot dog vendor. Her three dachshunds were strapped in hot dog costumes, complete with ketchup garnish.
“When it comes to animals, people will do mostly anything for their pets,” she said.
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