Inweekly 2019 Pet Issue

Independent News | August 1, 2019 | Volume 20 | Number 31 | Models: Moose & Molly Rockwell | Photographer: Natalie Allgyer

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The Pet Issue

Models: Moose & Molly Rockwell Tattoo By: Sehoya Thu-Dao at Three Fates Tattoo Photographer: Natalie Allgyer

Our decision to make the first Pet Issue was a pretty selfish one. We just wanted an excuse to publish photos of our animals and write about fun stuff like kitten yoga.

But we had a feeling we weren't the only obsessed pet owners out there. We were right.

August 1, 2019

Not only does The Pet Issue garner tons of "likes" and page views every year, but it also receives more reader submissions than pretty much anything we do besides Best of the Coast. And selecting the cover models has become our favorite July tradition around the office.

For this year's, we decided to feature

a dog/owner duo who are connected in the most permanent and adorable way—a tattoo. Seriously, the only thing cuter than Molly Rockwell's smiley arm art, by local artist Sehoya Thu-Dao of Three Fates Tattoo, is little Moose himself. He was an excellent model too—he didn't bark or require treats on set, which was a first for us.

Editorially, we've got some good stuff this time around, including an interview with a professional kitten rescuer, a profile on a certified therapy cat and lots more.

So back by popular demand, here's the eighth annual Inweekly Pet Issue. We hope you have as much fun reading it as we did making it. {in}

11

Adorable Activism

For the longest time, kittens didn't get the spotlight they deserved. Shaw changed that with her Kitten Lady persona. She not only rescues kittens but also makes YouTube videos about how to care for kittens, spreads awareness on social media, posts kitten information on her website and soon will have a 300-plus-page resource for those who are kitten curious called "Tiny but Mighty: The Kitten Lady's Guide to Saving the Most Vulnerable Felines."

"I live and breathe kitten advocacy," Shaw said. "This is everything I care about.

I'm pleasantly surprised by how much desire there is from the public to learn about this. I always say I lure people in with cute photos and videos. They come for the cute photos, but they stay for the education and the cause."

Shaw's book, "Tiny but Mighty," releases Aug. 6. It's part narrative, part instructional.

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Hannah Shaw didn't find kittens; they found her.

The YouTube vlogger, Instagram celebrity and new author known as "Kitten Lady" said her devotion to kitten advocacy started with a kitten she found stranded in a tree 10 years ago.

"I had no idea when I got started that kittens—if they're an orphan and they go into a shelter—they're very likely to be euthanized," Shaw said. "When I realized there were not a lot of places that could take on a kitten like that, I decided to raise 212 1

By Savannah Evanoff

her. After that, I started finding kittens absolutely everywhere outside. I became really determined to be the person who could give them a shot at life."

Coco, Shaw's OG kitten, has shared her home with hundreds of rescued kitten roommates since.

Shaw has two spaces dedicated for them, a built-in nursery for neonatal kittens that is decked out with incubators and a transition pen with climbing structures for kittens to test out their developing feline skills.

"'Tiny but Mighty' is really for anybody who is interested in animal welfare or cats," Shaw said. "Even if you're not a foster parent, I have dozens of cute kitten photos and cute kitten rescue stories, which are really fun to read. It's a great resource whether you are actively rescuing or you're kitten curious or you just love cats."

Shaw also wrote a children's book, "Kitten Lady's Big Book of Little Kittens," which will release Oct. 8. It's designed for children 4 and older, but Shaw recommends it for everyone.

"I'm 32 and I love it," Shaw said with a laugh. "It is a really cute picture book that is all about what happens in the life of a foster kitten from rescue to adoption and teaches kids concepts about animal welfare and fostering in hopes that they will someday be interested in maybe being part of this movement. It's adorable."

About half of the cats in the U.S. live outside as community cats, Shaw said. Her mission is to spread awareness about the problem.

If kittens are found outside, people should first try to reunite them with their mother.

"The mom is the best one to take care of them," Shaw said. "And you should also be doing trap and return in that area so you're putting an end to the burdens of all these kittens who are born under dumpsters and in alleys and under porches. This is such a huge tragedy, but it's such a preinweekly.net

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ventable tragedy. It's preventable through sterilization of the cats who live outside in our communities."

When kittens don't have their mothers, others need to step in.

"Just because they are very, very young or fit in the palm of your hand doesn't mean they don't have everything inside of them to be an amazing and mighty and robust cat," Shaw said. "These kittens have all of the potential inside of them, and they just need our help to bring that out."

Orphan kittens have as much of a right to live as a cat of any other age.

"A baby—whose eyes are closed and ears are folded— they still have an instinct to seek warmth, to seek food," Shaw said.

"They want to suckle automatically the August 1, 2019

moment they're born. Their bodies want to live so badly."

Shaw now spends her life surrounded with teeny tiny kitties in need, and it never gets old.

"I don't think there will ever be a day that I don't go absolutely gaga for kittens." Shaw "Every kitten I see is the cutest kitten I've ever seen," Shaw said. "All of the photos in the book and on my social media, people go, 'How did you get them to do

that? How did you get them to be so cute?' I'm like, 'You don't have to get them to do anything.

They're just always cute.' You can be doing this impactful thing but also be surrounded by the most adorable fluff balls ever who are constantly making you laugh and making you say, 'Aww.' I don't think there will ever be a day that I don't go absolutely gaga for kittens."

For more on Shaw and her upcoming books, visit kittenlady. org. And if you don't already follow her on Instagram, fix that ASAP—@kittenxlady.

13

Bringing 'A Hope' to Animals

Brandi Winkleman / Courtesy Photo

Aslan / Courtesy Photo 414 1

As a volunteer for the Santa Rosa County Animal Shelter, Brandi Winkleman saw the best and the worst of her community.

Animal shelters can be criticized for having to do the unthinkable. That was no different in 2017, when the shelter made local headlines for having one of the highest euthanasia rates in the state.

Where many people saw a problem, Winkleman started looking for a solution.

"I saw the gaps in need while volunteering," she said.

"It wasn't just about rescuing animals. I believe the number one killer of animals is when owners aren't listened to. I wanted to help fill that void."

Winkleman said the responsibility shouldn't be solely burdened on the shelter. The community should work to make it better. In September 2017, she founded her nonprofit, A Hope, with the goal of

preventing shelter overpopulation through outreach and practical solutions.

Since the 501(c)(3) nonprofit began, it has helped 1,500 animals—and counting— get low-cost spay or neutering at Operation Spay Bay in Panama City. Every other week, Winkleman facilitates transports for 50 to 75 animals.

Thanks to a recent $26,500 grant from Sunday's Child, A Hope was able to subsidize fees for spaying/neutering surgeries along with rabies vaccine and microchip for a program they call "Fix and Chips."

And because prevention doesn't begin and end with spaying and neutering (although it is a big part of it), Winkleman and about 10 volunteers foster medically-needy kittens from the Santa Rosa County Animal Shelter. So far, they've saved 200.

A Hope also recently partnered with Panhandle Animal Welfare Society to provide low-cost rabies vaccines and microchips to hundreds of animals.

A Hope works primarily to help both cats and dogs—but Winkleman also fostered a mouse for someone at the Escambia County Animal Shelter once. Cats tend to be a big focus since they are the most vulnerable.

Inside the A Hope office in Milton, otherwise known as the "paw pad," is where

By Jennifer Leigh

pet food donations are kept to help families in need.

Money is often a big barrier for pet owners, Winkleman said, which is why she hopes to one day soon open a low-cost clinic in the Milton area. All she needs is the land and perhaps a few big donations.

"We need to stop thinking that all people are bad," she said. "When I volunteered (at the shelter), I would guess about 70 percent of owners surrendered animals because of cost. They couldn't afford spaying and neutering or they moved into a new rental that didn't allow pets."

When it comes to changing hearts and minds, Winkleman said educating the public about spaying and neutering can sometimes be hard. Not everyone sees an animal like an extension of family. But she isn't afraid of the work ahead, and she stays hopeful because of the good she's seen in Santa Rosa County.

"Our community is pretty great," she said. "We just have to help people with animals because the animals can't help themselves. I'm working on teaching the future animal advocates. Otherwise, we're just going to keep running in circles."

To learn more about A Hope or to make a donation visit ahope4src.com.

A Feel-Good Feline When you think of therapy animals, it probably elicits an image of a fluffy dog in a vest.

But we'd like to introduce you to Aslan the Therapy Cat. While cats may sometimes get a bad rap for being indifferent or high strung, Aslan breaks that stereotype.

For the past few years, the 7-yearold Maine Coon has been bringing joy to patients at facilities, including Summer Vista Assisted Living Community and Covenant Hospice.

"For some of these patients, their lives are very small," explained Aslan's owner and trainer Wayne Epley. "Some patients can't speak, but you see the joy in their faces. It's way better than words. Sometimes all they can do is cry."

Epley, a retired Air Force veteran, began training animals about 35 years ago, mostly border shepherds.

But he says a lot of the same rules can be applied to cats. In fact, Aslan is Epley's third therapy cat—and possibly the only one currently in the Gulf Coast area.

"He went through a year and a

half of training and is certified through Love on a Leash," Epley said. "He's technically certified to be a service dog since there wasn't a cat option."

Epley rescued Aslan and his brother, Thumus, when he saw they were being terrorized by a group of kids at a softball field. He didn't think twice about taking them home.

He started training them both, but Thumus failed his final exams.

As a therapy animal, Aslan has been trained to walk on a leash, respond to basic commands and not respond to sudden noises.

To keep his training up, Epley takes Aslan to sit in the lobby at Synovus Bank regularly so that he stays comfortable in public places.

There's definitely the occasional shocked stare when strangers see Aslan walking around on a leash. It's usually an icebreaker to learn more about therapy cats.

"People see the vest and his tags and so they're very interested," said Epley.

Even at 20 pounds, Aslan is gentle, especially with patients.

Epley keeps his claws clipped and bathes him twice a month to reduce cat dander.

Aslan seems to enjoy the work he does, said Epley. Working with hospice patients, often Aslan is visiting friends for the last time and offers some comfort to those who need it most.

"He's a gentle soul," Epley said.

"I don't try to understand how he knows, but he knows who needs some extra attention."

When it comes to training cats, Epley warns not to expect a miracle overnight. He said that anyone interested should do their homework first and suggests books by known dog trainer Barbara Woodhouse.

With some love and consistent training, perhaps your cat could spread joy like Aslan. It's work, but it's as rewarding for Epley as it is for everyone else.

"I'm very blessed to be able to do this for people," he said.

Follow Aslan on Facebook at facebook.com/aslan-the-therapycat-157690554688611. inweekly.net

Reader Pet Photos Ask and you shall receive.

This old adage might not apply to everything, but it certainly does for our annual Pet Issue.

Every year, we ask you guys to send us photos of your pets, and every year, you deliver.

For this, our eighth installment,

we got cute kittens, cute bulldogs and even one super cute rabbit.

Of course, we can't print every photo we get—we have limited space and image quality standards. So if you sent in a photo and don't see it, it's probably because something was a little off with the photo (too small, too

dark, too blurry...). If your pet didn't make the cut, please try again next year—with a different photo, of course.

Thank you for making The Pet Issue special, year after year. We promise to keep publishing submissions as long as you keep sending them, deal?

Abbey Road Michael & Jennifer Paquette

Ada Ryan Martin

Alma Carly & Jordan Richards

Annie Steve Lind & family

Apollo Candice Miller

Artus Annalise & Brendan

Aurora Alicia Thrush

Baron John David Ellis & Caitlyn Cooney

Beau Eric & Marcia Enquist

Bella Marie Siskind

Belle Dean & Debbie Kirkland

Big Al Jim & Penny Lonche

Bob Steve Lind & family

Boca "Bo" Matthew & Chelsie Lowry

Bones Michael & Tara Jones

Bonnie & Clyde Matthew & Adrian Gilliam

Charlie Ian & Paola Benson

Clouseau Charlotte Gordon

Catsper Pensacola Humane Society Foster/ Fostered by Melanie & Angie Andrade August 1, 2019

Charlie & Annie Eric & Marcia Enquist

Bunny Lebowski Shauncey & Chloe Fury

Coco Melissa Stoker & Wesley Moore

Caterina Pensacola Humane Society Foster/ Fostered by Melanie & Angie Andrade

Daisy Josh & Caitlin Newby 15

Dash Alex & Jessica Andrade

Ethel Bean Travis Swann & Chelsey Domschke

Eddie Mary Denaro

Ferguson Rachel Wilbourn

Eleanora Hilary McIndoo

Emily Robert & Maddy Hill

Emmy Lou Thomas Leemon

Ernie Sam & Dan Eckiss

Finnlay Lincoln Monica Perkins

Forest Matt & Brittany Knee

George W Shara & Toby Edwards

George Stan & Tonie Allsopp

Gianna & Luca Jim Aux

Hillary Pat Gleich

Hissy Girl chizuko

Honey Charlotte Epley

Irma Jeff & Andrea Gately

Isabel Tasha Bronson & Nick Fury

Jack James Thomas Leemon

Joseph Biden Marcus & Laura Williams

Kaia Jeannie Dewberry

Kendall Ashlee & David

Kona Lauren & Tyler Saltzman

Kooper Suzi & Rick

Larry Melanie & Alex Andrade

Layne Whitney & Adam Fike

Lily Jerry & Lynn Jackson

Lola Mary Denaro

Louie Zach Williams & Mary Guy

Lucille Ball Deven & Rob Thead

Luke Victoria Billingsley

Luna & Marlo Cat & Greg Mabry

Mama Cat chizuko

Marcus Aurelius Patrice Gooden, Harriet Clark & Daniel Clark

Marleigh Clara Cappas

Maximillion Janet Watson

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inweekly.net

Meatball Justin & Shannon Lusko

Medusa Jessica Ward & Andrew Frisbie

Molly Moo Moo Ashley Holden

Moose Carly & Jordan Richards

Moose Molly & Ben Rockwell

Noodle Molly & Ben Rockwell

Orange Boi chizuko

Orion Jessica Ward & Andrew Frisbie

Ozzy Jim & Penny Loncher

Paco Amy & Andy Caputi

Peanut Butter Eric & Caroline Peterson

Percy Sledge Deven & Rob Thead

Porter, Cooper & Nigel Micheal & Lelanya Taber

Pumpkin Doodle Deven & Rob Thead

Rusty Andrew Wendel

Sailor Dana Hall

Samson Michael & Tara Jones

Sebi Jamie & Fran Welch

Shadow Mark & Wendy Bishop

Sheldon Charlotte Gordon

Simon Aloysius John David Ellis & Caitlyn Cooney

Sissy & Sugar Wayne & Sherry Franklin

Sophie (RIP) Shelby, Ryan & Poppy Nalepa

Sven, Abby & Palo Freda Bortone

Tallulah Clancy Bambrick

Thursday Shauncey & Chloe Fury

Toulouse Shelby, Ryan & Poppy Nalepa

Tucker & Leia Nicholas Tran & Shelly Vu

Watson Molly & Ben Rockwell

Wednesday Phil, Veronique & Oliver Zayas

Wednesday Shauncey & Chloe Fury

Willow Alyssa Simpson

Woodford Justin & Shannon Lusko

Yochi Joy Kristin

Zoey Jordan Hewes

Zola Robert & Maddy Hill

August 1, 2019

17

Senior Superlatives

Don't Shop, Adopt

By Sydney Robinson

"A lot [of dogs] are grieving losing a family member. A lot have been thrown away or are a stray on the street," Armstrong shared.

"They bond with you so fast and so hard."

"I have never experienced anything like a rescue dog."

Francine Armstrong

Sydney, Josh and Paco / Courtesy Photo Sydney, Josh & Paco

Simon and Paco

When my dog Simon died, I was prepared. Well, as prepared as I could be.

Simon was 17 years old. He was an adorable deaf, partially paralyzed Rat Terrier who was missing a toe. He was white with black and brown spots. He was my best friend.

Losing him hurt, but that's what it means to love a pet—to open yourself up to a tiny creature (well, not always so tiny) who you feed, walk, carry, adore and disappoint. It means committing to loving them long after they have left the cute puppy stage and provide a true "forever home." It means lying on the floor with them or holding them in your arms and saying goodbye.

Truth be told, I had been steadily following the intakes and adoptions of local animal shelters and rescues for a few years.

I always knew that when Simon's time came, it wouldn't be long before I would need another dog in my life. So a couple of months later, when I had stopped tearing up at seemingly random times, I started an earnest search for my new companion.

When I got Simon, I was a child who picked out a puppy from a dirt-lined crate somewhere in Alabama. This time, I knew that this dog (and all other dogs I would ever care for) would come from a rescue or shelter. I would save a life, not buy one.

Operating with a busy work schedule and active social life, there was no time for an 818 1

adorable puppy. No, a full-grown dog with his own life and quirks was what I needed.

Enter Paco.

Paco was brought to Pensacola from Panama City as a result of Hurricane Michael.

He was in the shelter before the storm and was transported to give lost dogs separated from their owners space to reconnect.

All of five pounds, and approximately 6 years old, Paco roamed around his foster's yard, independent and curious. His little teeth were rotted (which is how the rescue estimated his age), but with his deadly breath, he longed to lick and kiss whoever gave him the chance. I was smitten. He was mine.

Adopting an older dog from a fosterbased rescue was the right move for me and I think for Paco, too. Once again, I have a friend, a best friend, who I will care for as long as I am allowed. And that's the happy ending here, that a dog that deserved to be happy was given a second chance. Or maybe a third. I'll never really know.

To the Rescue

I spoke with Francine Armstrong, owner of nonprofit rescue organization Flori Bama Small Breed Rescue, the same rescue that saved Paco, to discuss the benefits of adopting older dogs.

"I have never experienced anything like a rescue dog," said Armstrong. "They are so grateful when somebody shows them the love and attention they are craving."

Flori Bama is a foster-based rescue, which means that the organization can only take as many dogs in as they have fosters to care for them. Not having a facility keeps the cost of overhead down and allows all of the money raised through adoption fees and fundraisers to go directly to the dogs in need.

The foster-based system also means that a potential adopter can learn a great deal about the dog they are interested in, far more than one might learn about a dog in a kennel.

"If I have a little dog that is very cuddly and likes to sleep in bed with their foster and someone tells me they are kenneling them, I won't adopt to them. Those are the advantages, knowing their little quirks, especially with senior dogs [because] some of them are pretty dang quirky," said Armstrong.

Armstrong says that a foster-based rescue is especially important for small-breed dogs.

Flori Bama's cut-off is 25 pounds because they often suffer in a shelter environment.

In addition to smaller dogs, Armstrong says her rescue most often deals with older dogs.

Flori Bama considers dogs 8 and older as "senior" and has placed dogs as old as 18 years old.

"We have two [senior] poodles right now who were surrendered after their owner passed away," she told Inweekly.

That pair of poodles are Coco, a 14-year-old white female, and Jackson, a 16-year-old male.

"If you look up a poodle's life expectancy, it says 12 to 15 years," Armstrong said, which means this pair are super seniors and have definitely been well cared for.

Some of the other senior dogs currently in Flori Bama's care are Cinder, a 15-yearold Chihuahua, Melody D, a 10-year-old Japanese Spitz, and Minnie Pennie, a 12-year-old Miniature Pinscher.

Flori Bama tries to match the correct dog to the correct person, and that includes taking into consideration the age of the adopter.

"We try to encourage senior-to-senior adoptions. We will also do reduced rates if we have an old dog. We get a lot of people on fixed incomes, and if they are willing to adopt a senior dog, we do a reduced rate for that," Armstrong said.

If you want to see these senior pups or just learn more about Flori Bama in general, visit fbsbrescue.com.

Whether you're in the market for a new pet or just looking to donate or volunteer, here's a roundup of local and regional shelters, rescue groups and nonprofits.

A Hope 5755 Washington St., Milton ahope4src.com Alaqua Animal Refuge 914 Whitfield Road, Freeport, Fla. alaquaanimalrefuge.org Animal Allies Florida aaflorida.org Escambia County Animal Shelter 200 W. Fairfield Drive myescambia.com/community/ adoptable-animals Feline Friends of Destin felinefriendsofdestin.org Flori Bama Small Breed Rescue fbsbrescue.com Friends of the Escambia County Animal Shelter ecasfriends.com Hotel for Dogs & Cats 4110 Creighton Road h4dc.org Junior Humane Society juniorhumanesociety.com Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue nwflgdr.com PAWS (Panhandle Animal Welfare Society) 752 Lovejoy Road (Fort Walton Beach) paws-shelter.com Pensacola Humane Society 5 N. Q St. pensacolahumane.org Phoenix Rising Rescue (Pit Bull Rescue) 40 W. Nine Mile Road phoenixrisingrescue.com Redfox's Animal Rescue redfoxsrescue.rescueme.org Santa Rosa County Animal Shelter 4451 Pine Forest Road (Milton) santarosa.fl.gov/animals Save Underdogs (Perdido Key) saveunderdogs.com SOCKS (Save Our Cats & Kittens) 498 Carmel Drive (Fort Walton Beach) saveourcatsandkittens.com SouthBARK southbarkanimalrescue.org The Southern Dog thesoutherndog.com inweekly.net

How I Became A Dog Nanny

By Sammi Sontag

It's me, Sammi Sontag, former INtern turned summer '18 staff writer. Since the last Pet Issue, I've made a few life changes.

I now live in Brooklyn, N.Y., and I have the most fitting side job—I'm a dog nanny.

I honestly didn't know dog nannying was a lucrative side job until I signed up for Rover.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, Rover is a dogwalking app that's basically Tinder for dog people.

In a nutshell, the process to sign up for Rover is as follows—you download the app, pay for a background check, find your best pet-centric profile picture and some testimonials, and BOOM, you're a "professional" dog walker.

I was surprised how quickly Brooklynites responded to my profile. I was regularly walking dogs and doing drop-in visits until a family, that I'll call Mr. and Mrs. X, courted me.

They are in their late 30s and needed a dog nanny for an entire week as they traveled the East Coast. I had never heard of a dog nanny before, but they were willing to pay generously, so I said yes.

Two days prior to their departure, I met Mr. and Mrs. X and their pups, Rudy and Mazie, in an open park on a Tuesday afternoon.

When I saw the family of four bounding toward me, I knew this would be a good week. Rudy and Mazie are three-and-ahalf-year-old Scottish terriers. They are draped in wavy, dark chocolate colored fur and have triangularly pointed ears and bangs that made seeing the world very difficult (particularly for Mazie—she is constantly shaking her hair out of her eyes before walking any length).

The dogs waddled up to the bench and wagged their tails; their parents sat next to me. As we chatted about the dogs' routine, I observed the Scotties.

Rudy was relaxed; Mazie high strung.

Rudy was chunky; Mazie was slim. Needless to say, they made a good brother-sister duo.

That same day, the X's took me to their "digs," which is a term Mrs. X used interchangeably with the word "home." Of course, they have a beautiful brownstone, with three floors, two bedrooms, two full bathrooms and breathtaking ornate rugs throughout. I was overwhelmed and underprepared for the fancy slice of Brooklyn living.

"So this is what dog nannying is like in New York?" I thought. "Wow." When Mrs. X asked me if was comfortable staying at the house, I nodded and smiled. The excitement and nerves blended together, but I was ready.

Rudy and Mazie hated the idea of a

By Savannah Evanoff

Courtesy Photo

Just add goats.

That's the mantra of Grateful Hearts Yoga—a studio that started offering a monthly goat yoga class at Emerald Coast August 1, 2019

Zoo in Crestview in the fall of 2018.

Studio owner Gracie Simmons explained goat yoga isn't your typical yoga practice.

"The goats are interacting with us," Simmons said. "They will sometimes run through our practice and just make everybody laugh. Sometimes they'll head butt each other and cause a few giggles.

Sometimes they'll jump up on people when we're in poses they think they want to join in on. Other times, I'll place the goats on top of people and let them experience feeling a goat on their back."

The class incorporates Nigerian Dwarf goats, so none weigh more than about 30 pounds, Simmons explained. Because of their small size, this type of goat is a more likely pet than others.

Goat yoga is more light and fun than a focused studio class. It's a stress-reducing time because the goats are naturally therapeutic animals.

nanny. Like any three-year-olds whose parents left them behind for vacation, the Scotties threw a fit. They barked at me, hid under the couch and refused to walk. We had two brutal, sleepless nights, and I worried our week ahead would be hellacious.

But thankfully, it wasn't.

By Wednesday, the Scotties warmed up to me. They even liked me enough to sleep with me. They cried when I left the house and licked my toes as I prepared their gourmet dinner. Seriously, their mom left them boiled chicken, broccoli and carrots for the week. My meals aren't even that balanced most days.

We had become our own pack, and I loved it. I felt their affection each time I scratched behind their ears. And in the morning, as my alarm went off, Rudy and Mazie made sure I was really awake by giving me tons of kisses.

The week flew, and before I knew it, Mr. & Mrs. X were back. They toppled their luggage into the basement and cooed as their babies ran up to them and smothered them in kisses.

Before I left, Mrs. X asked if I'd nanny again soon.

"Dog nanny," I thought. "This is not what I was expecting, but hey, it has a fun ring to it."

So I said yes and patted the dogs on the head before rushing to catch my train. And that's how I officially became a dog nanny in New York City.

Namaste At A Zoo

"They're calm when they want to be; they're sweet and funny and cuddly," Simmons said. "Adding them into a yoga practice increases that ability to forget what's going on in your daily life and settle into this practice that's calming and stress-reducing."

The goats love it, too.

"It's their favorite part of the month," Simmons said. "They get to come into a new space and play, and they're running around and eating the bamboo and having a good ole time."

The hour-long goat yoga class incorporates a gentle yoga flow that's doable for beginners.

The class is held in a former snake enclosure—but don't let that scare you. It's a really beautiful and serene space, Simmons said.

"It's a beautiful bamboo forest that was not being used," Simmons said. "It has this beautiful canopy over the top and this bamboo that surrounds it. You're sitting in the middle of nature— and then add the goats."

Simmons grew up on a farm near Baker, so she loves animals and being in nature.

When the zookeepers mentioned bringing yoga to the zoo, she was ecstatic.

"We have considered trying a few more (animals) at the zoo," Simmons said. "I know around the world, they've done it with lemurs.

They've had llamas. There's kitten and puppy yoga for adoption events. We actually did horse yoga. We don't do anything on the horses. The horses are just grazing around the barn or the field. It helps with any meditation practice when you can watch the animals. It helps you to focus your attention on something other than just your breath."

What Simmons loves most about incorporating animals is how it brings many beginners to the mat.

"Some people who will be so terrified to ever step into a studio for some reason— because of the stigmas they have about yoga—they hear, 'goat yoga,' and they're like, 'Oh, I would try that,'" Simmons said.

"It's a cool way for me to introduce the practice of yoga to beginners."

Goat yoga is one of those things everyone needs to try once in their life, Simmons said.

"It may not be everyone's cup of tea because goats poop sometimes like any other animal, but once you try it, you can at least say you did it."

Grateful Hearts' next goat yoga event is Saturday, Aug. 24. To learn how to sign up, visit facebook.com/gratefulheartsyoga.

19

My Furry Fitness Pal

By Savannah Evanoff

Nearly nothing gets a dog more excited than the following four letters—W-A-L-K. Kenzie and Josh Presnell, certified personal trainers and the owners of Fixed on Fitness, know this well. They have a miniature poodle named Maggie (the more active of their two dogs) and a pug named Lily (who just does her best to keep up), the Presnells said in an email interview.

Their furry family members contribute to their already active lifestyles.

"They love to walk, so they will beg to take a stroll," the Presnells said. "Even if we don't want to go, they will usually persist until we take them."

The primary activities they do with their dogs are walk, run and play fetch.

They also take Maggie on the trails to hike alongside them.

Pets—especially dogs—are fantastic workout partners, the Presnells said. They love to be outside, and they love to exercise.

Maggie & Lilly / Courtesy Photo

"A dog will encourage you to simply move," they said. "Some are more active than others, but having a pet and paying attention to their needs will help you get active, too."

When it comes to getting active with your pets, they recommend researching the activity level of your pet specifically.

"Know their needs so that you make sure you exercise them appropriately," they said.

"Our poodle is very different from our pug."

Their next best tip is simply to start.

"An easy walk around the neighborhood after dinner or before you head to work is a great start," the Presnells said. "Then, experiment with the trails at UWF or Blackwater.

Always have water available on longer walks just in case. You and your pet will benefit from time outside and some easy movement."

To learn more about the Presnells and Fixed on Fitness, visit kenzieandjosh.com.

Park It

A guide to dog parks, beaches and pet-friendly walking trails CITY OF PENSACOLA

Within the city of Pensacola, dogs are welcome to explore all city parks while on a leash. Dogs are allowed off-leash within the designated dog parks at Bayview Park and Roger Scott Athletic Complex. Both parks are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Bayview Park Dog Park & Dog Beach 2001 E. Lloyd St. (on the south/20th Avenue side of the park) Roger Scott Athletic Complex 2130 Summit Blvd. (between the pool and the tennis center) More information at playpensacola.com

CITY OF GULF BREEZE

The city of Gulf Breeze also offers and operates a designated dog park for off-leash play, and it's a swim-friendly park.

Shoreline Bark Park 800 Shoreline Drive (across from Gulf Breeze Community Center) Shoreline South Dog Beach Located just east of the boat launch at Shoreline Park South

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

The county maintains the following designated dog parks, open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park 10370 Ashton Brosnaham Drive 020 2

Beulah Regional Park 7820 Mobile Highway

More information at visitpensacolabeach. com/things-to-do-dog-beach

Bill Dickson Park 3151 Fenceline Road

HIKING WITH YOUR PUP

Lexington Terrace Community Center 700 S. Old Corry Field Road Regency Park 8245 Fathom Road River Road Park 1 14484 River Road, Perdido Key (dog beach behind Lost Key Golf Club) More information at myescambia.com/ourservices/parks-and-recreation/parks-andcommunity-centers

PENSACOLA BEACH

Pensacola Beach is home to two dog beach areas where owners are invited to come enjoy the beach alongside their pup. Though referred to as "dog parks," the one catch is dogs must remain on-leash while at the beach at all times. Signs are posted to clearly designate the boundaries of these dog-friendly areas.

Beach dog park hours are sunrise to sunset, except during turtle season (May 1-Oct. 31).

During that season, hours are 7 a.m. to sunset.

Pensacola Beach Dog Park East Located at the first parking lot past Portofino, Beach Walkover 28B Pensacola Beach Dog Park West Located at the first parking lot past the last condos on the Gulf, Beach Walkover 21E

If you're feeling like a leisurely nature walk with your pup, consider the following local trails.

Jones Swamp Wetland Preserve and Nature Trail Jones Swamp offers a greenway trail with several trailheads and parking available. The trail culminates on the east at Lexington Terrace Dog Park.

1131 or 198 Patton Drive; 700 S. Old Corry Field Road

Edward Ball Nature Trail Explore this leisurely half-mile boardwalk through Thompson's Bayou, hardwood swamp.

11000 University Parkway, UWF Main Campus, trail access behind Building 10 More information at uwf.edu/offices/recreation-and-wellness

More information at myescambia.com/ourservices/parks-andrecreation/parks-andcommunity-centers Bay Bluffs Preserve This 42-acre nature preserve along a scenic highway features trees, walking paths, boardwalks and bay beach access.

3400 Scenic Highway inweekly.net

Pet Plans A round-up of events that are pet-friendly or benefit pets—or better yet, both.

Kitten Shower

Cuddle with sweet kittens and support local organizations bombarded by countless kittens. Purina One Kitten dry food, clumping cat litter, Friskies wet food and kitty toys are in great need. You can also donate online at aaflorida.org/info/donate.

WHEN: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 WHERE: 400 Paws, Inc., 1147 Creighton Road DETAILS: aaflorida.org

Pet Haven Cemetery Clean-Up

Pensacola Humane Society will be hosting a clean-up day at Pet Haven Cemetery, located at the shelter, where many pets and fallen K9 dogs have been laid to rest.

Sign up to help by emailing volunteer@ pensacolahumane.org or just show up with gardening tools, trash bags, gloves, etc.

WHEN: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 WHERE: Pet Haven Cemetery, 7811 Stallworth Lane DETAILS: pensacolahumane.org

Bark in the Park

Hosted by Camp Bow Wow Pensacola and the Wahoos, this Bark in the Park event is going to be extra special. Not only can Wahoo fans bring their dogs to the game, but the first 2,000 fans will get to take home an exclusive dog leash courtesy of Camp Bow Wow. WHEN: 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 WHERE: Wahoos Stadium, 351 W. Cedar St. DETAILS: facebook.com/bluewahoosbaseball

Yoga with Kittens

What's better than yoga? Yoga with kittens, of course. The $25 admission will support Friends of the Escambia County Animal Shelter. Free kitten cuddles with each ticket as well as the chance to win raffle prizes.

WHEN: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 WHERE: 400 Paws, Inc. 1147 Creighton Road DETAILS: facebook.com/400paws

Ride for the Paws

Enjoy the open road and support local animals. Pensacola Humane Society will be accepting donations along with introducing riders to adoptable dogs and cats. Get sustenance from the food truck stationed outside O'Riley's. All proceeds benefit Pensacola Humane Society.

WHEN: 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 18 WHERE: Ride participants meet at Tom Thumb on North Davis Highway DETAILS: pensacolahumane.org

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day Candlelight Vigil Remember pets lost and loved at this anAugust 1, 2019

nual event. Candles will be provided.

All attendees are encouraged to bring a picture of their pet to place on the remembrance wall.

WHEN: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28 WHERE: Pensacola Humane Society, 5 N. Q St. DETAILS: pensacolahumane.org

Doggie Bowl

Play a game or two of bowling to benefit cats and dogs in need. The annual Doggie Bowl helps support Pensacola Humane Society, but it's also a chance to win the coveted Doggie Bowl championship trophy.

Register as a team or individual. You can also purchase mulligans for $5 to give yourself second chance bowls.

WHEN: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 WHERE: Cordova Lanes, 2111 Airport Blvd.

DETAILS: pensacolahumane.org

Advanced Animal Disaster Response Training

Get certified to help shelter operations in the event of a disaster. To be eligible for the two-day course, you must be at least 18 years old, have an up-to-date FLSARC volunteer profile and provide proof of completing Small Animal Emergency Sheltering class and FEMA IS-100.

WHEN : 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, and Sunday, Sept. 15 WHERE: Escambia County Emergency Management, 6575 N. W St. DETAILS: myescambia.com

Fall in Love Mega Adoption Event

Find your new furbaby with over 20 different rescue organizations in attendance with adoptable pets including cats, kittens, dogs, puppies, reptiles and even mini pigs. A kids area, vendors and food are also available.

WHEN: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 WHERE: Pensacola Interstate Fair, 6655 Mobile Highway DETAILS: aaflorida.org

Barktoberfest

It's the annual event that's "so cute that it's scary," as the flyer reads. Join 10,000-plus animal lovers at Community Maritime Park for a day of pet-centric events such as a costume contest, wiener dog races, obedience and agility demonstrations, vendors and more.

WHEN: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 WHERE: Community Maritime Park, 351 W. Cedar St. DETAILS: pensacolahumane.org

A New Leash on Love 2019

A Hope's annual adoption event is one not to miss with vendors, food, kids' area and adoptable animals. Bring your fully-vaccinated pup to enjoy a day in the park with fur friends and learn how you can support the organization.

WHEN: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2 WHERE: Bagdad Mill Site Park, 7036 Magnolia St. DETAILS: ahope4src.com

—REGULAR EVENTS— Waggy Wednesdays

Enjoy pet-themed games and prizes, and every $1 from Tito's Vodka sale benefits Pensacola Humane Society.

WHEN: 4-7 p.m., every Wednesday through Sept. 18 WHERE: Island Culture Tiki Bar, 17 Via De Luna Drive DETAILS: pensacolahumane.org

Adoption Events with Flori Bama Small Breed Rescue

Visit Pet Supermarket on Saturdays to meet with sweet, adoptable pups.

WHEN: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays

WHERE: Pet Supermarket, 6857 N. Ninth Ave. DETAILS: facebook.com/177pensacola

Alyssa's Adopt-A-Pet Saturdays

You're already stopping by Alyssa's to check out antiques and home goods. Plan to visit during one of these Saturday events and take home a new pet too. Each Saturday, a different organization will have pets available for adoption. On Oct. 5, there will be multiple rescues in attendance.

WHEN: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays WHERE: Alyssa's Antiques, 4586 Chumuckla Highway, Pace DETAILS: facebook.com/shopalyssas

Doggy Bathe-Ins

Get your pup washed and benefit Pensacola Humane Society. Just a few more dates left for the year. Charges are based on dog's weight, ranging from $8 to $11.

Bring your own towel, or you can rent one for a $1 donation.

WHEN: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. August 17, Sept. 21 and Oct. 19.

WHERE: Pensacola Humane Society, 5 N. Q St. DETAILS: pensacolahumane.org 21