The City Green recently turned into a doggy haven. On Sunday, July 27, North Royalton Animal Hospital and Paws at Play Resort presented the 18th annual Pet Carnival. All the dogs were on their leashes staying very close to their pet-parent. Some dogs got to ride in baby strollers, but most walked calmly, sniffing and greeting as they were allowed.
Some dogs got really comfortable and decided to lay their tummies down on the cool grass under the shade. Gunner did exactly that; right in the middle of the agility course. Bob and Judy Schordock wanted Gunner to leave his spot but the 8-year-old Golden Retriever preferred to watch the younger pups make it through the course. One such pup wasn’t a pup at all a 10-1/2-year-old hairless Sphinx cat who came to enjoy the day with her “brothers” two mini-Australian Shepherds, pet owners Mindy and Paul Borowski drove all the way from Massillon to enjoy the day. The agility course was attended by North Royalton Animal Hospital and Paws at Play resort staff: Jessica, Ayia, and Patrick, who were generous with their smiles and encouraging treats for course participants. So many dogs came with their human kids and there were bounce houses and balloon animal attractions for them.
It wasn’t all fun and games, though. There was a lot of information and education too. Proceeds and donations from the North Royalton Animal Hospital Pet Carnival go to fund Molly’s Mission. Molly was a dear pet and family member who lost the battle with cancer. Molly’s Mission was founded by Diane Pellow, Molly’s “mom” to raise money to help pet owners with the cost of caring for seriously ill pets when love is abundant, but money is not. Molly’s Mission is a 503(c) charity.
Some things that are not good for dogs or people are “puppy mill” breeders that sell ‘pure-bred’ puppies. These breeders do nothing to care for the health and well-being of the breeding dogs or the puppies. Betsy Lambright of Bailing Out Benji, www.bailingoutbenji.com had information about the harm puppy mills do to the dogs and to the families that purchase the pups. If you are looking for a pure bred dog, don’t go to the internet or ads in the paper; consult a good veterinary practice like North Royalton Animal Hospital for guidance. Unfortunately, Ohio allows puppy mills, but Bailing Out Benji is working to change that.
The local animal shelter is always a good place to look for a pet because they have trained staff to help care for the dogs. Representatives from Tri-C Veterinary Technology Course were on hand to answer questions about Tri-C’s training program. Many graduates of this program work at North Royalton Animal Hospital. Dr. Adam Hechko and his five vet team at North Royalton Animal Hospital provide the best of care for your pet. As a member of American Animal Hospital Association, the practice strives to meet more than 900 standards of care for dogs, cats, pocket pets like hamsters, and bunnies, and their owners too. Drs. Mary and Natalie, who were on hand to talk to carnival goers, said they enjoyed working at North Royalton Animal Hospital because, “we can get to know the family and the pet which allows us to provide better care” for the four-legged patient.
Dr. Hechko’s family enjoys farming and supports the North Royalton 4H with the core values of Head, Heart, Hands and Heath. These principles encourage young people to develop leadership, responsibility, and practical skills in agriculture and beyond. Two members of 4-H that are young businesswomen are Ava Burrows and Addison Nather.
Ava owns Cluckity Homestead LLC. It is officially licensed and certified by the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) for raising quail and selling quail eggs. Her product is available at Grace Brothers Farm, Nursery and Supply. Quail eggs are not only gourmet, but many people who are allergic to chicken eggs are able to enjoy quail eggs instead.
Addison owns Bunny Blooms. It’s based on poop, little bunny pellets from the other end of bunnies. Addison collects the supply from friends who have bunnies, dries it, packages it, and sells it as an excellent fertilizer right from the bunnies butt. Bunny pellets do not have to go through a composting process like cow manure. It’s quick, easy to handle and it really makes your flowers bloom. You can get it at bunnybloomnr@gmail.com.
Both of these young business women got their start in a North Royalton 7th grade class where they learned about setting up and running a business. It’s the kind of thing Dr. Adam Hechko and his family support. There were many other vendors and sponsors at this year’s pet carnival. It’s hard to believe that this is the 18th year that the Pet Carnival has been celebrating pets and pet people. They are already planning for next year.
North Royalton Animal Hospital is the 2015 winner of AAHA practice of the year. Learn more about North Royalton Animal Hospital and Paws at Play Resort, 9027 Ridge Road, by visiting their website at www.northroyaltonanimalhospital.com or calling 440-237-7691.
By LINDA KWARCIANY
Contributing Writer
