Lee County PugFest II
February 5, 2006

Lee County PugFest II, a sanctioned event of the Edison Festival of Light,  was held Sunday, February 5th at the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers.  The event raised over $3600 for two local causes.  An estimated crowd of 1200 people and 200 Pugs plus other breeds of dogs participated in a variety of activities including the crowning of the King and Queen of  Pugasonia, a Pug Fashion show, and costume contest open to all dog breeds.  A Chinese Auction and vendors with pet paraphernalia to browse or buy rounded out the activities.

The fundraiser was a joint effort by Lee County's Library System and Lee County Animal Services to benefit the Lee County Southwest Florida Reading Festival and the Lee County Animal Care Trust Fund. The Reading Festival,  an annual, day long celebration of the power of reading for adults and children, is an opportunity to meet noted authors from around the country as well as Florida favorites.  The Animal Care Trust Fund was established to assist homeless, abused and neglected animals.  The fund provides for affordable spay/neuter, care, education, direct assistance and other programs to improve animal care and welfare.

Send an e-mail to be notified of next year's event: CLICK HERE!

Here are some pics that captured a few of the event's special moments.  Click on each picture for a larger view.
 
It was definitely the day for Pugs to strut their stuff!

However, it was ultimately Oliver and Pattypug who were crowned King and Queen to rule over all of Pugasonia.  Oliver overcame abuse and blindness to receive his honor and upon being crowned Queen, Pattypug was more than willing to share her royal duties with Oliver.  They led the parade sponsored by Bark Ave. followed by their court and other contestants - all winners in our book!

Following the crowning, the crowd gathered to watch Pug models show off the latest in designer fashions from Dudley's Dog Bakery and Boutique..

A costume contest open to all dog breeds was popular with owners as well as a crowd pleaser.  Valentines were a favorite of pugs and poodles.
Ulysses, the Dragon Pug, took 3rd Place in the Costume Contest. Buffy and Beau cruised through like a couple of Hot Rod Hot Dogs and took 2nd prize.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dylan, the Organ Grinder, and his
Monkey Pug were the 1st Place winners!

Meredith Putney, ABC-7 Anchor, relaxed with a non-pug friend while waiting to judge the Costume Contest.
The crowd browsed vendor booths for pet paraphernalia including books, jewelry, clothing and information on dog training and pug rescue.  Other pet owners had their dogs implanted with nationally registered Microchip Pet IDs.