Be a party animal at Lily’s 7th birthday bash
Island living has become a dog’s heaven.
Many island businesses allow pets to be carried in by their owners and dogs are allowed to enjoy the white beaches so long as they are tethered to a leash. The nearly 30 miles of sidewalks and trails helps four-legged family members get a traffic-free walk.
However, the lives of Lily and company – Gracie and Angel – are the epitome of good canine living. As the namesake for the Sanibel-based Lily & Co., the Australian-born Lily was recently honored as Top Dog in jewelry retail for fulfilling her role in being the “face of the brand.”
“She has won numerous national marketing campaigns,” said Dan Schuyler about the success of Lily.
The doggie trio will be hosting a bash in celebration of Lily’s 7th birthday, Gracie’s 8th birthday and little Angel’s 3rd birthday at Lily & Co. Jewelers. This annual event honors the dogs of co-owners Schuyler and Karen Bell. Now in its fourth year, the party has become the not-to-be-missed event for canines and their owners.
“We invite all canines to the party,” said Schuyler.
There will be a tent erected over the store’s parking lot, where pooches can enjoy spring water, pup-cakes and gourmet dog biscuits from Island Paws. Bailey’s General Store will provide additional refreshments for the two-legged friends. Items such as a basket of goodies from Island Paws valued at $500 and a diamond doggie-bone necklace valued at $800 will be part of a raffle with proceeds benefiting Animal Refuge Center.
ARC is a non-profit, non-euthanasia organization in North Fort Myers dedicated to caring for unwanted and neglected dogs and cats. Raffle tickets, which sell for $1 each or six for $5, are available in advance at Island Paws, 630 Tarpon Bay Rd., and Lily & Co., 520 Tarpon Bay Rd.
“We do this every year,” added Schuyler about supporting ARC. “There will be dogs available for adoption through ARC attending the party.”
For dogs that like to dress up, a costume contest will be held and prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places. For a donation to benefit ARC, caricatures, pet photos over canvas and oil and acrylic paintings of pets will be available by local artists.
“We are excited to continue our annual celebration in honor of Lily,” said Bell, Lily’s adoptive mother. “The dogs and their owners just love to come in and dazzle each other with their festive costumes. And they always enjoy the doggie-friendly pup-cakes we serve.”
The celebration will be from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the couture jewelry company. All four-legged and two-legged family members are invited to help Lily and company party like animals.