BEANIE BABIES

Reef The Fox

Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.

According to the nonprofit Horse Racing Wrongs, 901 horses died on United States tracks in 2022. In 2021, 977 horses died on U.S. race tracks. You can read more about these statistics at horseracingwrongs.org. Horse Racing Wrongs’ mission is to track and publish horse fatalities due to racing.

The weeks leading up to the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby, seven horses lost their lives at Churchill Downs. “Walk on Ice” and “Take Charge Briana” were both injured while running and were euthanized.

“Code of Kings” broke his neck while flipping several times in his saddling paddock and was euthanized.

“Parents Pride” and “Chasing Artie” both collapsed and died after racing at Churchill Downs. “Chloe’s Dream” pulled up while exiting the first turn during a race and had to be euthanized due to injuries. “Freezing Point” suffered injury during the Pat Day Mile and had to be euthanized.

I think if this was any other “sport” and humans were dying at such an alarming rate, the entire country would re-evaluate the safety and necessity of said sport.

Something to ponder. Reef, over and out.

The Beanie Babies are almost 7 weeks old and are ready to start looking for their “furever” homes. There are five boys – Banzo Bean, Boston Bean, Butter Bean, Coco Bean and Pinto Bean; and there is one baby girl named Jelly Bean. Mama Bean is a German pinscher mix, about 35 pounds, but we don’t have any information on the daddy dog. They might have some shepherd mix based on their dark muzzles and adorable erect ears. These pups are friendly and pretty well socialized for only 6-7 weeks old — they were the recent stars of puppy yoga. If you would like to be considered for one of the Beanie Babies please submit an application at www.mprescues.org. Remember puppies are a lot of work and a 15-plus year commitment.

May 12-13

• I.CARE Trash Derby & Festival. Visit icaretrashderby.com to learn more.

Friday, May 12

• Reception for Key Largo artist Taylor Hale from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kona Kai Resort and Gallery, 97802 Overseas Highway, Key Largo.

• On Your Toes Recital “Now Streaming” at 6 p.m. at Coral Shores High School.

Saturday, May 13

• Tenth annual Sizzling Summer Fashion Show with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. and show starting at 7:30 p.m. at Village Square at Trading Post, Islamorada. Tickets are $20.

Monday, May 15

• Ocean Dreams Healing Center’s Healing & Wellness Retreat in Islamorada. Visit oceandreamshealing.org to sign up and get more information. Retreat runs through May 19.

Tuesday, May 16 at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, MM 79.8, oceanside, Islamorada. Visit mote.org/ tours to sign up.

• Mote Marine Laboratory tour through Islamorada nursery at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, May 17

• Just Older Youth (JOY) Center classes from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Visit justolderyouthinc.org for a complete schedule.

• Upper Keys Business & Professional Women (BPW) Networking Luncheon and Annual Meeting at 11:30 a.m. at Baker’s Cay Resort, Key Largo. Register online at upperkeysbpw.org by Friday, May 12.

Thursday, May 18

• Tween String Pull Painting, for ages 10-13, at 4:30 p.m. at Key Largo library. Use paint and string to make unique designs on paper. Supplies and snacks provided.

• Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada.

Saturday, May 20

• Aquanauts to Astronauts exhibit opens at History of Diving Museum, Islamorada.