FISH OF SANCAP’s furry friends are benefitting from incredible community generosity! The recent Captiva Dog Party, hosted by Melissa Halliburton, Founder & CEO of BringFido, and held at the Captiva Civic Association, raised an impressive $5,170 for the FISH Food Pantry, providing nearly 10 months of dog food for pets in need.
The event brought together the community in a fun celebration, all for an important cause—ensuring that island pets don’t go hungry. With the rising costs of pet food and essentials, many families are finding it increasingly difficult to care for their four-legged family members. “We’ve seen firsthand how inflation and rising expenses are impacting not only people but their pets, too,” said Maria Espinoza, Executive Director of FISH. “Thanks to this fundraiser, we can help relieve some of that stress for families, making sure their furry companions are cared for.”
For pet owners, being able to access pet food through the FISH Food Pantry can make a huge difference. Halliburton said “the idea for the Captiva Dog Party sparked when I toured the food pantry with The Charitable Foundation of the Island’s Leadership class last year. When I saw the pet food section and learned that FISH distributes 10,000 pounds of dog food to our island’s residents and employees each year, I knew it was an area where I could help.” With Bailey’s General Store generously providing dog food to FISH at cost, donations go even further, ensuring pets on the islands receive the nutrition they need.
The Captiva Dog Party wasn’t just about raising funds—it was also a fun-filled event for pets and their humans alike. Four-legged guests of the dog friendly luau feasted on an unlimited “Poo-Poo Platter” while their owners sipped tiki cocktails and bid on auction items like a dog-friendly Pack Walk from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, a Private Doga Session from The Treehouse, and an O.E.C. V.I.P. card that entitles the winning pup to free slices of bacon on each visit to Over Easy Café for the next year. Linda Linsmayer’s dog, Frankie, even won a ride in the fire truck with her “Fire Dog for the Day” package from Captiva Island Fire Control.
For those who couldn’t make it to the event, there’s still time to help! Donations can be made at Pierce’s Paw Paradise, where contributors will receive a free lighthouse dog toy or a “pawtographed” copy of BringFido’s book, Ruff Guide to the United States, as a thank-you gift.
FISH continues to be the island’s safety net, providing not just for humans but also for their beloved pets. “Our pets are family and knowing we’re able to ease the burden for owners through the Food Pantry is a wonderful feeling,” Espinoza added.
“A big thank-you to everyone who attended, donated, or supported the Captiva Dog Party, and to the Captiva Civic Association, BringFido, Bailey’s General Store, and Pierce’s Paw Paradise for their generosity. Together, we’re making tails wag and lives brighter on Sanibel and Captiva.”