Inweekly Pet Issue 2020

THE PET ISSUE

2020

Independent News | July 30, 2020 | Volume 21 | Number 31 | Cover Model: Isabel | Owners: Tasha Bronson & Nick Fury

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BUDGETING FOR YOUR BUDDY

By Stephanie Sharp

Part of responsible pet ownership is making sure that your companion is considered in your budget. While it can be easier to plan for checkups, vaccinations, routine procedures and pet supplies, what is a pet parent to do when faced with the financial burden of a chronic illness or life-saving emergency treatment that blows your established budget out of the water?

Luckily, even in these economically uncertain times, there are a variety of options to make sure you can care for your pet and stay financially solvent through their recovery. Knowing your options before an emergency occurs will help you get clarification from your vet on which options are accepted at their office and how you can work out a payment plan that secures care for your pet without undue financial hardship for you.

Your best first step is to discuss payment options when establishing care with a vet clinic.

INSTANT LENDING

If you've been shopping online recently—and honestly, who hasn't?—you may have seen the new trend of instant lenders popping up on your favorite retailers' online shops. This type of instant lending service breaks up a bigger purchase into a set number of payments for a predetermined period while you still receive your goods as if you had paid in full that day.

There's a new player in this space specific to the care of your pet. Scratchpay doesn't affect your credit score or judge your creditworthiness with the same scrutiny of a traditional line of credit or credit card. The difference is that you work with a vet who is registered with Scratchpay to cover the cost of a specific vet bill, like a hospital stay.

Once you get approved—a quicker and more accessible process than traditional credit options—you'll choose your repayment plan and rest easy because Scratchpay has no hidden fees, repayment penalties or deferred interest. Simply budget for your monthly or biweekly payments and get your buddy the care they need.

Learn more at scratchpay.com.

CREDIT CARD

A more traditional credit-based option is a healthcare-specific card, such as CareCredit. These options are designed for both human and animal care costs that most would struggle to cover upfront. As with most credit card options, it's a good option to plan for how you will responsibly cover the payments in the timeframe set by the card company. Luckily, most care-focused credit cards don't charge interest during a set repayment window, making it a smarter financial choice than a traditional credit card when covering vet bills.

Be sure your vet accepts whichever credit card you decide to use for your pet's care.

Learn more at carecredit.com.

PET INSURANCE

While pet insurance can be pricey, it's a tried and true way to make sure your pet is accounted for financially. As recently as 2019, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) updated their pet insurance statement to explicitly encourage vets to educate and empower pet owners to use pet

insurance so that vets can continue to provide increasing high levels of veterinary care.

Here's what the AVMA says to consider when shopping for a pet insurance policy: •Require a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

•Allow policyholders to choose their veterinarians, including specialists and emergency and critical care facilities.

•Never interfere with the veterinarian's fee structures.

•Be approved by the state insurance regulatory agency where the policy is sold.

•Be consistent with the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics and the pet health insurance industry ethical standards.

If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that you don't always know what's coming. If you find yourself in an emergency financially with your pet and can't handle it on your own, don't forget about the power of fundraising online.

CROWDFUNDING

Crowdfunding allows people to come together to cover needs that often fall in the gap of institutional security through services like insurance or credit and the needs-based services of nonprofits or charitable organizations. Sites like GoFundMe or even just a call for sharing through CashApp or Venmo can help you leverage your larger social network when a catastrophic vet bill befalls your pet.

The internet loves pets—that much is evident from the content we all consume on the regular. Using social media as a tool to tell your pet's story and giving others the chance to share their "tail" can make all the difference in raising funds quickly to get your pal the care they need.

Call on your friends to help you make engaging content, put together a

•Use licensed veterinarians to assist in claims adjudication.

•Be clear about policy limits, pricing structures and optional coverage (e.g., coverage for annual wellness visits) that might be available to policyholders.

•Be transparent about how the terms and conditions of plans will impact coverage and costs, including the financial obligations of policyholders such as co-pays, deductibles and exclusions.

•Communicate clearly about the fee reimbursement process (i.e., how reimbursements are determined and how quickly reimbursements are provided to policyholders).

Learn more at avma.org. social media giveaway or even start an old-fashioned phone tree-style outreach in your circle's DMs. Asking for a small contribution from a lot of people helps spread the burden across many pet lovers with a contribution as easy as buying you a coffee or a drink at the bar. (Back when we used to go to coffee shops and bars, that is.)

Learn more at gofundme.com/c/blog/petfundraising-guide.

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

While not ideal for emergencies, if you find out your pet is facing a chronic or even terminal non-urgent medical crisis, there are many pet care charitable organizations, like The Pet Fund, that can help you cover the cost of making sure your buddy lives comfortably with their condition. These organizations often require an application process and have strict guidelines about the type of vet bills they are able to contribute to, so be mindful of requirements if you plan to seek assistance from these types of organizations.

Learn more at thepetfund.com.

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READER PET PHOTOS Ask and you shall receive. This old adage might not apply to everything, but it certainly does with The Pet Issue.

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

In addition to a slew of pups and

cats, we also got a few lizards and chickens this time around.

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.

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?

Agi Paula & Greg Fabbro

Amo Paula & Greg Fabbro

Aspree Justine Gudmundson-McCain

Avi Jimmy O’Donovan

Bear Hannah & Ben Smith

Bentley Wendy Warren

Big Al Debbie & Jeff King

Bigsby Nathan & Jennifer Dillaha

Bomber Quinton Williams

Bosco Tony Prettyman

Brisket Randy Russell

Bruce Rachel Wilbourn

Charlie Carol & Bryan Rice

Charlie Vito & Melissa Hite

Charlie Susan Ford & Pat Meusel

Chester Michelle & Tom Warren

Clementine Luna Zepp & Evan Butts

Coco Regina Thomas

Comet Margret Hildreth

Cooper & Penny Annie Reilly

Cooper Nicole Sigman

Copper Brandon & Karla Varley

Corn Bread Michelle & Tom Warren

Daisy Stone Hewitt & Emily Mixson

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Dante Haley von Haven

Ellie Brittany Carroll and Matt Hampton

Ernie Sam & Dan Eckiss

Esmerelda Brandon & Karla Varley

Ethel Bean Chelsey Domschke & Travis Swann

Ferguson Rachel Wilbourn

Finn Kristen & Chad Harrison

Gabrielle Kathleen Jones

Gracie Kathleen Jones

Grey Poupon Daniel Freeman

Gus Missi & Adam Bates

Hank Carl Osley & Kate Peterson

Harper Carl Osley & Kate Peterson

Hasselhoff John Hodgdon

Hugo Darlyne & TJ Zoltak

Indiana Rose The Mixson Family

Isabelle Carol & Bryan Rice

Izzy Bear Samantha Burke

Juno Jenny Diamond

Koda Hale Leal

Lana Jaime Shevat

Landry Charlie G.

Layne Whitney & Adam Fike

Loki Chuck Mathews

Louie Maria & Jon Green

Lucy Jenny Diamond

Lulu & Mitt Emmalee Barr

Macee Karrie Galvano

Mando Thomas Leemon

Marbles Stone Hewitt & Emily Mixson

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Mia Crystal Hyatt

Mr. Lizard Regina Thomas

Murphy Chris Oderfer & Tessa Winfrey

Naiya Ryan & Jen A.

Neely Peyton Banfell

Nola Alden & Hylene Garcia

Oliver Summer Lee & Jeremy "Sunshine" Gilmore

Paco Sydney Robinson & Joshua Broxson

Paisley Midian Cosson

Pink Cassie Kohler

Porter Midian Cosson

Reginald Jenn & Ryan Eaton

Rosie Kaycee Lagarde

Ruger Kyle & Lauren Lay

Saban Debbie & Jeff King

Sassy Ellie Edmonds

Scooby Tori & Jackson Tharpe

Sebastian Katelyn Mann

Skittles Merida Shea

Spyro Students of Gulf Breeze High School ESE Dept. / Mr. Alt & Mrs. Millican

Sullivan Stephanie Sharp

Sunny Tahnee, Alyx, Sophia & Mollee

Tagg & Gemma Ron & Leslie Herrington & Paige Herrington

Theo Carol & Bryan Rice

Tyler Kim Fletcher

Wilco Jason Leger

Willie Ray Tom & Mary Anne Staples

Willow Drew Buchanan

Yogi Savannah & Vanessa Johnson

Zeppelin Skye Chamberlain

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"PETS ARE FAMILY, TOO"

By Jennifer Leigh

Pensacola Humane Society's Executive Director Jennifer Bitner is not just an advocate for local pets but also pets across the state.

Bitner is a board member for the Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organization (FAAWO) where she serves on the legislative committee to push for bills that support the well-being of animals. Thanks to efforts from FAAWO, the Florida House passed CS/SB 1082, which ensures pets can be included in orders of protection from domestic violence.

The bill had bipartisan support from Sen. Ben Albritton (R-Bartow), and Reps.

Sam Killebrew (R-Winter Haven) and David Silvers (D-West Palm Beach). It went into effect July 1.

It's a "basic" protection that makes a big difference for victims and the pets in their lives, said Bitner.

"Pets are frequently used as leverage," she added. "Victims may stay in that relationship to protect them because pets are family, too.

And now, victims don't have to be afraid."

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), research shows that 89% of pet-owning women who enter domestic violence shelters report that their abuser threatened, harmed or killed a family pet.

Additionally, 48% of domestic violence survivors with pets delay seeking safety for fear of leaving their pet.

During the stay-at-home orders at the beginning of the pandemic, child welfare experts reported a rise in child abuse cases.

That same concern extended to those who work in animal welfare, said Bitner. In June, the United Nations reported a 20% increase of domestic violence cases worldwide.

Pensacola Humane Society has a specific

foster program for animals who may need temporary housing while victims seek help. The program is specific to the rescue organization.

"Information is kept completely safe, and we use separate software to keep identities private," said Bitner. "We have someone on our staff who worked with domestic violence victims, and they act as a conduit to local organizations to connect victims with help."

Becoming a foster with Pensacola Humane Society is one way to help support those victims and their families. Anyone interested in fostering can apply on the Pensacola Humane Society website and the foster coordinator will be in contact to schedule an orientation.

"We want to work immediately to get pets in a protective home," said Bitner.

The law authorizes a court to take actions regarding the "care, possession or control of an animal" in domestic violence

injunctions. This not only helps pets but also gives victims peace of mind when fleeing an abusive situation.

Representing FAAWO, Bitner said she made it a point to get the bill in front of as many lawmakers as she could, even if that meant jumping in the car and driving to Tallahassee at a moment's notice. The effort was well worth it.

"I love the work we do locally, but I was really proud that we could make that kind of difference for all animals in Florida," she said.

BECOME A FOSTER WITH PENSACOLA HUMANE SOCIETY Visit pensacolahumane.org to fill out an application.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800799-7233 or FavorHouse of Northwest Florida at 434-1177.

GET OUT Shoreline Bark Park

Pensacola Beach Dog Park East

More information: cityofgulfbreeze.us/ parks-and-recreation-department

Pensacola Beach Dog Park West

Shoreline Drive (near Colley Cove Drive)

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

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

Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park 10370 Ashton Brosnaham Drive

Beulah Regional Park 7820 Mobile Highway

Bill Dickson Park

3151 Fenceline Road

Lexington Terrace Community Center

700 S. Old Corry Field Road

Regency Park

8245 Fathom Road

River Road Park 1 If you're looking to get out while still avoiding crowds and want to bring your pet along for the ride, here's a round-up of area dog parks, beaches and pet-friendly walking trails. Just remember to be smart if you decide to visit any of these spots—wear your mask around others, and make sure you and your pup don't get overheated. Also, remember that bathrooms are closed and most water fountains have been turned off at public parks, so plan accordingly.

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 616 1

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: playpensacola.com

CITY OF GULF BREEZE

The City of Gulf Breeze also offers and operates a designated dog park for offleash play.

14484 River Road, Perdido Key (dog beach behind Lost Key Golf Club) More information: 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 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.

Current beach dog park hours are 7 a.m. to sunset through October.

Located at the first parking lot past Portofino, Beach Walkover 28B Located at the first parking lot past the last condos on the Gulf, Beach Walkover 21E More information: visitpensacolabeach. com/things-to-do-dog-beach

HIKING WITH YOUR PUP

If you're feeling up for a nice, long walk with your pup, consider the following local trails.

Jones Swamp Wetland Preserve and Nature Trail

1131 or 198 Patton Drive; 700 S. Old Corry Field Road Jones Swamp offers a greenway trail with several trailheads and parking available. The trail culminates on the east at Lexington Terrace Dog Park.

More information: myescambia.com/ourservices/parks-and-recreation/parks-andcommunity-centers

Bay Bluffs Preserve

3400 Scenic Highway This 42-acre nature preserve along Scenic Highway features trees, walking paths, boardwalks and Bay beach access.

Edward Ball Nature Trail

11000 University Parkway, UWF Main Campus, trail access behind Building 10 Explore this leisurely half-mile boardwalk through Thompson's Bayou, hardwood swamp.

More information: uwf.edu inweekly.net

ANIMAL PLANET, BY WAY OF TIKTOK

By Sydney Robinson

Wow, 2020 just keeps on coming. You wanna go look at some videos of animals instead of doom scrolling? OK, let's go to TikTok and escape for a while.

Thanks to the algorithm, the more animal and pet videos you "like," the more you will be shown. With a bit of focus, you can have a feed full of nothing but dogs, kittens, lizards, elephants and bugs in no time.

Here are just a few animal-focused accounts to get you started: •Self-described "Gay space cowboy" @MAXJCOOKIE treats his 187.6k followers to videos of his cows enjoying life on the farm. One of his most popular videos showcases the cows nearly trampling him as they frolic through tall grass.

Ah, to be a cow in tall grass.

Juniper / Courtesy Photo

•@TINATHECHI is the classic Chihuahua stereotype, but that doesn't make her schtick any less hilarious or

adorable. Join her as she growls and grunts her way through life's little inconveniences.

•Ants? Yes, ants. @WRENNX has 1.1 million TikTok followers in part due to her growing ant colony. Check out her 16-video series on her colony. And yes, she has names for all of her insect friends.

•Are you fond of foxes? Want to meet up with a marsupial or chill with a chinchilla?

Animal rescue account @JUNIPERFOXX can be found on both Instagram and TikTok showcasing wild animals like Juniper the fox and Mushroom the opossum.

•Another rescue-based account, @OSTRICHPLUG is located in Austin, Texas, and features a host of rescued farm animals, including pigs, ostriches, chickens and kangaroos.

•Feeling down and needing the sage advice of a Shiba Inu? TikTok has got you covered with @ITSTOFUPUPPER . This smiley-

YOU BAKE NOW, RIGHT?

By this point of the pandemic, you've either become a sourdough master or thrown your starter away because the smell got real, real weird. And even if you didn't get in on the bread hype, staying at home has definitely made most of us cook way more than we used to.

If panic baking has become your coping mechanism of choice, we've got a treat for you and your pup—Bluejay's Bakery pup cake recipe courtesy of owner, baker extraordinaire and devoted dog mom Justine Gudmundson-McCain.

BLUEJAY'S BAKERY PUP CAKES INGREDIENTS

2 cups almond flour 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave 3 eggs 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1/2 cup pumpkin puree 1/2 cup shredded carrots 1 teaspoon baking soda

PREPARATION

•Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

•Mix all ingredients together with paddle attachment on mixer or until well combined with spatula.

•Line cupcake pan with paper liners and fill with 1/4 cup of batter.

•Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tops are slightly browned.

•Top with almond butter or whipped cream (and a doggie treat for decoration).

•Enjoy within two days.

If baking still isn't your thing, you can always order these pup cakes (plus people cakes and treats) from Bluejay's. Visit bluejaysbakery.com for the menu.

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faced dog sings songs and offers simple advice like, "Treat yourself like a flower and like my garden, you will grow!"

•Rescue pup @HI.THIS.IS.TATUM took the TikTok world by storm in pre-COVID 2020. Rescuer Charles Lever voices the innermost thoughts of Tatum, who frequently complains and cajoles his owners into hilarious situations. It's corny—but damn cute.

• @TUTIANDYUKI are a cat duo who are sure to get the serotonin flowing. With just under a half-million followers, these fluffy cats chirp softly and offer gentle encouragement. Aw! •A wonderful way to market an animalfocused business, TikTok has attracted many aquariums and zoos. One of these is @AQUARIUMPACIFIC , which posts frequently about all of the exotic animals they house in Long Beach, Calif., from baby sharks to newts to sea lions.

GIMME SHELTER Here at Inweekly we always encourage adopting pets and supporting local shelters any way we can. But it’s especially important this year since the pandemic has forced most groups to hit pause on typical fundraising efforts and public adoption events.

So whether you’re in the market for a new pet or just looking to help by donating, here’s a roundup of local and regional shelters, rescue groups and nonprofits worth looking into.

JUNIOR HUMANE SOCIETY juniorhumanesociety.com

A HOPE 5755 Washington St., Milton ahope4src.com

PENSACOLA HUMANE SOCIETY 5 N. Q St. pensacolahumane.org

ALAQUA ANIMAL REFUGE 914 Whitfield Road, Freeport, Fla. alaquaanimalrefuge.org

PHOENIX RISING RESCUE 40 W. Nine Mile Road phoenixrisingrescue.com

ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA aaflorida.org ESCAMBIA COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 200 W. Fairfield Drive myescambia.com/community/adoptable-animals FELINE FRIENDS OF DESTIN felinefriendsofdestin.org FRIENDS OF THE ESCAMBIA COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER ecasfriends.com HOTEL FOR DOGS & CATS 4110 Creighton Road h4dc.org

NORTHWEST FLORIDA GREAT DANE RESCUE nwflgdr.com PAWS (PANHANDLE ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY) 752 Lovejoy Road, Fort Walton Beach paws-shelter.com

REDFOX’S ANIMAL RESCUE redfoxsrescue.rescueme.org SANTA ROSA COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 4451 Pine Forest Road, Milton santarosa.fl.gov/animals SAVE UNDERDOGS RESCUE, PERDIDO KEY saveunderdogs.com SOCKS (SAVE OUR CATS & KITTENS) 498 Carmel Drive, Fort Walton Beach saveourcatsandkittens.com SOUTHBARK southbarkanimalrescue.org 17