LAKE WALES, Fla. – Bok Tower Gardens is going to the dogs for good cause on Saturday, August 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the first annual Bark Tower Gardens’ Dog Day of Summer. For the first time in the 82 year history of the Gardens, leashed and friendly dogs will be invited to visit to help support the Humane Society of Polk County which will receive 50 percent of the event proceeds. Dog admission, including a doggie gift bag, is $5 per dog. Regular human admission rates apply. Call 863-676-1408 or visit boktowergardens.org for more information.
“Many of our members, visitors and staff are dog lovers who enjoy a chance to get out in nature with their pets,” explains David Price, Gardens’ president. “As a haven for wildlife and humans, we hope to have more dog-friendly opportunities in the future.”
Tips on health, safety, dog grooming and adoption as well as some special friends who need a good home will be available from 9 a.m. to noon. “Ask a Vet” and “Ask a Trainer” experts will be on hand to answer questions and doggie boutique items will be for sale. In addition to photos with Santa, judges will select the cutest, most unusual, owner look-a-like, most talented and best kisser with prizes provided for the top three winners in each category. Water bowls and kiddie pools will be located throughout the Gardens.
Many Gardens’ employees plan to bring the dogs they rescued. The tales of Maggie and Punkin, poster-dogs for the event, illustrate the importance of adopting pets from the Humane Society and other rescue shelters.
“It was love at first sight,” describes Martin Corbin when he found Maggie at the Humane Society following Hurricane Katrina. “She literally leapt for joy and seems to know that my wife and I saved her life.”
After losing their house in Hurricane Charley, Joe Hanus and his wife vowed to adopt more dogs as soon as their home was rebuilt. “Shelter dogs seem to appreciate having a home and multiple dogs train each other which is why we now have five dogs. One was adopted with spaying, micro-chip and all her shots for only $25.”
Dog Day of Summer is underwritten in part by the Lake Wales Veterinary Hospital and RaceTrac in Lake Wales. Visitors are encouraged to bring a plastic bag to dispose of pet waste. Visit boktowergardens.org or humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org for more information.
