“THREE PHOTO GALLERIES: Pets parade on Third Street South in Naples - Naples Daily News” plus 1 more

THREE PHOTO GALLERIES: Pets parade on Third Street South in Naples - Naples Daily News

Posted: 22 Jan 2011 03:56 PM PST

NAPLES — Pets were parading through paradise at the third annual Pets on Third in Naples on Sunday.

More than 100 pets participated in the parade and costume contest along Third Street South to benefit the city of Naples Dog Park, which is to open in February in the city government complex on Goodlette-Frank Road and Central Avenue.

The theme, pets in paradise, sparked instant creativity for the costumed artist Jacquee Krause, who contributed a painted retired city of Naples fire hydrant that will be auctioned at an event yet to be scheduled in the spring.

"They said 'paradise' and so right away I thought 'cheeseburger in paradise,'" she said, referring to a Jimmy Buffet song.

Krause and her boyfriend Corey Cabral and their 8-year-old Jack Russell terrier named Captain strolled down Third Street South, each wearing Caribbean-style clothing and sunglasses. Captain sat on a surfboard while being toted along in a wagon.

Krause wasn't alone in her Buffet train of thought.

Among the pets and owners streaming by were a herd of cattle, or at least humans and dogs dressed like cows, Pittsburgh Steeler fans covered in black and yellow gear, doggy shoppers donning miniature versions of downtown shopping bags, Red Hat Ladies and Hawaiian-shirted tourists with fur and without fur.

Judy East and her miniature Dachshund named Lucy, 6, wore the red hats and purple clothes of the Red Hat Society social group.

"We always look alike because of our long noses and short hair," East joked.

The cows were another take on the Cheeseburgers in Paradise idea and the costumes were handmade by Jay Miller, owner of Jay's Fabrics in Naples. Miller said he was new to dressing up his pets, but he instantly rose to the top as winner of the most original costume along with his son Zachary, 9, and dogs Brody, a 3-year-old chocolate Labrador Retriever, and Poncho, a 9-year-old Chihuahua.

Naples Mayor Bill Barnett was among the judges, who decided to give add an honorable mention to each of the four winning categories because there were so many great costumes, said event organizer Jody Rosenbaum.

A mention of the dog park's opening in about four weeks made by its designer Matthew Kragh got the crowd cheering.

"If it weren't for Matt Kragh, we wouldn't have a dog park," Barnett said.

The dog park cost about $250,000, which was raised entirely by donations. If donations and fundraisers, such as Pets on Third, continue with the same level of success, not only will tax dollars not be used for the park's operational costs, but a user fee won't be needed, said Dave Lykins, director of the city's community services department.

Winners received treats such as stays at the Wiggle Butt Inn for pets and pet portraits by artist Michele Kortbawi Wilk, who also painted one of the four fire hydrants.

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Meet the Merchant: A haven for all Hoboken dog and cat owners, Cornerstone Pets takes pride in ... - NJ.com

Posted: 02 Feb 2011 05:06 AM PST

Published: Wednesday, February 02, 2011, 8:26 AM

Ever since he was a kid, Jeff Laylon, owner of Cornerstone Pets in Hoboken, has had a passion for working with animals. However, after going to school to become a dog trainer, Laylon spent nearly two decades working apart from animals.

On a whim nearly eight years ago, the entrepreneur felt it was finally time to pursue a career he could feel passionate about.

Shortly after opening Cornerstone Pets, which specifically caters to dogs and cats, Laylon knew he had made the right decision. His business quickly became a "community resource," Laylon explained. "People come here for everything from diagnoses (of illness) to dog walking."

Perhaps Laylon's shop has become such a "cornerstone" in the pet community because of the equally strong passion for animals that all of his employees share; all of which have some kind of professional or recreational animal background. They have been involved with animals on all end of the spectrum, from working with PETA to owning a dog walking business.

Laylon's shop is not only popular because of the employees and the relationships they have with their furry customers.

"Gear, Grub and Garnish" is Laylon's slogan, and he backs it up with an a "full line" of products. The shop carries everything from all-natural premium foods and products to medications and pet apparel.

Business name: Cornerstone Pets

Address: 105 Ninth St.

Phone: (201) 653 - 7755

Website: cornerstonepets.com

Hours: Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Owner's name: Jeff Laylon

Why did you go into business: After spending nearly 20 years working apart from animals, Laylon felt the need to incorporate his passion for animals into his professional life.

How long have you been in business: The store opened in 2004.

What can customers find here: Anything a dog or cat could ever need or want.

Price range: Very reasonable. Treats and other products can be purchased for under a dollar while products like health supplements and grooming accessories are on the pricier side.

What makes this store unique: The extensive and knowledgeable animal background of all the employees and the shop's relationship with the area as a "community resource."

Who does the store cater to: Dog and cat owners and lovers.

What are the owner's future plans: Just recently, Laylon expanded his business to the Internet community and customers can now order products online from all over the country. Accomplishing this was a big goal of his and Laylon is very content with the state of his business right now. The most likely location for a second shop, which he has given some thought to, would be Jersey City.

What does the owner like best about this location: Laylon loves being midtown, right off Washington. The rent is much lower, and his business is just as accessible.

Pets Zone

Wednesday, February 2, 2011