Her Magazine - January 2022 by APG Eastern NC

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Her Magazine — January 2022

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Meet our team

Christina Ruotolo Editor

Christina Ruotolo is the editor of Her Magazine, Hot Dish writer, and a multimedia specialist at The Daily Reflector newspaper. She is active in the community, is a part-time bookseller at Barnes & Noble and creative writing instructor. She’s a mom to a rambunctious puppy named Reyna and enjoys binge watching cooking shows and puppy snuggles.

Jasmine Blount-Coward is a graphic designer and owner of Jas-Creates Graphics & Web. She enjoys Sonic slushes and spending time with her husband, Dom and two sons, Dash and Jett. Jasmine Blount-Coward Designer

Deborah Griffin, a writer and photographer, lives on a farm in Williamston with her husband and their two boys. She regularly contributes to Eastern Living magazine. Deborah Griffin Photographer

Lauren LaMantia Contributor

Lauren LaMantia, a NJ transplant, resides in Greenville with her family. Approaching 13 years as a cervical cancer survivor, she is always encouraging women to schedule their yearly exams while proudly showing off her teal ribbon tattoo. Lauren is also a Career Counselor at ECU, and with her husband, runs two local family restaurants, Cucina LaMantia and Godfather’s.

Dear Friends,

I was gifted my first cat when I was five. She was a striped mance cat with no tail. I named her Rascal. I dressed her up in my doll clothes and hung a string of pearls around her neck. She was my side kick for years and sadly died when I was sixteen. She is buried in a Motley Crew T-Shirt under a tree in my childhood front yard. Our household was filled with various other pets, or what daddy called “hobbies.” We had exotic fish from Tangs to Trigger-fish in a glowing saltwater tank, a variety of birds from a blue Macaw named Max, a green parrot that sang the tune to the Andy Griffith show, and an African Grey parrot named Grady that called us by our names, laughed at us and knew a few cuss words. We also babysat an infant leopard once. He pounced in and our of our laps and chewed on a hamburger squeaky toy. We had dozens of cats during childhood and it wasn’t until I met my boyfriend, that we got a dog. In 22 years, we have had a Boxer, a Pug named Tex who died at age 14 in 2019, a rescue cat named Sopopi and in the summer of 2020, we rescued a female Pitt mix we named Reyna. I am in love with her. She is the biggest dog I have ever had at almost seventy pounds, and is a snuggle monkey. She has brought us so much joy in a time when the world was anything but. Animals have always brought me peace and serenity. They just know when you're sick or sad and all you have to do is love them in return and their loyalty knows no bounds. Our animals are an extension of our family and we love to show their pictures, tell you their adventures and even let them hog the bed at night. I am excited to showcase all of your furry friends in this special pet themed issue. The cover model is Robin Tant, who recently started a feline pet rescue. You will also meet dozens of reader’s pets. I hope this issue inspires you to adopt a dog, rescue a kitten, volunteer at a shelter, or donate to local shelters. I dedicate this issue to all of the furry friends we have lost along the way. May their light shine on us always. Hugs & Puppy Kisses, ,

Narmin Zeidan Contributor

Narmin Zeidan is a current Master student and dietetic intern at East Carolina University studying Nutrition Science. She graduated from East Carolina University, May 2020 with a BS in Nutrition & Dietetics. She gained her experience during her time as a NC AHEC Scholar where she was trained to work with diverse groups with concentration on rural health issues and working with The FEED lab as a research assistant. Narmin enjoys being in the kitchen testing out new recipes from different cultures and spending time outdoors.

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Christina & Reyna

Contents

Cover Story

4-7 A ‘Purrfect’ Beginning - Fostering Cats And Children In A Pandemic

Inside

8-10 Meet The Pets 12 Her Health: Cooking is My Therapy 13 Her Recipe: Bbq Chicken Chilli 14 Her Advice: Try Positive Reinforcement When Addressing Pets’ Behavioral Issues 18-20 Meet The Pets 22 Her Resources: Looking to Adopt?

Her Magazine — January 2022

24 Her Shopping: Pet Gifts 25 Her Spotlight: Survivor Shares Her Cervical Cancer Journey 26-27 Meet Them: Chocowinity, NC Search & Rescue Dogs & K-9 Trainer, Joy McRoy 28: Her Spotlight: How A Rescue Cat Helped Me Heal After The Recent Loss Of My Husband

Meet Her

30 Meet Her: Robin Tant

fostering cats and children in a pandemic BY CHRISTINA RUOTOLO PHOTOS BY DEBORAH GRIFFIN

is estimated that there are more than 17,000 children currently in foster care in North Carolina. Every day, these young children are placed into their forever home or placed in a temporary home with foster parents. These foster parents are dedicating their lives to the betterment of these children who are seeking a happy ending to their story, and what better way than to have the feeling that love and safety can provide? Last year, a young boy found a caring, loving family that lives right outside Greenville. They welcomed him into their home, wrapped him with love and guidance and, in the process, they also started a foster kitten rescue called Paws and All Feline Rescue. But this story starts a few years back, when Robin Tant decided to rescue a tiny kitten. This started her incredible journey from cat mom to foster mom and everything in between. For the last 14 years, Robin Tant has been a nutrition program director at the Pitt County Health Department. She has always had a knack for helping people find balance and wellness in their lives and also cared for many pets as well. But in 2010, her calling to foster kittens was born. It started with a 6-week-old kitten named Reggie that she found in August of that year. Robin took in the kitten with no initial intention of keeping him. However, all of that quickly changed. “He was very special — loved Christmas, loved his brothers and loved me,” Robin says. “He also loved veggies, with his favorites being Brussels sprouts and dark, leafy greens. I asked the vet if this was OK because I had never really seen a

cat eat vegetables and like them so much. He was not so fond of going to the vet. Early on, he earned the name of ‘Panther’ due to the odd noises that he could make.” But that was not the essence of Reggie. The cat loved to snuggle, or as Robin used to say “charge up for the day.” He was also a master at pawing out all of the water from the water bowl. He tried to make friends with toy cars or other moving objects and, in his prime, could make a very high jump! But Reggie died from a vascular event on Dec. 15, 2018. “Sometime after that, Lemuel and I were out taking a walk on one of the trails and this song came on called ‘River Flows in You. “It made me think of Reggie, and it also made me think about what I wanted to accomplish. Right here - some may think this story is far-fetched – but that day, sometime in January 2019, I was determined to become a foster parent as well as form some type of cat rescue.” She didn’t know how and didn’t know which would come first, but Robin knew that’s what she wanted to do. She and her husband began foster-care classes in September 2019 and were approved for fostering children on Feb. 14, 2020. While the cat rescue had been ongoing, Paws and All Feline Rescue officially became a nonprofit rescue on Aug. 28, 202 1— the same month all those years earlier that Robin found Reggie. So her dream of fostering both children and kittens all started with a song and memory of a little cat. Attempting to start a cat rescue and juggle the life of foster parenting all in the middle of a nationwide pandemic and other unforeseen challenges is more than daunting. But Robin and her husband were determined to see their dream

Her Magazine — January 2022

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through. The hard part was over, it was more now about logistics and how it would all work out. "I can't say enough that fostering isn't all glamour. You have to be prepared for the unexpected, the expected and them whatever comes in between. Sometimes, you want to give up. When this happens to me, I always go back to that moment when Reggie looked back at my husband as he was being euthanized. I would have given any amount of money to save him,

but there was no amount that could." Since February 2020, Robin and her husband have fostered two children and one currently lives with them. Along with the child they foster, they have six cats, five boys: Dagger, Remington, Gordon, Splendor, and Anthem, and one shy little girl cat named Evey who was rescued on Christmas Eve a few years ago. When it comes to the nonprofit Paws And All Feline

Rescue, the cat foster process varies from season to season and case to case. Robin usually houses a few to a dozen cats and kittens at a time in her “Paw House,” which is a foster home where the felines are provided shelter, a safe space for play and love as they recover and await adoption. Many of the foster felines are found through the various feral colonies, shelters and individuals who assist in placing felines in the Paw House. Robin acknowledges that

Her Magazine — January 2022

although she can’t save them all, she can change the lives of the ones she does save. She is able to save a handful of cats and kittens when hundreds of feral cats and kittens will die due to over population. Robin sees the need for spay/neuter education and hopes as her feline rescue organization grows, that stronger state and local advocacy and policies will make it possible to save more cats. Once the feline is found and housed, it is brought to the vet

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there are similarities between feline rescue and fostering children. During the bonding process when foster children or foster cats come into a new environment, they may feel out of sorts. It’s crucial in the beginning to creating safe and nurturing spaces where the foster child and foster kitten feel safe. Once they feel safe, they can open up more and build trust. “I found that when the foster children were helping me with the recuse kittens, that the child took pride in being responsible for taking care of the cats,” Robin says. “When they bonded with the felines, they also let down their guard, so it was a parallel journey that was beneficial for both the foster feline and the foster child.” Fostering felines and children has filled Robin and her husband with the joy of being able to see the progress they were making toward their dreams. “You don’t know what that child or even the foster kitten has been through at first,” Robin says. “They have to feel safe enough to open up to you with what they want, and then you see them evolve over time. That is the rewarding part of this journey, and it’s so rewarding to be part of these children’s lives. The same can be said for foster kitties and cats, once you build trust, you get to see their personalities burst forth, and it’s pure bliss. While it is challenging, I’m so lucky to be able to nurture life through fostering children and felines.” Paws and All Feline Rescue continues its mission to foster felines and give them loving homes, Robin looks forward to creating a formal board of members who share her vision of improving animal welfare, building partnerships with local pet stores and businesses, and managing efforts to raise funds so she can continue her life’s work. For Robin, the future is just “purrfect,” and being a foster mom is just the beginning. For more information on the Paws and All Feline Rescue, email Robin at pawsandallfelines@yahoo.com.

for initial shots, treatment for worms and fleas, and is either spayed or neutered. Once cats are ready for adoption, a prospective parent must complete an application along with references ensuring the feline is going to be placed into a loving, permanent home. Fostering each kitten takes time. But there is no set timeline for fostering kittens or for fostering children. Each has his or her own goals and timelines. What Robin found during this process is that

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Her Magazine — January 2022

PETS

MEET HER

REYNA

Hi, I’m Reyna, a 1½ year old Staffordshire Terrier, Bulldog, Golden Retriever mix. My parents are Christina Ruotolo and Craig Franey of Greenville. I was a rescue dog found in a field when I was young. I love playing with empty water bottles and squeaky toys, playing outside, and hate to be crated. I love watching old westerns, snuggling mommy and daddy and my favorite treats are anything with peanut butter.

MEET HER

JADE BETTY BLACK BIRD

Hi, I’m Jade, a 17-year old female domestic house cat who was trapped when found left alone in my current owner’s yard as a tiny kitten. I guess you could say they saved me. My parents are Bob Byrd and Beth Black Byrd. My favorite food is shrimp and I love to sleep. Now that I’m older, I cry until someone comes and puts me in the bed where I love to snuggle and will hog most of the bed if you let me.

MEET THEM

CHARLIE & PIPER EVANS

Hi, I’m 4 year-old Charlie & my sister is 3 year-old Piper. We are Miniature Dachshunds. Our parents are Jimmy & Elizabeth Evans. We love any treat that Mommy & Daddy give us and we love curling under a warm blanket & zooming around the yard.

MEET HER

CASSIE

Hi, I’m Cassie. I’m a 3 year-old female carolina brown dog. My mommy is Darlene Messerli. I love donuts, ice cubes, and digging holes and I dislike diets!

MEET HIM

OLIVER

JEFFERSON'S NEW EST CUSTOMER SERVICE DOG Hi, I’m Oliver, a 6 month-old male miniature Australian Shepherd. Everyone calls me "Olly” for short. My Mom is Kathyrn Glenn. I love any treat that has peanut butter in it and I love greeting customers and chewing on floral branches.

MEET HIM

MURPHY SUGG Hi, I’m Murphy, a 2 year-old male Cockapoo. My parents are Matthew and Kalen Sugg. My favorite food is Greenies and I love going to the beach.

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Her Magazine — January 2022

MEET HIM

BENJI HARRIS Hi, I’m Benji. I’m a 6 year-old male miniature Schnauzer. My Mom and Dad are Catherine and Ray Harris. My favorite snack is Rachel rays soup bones. My favorite activity is playing fetch for hours. I also like long walks with Mom around the neighborhood and beach, trips to see grandma and I love to cuddle and give kisses.

MEET HIM

Hi, I’m Rebel. I’m a 7 year-old male Labrador Retriever. My Mom is Bunny Wayt. My favorite food is anything and my favorite activity is retrieving ducks and pheasants and swimming in the river or ocean.

MEET HIM

ARCHIE

Hi, I’m Archie, a 6 year-old male Australian Labradoodle. My parents are Carol and Bill Mann. My favorite food is ANYTHING that is human food! My favorite activity is retrieving my ball and sitting in my parents laps.

Her Magazine — January 2022

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HEALTH

Cooking is My Therapy BY NARMIN ZEIDAN Raise your hand if you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed; I know my hand is raised way up high! In the daily hustle and bustle of our world, we are constantly faced with challenges and feel like we are being pulled in multiple directions. Add in a global pandemic, social distancing and this new “normal,” life can be overwhelming and cause a roller coaster of emotions. So how can we motivate ourselves to navigate this new world to get back in the groove of things? We can seek outlets or alternative therapeutic methods to de-stress. For the wellness of our body and mind, it is imperative that we find hobbies or activities that we enjoy. One recommendation is cooking. Cooking can be a soothing technique to relieve stress and break away from reality. Cooking can clear your mind by focusing on the recipe in hand. So how can you use cooking as a therapeutic outlet? Let’s look at some fun ways! Let your Inner Creativity Shine: Cooking can be seen as an art form! Experiment with new recipes and new cooking techniques. Tweak a recipe, follow your own rules and develop a new dish. Reach for new vegetables and flavors you don’t typically use. Try flavoring your lean cut steaks, such as sirloin, with new seasonings like oregano and olive oil and combining them with roasted beets. Indulge your Senses: Experiment with new flavors that you don’t typically eat, and try new cuisines. Awaken your senses with the smells and sounds coming from your kitchen while making your creation. One of my favorite types to cook is Mediterranean. As I cook, my senses are invoked by the garlic aroma and the crackling sounds it makes when adding it to heated oil, which triggers the memories of cooking with my grandmother and making our favorite dishes. Include Family or Friends: Cooking can be a tool to bring people together for a delicious meal while also having fun. Look for recipes you would like to try and involve your family members while making memories. Have a cooking night by calling your friends over to cook together! Have a friendly contest and showcase your creations. Kick Back and Relax: Play your favorite tunes and immerse yourself in cooking. Let your toes twinkle and dance around your kitchen as you cook your cares away. In the end, you don’t have to be a chef to enjoy cooking! Think of cooking as a journey, that starts with a recipe and ends with a delicious meal. Eating itself is therapeutic, so why not extend that by making food you enjoy and become stress free.

Narmin Zeidan is a current graduate student and dietetic intern at East Carolina University studying nutrition science. She graduated from East Carolina University, May 2020 with a bachelor of science in nutrition and dietetics. She gained her experience during her time as a NC AHEC Scholar where she was trained to work with diverse groups with concentration on rural health issues and working with The FEEd lab as a research assistant. Narmin enjoys being in the kitchen testing out new recipes from different cultures and spending time outdoors.

Her Magazine — January 2022

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RECIPE

Bbq Chicken Chilli INGREDIENTS: • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 cup red onion, diced • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons chili powder • 1 tablespoon ground cumin • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • pinch of red pepper flakes • 12 oz cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts, shredded • 12 oz jar roasted red peppers in water, drained and chopped • 1 1/2 cups canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained • 1 1/2 cups canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained • 3 cups low sodium chicken stock • 28 oz can diced tomatoes • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce • 11 tablespoons reduced fat cheddar cheese, for topping • chopped cilantro, for topping INSTRUCTIONS: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil, onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the paprika, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. Add the chicken, red peppers, beans, chicken stock, tomatoes, and barbecue sauce, stirring www.reflector.com/her

to combine. Cover the pot, lower the heat to medium low, and cook for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and taste, adjusting the seasoning to taste, if needed. Cover and cook another 10 minutes. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with cheddar cheese and cilantro. Enjoy! NUTRITION ANALYSIS: Serving: 1cup, Calories: 237kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 43mg, Sodium: 951mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 8g Blue Smart Points:3 Green Smart Points:6 Purple Smart Points:2 Points +:6 SOURCE: https://www.skinnytaste.com/bbq-chicken-chili/

Her Magazine — November 2022

ADVICE

Her Her Magazine Magazine —— January April 2022 2022

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TRY POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT WHEN ADDRESSING PETS’ BEHAVIORAL ISSUES

METRO CREATIVE

hat can pet owners do when their pets exhibit unwanted behaviors, such as damaging furniture or jumping up on people? The first instinct may be to yell or punish the pet by being cross with him or her. However, many animal behaviorists believe that positive reinforcement training is the most effective way to address pets’ behavioral issues. Positive reinforcement training, according to The Humane Society of the United States, utilizes rewards for desired behaviors. The reward, whether it is a treat, praise, toys, or anything the pet finds rewarding, will eventually get the pet to repeat the behavior that earned him or her that reward. Rather than punishing a bad behavior, pet owners who utilize positive reinforcement reward good behaviors. Positive reinforcement also is known as operant conditioning. It is a similar concept studied by famed Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov. When the dinner bell rang, Pavlov’s dogs salivated. The American Kennel Club says that was classical conditioning because the dogs salivated involuntarily. However, operant training conditioning is when dogs learn to associate their behavior with certain results, all the while learning there are good and bad outcomes. The goal is to increase behaviors with pleasant consequences, such as receiving a reward. Experts say that by focusing on the positive, pet owners will see fewer side effects than negative punishment training, such as aggression, fear, anxiety, and avoidance. Timing is the key to positive reinforcement training. The reward must occur immediately after the desired behavior or the pet may not associate it with the proper action. So if the dog sits, then the reward has to come as soon as it gets on the floor. If the reward comes when he has stood back up, then the pooch may think the reward is for standing. When practicing positive reinforcement, keep commands short and training sessions brief so that dogs can understand before they get restless. Dogs don’t understand sentences, says HSUS, and they will lose interest if sessions are too long. Consistency also is essential. Each person interacting with the pet should use the same commands and cues to achieve the desired result, which is a well-behaved pet. It may take time for a pet to acclimate to commands and training. But with patience, positive reinforcement can be effective.

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WELCOMES

CIERRA ROWE, AGNP Ms. Rowe earned her Master of Science: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner degree from Walden University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University and an Associates of Science in Nursing from Pitt Community College. Prior to joining Greenville Women’ s Care, Cierra worked as an Inpatient Nurse Case Manager at Vidant Health where she enjoyed building strong relationships with patients and their families. A native of Raleigh, Cierra resides in Greenville with her husband and three children. When she’ s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and cheering on the Duke Blue Devils.

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Her Magazine — January 2022

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PETS

MEET HIM

SNUFFY

Hi, I’m Snuffy, a 6 month-old male kitty cat. My parents are the Davenports. I was found and rescued by a good Samaritan wandering the streets in Washington and taken in by Yaweh's Heart Rescue. I was born without eyes and had to have enucleation surgery. My surgery sites have healed marvelously. I love my forever home with my three other cat siblings. I am proof that despite unfair circumstances, we should flip the script and turn negatives into our super powers. My favorite treat is any wet cat food I can sneak from my 21 year-old cat sister and Doritos. My favorite activity is pulling out all 20 of my toys. My motto for life is “take naps and ALWAYS steal the good people food!”

MEET HIM

ASTON

Hi, I’m Aston, a male Fox Red Lab. My birth parents are Gypsy and Gator and my mommy is Heather Garris. My favorite food is anything that my people are eating, especially bacon and steak. My favorite activity is playing ball with my favorite orange ball in my yard. I run full speed pushing it around with my nose, then stop, hike it back the other direction and start the process all over again. It keeps me entertained. I also like to play catch with my people.

MEET HIM

KOBE

Hi, I’m Kobe, a 2 year-old male Maltipoo. My parents are Mike and Jeannie Cleaton. My favorite food is a deer burger and my favorite activity is to throw my toys and catch them.

Her Magazine — January 2022

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MEET HER

NOVA

Hi, I’m Nova. I’m a 3 year-old female Husky who was adopted from the Humane Society of ENC over a year ago. My parents are Ashlyn Listecki and my grandparents are Dave & Jackie Listecki. My favorite treat is all food, but my all-time favorite is Beef Doggy Strips. My favorite activity is taking daily walks uptown with my mommy and I love visiting my grandparents so I can play with their three furry siblings and we go swimming in the pool.

MEET HIM

MR. FEENY

Hi, I’m Mr Feeny. I’m a 3 year-old Papillon mix. My mommy is Laura Cross. Right now, my favorite treat is fruit. Everyone says I’m a miracle dog because I have recovered 100% from a slipped disk that caused paralysis. I love to be nosy inside and when I go outside, you will find me patrolling the farm I live on acting as if I own all the land myself.

MEET HER

ARUNDEL

Hi, I’m Arundel, but everyone calls me Ari. I’m a 3 year-old female Main Coon cat. My mommy is Rebecca Clark. My favorite treat is gravy. I am a huntress by nature and I’m extremely patient when stalking birds, squirrels and rabbits. Thankfully I am not as successful as I hope to be. I also love laying in the sun.

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Her Her Magazine Magazine —— January April 2022 2022

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MEET HIM

Hi, I’m Cricket. I’m mostly known as Cricket, unless I’m in trouble, the it’s my full name. I’m an 11 year-old female shelter dog. Everyone thinks I’m a Beagle/ Jack Russell mix. My parents are Doug and Christie Hill. My favorite treat is bacon and my favorite activity is chasing squirrels, going for long walks, sitting at the window barking at people passing by and snuggling for hours.

MEET HIM

DAGGER

Hi, I’m Dagger. I’m a 1 ½ year-old brown tabby male cat. My parent's are Robin and Lemuel Tant. My favorite treat is Squeeze ups, any flavor canned cat food and scrambled eggs. I love to play with toys and chase the other cats in the house around. I have a natural knack at loving other animals and other people, especially children. You can find me doing lots of things, whether it’s hanging out on the screened-in porch, chasing toy cars or finding a good bag to nap in.

MEET HIM

SPENCER

Hi, I’m Spencer. I’m a 15 year-old female Pekingese. My parents are Tina and Craig Springer. My favorite treats are Oscar Mayer Beef Angus Hot Dogs. My favorite activity is chasing the squirrels around New Bern.

MEET HIM

W INSTON

Hi, I’m Winston. I’m a 7 year-old male miniature Schnauzer that lives with my mom, Crystal Hildenbrand, in Greenville. I love car rides, long walks around the neighborhood, running the fence with the neighbors dogs, and Netflix and chilling with Mom. My favorite treats are baby carrots, Greenie bones and any people food Mom might mistakenly drop.

MEET HER

ELLIE

Hi, I’m Ellie. I’m a 4 ½ month old female miniature Golden Doodle. My parents are Brilea and Jerrod Conner. My favorite treat is train-me chicken flavor treats. My favorite activity is running in the back yard will big brother, Milo and eating sticks. Also I love constant zoomies in the yard.

MEET HER

LOLA

Hi, I’m Lola. I’m a 3 year-old female Cockapoo. My Mommy and Daddy are Sue and Rich DiDio. I love Milk Bone treats, and being a Walmart greeter at Lemonade Art Gallery in Washington, NC. I also love chasing balls!

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Her Magazine — January 2022

RESOURCES

LOOKING TO ADOPT? CHECK OUT A FEW OF THE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS ASSISTING IN PET ADOPTIONS.

Saving Graces 4 Felines Saving Graces 4 Felines incorporated as a nonprofit organization in North Carolina on Jan. 14, 2002, and operates a state approved “NO-KILL” shelter. The organization’s goals are twofold: first, rescue and place in adoptive homes stray and abandoned cats and kittens; and second, provide trap/neuter/ return of feral cats. This service meets a need not offered by any other animal rescue group in the area. Since 2002, Saving Graces 4 Felines has placed thousands of cats in homes. In addition to the rescued cats, the organization has assisted in securing sterilization services through local veterinarians for thousands of domesticated and feral cats. Low-cost spay/neuter services to low-income cat and dog owners were added to the array of assistance in 2006, when SG4F assisted in opening Spay Today, a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in Greenville. The clinic is the first of its kind in Pitt County. To see cats available for adoption, go by PetSmart on Greenville Boulevard the first week of each month. Hours are 5-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. An adoption application and interview are required to ensure that the cat is being placed in the appropriate environment. SG4F is committed to rescuing and nurturing kittens and cats in the Pitt County area, with the hope of finding kind, caring people to adopt these wonderful animals. For more information, email savinggraces4@ aol.com. All donations can be mailed to SG4F PO Box 4307, Greenville, NC 27836.

Humane Society of Eastern Carolina The Humane Society of Eastern Carolina's mission is to serve as a safe haven for homeless and neglected pets until they find their forever home and to serve as a resource to the community. By educating the public about issues pertaining to animals, The Humane Society hopes to work towards the elimination of over breeding of dogs and cats and teach owners to be responsible pet owners. At the same time, they hope to facilitate adoptions of pets to good homes so that The Humane Society of Eastern Carolina can allow more unwanted animals to find a temporary home with them. HSEC has been around in one form or another since the 1920's They do not euthanize for space and serve as one of Eastern North Carolina's few no-kill facilities. They don't receive government funding on any level so they rely on fundraising, grants, and private donations to keep their doors open. They have found homes for feline leukemia and feline AIDS positive cats and some of our adopted animals have become service and therapy animals. One HSEC alumni dog went on to work for the Chocowinity Search and Rescue. All of their cats get out of their cages twice a day and all of our dogs get out of their runs three times a day. They have over 200 volunteers who work with them annually. The Humane Society of Eastern Carolina' is located at 3520 Tupper Drive, Greenville, NC 27834. For more information on adoption call (252) 413-7247 or email them at HSECgeneral@gmail.com 22

Her Magazine — January 2022

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Her Magazine — January 2022

PET SHOPPING

HER GIFTS

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Her Magazine — January 2022

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SPOTLIGHT

Survivor Shares Her Cervical Cancer Journey To Promote National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month BY LAUREN LAMANTIA It’s September 2008, and at my yearly exam my doctor pulled a mirror over as I was situated in the stirrups, a position women know all too well. My head rises with caution to an incredible reflection. The tumor was right there, so obvious, almost looking harmless. But it wasn’t. That very moment, as I sat, staring into the mirror, a picture-perfect snapshot was captured and forever embedded in my memory. It doesn’t look good and my doctor informs me we need a biopsy. At 10:52am on the 22nd of that same month, the phone rings and it’s my doctor. I can’t answer it. It’s the call I was dreading, and somehow thought I could avoid the news just by dismissing it. Then my cell phone rings and I just know. I answer the call with fear. “Lauren, it’s cancer,” is hauntingly uttered by my doctor. I immediately think about my children, ages 9 and 8 at the time. I don’t remember what I said, or what else the doctor said, or frankly what even the rest of my day was like. What I do remember is pacing in my foyer making the calls to family with tears in my eyes and pain in my heart thinking, “What’s going to happen to me?” From that point on it was all about beating this thing. There was no way possible I was leaving my children. The game was on and we created a plan of action. I thought I could work while undergoing treatments. After one week, I gave up. Nope, no way, can’t do it. I needed an outlet, some way to handle this pressure. Photography and being the center of attention were it! This meant documenting everything through pictures, wearing silly socks with my hospital gown, and decorating my chemo chair with lights and garland during Christmas. It worked while I was handling the tough stuff. Treatments included six weeks of chemotherapy, eight weeks of external radiation, and then a hospital stay for internal radiation. I had a PICC, Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter, line set up in my arm for chemo drugs and four tattoos marked to perfectly line up the laser for radiation. Nothing could have prepared me for the “terminator arm” surgically fitted for internal radiation. That’s the name I gave it. Just imagine a cold, metal, robotic looking arm hanging from my body in which I had to stay flat for three days. Ultimately, a total hysterectomy was necessary. Through all of it, my children were champs and they saw Mommy was going to be all right. According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. That has dropped significantly with the increased use of the Pap test. With 2021 estimates of about 14,000 new cases diagnosed and over 4,000 women that will die, you must be proactive, and please, please keep up with your yearly exams. Don’t have the memories I do. Lauren LaMantia, a New Jersey transplant, lives in Greenville with her family. Approaching 13 years as a cervical cancer survivor, she is always encouraging women to schedule their yearly exams while proudly showing off her teal ribbon tattoo. Lauren is also a career counselor at ECU, and with her husband, runs two local family restaurants, Cucina LaMantia and Godfather’s.

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Her Magazine — November 2022

MEET THEM

Chocowinity, NC Search & Rescue Dogs & K-9 Trainer, Joy McRoy “Doing what we love, so others may live”

Chocowinity Search and Rescue, founded in 2015, is a dedicated team of volunteers working in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies across eastern North Carolina to provide specialized skills in tracking and rescue operations for lost/missing persons. We have team members certified in man-tracking, first aid, rescue tech, wilderness survival, land navigation, communications, command center operations and a variety of necessary skills required to locate and bring your loved ones home. We are also proud to have 12 K9 teams, with skills in tracking/ trailing, air scent and Human Remains Detection (HRD). Our main purpose it to find missing persons. Deploying to calls is not the only thing we do; training also takes up a lot of our time. K9 training is never ending. We are always working our dogs striving for a higher skill and standard. We want them in peak condition that if there is a call, they are up to any task. We are all volunteers. Our personal gear, equipment and even our K9s are purchased with our own money, or through donations. We do not receive any tax funding, and so we have to rely on various fund-raising events to help pay for team equipment. You can help by purchasing our 2022 Search and Rescue calendar featuring our hardworking K9s, for $10. Shipping is available upon request. Contact Joy McRoy chocosearchrescue@gmail.com to order. For more information, visit www.chocowinitysar.org or call 252-945-3783.

MEET HIM

SIRKO MCROY Hi, I’m Sirko, a 4-year-old German shepherd tracking/trailing K9 that loves to find people! I was born in Germany in 2017 and came to the United States to work as a search and rescue dog, and yes, I have my own passport. I studied Wilderness Tracking at Bullock’s K9 Training, and was certified in 2018, I have worked with the Chocowinity Search & Rescue since January 2018 and have been on numerous searches. My favorite food is hot dogs, which I get every time I find a missing person. I do have a crooked ear, but everyone recognizes me because of that, and the kids love it! My mom says that it makes me look goofy, but I think it just adds to my charm. I enjoy meeting with kids, and I love to have my picture taken with them! I also enjoy hiking, agility training, and anything that will let me ride in my mom’s truck. I love her truck!

MEET HIM

CAIRO MCROY Hi, I’m Cairo. I'm a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois and a certified Wilderness Human Remains Detection K9. Basically, "I smell dead people.” I have worked for Chocowinity Search & Rescue since 2019 and was trained by Bullock’s K9 Training in Greenville. I also enjoy agility training, Frisbee and hiking. My favorite toy is a ball. I love to work! I get so excited when my mom tells me we are going to work. I also love to play with Sirk; he’s my best friend.

Her Magazine — January 2022

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SEARCH RESCUE CALENDAR MEET HER

JOY MCROY Hi, I’m Joy McRoy. I’m a K9 Handler at Chocowinity Search & Rescue. I live on a farm with cattle, horses and, of course, my dogs. I got my start in Search and Rescue in 2016 as a member of the Chocowinity Search & Rescue mounted team, and then got involved with the K9s. K9 Sirko is my second tracking/trailing dog that I purchased after my first dog was retired due to health issues. I then purchased Cairo as a HRD K9. I now also have another Belgian Malinois K9, Jedi, that is training to become an Arson Detection K9 for the fire department. However, I’m excited to say that I have a new German shepherd flying in from Germany in January to start his career in search and rescue. I love working with dogs, but I also enjoy training and learning more search and rescue skills. We have a great group of search team members and other K9s to work with and train with, and it’s nice to have well trained teammates and other k9s to work with when we get called out. When we are not training, we love to take the dogs to visit kids and talk to them on what to do if they ever find themselves lost. The dogs enjoy meeting the kids and having their pictures taken with them. When I’m not training with search and rescue, I enjoy traveling and showing my quarter horses. I am lucky to be able to take my dogs with me on the road as I travel, so we can keep the training going even when I’m out of town. These are awesome dogs and I’m blessed to be able to call myself their handler. They make me look good!

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Her Magazine — January 2022

SPOTLIGHT

How a rescue cat helped me heal after the recent loss of my husband BY DARLENE MESSERLI She never really had a mommy… didn’t have time with her brothers and sisters to learn about good play/bad play. She seemingly fell out of the sky, straight from my daddy in heaven, at a whopping three weeks and 9 ounces. Her social skills were and still are very limited, and although she put a smile back on my face and pulled me back from a very dark place, she was always definitely a daddy’s girl. She and Charles had their own routine, their own schedule, their own games. These last 10 months have been incredibly hard on her. Strangers in and out, crazy schedules, different people feeding her, litter box being moved, missing her daddy so terribly. Over the course of four months, she gradually moved her way down the hall to a way too small basket beside his bed. She never left his side for six weeks. The night that I returned home from hospice, she met me in our bedroom, and this cat that never made a sound literally screamed as loud as she could. She ran down the hall straight to the living room and curled up in the chair that Charles sat in whenever he was able. She stayed there for three weeks and grieved before she finally came back to their spot on the couch. She has reminded me of so much during my own grieving. Get it out! Take your time. Figure it out yourself. There is no right or wrong. Every day is different. Everybody’s pain looks different. Love always wins. Like it or not, she’s a mommy’s girl now. We’re going to figure this out together. Little did I know the day that Spanky scooped her up that I wasn’t saving her. No, she didn’t get all the early skills that she needed, but she learned the most important thing. She’s a rescue cat for sure.

In loving memory of

Charles Linwood Messerli JUNE 24, 1950 - OCTOBER 19, 2021

Her Magazine — January 2022

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Her Magazine — January 2022

Robin!Tant

Tarboro, NC | Co-owner, Paws and All Feline Rescue Tell me a little bit about your family- I have a small family, comprised of both humans and those with four legs! My husband Lemuel and I are foster parents and currently have one foster child in our home. We also share six cats, Remington, Gordon, Anthem, Evey, Splendor and Dagger. Hobbies/Interests- I enjoy cat rescue, hiking trails, sitting on my porch, listening to music, and watching scary movies! I also love cooking and tasting new cuisines. Describe your perfect day off- A perfect day off would be spent at the beach on a warm day listening to the ocean waves, feeling the ocean breeze and reading a good book or magazine.

If you could turn into an animal for a day, what animal would you be and how would you spend your day? I think I would be a cat. I would be the one that wanted to play with the ball and hide it from everyone else. I would probably be the cat that would play pounce. When I was done playing, I would go to my owner for a snack and a good head rub. And I would always be meowing at something! Favorite quote- “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”- Edward Everett Hale

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