Proceeds will assist local animals in need
By Lisa M. Onorato
For Hometown News
BREVARD - The dog days of summer will be a bit cooler Aug. 11 during the Big Splash Family Fun Day at the Cocoa Village Animal Wellness Center.
During the event, pets and their families can enjoy vendors, artisans, live music by Jessica Lynn Williams, animal adoptions, local rescue group information and plenty of water activities.
"We will have a waterslide for kids and adults and wading pools for different sizes of dogs," said Shirley De la Torre, animal massage therapist and event coordinator for the center.
Founded by veterinarian Dr. Donna Ragona, Cocoa Village Animal Wellness Center offers full-service veterinary care, low-cost tissue surgery and preventative alternative therapies, including acupuncture, massage, Reiki healing and therapeutic nutrition, as well as I-Therm technology.
A $5 per person donation will allow guests to enjoy all of the event's activities, and proceeds will benefit the Earth Angel Project, a 501(c) organization.
Founded in early 2011, the Earth Angel Project will help support the Cocoa Village Animal Wellness Center in its mission of providing veterinary care for homeless and shelter animals and low-income families with pets.
"Dr. Ragona does a lot of humanitarian work for animals, taking care of them, feeding them, finding homes for them," said Ms. De la Torre. "The Earth Angel Project will help offset some of those costs."
The Aug. 11 event will also serve as a reunion for the recent graduates from the center's Mini-Vet School.
The Mini-Vet School is a one-day workshop for children ages 9-13 that offers an inside look into veterinary medicine.
Ms. De la Torre said the Mini-Vet School was a huge success, and there is currently a waiting list for the next available Mini-Vet School.
"The students experience all the different sections of the clinic," said Ms. De la Torre. "It covers everything from surgery to holistic healing and nutrition."
Tickets for the Big Splash Family Day are available for purchase in advance. Those purchasing a ticket in advance will automatically be entered in a drawing for gift baskets, donated by the Natural Pet Specialty Shop and Beach Organics Skin Care.
For more information about the Big Splash Family Fun Day or about the Cocoa Village Animal Wellness Center, call (321) 684-7060 or visit www.cocoavillageawc.com.
Cocoa Village Animal Wellness Center is at 224 Forrest Ave. in Cocoa, directly across the street from Village Outfitter.