Rome The Mini Australian Shepherd Inspires Tattoos-And-Adoption Event In Leonardtown

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The buzz of a tattoo machine and the soft shuffle of paws may not seem like a natural pairing. But on April 26, they’ll come together inside Shepherd’s Old Field Market for a celebration designed to honor pets, adoption and the community that supports them.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 22725 Duke St., Balanced Paws Pet Care, RibShot Tattoos and Animal Relief Fund (ARF) will host “Pet Parents Day: Furever Looks Good on You,” an event featuring adoptable pets, walk-in flash tattoos, giveaways and discounted pet services.

In an interview with The BayNet, organizers say the collaboration was rooted less in promotion and more in personal connection.

“For us at RibShot Tattoos, this wasn’t just a business decision; it was a personal one,” the RibShot team shared. Being located inside Shepherd’s Old Field Market, the studio has built a close relationship with Bryanna “Bri” Stotler, owner of Balanced Paws Pet Care.

Stotler grooms RibShot’s 13-year-old Mini Australian Shepherd, Rome, a relationship that helped spark the idea.

“When the opportunity arose to collaborate for Pet Parents Day, it felt like the perfect way to celebrate that friendship and our shared space in the Leonardtown community,” RibShot shared.

That neighborly bond aligned naturally with Stotler’s own vision.

“With Pet Parents Day approaching in April and all of us having an obvious passion for body art, partnering with RibShot Tattoos felt like a natural fit,” Stotler said. “As neighbors at Shepherd’s Old Field Market, we’ve always looked for opportunities to collaborate in ways that feel meaningful rather than just promotional.”

Both businesses share a deep connection to animal welfare.

“Q and I are lifelong animal lovers along with our children, Bobby and Evelynn, and our home is a testament to that,” RibShot shared. Beyond their senior dog, Rome, the family includes two rescue cats, Magneto and Garfield.

“We know firsthand the joy that adopted animals bring to a family, so partnering with the Animal Relief Fund (ARF) to promote adoption is a cause very close to our hearts. We believe in using our platform to give back to the creatures who give us so much unconditional love.”

For Stotler, who also fosters through ARF and founded Fido and Friends Inc., the mission hits close to home.

“Our role is to help provide visibility and connection, creating a supportive environment that encourages responsible adoption and community involvement,” she said.

Stotler said the event reflects something larger than its theme.

“I think sometimes people see an event like this and focus on the theme: tattoos, adoptions, giveaways, but for us it’s much bigger than that. We’re neighbors. We’re part of this community. And we all care deeply about animals.

“By coming together, we’re creating a space where pet parents feel celebrated, rescues feel supported and pets in need have more visibility. It’s not about one business, it’s about building something around shared values and opening it up to the community.”

During the event, Balanced Paws Pet Care will offer pet parent giveaways, raffle items and service information, along with $8 basic nail clippings and $10 nail buffing.

RibShot Tattoos will offer walk-in flash tattoos created specifically for the day. Follow their Facebook and Instagram for a list of available art for this day.

“We want to make this event fun and accessible for everyone!” the RibShot team shared. “During the event hours (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), RibShot Tattoos will be offering walk-in flash tattoos.”

“Because we want to accommodate as many supporters as possible during the event, these will be walk-up pieces only, no appointments required! It’s first-come, first-served, so we encourage people to come by early, check out the pets for adoption and get some fresh ink to commemorate the day.”

Pet Parents Day is free to attend. Organizers invite the community to come out April 26 to support ARF, meet adoptable pets and celebrate what happens when local businesses choose collaboration over competition.

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