Move over, March Madness! There’s a new bracket in town, and this one has way more fur. Kathy Cafazzo Photography is officially calling all Gainesville canines to compete in the 3rd Annual Pooch Playoffs, a bracket-style competition where local dogs face off for "barking rights" and the title of North Central Florida’s Ulti-mutt Cutie.

With the NCAA basketball tournament just around the corner, the Pooch Playoffs brings that same competitive spirit to the pet world—all to raise critical funds for Shakespeare Animal Fund.

“Gainesville is a sports-crazed town, but we’re also a dog-crazed town,” says Kathy Cafazzo, owner of Kathy Cafazzo Photography. “We’re looking for our 'Sweet 16' right now. We have a few early birds already photographed and ready to compete, but we have 13 spots left for the community to step up, get a professional portrait of their pup, and help us save lives at Faithful Friends.”

How the Playoff Works: Pet parents can enter their dog for a $99 donation, with 100% of those donations going directly to Shakespeare Animal Fund. Each entry includes:

• A professional boutique portrait session with Kathy Cafazzo.

• A custom acrylic photo keychain of the star athlete.

• A "Player" goodie bag filled with treats from local sponsors like Jazz’s Wonderland, Newberry Animal Hospital, Town & Country Cleaners, Shrunk 3D Gainesville, PetSmart on Archer Road and Pinspiration Gainesville.

Once the "Sweet 16" are set, the brackets go live on March 24th. The community will vote online in head-to-head matchups until one local winner is crowned. That winner will then advance to a National Championship to compete against top dogs from across the country!

“Most of us have a thousand photos of our dogs on our phones, but very few of us have a professional portrait that truly captures their personality,” says Cafazzo. “This is a chance to get that heirloom art while supporting the amazing work that Shakespeare Animal Fund does in our community.”

The Clock is Ticking: With only 13 spots remaining and sessions wrapping up by March 16th, Cafazzo is urging local pet owners to draft their pups into the playoffs ASAP.

Humans can register their furry athletes by calling 352-316-4575 or emailing Kathy@KathyCafazzoPhotography.com. Local businesses interested in joining the "Sponsor Squad" are also encouraged to reach out.

Contact: Kathy Cafazzo 352-316-4575 Kathy@KathyCafazzoPhotography.com