The Laker/Lutz News

Dade City Animal Clinic

A day for dogs, and their owners, in Dade City

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Friendly pups were out in full force, from big breeds to little leapers and every furry, four-legged dog in between, at the 12th annual Dogs’ Day in Dade City.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez poses with this year’s Dog Mayor, Abby, during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park. (Mike Camunas)

It really was a dogs’ day afternoon on March 19, at Agnes Lamb Park, just off Meridian Avenue, the city’s downtown.

“Today really is about the dogs,” Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez told the crowd of dozens of dogs accompanied by their humans. The mayor added: “But today is really about the people, too, and this great community.”

Dogs’ Day has been going on ever since Lucy Avila, along with the Dade City Youth Council, organized it with local animal-based businesses from Dade City.

With downtown businesses such as Dog-Mania & Cats, Dade City Animal Clinic and Nutrena Farmers Feed Depot, Dogs’ Day hosts a variety of activities. They include costume contests, dog parade, talent portions and even an ice-cream eating contest that pairs the dogs with the humans (who eat yogurt).

“It’s a great day for the dog and the human to come together and expose them to a fun environment,” Avila said. “This lets the dogs interact, while their owners can do some local vendor shopping that’s dog-related.”

Avila was especially proud of her own dog, Abby, a Schnauzer Terrier that became the inaugural Dog Mayor of Dade City.

Selecting a Dog Mayor is a new contest introduced this year. The person who raises the most money for the fundraiser has the honor of having his or her dog named the Dog Mayor for a year.

A dog parade was among the many fun activities during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City, held on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park.

“I’m glad she’s the first Dog Mayor of Dade City,” Avila said, with a laugh.

Also on hand were several dog adoption groups with available good boys and good girls to take home.

A K-9 Challenge was held, with the sheriff’s unit showing off its canine officers and their talents.

Proceeds from this year’s event benefit the city’s K-9 program, the veteran’s K-9 program and several other adoption programs, as well as the Pasco County Animal Shelter in Land O’ Lakes.

Over the years, proceeds from Dogs’ Day also has helped to support and maintain the Dade City Dog Park, which is just down the street from where the event was held.

Avila said she thinks the event represents Dade City and what the town is all about.

“We’re a very dog/pet-friendly town and we have dog stations all around town, which some of our proceeds go to (maintaining) those.”

Avila continued: “I thought today was a great turnout because every year it’s just great to see this community come together by one thing: their love of dogs and their pets.”

Sponsors for this year’s event were The New Barker, an online dog magazine; the Green Door on 8th; and Granny’s Animal Camp.

Published March 30, 2022

This ‘Starbucks’ couple, Ocean Wolf, left, and Maddie Sparks, plus Daisy, attended the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park. They won for Most Creative Costume.
Dallas enjoys a shady spot with owner Nikita Hickey during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park.
Winter gladly takes a drink served by owner, Rick Chyzzewzki, during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City.
Darla Belevich and Honey Bee take a little break during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park.
Ebony and Diane Krug won Cutest Costume at the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City.
Kevin Taggerty sits on stage with Hamlet, left, and CJ, right, at the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City.
Marley looks up at its owners while sporting a comfy red hoodie during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City.
Rebecca Workman holds Khloe, a three-month old Frenchie, at the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park. Frenchie tired early.
Robie Ward, along with Yoda and Daly, enjoys the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park.

 

 

 

Riggleman benefit offers display of true community spirit

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Barbecue smoke wafted through the air, musicians sang on the stage, and women sold plants under the shade of an oak tree during a Feb. 1 fundraiser to benefit Lewis and Diane Riggleman of Dade City.

A fire swept through the couple’s home days before Christmas, causing damage that’s so severe the house cannot be repaired.

Donna Messenger and Susan Maesen were at the City of San Antonio Park bright and early on Feb. 1 to help sell plants at a community benefit for Diane and Lewis Riggleman. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Donna Messenger and Susan Maesen were at the City of San Antonio Park bright and early on Feb. 1 to help sell plants at a community benefit for Diane and Lewis Riggleman.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Fire and smoke damage ruined most of the couple’s other belongings, and their dog, Taz and cat, Christopher, perished in the blaze.

Lewis is an ornamental blacksmith and has been involved in blacksmithing in the local community for years. He has participated in many arts and crafts shows, as well as worked as a true crafts demonstrator. As owner and operator of the Ramshead Forge in San Antonio, he offers an introduction to blacksmithing as well as advanced training for more experienced students.

Diane is a storyteller and craftsperson who demonstrates broom making, rope making, and other traditional crafts throughout Florida and the Southeast.

The community event at the City of San Antonio Park was an incredible outpouring of love and generosity — and a bit overwhelming, Diane Riggleman said.

When she and Lewis arrived, they knew a benefit was being held in their honor, but they had no idea how many people would be there.

The crowd was so big that Diane thought there were two events going on at the park.

Diane Riggleman said she and her husband, initially, didn’t want people to go out of their way to help them. There are many other people who have gone through worse trials, she explained.

But many people pitching in at the benefit said it was a pleasure to help the couple.

In many ways, the community festival felt like a giant reunion, Diane Riggleman said.

People showed up that the couple hasn’t seen in years, she said.

She said she and Lewis don’t use the word “awesome” to describe things, but in this case the character of the event truly merits the description.

The benefit ran from noon to 5 p.m., but volunteers began assembling hours before festivities began. They set up folding chairs so spectators could enjoy the bands playing on stage. They lugged plants to sell under the shade tree. They arranged gift baskets and auction items on tables. They prepared food to sell.

Chet Taylor, owner of the Dade City Animal Clinic, spent hours slow-cooking the pulled pork that he transported to the event to be sold to help feed the hungry masses, while raising money to help the Rigglemans.

Once the event got under way, volunteers were busy selling and serving food, pouring beer and selling chances for the drawings.

Everyone seemed happy to be playing a part.

Donna Messenger, a native of Dade City who lives in North Carolina now, was there with Susan Maesen, selling plants.

Both women have known the Rigglemans for decades.

“They’re just a very neat couple,” Maesen said.

“They’re definitely people-people,” Messenger added.

“I think they’re astounded by people doing this.”

“My slogan has been: They need cash now,” Messenger said.

One of the event organizers, Dennis Devine, said he’s known the couple “forever.”

The couple didn’t have insurance, but the community is stepping up, Devine said.

“We’ve got thousands of dollars of donated stuff, beautiful items,” he said.

Wendy Clifford, from St. Joseph, was there helping, too.

Her husband, Joe Clifford, and the Rotary Club played a huge role in putting on the event.

“The both of them are really good people,” Wendy Clifford said. “So, now we’re trying to help them. This is all community.”

Besides helping them, the event was fun, Diane Riggleman said.

“There was great dancing. There was food. It was amazing,” she said.

“We slept last night, like babies.”

Want to help?
The Rotary Club of San Antonio is collecting donations through its 501(3)(c) nonprofit fund to qualify the donations as tax deductible.

Funds raised will be deposited in the Rotary Club of San Antonio, FL Fund Inc., account at the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union prior to full distribution to the Rigglemans.

Online donations may also be made through Go Fund Me at GoFundMe.com/jrxxpg.

Published February 4, 2015

Bellamy Brothers sing for Pasco High School

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When they attended Pasco High School, they were simply David and Howard. Nearly a half-century later, they’re back, but now as the popular country music duo The Bellamy Brothers, all to raise money for their alma mater’s sports programs.

The Bellamy Brothers will raise money for Pasco High School's athletic department in April.
The Bellamy Brothers will raise money for Pasco High School’s athletic department in April.

The Bellamy Brothers are the featured guests of Pasco High’s Reunion of the Decades taking place April 11 beginning at 6 p.m. at the school’s W.F. Edwards Stadium. The event is hosted by Pasco’s Class of 1974, and a $45 ticket includes a Chet Taylor barbecue dinner and reserved seating for the concert.

Proceeds cover various costs of the athletic department, including field paint, referees and safety equipment, among others.

For those wanting to eat ahead of time, general admission is $15 and reserved seating is $25. Tickets are available at a variety of places including Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52; Dade City Animal Clinic, 13117 U.S. 301; Olga’s Bakery, 14117 Seventh St.; and the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, 14112 Eighth St.

The Bellamy Brothers first performed publicly at the Rattlesnake Roundup in Dade City in the late 1960s, and broke into the music scene with “Let Your Love Flow” in 1976. The brothers are currently on a world tour and working on a 40th anniversary album set for release in 2015.

The tour has The Bellamy Brothers in Texas for the beginning of March, but will later head to Switzerland March 21-23. The current tour wraps up Nov. 15 in Wendover, Nev. They continue to own a ranch in Darby, not far from where Interstate 75 and State Road 52 meet in Pasco County.

For more information and tickets, call (352) 524-5500.