Doggone Shopping: Shopping and Events For Our Four-Legged Friends

Jan 27, 2022 01:51PM ● 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, Gulf Coast Humane Society 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 in Fort Myers also has dog-adoption events.