
Cutest Dog Contest winner Lily the Newfoundland. PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA HUSTED
Dogs of all shapes, sizes and creeds showed up this year to the annual Mutts & Martinis event held at CJ’s on the Bay. For each martini purchased by a human, half of the cost went towards the Greater Marco Family YMCA’s summer camp program, the event’s beneficiary. There was also a silent auction with items from restaurants and other local businesses, three separate cutest dog contests, a

Marcel the poodle.
This is the second year in a row that the YMCA has held the event. Previously, local charity Bedtime Bundles put it on. This year over 460 people and their doggies came out to support the fundraiser. There were big dogs, little dogs, dogs in costumes, humans

Councilman Ken Honecker holds Alexis, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel.
“This event is a labor of love,” said one of Mutts & Martinis organizers, Dianna Dohm. “All of us just love the animals. But even more importantly we love where the money goes

Marco Islander Miranda with her pup.
As a nonprofit, the YMCA relies on events such as these in order to support their ongoing effort to serve the community. “The YMCA serves the whole of Marco Island, but we also serve East Naples,” said Fritzi Holmes, chairman to the event. “There are a lot of families that are in need and the Y never turns down anybody for their inability to pay.

A squeaker on volunteer photographer John Ritchie’s camera helped get thedogs’ attention.
According to Holmes and the many volunteers that came together on the committee, this was the most successful Mutts & Martinis yet.
Mutts & Martinis
Contest Winners:
Cutest Dog Winner:
Lily the Newfoundland
Best Dog in Costume:
Carlos the Havanese as Elvis
Best Duo:
Jake the golden retriever as Jake from State Farm
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