Category: Pet(s)

Pet Appreciation Week

Debbie Roney Smith on

PAW, otherwise known as Pet Appreciation Week, is an annual celebration of all things pets! Celebrated from June 4th-10th, PAW is dedicated to the beloved pets that humans share their lives with. Pet Appreciation Week was initiated in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association; it was designed to raise awareness about the beneficial effects of pets.

While Research on human-animal interactions is still relatively new, some studies have shown a positive correlation between human health and the presence of pets. Animals serve as a source of comfort and support; their presence helps decrease stress, improve heart health, and assists children with their emotional/social skills. In fact, kids who read to the real animals have shown better social skills (i.e. sharing, cooperation, and volunteering).

The week-long celebration also functions as a reminder to take care of your pet. Check them for fleas, abrasions, and make sure their relevant vaccines are up to date. Additionally, be sure that their diet is meeting their needs and that they are remaining healthy and active. 

*The photos are of some of Debbie’s beloved pet-babies. Debbie regularly rescues and adopts strays in the Florida Panhandle. 

National Pet Day 2023

Debbie Roney Smith on
Duke, one of Debbie’s furry family members.

Today is National Pet Day! Founded by Colleen Paige in 2006, it’s an annual opportunity to celebrate our animal friends. Paige is an animal welfare advocate and pet-and-family lifestyle expert who wanted to bring attention to the growing needs of many unhoused pets who are waiting to be adopted from shelters.

One of many sweet kitties who live with Debbie.

These animals include more than the standard dogs and cats; rabbits, pigs, birds, and many reptiles are often taken in by shelters or rescue organizations. The phrase “Don’t Shop! Adopt!” is the holiday’s motto. Celebrate National Pet Day by doing your furry family member(s) favorite things, volunteering at an animal welfare organization, or donating resources to no-kill shelters or rescue centers in your area. 

JD, one of Debbie’s furry family members.

North Forida Vegfest

Debbie Roney Smith on

The 7th Annual North Florida VegFest is coming to Tallahassee on March 4th! Visit Tom Brown Park from 10am to 4pm to enjoy the festival. Tom Brown Park is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your well-behaved, four-legged friends; they must be on leash. VegFest is put on by the Tallahassee Vegan/Vegetarian Community to celebrate and educate on the veg-lifestyle. The festival focuses on healthy, sustainable, and compassionate living and is appropriate for all ages and all lifestyles. Entry to the festival is FREE but vendors will be taking cash and card, so come prepared. The festival will feature speakers, cooking demos, food vendors, artisans, healthy living vendors, eco-friendly vendors, non-profits, kids’ activities, and free vegan food samples! Be sure to check the North Florida VegFest website for updates HERE. 

 

 

Pensacola Paw-Di Gras

Debbie Roney Smith on
Click to enlarge the Event Map

Pensacola is kicking off their February Mardi Gras celebrations with Paw-Di Gras. On February 5th from 11:30am to 4pm, come out to Garden Street to enjoy a pooch parade, vendors, adoptable dogs, music, contests, food trucks, and more! The event is free to the public and family-friendly.

The theme of this year’s Paw-Di Gras celebration is Peace, Paws, and Mardi Gras. Pets are welcome but must be on leashes. It is recommended that pet owners be sure their contact info is attached to their pet’s collars/costumes/bead necklaces for safety. Learn more about the event HERE. 

National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

Debbie Roney Smith on

Today is the last day of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. This is a special week that recognizes the hard work animal shelters provide to their communities. Animal shelters provide care to millions of displaced animals across the United States. Yet only 10-20% of owned dogs and cats are adopted from shelters (ASPCA). Additionally, most animal shelters are non-profits which means they depend on donations and grants to stay open while their employees work long hours for minimal pay and benefits.

This is an endemic problem as the services shelters provide are critical to civil orderliness. Shelters not only house stray animals but also find new homes for homeless pets, rescue strays, rehabilitate injured and abused animals, reunite lost pets with their original families, and more! Animal shelters provide necessary animal control and deserve more than to be underfunded and understaffed. Consider adopting from or supporting a local animal shelter today! 

Sip & Stroll in Jacksonville

Debbie Roney Smith on

Every third Thursday of the month, enjoy a night at the downtown Jacksonville waterfront sipping wine, listening to music, and partaking in local eats. Sip and Stroll features specialty cocktails crafted by Manifest Distillery alongside beautiful Florida sunsets. The monthly event is presented by PNC in partnership with the Downtown Investment Authority. Guests can enjoy the picnic area, the southbank riverwalk, and more! Lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and leashed dogs are welcome. Tomorrow is the August Sip and Stroll event. The event starts at 5 pm and goes until 8 pm. Please note that only alcoholic beverages in a branded Sip & Stroll cup are permitted on the Riverwalk during the event; pick up a branded cup at either of the Riverwalk bars.

Carrabelle Riverfront Festival

Debbie Roney Smith on

The 31st Annual Carrabelle Riverfront Festival in Carrabelle, FL is this weekend, April 23rd! Come out this Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm for a full day of family-friendly activities. Admission to the festival is FREE; it is a family and pet-friendly event, so bring out the whole family. The festival will have live music, entertainment, arts & crafts vendors, food vendors, and more. The event is held along the beautiful, historic waterfront and includes admission to some local museums. Additionally, the popular children’s events Captain Davy’s Adventure Show, mini-train rides, and bouncy house are back this year.

To learn more about the event (fashion shows and food vendors and parking, oh my!) visit the official Carrabelle event page here. 

Mardi Gras Barkus Parade

Debbie Roney Smith on

    Tomorrow is the 11th annual Mardi Gras Barkus Parade. This is a special Mardi Gras parade hosted by the Mystic Krewe of Salty Barkers, a Krewe of dogs and their humans.

    The Krewe is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and the parade proceeds will go towards the benefit of local animal charities. The theme of this year’s parade is Pirates of Oyster City; the event will include live music, local food and drink, and arts and crafts vendors. Festivities will start at 11am at Riverfront Park. The parade of costumed dogs, people, golf carts, boats, and floats will begin at 1pm. As always, the King and Queen of the Apalachicola Mardi Gras parade are shelter animals who are up for adoption; they have a place of honor in the parade. Learn more at the Mystic Krewe website here. 

    National Poinsettia Day

    Debbie Roney Smith on
    Today is National Poinsettia Day! Congress created this annual celebration in 2002 as a way to acknowledge the connection between the U.S.A. and Mexico. It is also meant to acknowledge the contributions of Paul Ecke, the founder of America’s poinsettia industry, and Joel Roberts Poinsett, the man who introduced the poinsettia plant to the U.S.A. Poinsett was a botanist, physician, and the first United States Ambassador to Mexico. In fact, even the date is a nod to Poinsett; he died on December 12th in 1851.
    Poinsettias are a perennial shrub botanically known as Euphorbia pulcherrima and when in their native habitat of Mexico, they can grow 10-15 feet tall! Although most people associate poinsettias with the deep burgundy popular in the U.S.A, there are actually over 100 varieties of poinsettias. The shrub comes in colors like the traditional red, white, pink, burgundy, marbled and speckled. While the plants are not poisonous, they do ooze a milky sap that can cause mild irritation and nausea in animals and individuals who are allergic to latex. 

    Veterinary Medicine

    Debbie Roney Smith on

    Today is the International Day of Veterinary Medicine, an annual occurrence meant to encourage a strong veterinary sector that can protect animal and human health and welfare. To celebrate this event, today’s blog is a community highlight of the local veterinary clinic Critter Care of Blountstown.

    Critter Care is a full-service animal hospital that handles both emergency treatment cases as well as pet patients in need of routine medical, surgical, and dental care. Dr. Carla Hubbard, the veterinarian on staff, has years of experience treating serious conditions and offering regular pet wellness care. The atmosphere of the office is friendly and helpful. If you have a beloved animal companion, consider entrusting their healthcare to Critter Care.