When the month of October nears its end, my husband, Tom, as he invariably does, asks me what I would like to have for my birthday (which is November 6).

For the past three years, my answer has been the same–and it will be the same this year, too.  I will share with him that I wish to attend the annual SPCA Tampa Bay Pet Walk.

My annual wish is the result of our adoption (from SPCA Tampa Bay) of a miniature Dachshund.  We renamed the spunky little dog “Moby” (although, as time would tell, his original name, “Rascal,” was befitting).

After adjusting to his new home and overcoming some minor behaviorial issues, Moby wiggled his way into our hearts and has become the love of our lives.  He makes us smile with his antics and loves to go for car rides (check him out . . . in cruise mode in the photo below).  Tom and I are healthier, too, thanks to the daily walks Moby (effectively) begs out of us.  The joy that comes from saving an animal life and having a loving pet as a member of our family is such a wonderful gift-one that we are very grateful for.

Okay . . . I admit to being a doting doggie mama.  But SPCA Tampa Bay does great work on behalf of animals throughout Pinellas County.  They offer free feline spay and neutering services, host Pet Photo Days, and offer training and behavior classes.

The 19^th annual SPCA Tampa Bay Pet Walk, one of the largest and longest-running pet walks in Florida, benefits homeless, abused and unwanted animals at SPCA Tampa Bay.  It is showcased by a one-mile walk along meandering trails at North Shore Park, situated at the water’s edge near The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg (FL).  The Pet Walk will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2009.  Last year’s event attracted more than 2,500 people and raised $212,000!  This year, SPCA Tampa Bay hopes to surpass those numbers.

Event highlights include 80+ vendors, canine activities, refreshments, entertainment, prizes, and contests, including:  The St. Petersburg Times’ SPCA Adoptable Pet Parade; The Iam’s Pet Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest; Frontline/Heartgard SPCA Tent; PetSmart Amateur Agility Course; The Dog Training Club of St. Petersburg Agility Dogs; Pet Photography Studio; Doggie Spa Area; Caricature Artist, and Balloons and Face Painting for kids.

There will be demonstrations of fly ball, K-9 obedience and agility, shopping, music, and the 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House Food Court with yummy treats for pets and people!  Meet and greet radio and TV personalities, media sponsors, enjoy complimentary pancakes courtesy of IHOP, complimentary Zephyrhills Natural Spring Bottled Water, and get team and pet photos taken at the Pumpkin Patch!

There is a $10 registration fee, which makes you an official Pet Walk participant and provides a thank you gift of a pet bandana that you can pick up at donation drop-off sites or on the day of the event.  All proceeds help SPCA Tampa Bay continue to increase pet adoptions, provide 24-hour emergency care for sick and injured strays, investigate suspected animal cruelty cases, educate the public on humane pet care, and so much more.

To my husband, Tom . . .
. . . If you read this, then you will know, without asking, what I wish to have as a gift for my birthday.

To readers of this blog . . .
. . . Join the community celebration!  Put on your walking shoes, grab the leash, and bring your furry friends to the SPCA Tampa Bay Pet Walk.  Tom and I will be there, with Moby, and thousands of friendly people and their pets.

Even if you won’t be celebrating a birthday, you’ll be treated to a special day . . . in Paradise Found!

About SPCA Tampa Bay:
Serving Tampa Bay’s homeless pets, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Tampa Bay has been at the forefront of humane animal care in our community for nearly 70 years.  Today, SPCA Tampa Bay is the largest non-profit humane organization in the area, providing care to homeless and abused animals every year.