The SPCA of Central Florida is celebrating its 70th birthday and is inviting everyone to a great big party, the 13th Annual Paws in the Park. The event will be held Saturday, February 10, 2007 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.

Paws in the Park is a leisurely pet walk with a purpose to raise money for animals in the SPCA shelter and programs to help people and pets in the community. There will be pet contests (the photo above is of one of the winners from last year), plenty of shopping, information booths from local pet-friendly businesses, and entertainment for the four- and two- legged set.

If you and your pet would like to participate in the walk, you can register as an individual team or create your pack online and even develop a personal Web page to gather donations.

MiaBella has an excellent fundraising program for non- profit organizations that offers an exceptionally large profit potential.

Naturally-scented votive and jar candles are an excellent (and non-fattening!) way to raise much needed funds for pet rescue groups. The hypoallergenic candles can bring recurring enjoyment to your supporters as well as recurring income for rescue projects.

For information and assistance with your fundraising project, contact Bruce Cornely at 352-331-1806 or send an email to hydrant@baskerbeagles.com.

Located on one of the nicest stretches of beachfront on the east Florida coast, Quality Suites Oceanfront tells us they "like pets." So of course, we like them.

The property sets aside certain rooms for pets. It's important to let them know about your pets when you make your reservation so they can make sure an appropriate room is available. Quality Suites normally accept pets under 40 pounds, depending on the pet. They normally accept two or three pets, again, depending on the pets. There's a $35 per night pet fee with special rates for longer stays. You'll find a handy walk area for pets on the property grounds and Jacksonville Beach allows leashed dogs on its beaches after 5 p.m.

1. A dog scout troop is now forming for the Southwest Florida region (Charlotte, Lee, Sarasota counties.) Bi-weekly meetings will include activities such as hiking, camping and canoe outings, fundraisers and more. For more information, please contact Stephanie at stephanie.rousso@myfwc.com or 941-815-3499.

Meet Molly and CJ, adorable beagle companions to Catherine Fitzgerald of Spring Hill.

Catherine wants to start a dog park in her area, Hernando County. She says her little dogs are her inspiration. "My beagles mean the world to me and before moving to Florida from Boston, we would all go everywhere." If you'd like to help Catherine organize a dog park, contact us and we'll get word to her.