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Dogs Rule At Park Party

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

A boxer and bull dog romp in a wading pool at Dr. Hal Ott's Off-Leash Dog Park in Ruskin. Hundreds of people and their dogs turned out for the park's third anniversary celebration.

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By LOIS KINDLE lkindle@tampatrib.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 26, 2008

RUSKIN - Hundreds of dogs and their people turned out Nov. 15 for the third anniversary of the Dr. Hal Ott's Off-Leash Dog Park at 21st St. S.E. and Third Ave. S.E.

Organized by Hillary Stewart, co-owner of Give A Dog A Bone and customer Andrea Rocca, the four-hour event included a kissing contest, rescue dog parade, costume contest and lots of raffle drawings. While owners relaxed, their canine friends romped throughout the park and splashed in wading pools.

The fundraiser brought in $2,500 for Ott, a Ruskin veterinarian who spends more than $400 per week to maintain the grounds.

Local sponsors included Canine Cabana, Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort, Cruzin' K-9 Cuts, The Kitty Groomer, Camp Bow Wow, Give A Dog A Bone, WineStyles of Riverview, Pets Paws and Beyond, Hydro Harvest Farms and The Furry Godfather.

"It was a successful event," said Stewart. "The park means so much to the community, and this is our way of saying thanks to Dr. Ott for his generosity."

Speaking at the event, Ott announced plans for restrooms, two more covered shelters and a new "green" home he will build adjacent to the park. It will be open to the public to promote energy conservation, he said.

Stewart plans to host another fundraiser for the park early next year.

Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553.

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