Dogs ruled in December at PV’s first-ever charity picnic designed just for them, canines big and small and some 60 devoted owners sharing good times and delicious doggie bag lunches on the beach.

The brainchild of videographer Laura Gelezunas and restaurant owners Peter and Tari Bowman, it shows that working out sparks great ideas. The three of them were chatting about ways to raise money for the animals of PV, when the Bowmans generously offered to host an event that would benefit those at the Centro de Acopio (our local pound).

Along with a doggie fashion show, an obedience demonstration and a raffle with all kinds of great prizes, all five of the acopio dogs attending the event found homes. And about a thousand dollars were raised, organizers hoping to make next year’s Pet Picnic even bigger.