Pet Carnival is the cat's meow
Dozens of dogs, even several cats attended annual event
Wynter Martin, 4, of Parma, shared a moment with Onyx, the Cleveland Metroparks mounted unit ridden by Ranger Jim Newman. Photos by JAIME ANTON
NORTH ROYALTON – Fortunately the weather held off but the Pet Carnival was definitely raining cats and dogs.
The felines weren’t shy this year about fitting in and rubbing elbows with the canine crowd. Several cats attended this year’s 12th annual Pet Carnival hosted Aug. 6 on the City Green and sponsored by the North Royalton Animal Hospital.
Ava, a kitty, rode around in style curled up in a pink pet stroller.
“We’ve been coming out here every year since they’ve had this. It gets her out, we walk around and see all the animals. I love all the animals,” her owner Janice Dengel, of North Royalton, said.
The ‘Z Twins’, cats Zeke and Zoe, were on leashes. Zeke was calmly lounging by a tree, while Zoe was nestled in the arms of owner Ann Hackner.
“I bring them every year. I live for this. This is Erma’s first year though,” she said pointing to her friend Erma Francis, of Broadview Heights.
“I love it,” Francis added, surveying the Green packed with leashed dogs and their families as far as the eye could see. “I love seeing all the dogs and cats.”
Just then a family walked by and couldn’t resist stopping to pet Zoe. Cats, who are infamous for being “scaredy,” always get a lot of fanfare at the carnival for their bravery.
“I could never get my cats to do this,” a little boy said.
Another hit with the crowd was Onyx, the Cleveland Metroparks mounted unit ridden by Ranger Jim Newman.
Four-year-old Wynter Martin, of Parma, walked right up to the gentle giant who seemed just as enamored with her, turning his head around to have a look at her.
Pumpkin, a solid black cat, got a little extra attention too.
This kitty was very sick with a broken right-front leg that Dr. Adam Hechko, owner and medical director of the North Royalton Animal Hospital, ended up having to amputate.
“I can’t believe how good Pumpkin is doing,” Dr. Hechko said to owner Kim Smith, as he scooped the cat up into his arms and began petting him.
“He is a changed cat. He’s doing so good,” Smith was happy to report.
Dozens of clients attended and had nothing but praise for Dr. Hechko and his staff for this reason, the personal, genuine care.
Laurie Palmer, who brought along her half Chihuahua half terrier Tilly, said his compassion is undeniable.
“He is so concerned and really went out of his way to work and work to get her eye better. It is better now, much better,” Palmer said, looking at Tilly who was rescued from a puppy mill and produces no tears in her one eye.
No one would argue with Palmer.
Dr. Hechko could be found kneeling on the ground letting furry patients give him sloppy kisses as he gave them a good scratch behind the ears. Besides bringing the community together, helping raise dollars for a few causes that assist patients financially and provide service dogs for kids, Dr. Hechko cherishes the time at the carnival where he is able to love on cats and dogs in a fun, non-hospital environment.
“This one is the best,” he said, taking in the size of the crowd. “I know I say it every year, but this one is exceptional. There are lots of dogs and cats this time. The weather was perfect, and it was great getting to see all of our clients while making friends with new pets and families. The carnival has become such an important part of our culture with celebrating the bond between families and pets. Thank you to the entire community for joining us in celebrating our pets.”
The Rev. Edward Estok, pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish, summed up why the carnival is so special.
“People that have dogs and love dogs are their own breed,” he said, reaching down to pet his own doggie, Buddy, a Boston Terrier. “We just like to get together and see each other’s pets.”
The felines weren’t shy this year about fitting in and rubbing elbows with the canine crowd. Several cats attended this year’s 12th annual Pet Carnival hosted Aug. 6 on the City Green and sponsored by the North Royalton Animal Hospital.
Ava, a kitty, rode around in style curled up in a pink pet stroller.
“We’ve been coming out here every year since they’ve had this. It gets her out, we walk around and see all the animals. I love all the animals,” her owner Janice Dengel, of North Royalton, said.
The ‘Z Twins’, cats Zeke and Zoe, were on leashes. Zeke was calmly lounging by a tree, while Zoe was nestled in the arms of owner Ann Hackner.
“I bring them every year. I live for this. This is Erma’s first year though,” she said pointing to her friend Erma Francis, of Broadview Heights.
“I love it,” Francis added, surveying the Green packed with leashed dogs and their families as far as the eye could see. “I love seeing all the dogs and cats.”
Just then a family walked by and couldn’t resist stopping to pet Zoe. Cats, who are infamous for being “scaredy,” always get a lot of fanfare at the carnival for their bravery.
“I could never get my cats to do this,” a little boy said.
Another hit with the crowd was Onyx, the Cleveland Metroparks mounted unit ridden by Ranger Jim Newman.
Four-year-old Wynter Martin, of Parma, walked right up to the gentle giant who seemed just as enamored with her, turning his head around to have a look at her.
Pumpkin, a solid black cat, got a little extra attention too.
This kitty was very sick with a broken right-front leg that Dr. Adam Hechko, owner and medical director of the North Royalton Animal Hospital, ended up having to amputate.
“I can’t believe how good Pumpkin is doing,” Dr. Hechko said to owner Kim Smith, as he scooped the cat up into his arms and began petting him.
“He is a changed cat. He’s doing so good,” Smith was happy to report.
Dozens of clients attended and had nothing but praise for Dr. Hechko and his staff for this reason, the personal, genuine care.
Laurie Palmer, who brought along her half Chihuahua half terrier Tilly, said his compassion is undeniable.
“He is so concerned and really went out of his way to work and work to get her eye better. It is better now, much better,” Palmer said, looking at Tilly who was rescued from a puppy mill and produces no tears in her one eye.
No one would argue with Palmer.
Dr. Hechko could be found kneeling on the ground letting furry patients give him sloppy kisses as he gave them a good scratch behind the ears. Besides bringing the community together, helping raise dollars for a few causes that assist patients financially and provide service dogs for kids, Dr. Hechko cherishes the time at the carnival where he is able to love on cats and dogs in a fun, non-hospital environment.
“This one is the best,” he said, taking in the size of the crowd. “I know I say it every year, but this one is exceptional. There are lots of dogs and cats this time. The weather was perfect, and it was great getting to see all of our clients while making friends with new pets and families. The carnival has become such an important part of our culture with celebrating the bond between families and pets. Thank you to the entire community for joining us in celebrating our pets.”
The Rev. Edward Estok, pastor of St. Albert the Great Parish, summed up why the carnival is so special.
“People that have dogs and love dogs are their own breed,” he said, reaching down to pet his own doggie, Buddy, a Boston Terrier. “We just like to get together and see each other’s pets.”