Carl Bovard, owner of Single Vision, calls his establishment an animal sanctuary. Others regard it as a roadside zoo. Located in Melrose, Florida, at the end of a long dirt road, the 10-acre facility is home to about 50 exotic species. Controversy arose after several pictures and videos of visitors …
Read More »Patriot Service Dogs are wagging their tails after international service award win
Jim Williams never knew an animal would change his life. Williams served 20 years in the military and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. He signed up for Patriot Service Dogs, an organization that pairs well-trained service dogs with veterans for free, about four years ago to find a service dog …
Read More »Woman accused of animal cruelty faces potentially never owning another animal
Patricia Garibaldi is accused of cruelty toward animals — her 15 cats — which were found living in “deplorable” conditions in her home: debris stacked to the ceiling, roaches in the cats’ food and water bowls, feces and urine on every surface. The decision, which will be made by Judge Meshon Rawls, was postponed until March 6.
Read More »Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary welcomes baby animals
Critter Creek Farm Sanctuary, the largest bovine farm sanctuary in the country, is a place where animal families find their forever homes. The Gainesville sanctuary was started by Erin and Chris Amerman and has 161 cows, 22 pigs, 10 donkeys, 10 horses, three water buffalo, two turkeys and one bison.
Read More »Retirement for one couple means running The Blackberry Pig Farm in Hawthorne
Alan and Linda Clayton moved to western Putnam County to retire more than 10 years ago. Then they got bored and bought a 5-acre farm in Hawthorne they named The Blackberry Pig Farm, where the couple raises chickens, turkeys, cows and pigs. Now they participate in three different farmers markets around North Florida where they sell beef and pork, among other things.
Read More »Garden of Love: A final home for cherished pets
The Garden of Love, a pet cemetery in Micanopy, is the final resting place for some 1,500 beloved pets -- and one man who was cremated and had his ashes buried next to his pets. It's a peaceful space that has provided pet owners with comfort for the last 43 years.
Read More »Mill Creek Farm: Where horses get a second chance at life
A mission rooted in open hearts lies where the rolling hills meet the live oak trees of North Florida. Second chances at life exist for unwanted and neglected horses because of a shared dream between two lovers. The Retirement Home for Horses at Mill Creek Farm is home to more …
Read More »Wild Spaces and Public Places funding increases accessibility at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
In pursuit of winter cranes, bird enthusiast Tom Jackson drove from Tallahassee to Gainesville. His destination: Sweetwater Wetlands Park, renowned for its unique array of birds. When the 72-year-old walked into the park he was treated to a surprise. Right away, he noticed a sign about tram tours. “It looked …
Read More »Marion Therapeutic Riding Association celebrates 40 years of service in the community
The Marion Therapeutic Riding Association on Saturday celebrated 40 years of service, memories, and inspiring moments. The celebration — at the College of Central Florida Vintage Farm in Marion County — highlighted the association’s mission of helping those who live with physical and mental challenges in Marion County and nearby …
Read More »Stranded killer whale to be buried in Gainesville
WUFT · The whale that came to Gainesville The last place you would expect to find a killer whale is the University of Florida. Nevertheless, one was laid to rest at a secret location on the campus in Gainesville. The killer whale was found on Jan. 11 in Palm Coast, …
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