EDITOR’S NOTE

Passion and Joy

incredible special-needs pets and owners and she discovered that while these precious babies may take a little more care, the love they give in return is worth every second.

first responders and hospital workers? Thank you for putting yourselves on the front lines to keep us as safe as possible. Also, a big shout out to all the teachers out there scrambling to put together online lessons to keep our kids engaged and learning instead of worrying about things they cannot control. We appreciate you!

I don’t know about you, but 2020 offered far too little of either of these to me. I was so consumed with my mom’s illness and then with surviving the grief of her loss and the anxiety of the pandemic and the sorrow of so many national news stories that I took little time for myself. This year, I hope to explore creative and personal endeavors that help me rediscover myself and discover new outlets for personal expression.

If exotic animals are more your thing, head on over to the brand spanking new and significantly enlarged Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. The new location features all the hands-on, up close interaction as the previous location plus added attractions, amenities and experiences that will make for a wonderful family day out.

“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring—it was peace.”

Owner & Publisher Malcolm Ballinger malcolm@ballingerpublishing.com

Executive Editor Kelly Oden kelly@ballingerpublishing.com

Art Director Ian Lett ian@ballingerpublishing.com

Procrastination

― Milan Kundera

On that note, I encourage you to read our COVID-19 Resource Guide, which provides resources for food, business, community and more. The ever-changing nature of this crisis necessitates that I mention that these resources may or may not be available to you by the time you read this issue. I hope it will provide a place to start, some ideas or some inspiration either way.

Why do we love our pets so much? For one thing, there is nothing quite as wonderful as being greeted by a tail wagging, drooling dog after a long day at work. And, when your cat chooses to cuddle up on your lap for a long petting and purring session, you can’t help but feel a little special— admit it. We give them food, shelter and good scratches and in return, they give us unconditional love. Our pets adore us—even the cats (to an extent).

Kelly Oden

Executive Editor

If you’re interested in conservation, check out Dakota Parks story on local Panhandle Rooftop Nesting Biologist, Rebekah Snyder. Through her work with Audubon Florida, Snyder helps to ensure local shorebirds have safe nesting spaces in an increasingly overpopulated region.

You may also notice that we have some nonpandemic related stories in this issue. We made the call to include already planned articles that might still be helpful, relevant or enjoyable for our readers. We hope you find them useful.

In return for this love, we deal with the not so fun aspects of pet partnerships—fur everywhere, litter boxes, poo bags, chewed up shoes and scratched up furniture. But none of that seems to matter. Much like a human baby, once your pet has won your heart, there’s not much they could do to sever that bond.

While many people made glorious headway on home improvement and personal projects in 2020, I did not. I did not organize anything. I did not fix anything. I did not learn a language or a new skill. Nothing. But that’s ok, too. I’m still here. That’s an accomplishment. However, in 2021, I’d like to lighten my load and empty my house of much of the clutter and unnecessary junk that fills it. It’s time to make room for something new.

All of this, plus a few DIY pet treat recipes and some good news from the Florida legislature regarding protection for pets in abusive situations.

Graphic Designer/Ad Coordinator Alana Cox advertise@ballingerpublishing.com Editor Morgan Cole morgan@ballingerpublishing.com

Assistant Editor Nicole Willis nicole@ballingerpublishing.com

Editorial Interns

Destiny Herbert Molly Callahan

Contributing Writers DeeDee Davis

In this issue of Pensacola Magazine, we celebrate a variety of pet-friendly businesses, activities and products. We offer up ideas for memorializing your departed pet, posh local pet products, a dog event planning company and more. Perhaps most important, our cover store features adoptable pets currently available at the Pensacola Humane Society—all gorgeously photographed by the talented Guy Stevens.

As for us, Pensacola Magazine has been published under one title or another for more than 40 years. We have no plans on changing that. We will continue to publish and to bring you all the information we can for as long as we can. Please reach out to us with story ideas, inspiration or just a quick hello. We are all working from home and we are missing our water cooler conversations.

In this issue, we’ve covered all of these topics and more to help readers shift their own focus in 2021. We hope you enjoy. Here’s to your health!

Sales & Marketing Paula Rode, Account Executive, ext. 28 paula@ballingerpublishing.com

Geneva Strange, Account Executive, ext. 31 geneva@ballingerpublishing.com

So, turn off the news, put down your phone and enjoy these heartwarming tales and adorable of photos of local animals and the folks who care for them. When you’re done, give your kitty a little catnip and throw your dog a bone. It’s these simple pleasures that will keep us all sane.

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay strong, Pensacola!

We’ve also included photos of all of Ballinger Publishing’s furry friends and family. We hope you enjoy the photos and this special pet-themed issue!

Kelly Oden Executive Editor

Oden Executive Editor

Kelly

Kelly Oden Executive Editor

/pensacolamagazine @pensacola_magazine

21 E. Garden St., Ste. 205 Pensacola, FL 32502 850.433.1166 | fax: 850.435.9174 ballingerpublishing.com

Published by Ballinger Publishing:

/pensacolamagazine @pensacola_magazine

Renew your subscription now online at www.ballingerpublishing.com: One year $14.95 and two years $22.75.

/pensacolamagazine @pensacola_magazine subscription now online at www.ballingerpublishing.com: One year $14.95 and two years $22.75. your subscription now online at www.ballingerpublishing.com: One year $14.95 and two years $22.75.

Proud member of the and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing. © 2023