The Big Move to the Big Bend
On 04 February 2025, a convoy of three vans and six volunteer drivers transported 29 senior cats and dogs from our former home in Rockville, Maryland down to our new home in Perry, Florida. With military precision we set off together for the 16-hour trip. Not ten minutes into the trip, we had lost sight of one another, never to hook up again until we reached our destination! Margie and Will took the lead and were the first to arrive. Two hours later, Annette and Risa arrived with the cats. And last but certainly not least, Kari (who drove solo the whole route after her copilot dropped out) made it in with most of the dogs.
It was hard to say goodbye to Maryland. We absolutely LOVED being a part of the Montgomery County pet community. Our home in Rockville served us well from 2017 to 2025 and our volunteers, supporters, and friends were without rival … we miss the wonderful people who made up the Leashes End family and keep in touch with many of them. A few have even visited us in Florida.
The major impetus behind the move was Risa’s decision not only to retire from active duty but also to focus exclusively on Leashes End. With that in mind, it no longer made sense to keep Leashes End in the D.C. area. With grand plans in mind, Risa decided to return to her home state of Florida where she could spend the rest of her life (Risa 2.0) maturing and growing the Leashes End.
Exhaustive research led Risa to a gorgeous property just outside the town of Perry in Florida’s Big Bend region. The property consists of a lovely 3,800 square foot home on 26 gorgeous, fenced acres. The place needs a little TLC and we expect to spend the better part of 2026 renovating it for our needs, but the pets love it already.
Taking care of all our pets and our home would be impossible without our fantastic cadre of volunteers – those who visit and those who live-in. Leashes End could not be more fortunate or grateful that two of our live-in volunteers, Kari & Margie, have chosen to accompany Leashes End to Florida, even though it means increasing the distance from their own families. They helped with the arduous task of getting the household packed up in Maryland and and packed out in Florida. And they stayed with the pets in Florida for several months on their own while Risa finished up with the Navy in Maryland. Thank you, Ladies! You are amazing!
About Perry, Florida
It didn’t take us long to fall in love with Perry. The people are warm and welcoming; the climate is temperate; the old growth oaks majestic; and the pace of life just easy. There are two veterinary clinics and at least two other animal rescues: Taylor County Animal Advocates and Hearts for Hometown Dogs doing God’s work. It’s a small town so practically everybody knows everybody else. People you know are featured regularly in the local newspaper. And the more you explore, the more you fall in love.
At Leashes End we love visitors, so be sure to make Perry a stop on your next trip to Florida.
Here’s a bit more info about Perry …
VisitFlorida.com: Nestled in Florida’s Big Bend region 50 miles southeast of Tallahassee, the rural town of Perry is a welcome escape for outdoor adventurers, anglers, and families looking to spend time in nature. With annual festivals throughout the year, abundant parks and green spaces to explore, and scenic waterways for paddling, fishing, and boating, this area offers plenty to do for visitors of all ages.
Known as the Tree Capital of the South, Perry is home to a number of parks, including Forest Capital Museum State Park, which keeps the town’s forestry heritage alive
NaturalNorthFlorida.com: Perry, one of several Natural North Florida towns located on U.S. Highway 19/98, is the county seat of Taylor County, Florida. Perry, population 7,000, is one of two Natural North Florida towns named after Madison Starke Perry, Governor of Florida from 1875 to 1861. Perry is undergoing a rejuvenation of its downtown which makes it worth a stop. Downtown is located just a few blocks off U.S. Highway 19 and U.S. Highway 98.
The downtown is lined with interesting shops and features, including Rosehead Park. Perry is home to a number of festivals and events which draw crowds from the entire southeastern United States, including the Big Bend Brewfest in early March, the Florida State Bluegrass Festival in early April, the Smokin’ in the Pines Barbecue Festival in late September and the Florida Forest Festival held in late October.