Get Pup Close and Personal at the
Amanda and Toby’s story ... Amanda rescued Toby, an 8-year-old Bischon Frise, in 2011. She says “Toby is the best dog ever” just like a doting parent. Last year, Amanda and Toby moved to FWB but they didn’t know anyone and wanted to make new friends. She checked online for local “dog” groups, but none were found. So Amanda created a local meet-up group and it has been well received. Her Pooch Group currently has 185 members. They meet at local dog parks, dog-themed charity events, and fundraisers like the Bark for Life race benefiting the American Cancer Society. Amanda’s real estate broker at My Ardor Realty encourages agents to contribute a portion of their commissions to a local charity or local cause of choice, and will match the amount donated. Now that’s a pawsome idea to give back and help fund our many local projects. Amanda says that this Pooch Group has been a great way for members with furry kids to make new friends and create lasting connections in the Destin- FWB areas.
Sit and Stay ... Our dogs give us their all, but Sanctuary Friends Network is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization that helps people by providing free vacations for families affected by cancer. Since its inception they’ve helped 70+ families. This group is establishing a presence on the
Donating Funds ... Help for furry friends is always welcome, but donating your vacant condo for a week or weekend to a worthy family who will cherish that last vacation with a loved one forever is a generous humanitarian gift which will provide memories for a lifetime. Contact the Sanctuary Friends at www.sanctuaryfriendsnetwork.com and/or Dr. Hughes at 850-855-6436.
When Snuggles faces Human Struggles … Sadly, one out of two marriages may end in divorce. So what happens to the dog when two people who love the dog equally decide to live separate lives? Believe it or not, couples can agree to “time sharing” the dog, just like they do for children. Weekends, holidays, vacations etc. can actually be stipulated in a settlement. Here’s the scoop on terms one might ask to be included. Both parties to split the cost of pet insurance to cover any major medical care, annual vaccinations, flea/tick and heartworm prevention products, quarterly grooming fees, food, and each party to pay their own boarding costs. When divorce occurs, it affects everyone in the family, including the dog. Keeping your children’s lives as normal as possible is very important, so bringing their best furry friend along from one parent's home to the other for comfort helps make the children’s adjustment a little bit easier.
Mark Your Spot ... On the calendar for the Destin Pooch Palooza is Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Destin City Annex Parking lot by the
Tucker's Tales ... Before digging up your yard for any reason, call the utility companies to mark the spots that could be dangerous.
Lacy's Licks ... Need to dig up business? Get one leg up on competitors by placing a “Snip N Save” Coupawn below this column for only 25 bucks. Call The Log at 850-837-2828
Hunting for a Dog Friendly Rental? Call 1-800-547-0805; use promo code RE143 for a discount.
Chow for now.
P.A. DeFrenza, a.k.a The Destin Dog Whisperer/Pooch Scoop Reporter, is a resident of Destin, freelance writer and American Red Cross volunteer. Send your upcoming pawsome news and/or events, to mustlovedogs850@gmail.com.