The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables really went to the dogs in early March, all kinds of dogs — big ones, small ones, sleek ones, fluffy ones — all of them there to support Pets’ Trust Miami, the initiative to stop the killing at Miami-Dade Animal Services.
The festivities also brought together animal lovers from across the county who support the Pets’ Trust initiative that appeared on the ballot in 2012 and received almost 500,000 votes of support. Fully 65 percent of the voters cast their ballot to accept a small property tax increase that would have been earmarked to provide low-cost or free spaying and neutering of animals and help end the problem of animal overpopulation in the county. The program would have been a model for nation.
More than 800 people guests attended the Biltmore soirée, walking or carrying more than 300 dogs through the hotel’s Country Club Ballroom. All were there to continue the fight to prevent the killing of thousands of animals annually by the county’s Animal Services unit.
In the hotel ballroom, there were numerous food vendors including representatives from the Crepemaker, Roasters and Toasters, Catch of the Day, Mike’s Italian, Catering by Les, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, RA-sushi, Homestead Smoke and Spice and News Café.
There were delicious crepes, fresh fish, omelets and even bagels. Special gourmet fare was provided by Doggie Bag Café for all of the four-legged guests. Desserts were provide by Martica’s Sweet Creations, Cao Chocolate and the scrumptious confections from You Oughta’ Taste My Mama’s Cakes. It was definitely a feast! There were animal friendly vendors such as Zen Pet Spa, Planet Looa, The Dog Charmer, Pet Limousine Services and PetSpa. Links of Love was there with Dr. LaShonn McNair and their original traveling veterinary van. Portrait photographs were made by photographers Jacqueline Douli and Debora Rosenn.
Event sponsors included Williamson Cadillac, the top Cadillac retailer in the Southeast and second in the entire nation; Comprehensive Life Coaching, who ensure that pets will be cared after an owner dies; Blue Angel Soaps, Gossip Girl Boutique, Realtor JoAnn Roberts, photographer Lisa Renee Rodriguez, Nerium Skin Care and Educated Health Care Choice. Hand and Stone Massage was on hand to relax guests’ muscles while Dogapy gave a similar treatment to pets.
Master of ceremonies for the event included Eliot Rodriguez from Miami’s CBS4 News and Ron Magill of ZooMiami. Both kept the crowd entertained, as did the doggie fashion show with Designs by Diane and ShihNanigans, hosted by G Girl Productions.
The dogs and their owners got a Spring Preview of fashion for the Pet Set. And there were animals available for adoption by Coastal Boxer Rescue, 600 Million Dogs and Chain of Love Abandoned Dogs Everglades.
For more information, go to www.petstrustmiami.com
