Mar 25, 2005

PRESS RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
 
Ria Brown, Public Information Specialist, Lee County Animal Services
(239) 432-2090 Ext. 241

Karen Sloan, Library Development Specialist, Lee County Library System
(239) 461-2914
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PugFest Raises $2000 for Reading Festival and Animal Care Trust

Fort Myers, Florida, March 25, 2005Lee County's first PugFest held Sunday, March 20th at the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers raised over $2000 for two local causes. The fundraiser was a joint effort by Lee County's Library System and Lee County Animal Services to benefit the Reading Festival and Animal Care Trust Fund. The Lee County Reading Festival is an annual event to encourage reading and use of the library's resources. The Animal Care Trust Fund provides money for a variety of needs including affordable spay/neuter surgery for disadvantaged pet owners, care of neglected or abused animals, and disaster preparedness for pets.

An estimated crowd of 500 people and 150 Pugs plus other breeds of dogs participated in a variety of activities at this year's PugFest. A book signing by Reading Festival author and illustrator, Dan Yaccarino, of his children's book, "Unlovable" about a Pug, was a featured highlight for Pug-lovers of all ages. A Pug fashion show by Dudley's Dog Bakery and Boutique where Pug models sported the latest in designer fashions was a crowd favorite. A costume contest open to all dog breeds, obedience training and therapy dog demonstrations, pet specialty vendors, a Chinese auction, and Pugs for adoption from Compassionate Pug Rescue, rounded out some of the event's activities.

Cincinnati, Ohio PugFest founder, Stan Hertzman traveled over 1,000 miles to attend the Lee County PugFest with his Pug, Buddy, who served as Grand Marshall. Hertzman adopted Buddy in Fort Myers and started the Cincinnati Pugfest as a fundraiser for Ohio Pug Rescue in 1999.

Event organizers were very encouraged by the community's support of the two causes and the interest generated for the event. Pictures from the PugFest and information about the Animal Care Trust Fund are available on Lee County Animal Services' website at www.LeeLostPets.com. Information about the Lee County Library System's Reading Festival is available at www.lee-county.com/library.

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