- October 13, 2024
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Amelia Cappella, Rachael Cappella and Amelia Bontempo with Cookie. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Andrea Pomponio and Brian Herget with Little Sebastian. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Dena Davis and Cuddles. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Sydney Fernandez and Kai. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Laurel Hendricks and Zoe. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Cassandra Mullen and Baloo. Photo by Nichole Osinski
Denise Mattar and Joey. Photo by Nichole Osinski
When Laurel Hendricks first got her dog Zoe from the Southeast Volusia Humane Society, it was clear the small dog had suffered abuse. She had no muscles in her back legs, and her teeth and front toes were broken.
But Hendricks knew Zoe was the dog for her, so she brought her Yorkie to meet the rescue. The two "got along great," according to Hendricks, and when she went to pick Zoe up, her new dog jumped in the car ready to head to her new home. That was three years ago, and now Zoe competes in scent competitions and also has fun with her owner paddle boarding or even jumping on the treadmill with her.
And on Wednesday, July 11, Hendricks and Zoe were at the Daytona Ice Arena participating in the Dog Park on Ice event put on by the Halifax Humane Society to help other animals that are homeless and in the same situation Zoe had been in three years ago. For Hendricks, it was a special evening.
"I like supporting all the humane societies," Hendricks said. "I try and give back to the pet community as much as possible."
Hendricks and Zoe weren't alone though. The skating rink was full of owners and their dogs, some dressed in Christmas-themed costumes, sliding across the ice for a good cause. The funds raised from the event, which is held twice each year, will go toward helping homeless animals throughout the community.
The last Dog Park on Ice event saw around 162 dogs out on the rink and raised about $2,400 to help the animals.
"Many times, we receive food and supply donations, which we are extremely thankful for; however, at times we are in need of medicines for the animals or heartworm treatments, etc.," Halifax Humane Society Community Outreach Director Barry KuKes wrote in an email. "Raising money allows us to purchase what is needed at the time."
