Vernon Ford and Lloyd, a Great Dane, were among the guests on Little Ben's Big Fundraiser Cruise Friday night.

"We are pleased to have beat the donation we made last year ... by over $1,000 and are able to donate almost $7,000 to a special cause that means so much to me," said Michelle Kownacki, Ben's foster mom.

Michelle and her husband Larry own Paws pet boutique in Annapolis, and have been caring for Ben, a Jack Russell Terrier (see entry below) since he was removed, along with more than 300 other dogs, from a North Carolina home after a lawsuit was filed by the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

The ALDF will receive proceeds from the cruise, which left Annapolis City Dock with 150 people and more than 80 well-mannered canines aboard.

"This cruise fundraiser is a way to give back to the this organization that does so much to protect animals in the legal system -- in addition to having a blast in Annapolis with your dog," Kownacki said.

As for Ben, Kownacki reports "he had the time of his life this year."

***

Pets on Wheels will host the second annual Dog-a-thon at Oregon Ridge Park from 10 am to 3 pm. this Saturday, an event that will feature an “almost a mile” fun walk, an agility course, a demonstration by the Baltimore County Police K9 Unit, a pet trick contest, a pet costume contest, and a doggie kissing contest.

Pets on Wheels is a non-profit volunteer organization that provides friendly pet visits from volunteers and their pets to those requiring the support of an institutional setting. Visits are most often to nursing homes; however, assisted living communities and facilities for the physically and mentally challenged are also visited.

Vendors at the Dog-a-thon will be offering -- for a fee -- services including pet micro-chipping and nail clipping. Canned pet food will be collected in support of the Fallston Animal Rescue Movement, Inc., a non-profit organization that works with local shelters to save the lives of pets that have run out of time by placing them in foster homes.

The event, co-sponsored by Upper Chesapeake Health, will benefit the Baltimore Metro/Harford County Pets On Wheels program. For more information, please contact Vicki@PetsOnWheels.org .