Dog Walkin’ Wellington
Dogs, Dogs, Dogs…All Around Wellington
By Barbara Phillippi
Hi Readers!
This is a new column for AroundWellington.com, and we’re going to be talking about dogs in the Wellington, Royal Palm Beach area. If you’ve noticed, there are a lot of canines here in the Western Communities! Keith Gainey, financial analyst, Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, was kind enough to provide me with some statistics.
Licensed dogs in Wellington:
Yr 2006 – 6560
Yr 2007 – 6898
Yr 2008 – 6595
Yr 2009 – 6113
Yr 2010 – 7609
Yr 2011 – 3526 (to date and counting)
Despite a challenging economy, there were almost 1,500 more dogs licensed in 2010 than 2009! We know that these have been a tough couple of years for many pet owners, who may have lost jobs, their homes, or were forced to move into restrictive rentals, and gave up their companion animals. The jump in numbers is puzzling, as shelters are full to bursting with more than the usual number of pet surrenders. Are people stepping up, adopting more? Or are pet stores and breeders enjoying a booming business?
We have no way of counting the number of canines licensed in other locations, that accompany their owners to Wellington for the equestrian “season,” or the number of snowbirds bringing their pets to enjoy the warm sun. We just know that there are plenty of purebreds and lovable mutts, trotting beside their masters, on every sidewalk, with many owners accompanied by more than one animal.
In the equine area, each farm seems to have a resident pack that welcomes visitors, that pads up and down the aisles of the barns. Why do they always seem to get along, no matter size and breed? Is there a “pecking order?” In the near future, we’ll visit a local barn and learn about its canine residents.
Are there some Wellington all-stars? Local dogs that are famous, that do tricks, excel as therapy dogs, win at shows and exhibitions? We’ll find some, meet their proud owners, and learn why they’ve made the headlines.
We’ll cover the local dog parks, make a list of dog-friendly beaches and publicize local rescue organizations. Once in awhile, we’ll target one particular breed, for some in-depth discussion and reporting. And we’ll let you know where you can find some low-cost vet care if you’re financially challenged right now.
Over a lifetime, I’ve had mostly “normal” dogs: a few German Shepherds, a bunch of wonderful “mutts,” each with its own wonderful, quirky, qualities. For many years, I taught 4-H dog obedience courses, under the authorization of Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension Services. That terrific program teaches the basics of dog behavior, of every breed, to young dog owners. Today I live in Wellington with three Jack Russell Terriers – Woody, Gracie, and Buck. These guys showed me a learning curve that I never knew existed!
There are still a several weeks left in the “official” hurricane season. If you’ve ever wondered where, if you ABSOLUTELY had to place your pet during a storm, or other emergency situation, at a pet shelter, there’s a good list at the bottom of this column. Please read the disclaimer carefully: I have no experience with any of these facilities – the list was included in a hurricane-preparation publication.
Until next time,
Barbara Phillippi
“In a perfect world, every dog would have a home, and every home would have a dog.”
Shelters for Pets (for Hurricane Season or other Emergencies)
Animal Health Care Center
9835 Lake Worth Rd #6
Lake Worth, FL 33467
561-432-9997
VCA Cypress Wood Animal
10452 W Atlantic Blvd
Coral Springs, FL 33071
954-752-5775
Animal Health Clinic
5500 Military Trail #40
Jupiter, FL 33458
561-799-7717
Animal Wellness Center
137 S. State Road 7
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33414
561-790-3555
Best Vet
358 N Congress Ave
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
561-737-7773
Boca-Delray Animal Hospital
14888 S Military Trail
Delray Beach, FL 33484
561-496-1700
Clear Lake Animal Clinic
2725 N Australian Ave
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
561-655-5929
Clint Moore Animal Hospital
9531 Clint Moore Rd
Boca Raton, FL 33496
561-487-0226
Coral Springs Animal Hosp.
2160 University Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33071
954-753-1800
Healing Arts Veterinary Center
2216 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
561-684-1755
Harmony Animal Hospital
1401 W Indiantown Rd #16
Jupiter, FL 33458
561-746-5501
Imperial Point Animal Hospital
1574 E Commercial Blvd
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334
954-771-0156
Lantana-Atlantis Animal Hospital
3530 Lantana Rd
Lantana, FL 33462
561-439-0694
Lush Puppy Pet Resort
400 Capital Street
Jupiter, FL 33458
561-745-1719
Pet Lover Central
7491 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-241-3977
Simmons Veterinary Clinic
4975 Lake Worth Rd
Lake Worth, FL 33463
561-439-3220
Summit Blvd. Anima Hosp
4444 Summit Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
561-439-7900
VCA PBC Animal Hospital
3401 N. 2nd Avenue
Lake Worth, FL 33461
561-964-4448
VCA Spanish River Animal
180 W Spanish River Blvd
Boca Raton, FL 33431
561-368-0583
VCA Wiles Rd Animal Hosp
7460 Wiles Rd
Coral Springs, FL 33067
954-752-1879
Very Important Paws
418 Park Place
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561-366-9000