Pets

Canadian small-dog breeder wants to build a ‘commercial kennel’ in northeast Orlando

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Apparently, an Orange County ordinance passed in 2021 banning puppy mills didn’t send a strong enough message. A proposed “commercial kennel” in Orlando has raised suspicions among neighbors that the facility might house a dog breeding and puppy selling operation, if built. The proposal is set for a public hearing on May 4 in the … Read more

The Dog Poem That Made Johnny Carson Cry

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Back in 1981, legendary actor James “Jimmy” Stewart, the star of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and too many other classics to list here, went on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” to share his hobby: poetry. The piece that Stewart read was titled “I’ll Never Forget a Dog Named Beau” about his golden retriever.

At first, the poem made Johnny and the audience laugh, but it had a very different effect in the end. Describing it can’t do it justice; it’s something you have to see — and feel — for yourself, so check out the video and read the text below.

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“Rescued by Ruby” star put down after illness.

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A Rhode Island dog whose inspiring story of going from shelter dog to lifesaving police K-9 became the subject of a recent Netflix movie has been euthanized.

State Police said Sunday K-9 Ruby was put down Friday following a “sudden, acute, and untreatable illness.” She was 11 years old.

Col. Darnell Weaver, superintendent of the state police, expressed gratitude for K-9 Ruby’s years of service.

“K-9 Ruby dedicated her life to serve the citizens of Rhode Island and make a positive impact on every person she ever interacted with,” he said in a statement. “She became a symbol of hope for all shelter dogs, showing the world what a shelter dog can do when just given love and the chance to shine.”

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Florida legislature considering bill that would overturn Orange County’s ban on retail puppy sales

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A long fight to end the practice of retail puppy sales in Orange County might be moot if the state legislature passes a new law. A “pet protection” act under consideration in Tallahassee would overturn local bans on the sale of puppies and kittens while putting in place a framework for inspections and regulation of … Read more

Ocoee delays decision on retail pet-sales ban during 3 hour meeting

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After three hours of debate, Ocoee opted Tuesday night to delay a decision on an ordinance regulating retail pet sales.

City commissioners were poised to override an Orange County rule forbidding pet stores throughout the county from selling puppies, kittens and bunnies — and essentially grant a monopoly without any local oversight to Chews A Puppy, the only pet shop in the city that sells puppies.

But the board fretted about how to police the family-owned store, which has been tagged with an F-rating by the Better Business Bureau.

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