The Paws for Parks Fundraiser was co-sponsored by Tir na nÓg and the Somerville Dog Owners Group and raised $2,628 to benefit Somerville Unleashed, the City's fund for off-leash recreational areas.

With the help of his son Cosmo, Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone judged the contest for "best kisser" at the Paws for Parks Fundraiser, Saturday afternoon, November 19, at Tir na nÓg. Pictured with the Mayor and his son is Happy with his owner, Feargal O'Toole. Six dogs were entered in the contest; the contest entry fee was a $2.00 donation.

Not pictured is Best Kisser, Bonnie, who won a $25 gift certificate to the Neighborhood Restaurant and Bakery. In addition to the contest for best kisser, there were contests for Best Ears, Best Wag, Best Trick, Longest Stay, and Dog-Owner Look-Alike, in which dogs competed for fabulous prizes from Fi-dough Pet Bakery, Boutique and Grooming Salon, Joshua Tree Bar and Grill, Laundromutt, and The Three Ring Binders.

A silent auction raised $740. The prize that went for the highest bid was a free night (with an optional second night at half price) donated by Restful Paws, a pet-friendly bed and breakfast with an indoor dog swimming pool, in Holland, MA, located in the scenic Sturbridge area. Other prizes in the silent auction included accommodations from the pet-friendly Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge; an in-studio pet photo portrait sitting and 8 x 10 print from Picture Perfect Pets in Arlington, MA; a night out in Somerville (dinner for two from Evoo with tickets from the Somerville Theater); Celtics tickets (donated by "Pibbs" and his family), a "Spa Package" and bakery treats from Pet Spa; as well as gifts from local businesses including Atelier Pilates, The Caning Shoppe, Capone Foods, Dave's Fresh Pasta, The Independent Restaurant, Jerry?s Liquors, Nimble Limbs Animal Massage, Old Magoun Saloon, Sabur Restaurant, and the Sherman Café.

Door Prizes were generously donated by Dulra Designd (Ireland); Magners Boston Irish Film Festival; Amy Pipitone, petcare provider; PJ Ryan's, Porter Square Books; Sally O'Brien's Bar, Tags Hardware; and The Truman Collar.

State Representative, Carl Sciortino; Ward 3 Alderman, Tom Taylor; Ward 7 Alderman, Robert Trane; and Aldermen at Large, Denise Provost, Dennis Sullivan and Bill White also attended the fundraiser and helped out by judging contests and drawing door prize winners.

Guests received fleece squeaky toys in the shape of big dog bones from Planet Dog.

Invitations to the Paws for Parks Fundraiser were designed by Hemlock Ink and printed by ADI Print Solutions.

On behalf of the Somerville Dog Owners, thank you, everyone, who helped to make the Paws for Parks Fundraiser a success!