Animals

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 …

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 …

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. 

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.

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.

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.