Cruis’n 4 Paws: Classic Cars and SMART Dogs Make the Perfect Pair

PALM COAST, Fla. – Animals are typically taught to steer clear of vehicles, but at the 3rd Annual Cruis’n 4 Paws event in Town Center, cars and canines came together like peanut butter and jelly.

Hosted in the heart of Flagler County, the event drew hundreds of attendees, all eager to admire a street lined with vintage automobiles and adorable rescue dogs. For many, it was hard to say which stole the show.

Organized by local car enthusiast Bill Heffern, the event combines his love for classic cars with a cause close to his heart — supporting the Saving Missing Animals Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.).

“We do car shows around town, here in Flagler County,” said Heffern. “I’ve been following Caroline Johnson online for years before she started this whole big thing now, and I support her. An amazing woman. We’ll do anything for children and pets. We’ll try to get out there, do an event, and raise money.”

Caroline Johnson, founder and director of S.M.A.R.T., is grateful for the growing support from the car community — and the public.

“It’s amazing seeing the street filled with animal lovers, the community, and businesses,” said Johnson. “It just shows you the power of love and people willing to help animals. Each year it’s grown. The first year we had about 10 cars — and now look, the street’s filled up.”

Beyond showcasing beautiful vehicles, the event offers a chance for attendees to meet some of the rescue dogs currently up for adoption — and maybe find their forever friend.

“We let people meet them here,” Johnson said. “I don’t adopt out on the spot, just to make sure it’s the right fit. If they have other animals, we’ll schedule a meet-and-greet. We had about eight dogs out for adoption today. If someone’s interested, they fill out an application, and we go from there.”

While the dogs drew plenty of attention, car lovers weren’t left out — many stayed to see who would take home awards in various categories.

Richard and Marilyn Steiner didn’t win, but still relished the chance to show off their vintage ride.

“It’s a 1937 Cadillac. I’m the second owner,” said Richard Steiner. “I found it in New Jersey, bought it, and drove it all the way to Georgia. I’ve always loved pre-war cars — since I was 16.”

In a more unusual twist, Best in Show for the 1950s category went not to a car, but a tractor — proudly owned by Robert Polidore of San Mateo.

“I think they’re beautiful,” Polidore said. “Unfortunately, it’s a dying interest with the younger crowd. Most of the tractors I have — I have eight — were going to scrap metal. This one too. I made a deal, gave it some work, and here it is.”

“This one is a ’53, the last year of production for this model. I bought it from an 85-year-old gentleman out in Live Oak. I wasn’t planning on winning, so I was really surprised they gave me Best in Show for the ’50s.”

With wagging tails and roaring engines, Cruis’n 4 Paws proved once again that when a community comes together — whether for horsepower or paw power — everyone wins.