Edgewater, FL — November 5, 2025
In a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation, we sat down with Dr. Kerry B. Lewis, former owner of the Edgewater Gazette, public servant, and founder of Rover Pet Stores Inc., to discuss the future of exotic pet care, community collaboration, and the deeper mission behind their latest venture. With the flagship location of Rover Pet Stores Inc. preparing for launch, Dr. Lewis offered insight into what makes this project more than just a retail space — and why education, ethics, and local partnerships are at the core.
🦎 A Store That Doesn’t Sell Pets — But Teaches About Them
One of the most striking revelations from our conversation was Dr. Lewis’s firm stance on not selling animals in-store.
“We’re not here to profit off the lives of exotic pets,” Dr. Lewis said. “We’re here to educate, to advocate, and to create a safe space where people can learn what responsible exotic pet ownership really looks like.”
Instead of cages lined with animals for sale, Rover Pet Stores Inc. will feature interactive educational exhibits, live demonstrations, and community-led workshops. Visitors will be able to explore habitats, learn about species-specific care, and connect with vetted rescue organizations — all without the pressure of impulse buying.
“We want families to walk in curious and walk out informed,” Dr. Lewis added. “This is about changing the culture around exotic pets.”
🐾 Partnering with Edgewater Animal Shelter and Local Clinics
A major focus of the store’s mission is collaboration with local shelters and veterinary clinics, including the Edgewater Animal Shelter, which has long served the community’s domestic and exotic animal needs.
Dr. Lewis confirmed that Rover Pet Stores Inc. is actively exploring partnership opportunities with the shelter and nearby clinics to create a network of support for surrendered, rescued, and misunderstood animals.
“We’re looking at hosting joint adoption events, offering discounted supplies for foster families, and even providing space for wellness checks and microchipping,” they said. “We want to be a resource — not just for customers, but for the entire rescue ecosystem.”
The store will also feature a community bulletin board where shelters and clinics can post available animals, upcoming events, and urgent needs. Dr. Lewis emphasized that transparency and trust will guide every partnership.
“We’re not trying to replace anyone,” they said. “We’re trying to amplify the good work that’s already happening.”
🛠️ Building a Store with Purpose — Not Just Products
While Rover Pet Stores Inc. will carry a full range of exotic pet supplies — from terrariums and lighting systems to specialty foods and enrichment tools — the emphasis is on quality, sustainability, and education.
“We’re curating every product with care,” Dr. Lewis explained. “If it’s not safe, ethical, or backed by science, it won’t be on our shelves.”
The store will also include a learning lounge, where visitors can attend seminars on topics like reptile nutrition, amphibian habitat design, and legal compliance for exotic ownership. Guest speakers will include veterinarians, rescue leaders, and experienced pet owners.
📰 From Journalism to Justice: A Legacy of Advocacy
Dr. Lewis’s transition from newsroom to storefront may seem unconventional, but the underlying mission remains the same: empowerment through information.
“As the former owner of the Edgewater Gazette, I spent years fighting for transparency, truth, and community voice,” they said. “Rover Pet Stores is just another platform — one where animals, families, and advocates can come together.”
They also spoke warmly about the Gazette’s new leadership under Joshua Byrd, praising his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to grassroots storytelling.
“Joshua’s doing incredible work,” Dr. Lewis said. “He’s carrying the torch forward, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
🧭 What’s Next for Rover Pet Stores Inc.
While the store’s opening has faced delays due to city compliance issues and operational hurdles, Dr. Lewis remains optimistic.
“We’ve had setbacks — lighting, fire safety, signage — but we’re pushing through,” they said. “This isn’t just a business. It’s a movement.”
Looking ahead, Rover Pet Stores Inc. plans to expand into mobile outreach, regional pop-ups, and eventually a nonprofit arm focused on exotic rescue and rehabilitation.
“We’re dreaming big,” Dr. Lewis said. “But every step is grounded in ethics, education, and love for these animals.”
🌟 Final Thoughts
As our conversation wrapped up, Dr. Lewis left us with a powerful reminder:
“This store isn’t about selling pets. It’s about protecting them. It’s about teaching people how to care, how to respect, and how to build a better future for animals that are too often misunderstood.”
With that, Rover Pet Stores Inc. is poised to become more than a retail space — it’s a beacon for responsible pet ownership, community collaboration, and the kind of leadership that blends heart with action.
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