Come on, get yappy BY Rebecca Dellagloria rdellagloria@MiamiHerald.com Like many older bachelors, Lord Diesel was getting a little bit lonely in his later years. Then he met Lady Honey Bunns -- young, vivacious and living just across the street. ''She brought the youth back into him,'' said Rachel Kemner, owner of the 13-year-old Golden Retriever. Saturday, the dogs caused quite a stir during a ''wedding'' ceremony held at the White Lion Cafe in Homestead. The nuptials were part of Yappy Hour, a monthly event where pet owners can get together, bring their dogs and participate in fun activities like dog weddings and pet fashion shows. With lots of barking and tail wagging marking the occasion, Connie Kostyra recited the vows, taking each dogs' paw in her hand and asking them if they would take one another through ``sickness and health, fleas, ticks and every other malady.'' Lord Diesel licked the microphone, thus entwining the two in ``holy barkimony.'' ''We've been trying to get them married for a long time,'' said Debbie Sullivan, owner of Lady Honey Bunns, the bride. ''We needed a great opportunity,'' added Kemner. Besides offering up a chance for some fun, the event has another purpose: raising money for local animal rescue groups. Saturday's event raised money for the Friends of Gummi kitten and puppy shelter based in Naples, with foster homes across Miami-Dade. Laly Albalate, a physical education teacher at Coral Gables High, said she and a few fellow teachers decided to begin the monthly event to help animal shelters and to advertise their side business, the Greatest Store on Earth. The traveling boutique, which operates from the website www.greateststoreonearth.com, hosts parties, offers pet sitting services, and sells doggie fashions and gourmet treats. The first Yappy Hour was held last summer at Casa Larios in South Miami. Lory Swank, owner of the White Lion Cafe at 146 NW Seventh St., said this was the third Yappy Hour held at her restaurant -- with more to come. ''I love animals and there are so many out there that are abused and in need,'' said Swank, who has run the restaurant since 1989. ``We've got to help where we can.'' Laura Pinto, a volunteer with Friends of Gummi, said she heard about Yappy Hour while eating lunch and wanted to sign up. ''It's wonderful,'' she said of the event. ``It's such a great turnout, and all the dogs are so well-behaved.'' Ann Kidd, another South Dade resident who was escorting the winner of the ''Spring Fling'' fashion show, Penney -- a chubby Chihuahua -- around for pictures, said besides being a good time, the event helps raise awareness about the groups that work hard to care for needy and unwanted pets. ''This is just the beginning of something,'' Kidd said of the event. ``I know it's going to take off.'' comeongetyappyarticle Spring fling springfling Thank you for shopping at the Greatest Store On Earth!