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Memorial Service in Dog Park Planned for ‘Dr Mike’ of South Gate Veterinary Clinic

Tamarac Veterinarian Dr. Mike Horbal with his dogs. {Facebook}

By: Jen Russon

The South Gate Veterinary Clinic may be temporarily closed and its number disconnected, but that hasn’t stopped former clients from petitioning the city to name a dog park after him.

Dr. Mike Horbal, 65, passed away on April 29, devastating pet owners who had come to rely on his fair pricing and round-the-clock availability.

The beloved veterinarian’s office staff put together a memorial for him last spring, where hundreds showed up — not just to pay their respects — but push to rename the Gary B. Jones Dog Park after him.

Commissioner Elvin Villalobos said his constituents would finally get their wish.

“I had encouraged two different residents, Susan Winters and Stacey Karron, to petition the city and that I’d pass along the recommendation to my fellow commissioners, mayor, and parks and recreation,” he said.

He added that the City of Tamarac will recognize and honor the late Dr. Horbal for his significant contributions to his community through the residents’ efforts, where an unveiling of a dedication plaque bearing his name will take place at the Paws with Claus Holiday Paw-ty and Adoption event on Saturday, December 11, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The unveiling takes place at 11 a.m. in the large dog area of The Gary B. Jones Dog Park for People and Pups located at 8101 Southgate Boulevard.

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Author Profile

Jen Russon

Jen Russon is a freelance writer and English Language Arts teacher. She has published two novels to Amazon Kindle and lives in Coral Springs with her family.