By Cubby with a little help from Scott Brown

Last June, the City of St. Petersburg won the 2019 Better Cities for Pets™ Award for large cities. This arguably gives St. Pete barking rights as one of the pet-friendliest cities in America. The St. Pete website includes a PAWS page that has an interactive map listing St. Pete’s dog-friendly restaurants, parks, accommodations, and services. There’s also an application form for those who want to have their business officially designated as ‘dog friendly.’

But as far as neighborhoods go, my impression is that the Old Northeast and other neighborhoods in our Northeast Journal territory are pretty close to dog paradise.… Read More

While strolling around Sundial St. Pete, the downtown shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, it is not unusual to run into interesting people and their pets. Encountering Marianne and Dan Blazowich walking their three carriages of Maltese therapy dogs is an absolute delight.

The dogs as well as their owners are friendly and sociable, so they usually draw a crowd. The dogs are quiet and dignified, wearing bows and costumes appropriate to the season or venue.

There is something magical about these dogs, almost angelic. These Maltese seem to be oozing love and inviting strangers to pat them or pick them up.… Read More