K9 Water Festivals 2014

The dog days of summer may be long gone, but you can still pamper your pooches during the lingering heat of a South Florida fall by letting them frolic at two water parks on dogs-only days. One of Broward County Parks and Recreation’s most popular programs for the past dozen years, the K9 Water Festivals, returns this year with three weekend events in October. (There will be no events at C.B. Smith Park this year.)

The series kicks off on October 4 and 5 at Castaway Island at T.Y. Park in Hollywood, which also has events on October 11 and 12. Splash Adventure at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach follows on October 18 and 19.

Admission is $5 per dog per 50-minute session (plus applicable Florida sales tax), with sessions beginning on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Only dogs weighing 25 pounds or less will be permitted for the final session of each day. Donations of dog and cat food, treats, blankets, and toys will be accepted on behalf of the homeless animals at Broward County shelters.

Broward County Animal Care and Adoption will also be on site with dogs available for adoption.

A few rules apply: All dogs must be off leash when inside the facility and must be sociable and well behaved. Proof of current rabies vaccination and county license tag are required. Other than lifeguards, no humans will be allowed inside the water playgrounds. Finally, dogs are limited to no more than two sessions per day, and dogs must be at least 4 months of age to participate.

For more information, call the park of your choice: Quiet Waters Park at 954-357-5100, or T.Y. Park at 954-357-8811. The parks’ regular weekend and holiday gate entrance fee of $1.50/person (children 5 and under free) will be in effect for these events.

Why I Don’t Shave My Dogs…and Neither Should You

By David E. Neuwirth for Harlo's Healthy Pets

 Different dog breeds have different needs when it comes to grooming, so while it might be OK or even ideal for some dogs to be shaved it is detrimental to shave others.  I have 2 Siberian Huskies (and a Chihuahua) and I live in South Florida.  All of my dogs are rescues and I volunteer with a local Siberian Husky Rescue.  It breaks my heart every time I see a shaved husky in need of a new home.  Unfortunately most of the huskies I see dumped in a shelter or on Craig’s List are shaved.  I don’t think it’s a coincidence that many of the Huskies that are abandoned by their owners are shaved.  These dogs suffer (physically and emotionally) because some human decided Huskies look cool (which they do), or they just watched a movie featuring huskies and purchased one the following week from a puppy mill-selling pet store or back yard breeder.  It is not fair to the dogs, but it happens every day.    

For anyone considering a Siberian Husky or any other double coated type of dog, let me answer a question that I am asked often.  Yes, they do shed year round and when they blow your coat your vacuum will not be able to keep up with the amount fur constantly coming off of them.  There is nothing you can do to change this fact (while being a responsible and knowledgeable husky owner.)  If the thought of seeing a ball of fur blowing across your floor 5 minutes after you just vacuumed, swept or mopped (or all three) is a major issue for you, a double coated dog such as a Husky is not the right dog for you.  Before adding any dog to your family do the research on the specific needs and care required for that breed.  If the breed characteristics and needs don’t match with your lifestyle, do more research and find the right fit for you and your family.  Adding a dog to your family should not be an impulsive decision. 

Many people ask me (often in an accusatory manner) if I’m “torturing” my dogs by not shaving them in the summer.  Some will ask, “How would you like to wear a fur coat all day in the heat?”  For those that are open minded enough to learn I explain that it is not a good analogy or comparison.  Huskies have an undercoat that is their natural insulation.  This undercoat / insulation keeps them warm in cold temperatures; however, it is also the same insulation that protects them from the heat.  A better analogy would be home insulation.  I ask people if they have any type of insulation in their home to keep their home warmer in the winter.  Assuming the answer is yes, I would then ask, “Do you take it out of your home in the summer since it must make your house too hot?”  Of course the answer is no, because the same insulation that helps to keep the house warm in the winter is the same insulation that helps keep the house cooler in the summer.

Shaving Huskies and other double coated dogs can put your dog in danger of suffering from heat stroke, in danger of suffering from skin issues, exposing them to insect and parasite bites, and may cause long term damage to their coat.  The undercoat is a protective layer that functions in many different ways.  Every breed has unique qualities, characteristics, drives and needs.  It is your responsibility (not the groomer’s or even your vet’s responsibility) to know how to best care for your dog to keep him or her happy, healthy, and safe.

Pack Walk in the Park (August 2014)

The August Pack Walk will take place on Sunday, August 31, 2014 at TY Park. Pack Walk in the Park (group dog walk) is an opportunity to get some exercise (for you and your dog) and socialize with other dog owners (non-dog owners are welcome, too!).

We will walk the two-mile loop of newly paved pathways for walking, jogging, skating, and biking. Plants to attract butterflies have also been placed along the park’s northern corridor.
TY Park requires all dogs to be on a 6' leash (no retractable / flexi leads) at all times. TY Park's admission fee is $1.50 per person (ages 6 and up)

After you enter the park through the toll booth, take your 1st right turn & park. You will see a red & white sign with a picture of a butterfly that says "Listen to Nature! Please turn down your radio." We will meet in this area and start walking at 9 AM (please arrive by 8:45 AM).

We will have some treats, samples, and some give aways for your dogs after the walk!*

Info on TY Park:
The Seminole Indian name of this 150-acre urban park, Topeekeegee Yugnee, means “meeting or gathering place.” T.Y. is well known for its shady picnic areas, numerous shelters, and a gazebo.
(located at 3300 N Park Road in Hollywood, FL)

*This event is sponsored by Harlo's Healthy Pets and Kat Walking Dogs

Pack Walk in the Park (June 2014) 3 Year Anniversary

The June Pack Walk will take place on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at TY Park.  This is the 3 Year Anniversary of Pack Walk in the Park - thank you to everyone who has been a part of our Pack over the past 3 years.

Pack Walk in the Park (group dog walk) is an opportunity to get some exercise (for you and your dog) and socialize with other dog owners (non-dog owners are welcome, too!).

We will walk the two-mile loop of newly paved pathways for walking, jogging, skating, and biking. Plants to attract butterflies have also been placed along the park’s northern corridor.
TY Park requires all dogs to be on a 6' leash (no retractable / flexi leads) at all times.TY Park's admission fee is $1.50 per person (ages 6 and up)

After you enter the park through the toll booth, take your 1st right turn & park. You will see a red & white sign with a picture of a butterfly that says "Listen to Nature! Please turn down your radio." We will meet in this area and start walking at 9 AM (please arrive by 8:45 AM and allow time for entry, parking, etc).

We will have some treats, samples, and some give aways for your dogs after the walk!*

Info on TY Park:
The Seminole Indian name of this 150-acre urban park, Topeekeegee Yugnee, means “meeting or gathering place.” T.Y. is well known for its shady picnic areas, numerous shelters, and a gazebo.
(located at 3300 N Park Road in Hollywood, FL)

*This event is sponsored by Harlo's Healthy Pets and Kat Walking Dogs

For additional information: 954-667-7387

TY Park
3300 N Park Road
Hollywood, FL  33020

Raw Feeding Forum (May 2014)

The Raw Feeding Forum will provide consumers with an opportunity to learn about the benefits of feeding a raw diet to dogs and cats.  We will help to answer any questions about raw feeding.

The Raw Feeding Forum will feature representatives from some of the leading raw food manufactures (including Genesis, Stella & Chewy’s, Primal and Nature’s Kitchen).  These representatives will not only provide valuable information but they will also have some free samples for your pet.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the many benefits of feeding a raw diet to your pet.

Some of the benefits of feeding a raw diet include

• Healthy skin and coat
• Improved digestion
• Reduction in food allergies
• More lean / healthier weight
• Clean teeth and gums
• Improved immune system
• Increase in energy
• Firmer and smaller stool

Raw food is also ideal for a variety of health issues making it ideal for pets that suffer from allergies, obesity, cancer, seizures and more. 

This event will take place at Harlo's Healthy Pets on Saturday, May 10, 2014 (10 am - 3 pm).

Harlo's Healthy Pets is located at 250 N Dixie Highway, #6; Hollywood, FL  33020

Well behaved, socialized dogs are welcome to attend.  All dogs must be on a 6' leash (no retractable / flexi leashes).

For more information, please contact Harlo's Healthy Pets:  954-667-7387

Boxer Benefit & Bake Sale at Harlo's Healthy Pets

This is a fundraising event for Boxer Friends, Inc. (A portion of all sales on 4/26/14 will be donated to the Boxer Friends, a non-profit organization). They are devoted to helping Boxers in need in the south Florida area.  They rescue Boxers from shelters in south Florida before they are euthanized, and help displaced Boxers find new, loving, appropriate homes.

This is a great opportunity to support a local dog rescue organization simply by purchasing items you might need for your pets (food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, flea & tick prevention, etc.).  Harlo's Healthy Pets specializes in premium pet products, including natural & healthy pet food and treats.

There will also be raffle prizes, free samples of food and treats from Stella & Chewy's, Nature's Kitchen, Earthbath, Nupro, Tiki Dog, Kat Walking Dogs and others.

You can meet some Boxers; learn about volunteer opportunities & how to become a foster, facts about Boxers, etc.

Call 954-667-7387 for more info

All social dogs (well behaved with humans and canines) are welcome. All dogs must be on a 6 foot leash (No retractable / flexi leashes).

Saturday, April 26, 2014
10 AM - 3 PM

250 N Dixie Highway
#6
Hollywood, FL  33020

Pack Walk in the Park (March 2014)

The March Pack Walk will take place on Sunday, March 30, 2014 at TY Park. Pack Walk in the Park (group dog walk) is an opportunity to get some exercise (for you and your dog) and socialize with other dog owners (non-dog owners are welcome, too!). 

We will walk the two-mile loop of newly paved pathways for walking, jogging, skating, and biking. Plants to attract butterflies have also been placed along the park’s northern corridor.
TY Park requires all dogs to be on a 6' leash (no retractable / flexi leads) at all times.TY Park's admission fee is $1.50 per person (ages 6 and up)

After you enter the park through the toll booth, take your 1st right turn & park. You will see a red & white sign with a picture of a butterfly that says "Listen to Nature! Please turn down your radio." We will meet in this area and start walking at 9 AM (please arrive by 8:45 AM).

We will have some treats, samples, and some give aways for your dogs after the walk!*

Info on TY Park:
The Seminole Indian name of this 150-acre urban park, Topeekeegee Yugnee, means “meeting or gathering place.” T.Y. is well known for its shady picnic areas, numerous shelters, and a gazebo.
(located at 3300 N Park Road in Hollywood, FL)

*This event is sponsored by Harlo's Healthy Pets and Kat Walking Dogs

For additional information: 954-667-7387

Valentine Pet Photo Contest

Enter Harlo's Healthy Pets Valentine Pet Photo Contest for a chance to win a Stella & Chewy's Carnivore Kisses Prize Pack ($40 value).  For more information or to enter the contest click HERE.

Dog Bowl 2014

Dog Bowl 2014, presented by Boxer Friends, Inc., will take place on Sunday, February 16, 2014.  The Dog Bowl will take place at TY Park (located at 3300 N Park Road in Hollywood, FL). 

A day of fun for dogs and their people!

All breeds welcome!

Games, Contests, Prizes, and Raffle

Vendors, Rescues and more! (Harlo's Healthy Pets will a vendor at this event)

Please contact Fran at 954-646-3786 or Fran8786@comcast.net for more information