By Michelle Colesanti
Each year for the last seven years, Kim and Chris Tom, the owners of Dog Gone Holistic, have held the Dog Gone Healthy Pet Fest. Pet owners have made their way each year to visit with vendors, including pet food manufacturers, local rescue groups, and doggie daycares to learn about products, and to learn about the local rescue groups and the need for fosters and adoptees. Attendees are welcome to bring their dog to this event to socialize outside and get free food and treat samples from dog food and supply vendors.
This year’s event will be held on Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. outside of Dog Gone Holistic located at 5620 FishHawk Crossing Blvd. in Lithia.
Kim said, “The event is held annually to help educate people about holistic pet nutrition and the huge impact it can make on their pets health and well being.”
The Toms’ want to bring more awareness to what Dog Gone Holistic is all about.
“We consult with people daily on which foods, treats and supplements will work best for improving their pets overall health and often reverse issues such as chronic ear infections, chronic skin problems and allergies, obesity, diabetes to name a few,” said Kim.
Many pet ailments can be reversed with the proper use of holistic foods, supplements and treats.
The event, which is also held as a “thank you” to loyal customers and to bring in new customers, will also offer 15 percent off everything inside the store. The store-wide sales will continue from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Kim said, “[The Fest] is also a way we give back to some of the local dog rescue groups in our community each year.”
Gift baskets offering a year’s worth of free dog food are raffled off at the event. All of the money collected from the raffle sales gets donated to the attending rescue groups. So far, Heidi’s Legacy, FL Boxer Rescue, Florida Great Pyrenees Rescue, Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions and Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida will be at the event. Last year $2,400 was given to the attending rescues and the Toms’ are hoping the number will be even higher this year.
It is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday’s from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Visit www.doggoneholistic.biz or call 651-0842.
