Doggone Shopping
Jan 24, 2022 10:19AM ● By Ann Marie O’Phelan
Going to a shopping center can be a lot of fun. Who doesn’t love to people-watch, window-shop, and be entertained? Our four-legged friends also like it; they get to socialize, check out new scents, and take a nice walk. Plus, let’s not forget they love the car ride getting there. Several shopping malls in Southwest Florida welcome dogs; some even host dog-adoption events.
Mercola Market in Cape Coral hosts dog events for the Cape Coral Animal Shelter (CCAS). The market also allows CCAS to use its community room for puppy training classes and yoga to benefit the shelter. “After training and yoga, attendees can grab some great refreshments and shop at the beautiful Mercola Market,” says executive director Liz McCauley. Walk, Wiggle & Wag, to be held on January 15, 2022, is an event to benefit the shelter animals. “It’s going to be a great way to show off your pups and raise money for the CCAS,” adds McCauley. See capecoralanimalshelter.com for more information.
Although only service animals are allowed at Edison Mall in Fort Myers, GCHS hosts Edison Mall Mutts the second Thursday of every month from 11:30 am. “Several furry ambassadors walk the mall during the event,” says Brian Wierima, GCHS community relations coordinator. Mall Mutts is held in partnership with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Outreach Center—where the event starts and ends. The public is welcome to enjoy donuts and coffee. Pet-friendly Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers also has dog-adoption events.
IF YOU GO
Bell Tower
Daniels Parkway & US 41, Fort Myers
239-489-1221; belltowerfl.com
Edison Mall
4125 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers
239-939-5464; shopedisonmall.com
Mercola Market of Cape Coral
125 SW 3rd Place, Cape Coral
239-599-9400; mercolamarketcc.com
Ann Marie O’Phelan is a Southwest Florida resident and regular contributor to TOTI Media.
