Canine Christmas is a family-friendly event featuring all kinds of fun for children of all ages and their furry family members. HT ARCHIVE
The biggest dog day of the year in Sarasota and Manatee counties, Canine Christmas is a free event that attracts over 2,000 people and their furry companions annually to the beautiful, wooded grounds of Bishop Animal Shelter in West Bradenton. In addition to all the fun activities Saturday, you’ll find Santa bringing a sleigh full of dogs seeking new homes, along with vendors selling pet-related and Christmas merchandise, plus food trucks.
All well-mannered and leashed dogs (and their owners) are welcome at the event. If you’re thinking about adding a furry family member this holiday season, more than a dozen local rescues will be at Canine Christmas with adoptable dogs. Cats, and dogs, are available for adoption inside Bishop Animal Shelter.
10 a.m. Meet and Greet
Arrive when the gates open and visit the hundreds of adoptable dogs from local shelters and rescues.
11 a.m. Dog Contests
The shedding contest invites owners to use their hands to see who can collect the most amount of fur from their dogs in one minute. The “roll over rover” rewards the most consecutive rolls in one minute. For “best kisser” a lucky judge will determine which dog is the most skilled smoocher. And then there’s “musical hula hoops,” which follows the same concept as musical chairs.
12 p.m. Parade
Wave at all those adorable, adoptable dogs on display.
Oh yes! She's ready for the fashion show. HT ARCHIVE
1 p.m. Doggy Fashion Show
Hosted by the Doggy Diva, the fashion show categories are Best Christmas Spirit, Best Group, Best in Show, Most Creative, Most Unique, Owner/Pet Duo, Most Humorous and Wild Card Award. Register at caninechristmas.com/events
2 p.m. Doggy Fun Zone
Regardless if your dog is participating or you’re just watching, The Doggy Fun Zone is seriously entertaining. It’s basically a big obstacle course for dogs with a lure that keeps them totally motivated, meaning you’re going to see dogs running, jumping and leaping great heights, and maybe even crashing into some inflatables all while having a whole lot of canine fun.
3 p.m. Parting Gift
Go home with a new furry family member. Merry Canine Christmas!
Canine Christmas
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; Bishop Animal Shelter SPCA, 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton; free; 792-2863; caninechristmas.com
