It's yappy hour

People and their pets can celebrate Baby Benny's Adopt a Pet Yappy Hour on Sunday at Niko's Restaurant in Oldsmar. And while they spend quality time with their pets, adopt pets if they choose, and support a good cause, they can enjoy the services of a number of Pasco County vendors as well.

Scheduled 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Baby Benny's Adopt a Pet Yappy Hour will benefit three Bay area no-kill animal shelters: S.A.L. Suncoast Animal League ( www.suncoastanimalleague.org) in Palm Harbor, Active K-9 (service dogs) in Sarasota ( www.activek-9.com) and Dogma ( http://www.dogmarescue.org/) in Riverview. The event is named for Benny, the dog that Niko's co-owners Andonia and Niko Tirikos adopted from Dogma.

"The qualifications for their participation is that I know they're real, I've been to visit the shelters, they've been to the restaurant, and they survive strictly on donations," explained Andonia Tirikos, also events coordinator at Niko's.

It is the event's vendors who will generate donations for these shelters, as their vendor fees will be donated to these animal help agencies; among these are Pasco-based participants such as Karin King of Land O' Lakes, who under the moniker "The Bag Lady" ( thebaglady_4u@yahoo.com) sells fashion handbags.

"I speak for those who cannot speak for themselves when I say: 'Adopt! Don't shop!' " said King. "There are millions of homeless animals that need a loving home. Millions of healthy others get destroyed every year in American shelters, due to overpopulation. Do the right thing, spay or neuter your pet."

Also representing Pasco are participating vendors Lavish Lawns lawn maintenance and landscaping, based in Trinity and serving upper Pinellas County and Pasco, (727) 453-0087, g8rchomp@tampabay.rr .com; Doggie Cakes, www.DoggieCakes.com, (727) 845-1200, in New Port Richey; and Aussie Pet Mobile, www.aussie uppertampabay.com, which includes Lutz, Wesley Chapel, and Zephyrhills in its service area. Aussie Pet Mobile will offer free teeth cleanings to dogs in attendance.

"Doggie Cakes will bring samples of our freshly baked dog treats and will have them available for purchase, said Jason Longo, marketing and events director. "Favorites include: Peanut Barkers, Tail Waggers, Cheddar Chomps and Cinnamunchies. Their treats are made with human-grade ingredients and include peanut butter and applesauce that they also make fresh and without sugar or additives."

Additionally at Yappy Hour, Tirikos plans a silent auction offering items such as bottles of wine, her homemade biscotti and other luxury items, to benefit the shelters. Also featured will be live music from the group Double Vision, complimentary cake and sweets, as well as pizza, beer and wine specials. Most importantly, says Tirikos, is that those who attend Yappy Hour will be able to learn more about the benefits of pet adoption; and, if they choose, add a four-legged member to their families.

Niko's Restaurant is at 3705 Tampa Road (Forest Lakes Plaza) in Oldsmar.