Harbor Cruises Go To the Dogs for Pet Day on San Diego Bay

Monday, 10 May 2010
Contact: Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216

They say every dog has his day, but they never said it would be aboard a cruise boat on San Diego Bay.

Dogs are invited to cruise free alongside their owners for Hornblower Cruises and Events' 10th Annual Pet Day on the Bay, on May 15, 2010.

There are some changes to the beloved event. First, there's a new name. What used to be Pet Rescue Day on the Bay is now Pet Day on the Bay. Also new is that this year, the cruise will be held on a Saturday, due to public demand. There will also be a charge of $10, for pet owners, along with the donation of a gently used blanket or towel. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Helen Woodward Animal Center.

"When heavy winter rains forced Helen Woodward Animal Center to evacuate orphaned dogs and cats from their kennels, the donated blankets and towels gave them comfort," said John Van Zante, spokesman for the Center. "This also created an urgent need to replace those supplies that were lost during the flood. Your donation of a new or gently used blanket or towel will help to keep an orphan warm and cozy until its new family takes it to its forever home."

A portion of this year's proceeds will be used by Helen Woodward as they remodel and rebuild its facility, Van Zante said.

The original idea to cruise San Diego Bay with man's best friend came from Hornblower's Marketing Director, Rebecca Milkey.

"I dreamed up Pet Day one Christmas," said Milkey. "I called the Helen Woodward Animal Center to see if they needed any help. I was so happy I could do something that was in my ability to help."

This year, three of Hornblower's bay cruises will "go to the dogs" on May 15:

• 10:30 a.m.
• Noon
  
• 1:30 p.m.

Donations will be collected from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1060 North Harbor Drive (map) at the Hornblower Cruises & Events ticket booth on the San Diego Embarcadero.

• One dog per person on the cruise.
• All dogs must be on a leash.
• Dogs must be "social." Dogs with bad behavior will be asked to leave (owners will be given coupon for return visit without the dog).

Pet Day on the Bay is partly sponsored by the Port of San Diego and Petco.

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