Plaza Bella to Present Wagapalooza Saturday

Dress your pooch in its silliest costume and head on over to on Saturday for Wagapalooza, a celebration of four-legged friends, Saturday, March 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

owner Roz Creager said Wagapalooza is an opportunity for residents to have some fun with their dogs while raising funds for pet rescue groups.

"It's just a chance to spend a nice afternoon with you pet and meet some new friends," said Creager. "In past years, we've had a couple of hundred people and their pets attend."

This is the fourth year Plaza Bella has hosted this event, which will feature a pooch parade and pet contests for a $5 donation, including best costume, best old-timer, best tail-wagger and best look-alike.

All well-behaved, leashed dogs are invited along with their two-legged counterparts.

Dr. Jim Antunano of of Valrico will be on hand to offer pet advice. Also on hand with freebies and information will be of Riverview, of Valrico, Uncle G's Bed & Biscuit of Dover, Tropical Petwear of Pinellas County and Paul Mitchell pet care representatives sponsored by in Plaza Bella.

Pet owners can have photos taken with their pets.

In addition, there will be raffles for baskets including a gift basket, valued at $300, that includes a Kindle Fire. Tickets are $4 each or $20 for six tickets.

Rescue groups benefitting from Wagapalooza include Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort of Ruskin, Greyhound Rescues and Adoptions of Tampa Bay and Florida Boxer Rescue.

Plaza Bella is located on Bloomingdale Avenue at Bell Shoals Road. For more information, call Green Boutique at 813-685-9494 or at 813-681-8686.