MacDill Happenings

The 5th Annual Ruskin PetFest will take place on Saturday 27 February from 9am to 2pm.  Dr. Ott’s Off-Leash Dog Park will host this event. This a full off-leash event. Come out and see the pet fashion contest, children’s activities and musical entertainment. All proceeds from this event will benefit C.A.R.E., a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter in Ruskin. The Festival starts at 9am with food, music and vendors selling unique items for your pet. At 9:45am the open ceremony kicks everything off. There is a Pet Fashion Contest at 10:30am so make sure your pet is dressed for success! The Sillly Pet Tricks contest starts at 11:330am so start training your pet now. If you think your pet looks like you, then enter the Pet Owner Look-Alike contest at 12:30pm. The festival concludes at 2pm. Most of the animals that come to C.A.R.E. need just a few weeks of special care before they are ready for adoption to a good home. Others, who are older or sick or have suffered extreme trauma, become C.A.R.E. ambassadors and find a special home at C.A.R.E. for the rest of their lives. C.A.R.E. also offers a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in the hopes of deterring the homeless pet population. C.A.R.E. is restricted in having the ability to house and care for a limited number of animals awaiting adoption because of our relatively small size, our no-kill mission and our limited resources. We can currently house between 15-20 dogs (depending on sizes) and 25-35 cats. C.A.R.E. is an all volunteer organization and is funded totally by donations, adoption and sign up fees, fundraisers and small grants.

For a low cost way to have your pet vaccinated or spayed or neutered, you might want to check out Animal Coalition of Tampa (ACT). ACT is located at 1719 W Lemon St in Tampa, just northwest of the University of Tampa. ACT is a licensed, 501(c)3 organization that was founded in 2001 with a mission to end killing as a means to control pet overpopulation in Hillsborough County. Currently, there are close to 23,500 cats and dogs destroyed at Animal Services because there are too many for the available homes. ACT’s want to have a community where dogs and cats are safe and treated with respect and value. ACT operates a low cost, high volume and high quality pet clinic. We just had our dog receive her vaccinations at ACT. What a great place! The vet techs were very friendly and the place is very well organized. They don’t try to sell you something extra for your pet. They provide an exam of your pet and let you know what needs to be done and is nice to have done for your pet. You can also have your pet licensec at ACT. The prices are published online and there are shot packages available so you know ahead of time exactly what you will have to pay.  During the month of December, ACT has an online coupon for $5 off a service.  Although there is a drop in time available, your best bet is to make an appointment. Shot and Microchip Clinics for dogs and cats are held on Saturdays by appointment and Monday through Friday from 12pm to 2pm without appointment. An appointment requires a $5 deposit that you can pay over the phone. ACT has medications available for purchase.

Stop by Old Hyde Park Village this Sunday to take a holiday picture with your pet!  Sponsored by Downtown Dogs, you can have a picture taken with you and your pet in a festive holiday outfit!  The SPCA is also selling poinsettas to raise funds!  Pictures will be taken from 9am to 4pm and poinsettas go on sale starting at 10am.   Hyde Park Village is an open-air shopping center located in the neighborhood of Hyde Park. The Village center is situated in several buildings located between Swann and Rome Avenues. Although are national retailers, the majority of tenants in the center are independent boutiques and eateries. The neighborhood of Hyde Park is located near the University of Tampa and close to Tampa’s business and cultural arts district. The boundaries of the neighborhood include the Hillsborough Bay to the east, Kennedy Blvd to the north, historic and picturesque Bayshore Boulevard to the south, and Armenia Avenue to the west. Major thoroughfares within the historical district include Kennedy Boulevard, Bayshore Boulevard, Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway, Howard Avenue, and Swann Avenue. There are 3 free parking structures available in Hyde Park.

Check out the Pumpkin Patch at Old Hyde Park Village until 31 October. There will be pumpkins for purchase, pets in costumes and all sorts of photo opportunities! Plus on 24 October, there is a pet masquerade parade! Win prizes for the scariest, funniest and most original pet costume. Registration is at 10am and the parade starts at 10:30am with a minimum of a $5 donation. All money raised during the parade and during the Pumpkin Patch will benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Hours are Monday to Wednesday 5pm to 8pm, Thursday and Friday noon to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 8pm and Sunday noon to 6pm.Hyde Park Village is an open-air shopping center located in the neighborhood of Hyde Park. The Village center is situated in several buildings located between Swann and Rome Avenues. Although are national retailers, the majority of tenants in the center are independent boutiques and eateries. The neighborhood of Hyde Park is located near the University of Tampa and close to Tampa’s business and cultural arts district. The boundaries of the neighborhood include the Hillsborough Bay to the east, Kennedy Blvd to the north, historic and picturesque Bayshore Boulevard to the south, and Armenia Avenue to the west. Major thoroughfares within the historical district include Kennedy Boulevard, Bayshore Boulevard, Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway, Howard Avenue, and Swann Avenue. There are 3 free parking structures available in Hyde Park.

For veterinary care for your pet, check out the MacDill AFB Veterinary Clinic. Located right behind the Exchange Mall at 7804 Blackbird St, Bldg 936, the clinic is easy to find. The clinic is housed in a new modern facility. Personnel with a military ID card with hospital privileges can use the clinic services. The clinic specializes in immunizations, heartworm testing, microchipping and outpatient services for the control of animal diseases transmissible to people. Health Certificates are also available for animals that will be traveling. Surgery is not done at this clinic. However, you can purchase medications and over the counter items to include flea and tick control, heartworm prevention medication, shampoos, tartar control chews and vitamins and prescription medications. Vaccines are now being divided into two classes. ‘Core’ vaccines for dogs are those that should be given to every dog. ‘Noncore’ vaccines are recommended only for certain dogs. Whether to vaccinate with noncore vaccines depends upon a number of things including the age, breed, and health status of the dog, the potential exposure of the dog to an animal that has the disease, the type of vaccine and how common the disease is in the geographical area where the dog lives or may visit. If you’re not sure what immunizations your pet should have, you can call the clinic or stop by to ask questions. Dogs should have an update to date rabies shot and bordetella shot if they are going to be boarded. Cats should have an up to date rabies shot and several other types of recommended immunizations. Heartworm medication is recommended in Florida. All services require an appointment which can be made by calling 828-3558. The Clinic is open Mon-Fri from 8am to 4pm. The Clinic is closed the last work day of every month for training.

The Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary of Sarasota has guided tours on Friday and Saturday evenings. The gates open at 6pm and the guided tour begins at 6:30pm. The Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a non-profit safe haven for big cats, bears, and other animals in need. The goal of the Sanctuary is to provide public education on the appreciation for animals and the importance of habitat preservation. The Sanctuary was founded by Kay Rosaire who continues to run it today with help from her son, Clayton. They provide care for the lifetime of the animals which for some is up to 20 years, double their normal life span in the wild. There are 3 large indoor/outdoor housing complexes with adjoining exercise habitats, and we are continuing to expand. Each habitat has a swimming pool, toys and palm trees to provide the emotional enrichment that maintains optimal mental and physical health. At the Sanctuary you can learn about exotic and endangered Siberian Tigers, Royal Bengal Tigers, African Lions, and rare White Tigers. Big Cat Habitat offers life-long sanctuary supported by income from the demonstrations and from donations. Volunteers are also a critical part of the support of the sanctuary. Donation for admittance is $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

This Sunday the Dunedin Brewery hosts Suds on Sunday, a fundraiser for the Dunedin Doggie Rescue. There will be dog washes, ear washes, nail trims, live music by Leigh and Steve Humes, treats for dogs, a Doggie Depot and more. Leashed dogs are allowed anywhere in the parking lot or on the patio. Owners receive a free Dunedin brew for every dog wash. It runs from noon to 5 pm at 937 Douglas Ave in Dunedin. Washes $6-$12 depending on the dog size; nail trims $7; car cleanings $3. Dunedin is located across Tampa Bay from MacDill AFB, just north of Clearwater. Dunedin is located in Pinellas County. The name comes from the Scots Gaelic Dùn Èideann meaning Edinburgh. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 36,632. Dunedin is home to several beaches, including Dunedin Causeway, Honeymoon Island, and Caladesi Island State Park, which is consistently rated among the best beaches in the world. Dunedin is one of the few open waterfront communities from Sarasota to Cedar Key where buildings do not completely obscure the view; a 1-mile stretch of Edgewater Drive (also known as Alternate US 19) south of downtown offers views of St. Joseph Sound, Clearwater Beach, and Caladesi Island. The quaint, but thriving downtown business district has become a model for many other west-central Florida cities. It is striking in comparison to neighboring Florida communities for its absence of commercial signage and corporate franchise restaurants and retail stores.

On Friday 8 May, the MacDill AFB Vet Clinic is hosting the Woof & Whisker’s Pet Fest from 10am to 2pm.  There will be games for pets and owners and make sure you sign up for the free give-aways!  The 6th Security Forces will put on a military working dog demonstration.  The clinic will be providing information on animal health care.  There will be free refresments and free pet products. The MacDill AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility offers a great price on veterinary service! They specialize in providing immunizations, heartworm testing, microchipping and outpatient services for the control of animal diseases transmissible to people. Health Certificates are also available for animals that will be traveling. Medications and over-the-counter items available include flea & tick control treatments, heartworm prevention medication, shampoos, tartar control chews, vitamins and prescription medications. Services are by Appointment Only, call 828-3558. Hours are Monday-Friday 8am to 4pm, closed on the weekends. The Veterinary Treatment Facility is located on the road behind the commissary and exchange. You must have an ID card to use this service.

Tampa Theatre’s Traveling Outdoor Picture Show will present Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Ark as part of their Sunset Cinema on 21 Mar at River Tower Park. Admission is free. Gates open at 6pm with the show starting at 8pm. This is the 1981 movie is the first movie of the Indiana Jones series starring Harrison Ford. Set in 1936, Indiana Jones, played Harrison Ford, battles Nazis who are searching for the Ark of the Convenant which they believe will make their army invincible. This movie co-starred Karen Allen who return in the most recent 2008 movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. This a great time of year for an outside show. It’s not too hot and there aren’t a lot of bugs out either! Bring out your lawn chairs or blankets and food and drinks and make it a fun family night! Remember no alcohol is allowed in the park. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay will be on site holding a Pet Supplies Drive to accept donations of pet foods or supplies. Established in 1912, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay has helped millions of animals and their efforts grow each year. River Tower Park is on the banks of the Hillsborough River just west off of I-275 in the north part of Tampa.

The 22nd Annual Bark in the Park takes place on 14 Mar at Al Lopez Park from 8:30am to noon. Help raise funds for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and have a doggone good time while doing it. Collect donations to help the Humane Society of Tampa Bay provide shelter, food, spay/neuter services and medical care for the thousands of dogs and cats that are relinquished to shelters in our county each year. There will be pet costume contests, demos, vendors and more. Bring your pets out so that they can enjoy time with other pets. There is a one mile walk fundraiser begining at 10 am with a pet costume contest immediately after the walk.  The Humane Society of Tampa Bay was established in 1912 as the Hillsborough County Humane Society with the mission “to enforce the law applicable to the prevention of cruelty to children and cruelty to all animals of any description, capable of suffering, and to do everything and anything which is legal to prevent cruelty and harsh treatment to children and animals.” It is one of the oldest corporations in the state of Florida. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay has a “No Kill for Space” program which means that no adoptable animal will be enthanized to make room for another coming through the door.