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Doggie event at Promenade

The second annual spring parade and doggie bone hunt will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 9, in the center court of the Promenade in Bonita Springs. The Easter bunny will be present for photo ops with your pets, and pets in costume will be able to show off their spring attire in a parade. The event benefits the Animal Refuge Center in North Fort Myers. For more information, call 633-0021.

Prevent cruelty

April is Animal Cruelty Prevention Month, and Lee County Animal Services has several animals in the agency’s care who are in need of new homes. The agency sees abuse cases daily that include overt abuse, dog fighting, neglect and much more. Citizens are urged to be aware and contact animal services if they see signs of neglected animals. To see a list of animals for adoption, and to learn more about animal cruelty laws in your area, visit www.leelostpets.com.

Easter not a time for pet gifts

The Humane Society of Collier County is urging consumers to just say no to buying bunnies, chicks, ducklings or other live creature this Easter season. Rabbits, chicks and ducklings can be wonderful pets, but are very sensitive creatures that need special care, and have life expectancies of up to 10 years. Those who cannot be dissuaded must be sure that the landlord or community association allows animals, in addition to the rest of the family, and that the animal has a responsible adult who is willing to care for the animal. Of course, they are urged to adopt at the Humane Society.

Resist ducklings this Easter

In addition, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reminds citizens that mallard ducklings should not be purchased as an Easter gift. No one may possess, buy or sell mallards without special permits from the FWC, and releasing them is prohibited. Domesticated ducks, once released, can transmit diseases and compete with native wildlife for food and habitat, and mallards threaten the protected Florida mottled duck. For more information, call 850-488-5878.

Lee Humane Society needs foster homes

The Humane Society of Lee County is in urgent need of foster homes for puppies and kittens. Fostering is a great way to help an animal in need while he or she waits for his or her permanent home, and provide a safe haven where an animal can get tender loving care until they are ready to be adopted. HSLC provides all medical care, medicines and food that a foster animal may require during their stay. Fostering times vary from a few weeks to a few months, or whatever you are able to provide. For more information, call Tracy Jones at 332-0364.

Lee Animal Services urges spaying/neutering

Lee County Animal services urges pet owners who haven’t altered their pets to do so out of love for their companion animals. Spaying and neutering greatly reduces the chance of breast cancer, and prevents various reproductive tract disorders, while neutering eliminates the risk of various testicular diseases. For more information on spaying and neutering, please call Lee Animal County Services at 432-2083.

PETS OF THE WEEK

• Bianca is a 6-month-old, spayed female, domestic short-haired white beauty. She is fun, playful and loving. She is good with other cats. Adoption fee is $55. To meet Bianca, call 450-6301 or go to www.CollierRescue.com .

• Chocolate is a 1-year-old, long-haired, chocolate point Siamese mix. She is very affectionate and sweet, with a lot of personality. She is good with other cats. Adoption fee is $55. To meet Chocolate, call 450-6301 or go to www.CollierRescue.com .

Area agencies offering animals for adoption include:

• The Friends of Gummi in Naples, 290-2485, or e-mail JRudolph@aol.com.

• The Animal Refuge Center, 731-3535, or go to www.animalrefuge.com.

• Lee County Animal Services, 432-2083, or www.LeeLostPets.com.

• The Greyhound Adoption Kennel, 731-3187, or www.greyhoundadoptionkennel.com.

• S.P.A.Y.-Lee Inc., 939-3680 or 936-2727.

• Second Chance for Greyhounds, 454-0880, or www.secondchanceforgreyhounds.org.

• Humane Society of Lee County, 332-0364, or www.humanesociety-leecounty.org.

• Humane Society of Collier County, 643-1555, or www.collierhumanesoc.org.

• Collier County Domestic Animal Services, 530-7387.

• Golden Rescue In Naples Inc. (a Naples-based golden retriever rescue group), 514-2715 or goldenrescueinnaples.petfinder.org.

• Homeward Bound Greyhounds, 353-7335 or e-mail homewardbndgreys@aol.com.

Area agencies with adoptable pets may submit photos and information to cccottrill@bonitanews.com. Pet-related activities are also welcome for The Pet Corner, a column that is published with Pets of the Week.