Honoring Our Heroes — and Our Paws 🐾
At Four Paws Place, we believe that the service of our veterans and the unconditional love of our pets both deserve to be celebrated—today and every day. On this Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who have served our country and invite you to include your four-legged companion in the gratitude and festivities.
Why Veterans Day Matters
Veterans Day is the moment we come together to thank those who have answered the call of duty—those who’ve defended our freedoms, upheld our values, and sacrificed so much for us all. And just like our pets show loyalty, resilience, and love, our veterans exemplify those very qualities in service to something greater.
As we reflect on their service, it’s also a time to bring our pets along for meaningful connection: strolls in the park, quiet moments of thanks, or simply a cuddle next to your veteran friend. Because our companions deserve to be part of our thankful hearts, too.
Local Events You Can Attend (with your pup!)
Thanks to the folks at WPLG Local 10 (Channel 10) for compiling a great list of community events across Broward and Miami-Dade counties you can attend TODAY.
Here are some highlights:
Hallandale Beach – 9:00 a.m. ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial & Cultural Community Center.
Plantation– 9:30 a.m. gathering and tribute at Plantation Veterans Park.
Davie – 10:00 a.m. to noon at Veterans Park, honoring U.S. Armed Forces with speakers, honor guard and more.
Dania Beach– At 10 a.m., a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at Dania Beach City Hall, located at 100 W. Dania Beach Blvd., for the city’s new public art mural, “Waves of Freedom,” created by artist Skylar Nador, in partnership with the Dania Beach Improvement Committee Inc. (DBIC) and the City’s Public Art Advisory Board.
Fort Lauderdale–At 11 a.m., the city of Fort Lauderdale will host a Veterans Day ceremony at the Sandy Nininger Statue along Riverwalk.
Lauderhill–From 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Lauderhill Vice Mayor S. “Ray” Martin and the Northwest Lauderhill Neighbors Association will host a ceremony to honor the “courage, service, and sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the U.S. Military.”The event will be held at Veterans Park, located at 7600 NW 50th St.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Miami– 10:00 a.m. parade in Coconut Grove with ~1,400 participants including marching bands. Miami Beach – 11:11 a.m. historic parade along Ocean Drive from 5th to 15th Streets.
Miami Beach–At 11:11 a.m., the city of Miami Beach will host its 17th annual Veterans Day parade and celebration. The largest parade of the day in South Florida takes route on Ocean Drive from Fifth to 15th streets, and will feature veteran and military groups, marching bands, musical and dance performances, local businesses and community organizations.
Tip: If your dog enjoys crowds and lots of activity, bring them along for the parades! If they prefer something quieter, consider a shorter ceremony or watch online together and then have a relaxed walk at home.
Here are some fun and thoughtful ways to involve your pup in the celebration:
Wear Red, White & Blue – Dress your dog in a colorful bandana or pet-bow tie in patriotic colors. Snap a photo and share the gratitude on social media. Visit a Veteran’s Park – After attending a ceremony, take your dog for a peaceful stroll through a local memorial park—let them sniff, explore, and soak in the day’s meaning with you. Give Back Together – Drop off a care package for a veteran or volunteer with an organization that helps veterans and bring your pup for moral support (if permitted). Quiet Tribute Time – At home, play patriotic music, share your favorite veteran story, and let your dog cuddle up with you. Honor the moment simply. Share the Love Online – Post a picture of your dog dressed for the day with a caption thanking veterans, and use some handy pet-friendly hashtags to spread the message.
From Four Paws Place, With Gratitude
To every veteran who’s worn the uniform and every pet who’s shared their heart—you make our world better. Today we commend the valor of our veterans and celebrate the joy and comfort our pets bring into our lives. Whether you attend a ceremony in Broward or Miami-Dade or simply share a quiet moment with your pup at home, we hope this Veterans Day is filled with respect, reflection and wagging tails.
Thank you for reading, and thank you to all who serve.
Warm paw-prints🐾,
