Aron Bryce, creator and organizer of Small Dog Community of St. Petersburg and the Italian Greyhound “Iggy” Community group, adopted his Greyhound, Koda, in 2020. Wishing to socialize his new pup, Aron considered an Iggy meetup group to be a great opportunity for the pups to run and play with their peers. He began hosting outdoor meetups back in September.
The group became so popular that he decided to create another for under-25 pound doggies of all breeds. “I saw the meetups as a perfect activity in the pandemic,” he says. “It can be done outside, distanced, and people can wear masks on top of that. So I started hosting my own meetups, which ultimately led me to starting my own group.”
Building community when we need it most
“Italian Greyhound Community of St. Petersburg and the Small Dog Community of St. Petersburg groups are true products of the pandemic,” he shares. “They have been life-savers for so many people. Getting out of the house and safely socializing with others – and allowing your dog to socialize and run as well – has been a truly valuable thing in this crazy world we’re living in.”
Aron is very pleased that the meetups have grown a real sense of community. “Friendships have been formed in that interwoven network of dog lovers,” Bryce said. “People have hosted birthday parties for the puppies. We have had ‘yappy hour’ with our pups, outside and distanced at breweries. The group has gone from just strangers meeting up at a park to friends actively looking for ways to responsibly socialize (with our pups). The genuine happiness and human connectivity that the meetups provide are a breath of fresh air.”
All about that ‘burg
“I love St. Pete more than anywhere else in the world,” he states. “I love its residents — my St. Pete family — and all of their dogs as my own. Anyway I can help build bridges between us and bring us together, even if through our dogs, I think that is worthwhile. Anyone local with an Italian Greyhound is invited to join Italian Greyhound Community of St. Petersburg and anyone with a small dog (25 lbs or less) is invited to join the Small Dog Community of St. Petersburg.” We could all use bright spots in our weeks. Bryce and Koda would love to see you! To get in on the fun, hop over to Facebook and search for the Italian Greyhound Community of St. Petersburg and Small Dog Community of St. Petersburg.
