Paradise Pets Magazine, Key West, FL Vol. 1 Issue 4

Paradise Pets Magazine, Key West, FL is published by Publish in Paradise for the purpose of uniting and supporting our communities in Key West and the Keys. 35% of all advertising revenue is donated back into our communities, with 10% of that supporting our furry and feathered friends at our local Florida Keys SPCA.

From the Editor

For advertising inquiries, please visit us online or email publisher@publishinparadise.com

One of the things I had hoped to accomplish with this magazine is “Unity in the Community” and with Key West having a loving pet community, I wanted to showcase many of our furry and feathered friends as well as their beloved “parents”. I would like to encourage our beautiful community in Key West to access our locals for pet services, products and resources. We have some fabulous folks all up through the Keys with loads of wisdom, love and compassion for animals. Let us encourage and help one another and create stronger bonds in our little bit of paradise.

© 2015 Publish in Paradise Paradise Pets Magazine ParadisePetsMag.com Publisher/Editor: Publish in Paradise Angela J. Richards editor@paradisepetsmag.com Contributors: Karen Thomas Family Features

On the cover: Senior Deputy Sheriff Danielle Delpit and K-9 partner Dano. Courtesy: Zoetis/Family Features

www.ParadisePetsMag.com

Since I started this magazine in January of this year, it has been exciting, fun and challenging.

With this being the last issue of 2015, I am looking forward to the year ahead and meeting many more pets and their parents.

Angela PARADISE PETS MAGAZINE DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational and interest purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. Veterinarians cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarianclient-patient relationship. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your local holistic veterinarian.

Features 6

Pet-friendly Wedding Attire

18 Supporting Those Who Served

Departments Pet Parents 4

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Reader Submitted Pics

10 Ways to Welcome a Shelter Dog 14 FKSPCA Pets Awaiting Parents

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Pet Health 16

Healing Touch for Animals

15 Resource Guide

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Pet Pics…

Submit Your Pet Pics!

Photo submitted by Karen Thomas

Bojangles

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Marathon, Florida The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants. ― Johnny Depp

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Photo submitted by Lynda Parker

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Photo submitted by Sharon Stoakes

Jasmine

The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven not man's. ― Mark Twain

Charli Su Key West, Florida

” Photos submitted by Barbara Blackmore

Monoxide nd Phoenix, Libby a Skylar hiking in Sedona, AZ en Thomas itted by Kar Photo subm

Ketchikan, Alaska

Photo submitted by Sharon Stoakes

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or couples planning a wedding, there is greater opportunity than ever to weave personal elements into every aspect of the big day. Many traditional "rules" of wedding planning have given way to let couples celebrate as they see fit - even including their fourlegged family members and inviting guests to do the same.

Whether you're a bride whose furry friend will play a leading role in the festivities, or a guest bringing your pooch along for the party, these tips from the pet experts at PetSmart will help ensure your canine companions join the celebration in comfort and style.

Put your pet to work. Think ahead about how your pet will participate in the fun: as a member of the wedding party, perhaps as ring bearer or flower girl? Give your pet a rehearsal run to be sure she's up for the task.

timeless design elements, simple color palettes and complementary accessories such as collars and leashes to help ensure your pooch puts her best foot forward. The limited-edition line of dapper, sweet and sophisticated wedding attire, including elegant tuxedos to bow-adorned dresses, is available at www.petsmart.com and PetSmart stores. Remember, a "dress rehearsal" can help you make sure your fur kids can sit and stay comfortably in their wedding day attire.

Pamper your pet. Now is not the time to skimp on pampering. From lush, oxygen-infused baths to haircuts fit for a show dog, nail trims to non-toxic chalking and decorative stenciling, let a groomer take the lead on your pet's look for the big day.

Keep everyone fed. Make sure your four-legged friends have more than table

Choose a fur kid-friendly venue. If pets are welcome, make sure they'll also be safe.

For instance, avoid freshly fertilized lawns and plants, as well as flowers that are toxic to pets. Find out where your fur babies can go and where they need to be on a leash.

If possible, give your pet a few sneak peeks of the location.

Don't make pets suffer for fashion. Skip the puppy couture version of a tight pair of shoes or an itchy shirt tag, and choose a stylish pup-friendly ensemble instead.

Made of lightweight, breathable materials, each piece of the Martha Stewart Pets(r) wedding collection for dogs features

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scraps to nosh on during the reception.

Serve food in a portable bowl and bring treats, too. In case one of the guests can't resist helping Fido sneak a snack, be sure the human menu doesn't contain anything that's harmful to pets. Provide plenty of fresh water, and if the venue is outdoors, use a large block of ice to keep your canine's water cool all day.

Make sure your fur kid is the party type. Before committing your pet to a vibrant celebration, be sure he's comfortable with commotion, loud music, crowds and strangers. Consider signing up for a training class beforehand; brushing up on your pet's best behavior can only enhance the day.

a member of the wedding party, recruit a staff or family member to double as your pet's dedicated chaperone. Arm them with a pooper scooper and pick up bags. Help create a quiet, safe space for the chaperone to guide your pet away from the excitement if it becomes overwhelming.

For more fashionable inspiration and tips to ensure wedding party pets remain healthy, happy and stress-free, visit www.PetSmart.com or follow PetSmart on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Source: PetSmart | Family Features

Assign a chaperone. If you have a leading role in the big day as the bride or

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nimal shelters are full of lovable dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages deserving of a good home and ready to become your next four-legged family member. In fact, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, nearly 2 million dogs are adopted into new families each year.

However, choosing the right dog is just the beginning. The first weeks after bringing home an adopted pet are critical.

It's a time to get to know one another and build a lifelong connection. Here are some steps to help ease the transition:

Create a pet-friendly environment.

Keep items that are unsafe, such as chemicals and certain house plants, out of reach. Cords and objects that invite chewing also should be tucked away. If certain areas will be off limits, use baby gates to block them.

Expect accidents.

While house training a puppy is to be expected, you may find that an older dog needs help in this area as well. The stress of transitioning into a new household can lead to accidents, so keep this in mind and be sure to provide your new pet with lots of potty breaks, patience and instruction.

Start with smart nutrition.

Providing your new dog with a high-quality diet from the beginning can contribute to a lifetime

of whole body health. Chose a complete, balanced food with real meat as the No. 1 ingredient, such as Purina ONE SmartBlend, so that you can be confident you're giving them the best nutrition available.

Introduce a schedule.

Providing dogs with a consistent routine right off the bat can help ease their stress during the transition. Set a schedule for walks, feeding time and training so he can settle into a routine that feels a bit more familiar.

Approach training with patience.

Without knowing how your pet was trained, it can be difficult to predict how he will respond in his new environment.

For example, he may be used to receiving treats for good behavior, while you prefer to reward with praise. Plan to be flexible, and soon you'll come to a shared understanding.

Emmy-nominated actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson recently began putting these tips into practice after adopting his new dog, Fennel. The television star partnered with Purina ONE to promote its ONE Difference campaign, which celebrates those making a positive difference in the life of shelter dogs, and he ended up finding a forever friend in the process. The 8-month-old Cockapoo mix joins Ferguson's 3-year-old

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Maltese-Yorkie mix, Leaf. The pair are currently taking the Purina ONE 28 Day Challenge, and encouraging others to do the same.

Learn more, and find out why more than 90,000 dog owners have decided to switch to Purina ONE, by visiting www.PurinaONE/MakeONEDifference.

Source: Purina ONE | Family Features

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Pets Awaiting Adoption…

If anyone is interested in adopting from the Florida Keys SPCA, they ask that you come to the shelter to meet and greet their animals in person so they can get to know you and see if it’s good chemistry between the animal and the potential owner.

fkspca.org

Come and visit your potential new pet at the Florida Keys SPCA at 5230 College Road in Key West, Florida. Give them a call at (305) 294-4857 or visit them online for more information at fkspca.org.

Abigail is a 1½-year-old Hound/Terrier Mix. Abigail is a fun and exciting dog that is looking for a home full of walks, toys, tennis balls and head scratches.

Goose is a 6-year-old American S t a f f o r d s h i r e Terrier/Bullmastiff Mix. He loves to swim, go on walks, play with squeaky toys and get lots of belly scratches. He is our most social dog.

Michelle is an 8-month-old Standard Smooth Haired Dachshund. She has been in a foster home since she was a puppy and is waiting for a new permanent family.

Agnus is a 2-year-old female Domestic Shorthair. She is an independent cat who is always up for snack time and treats and would love more than anything to get them from a new owner.

Wicker is a 2 ½-year-old Maine Coon Mix. He loves your attention and relaxing in the sun. He likes his treats and wearing funny costumes while hanging out with the other cats, he will make a great pet in any home.

Patches is a 7-month-old male rabbit. Patches loves to play with his toy keys, chew on his hay and be scratched on his head. He is a very social bunny that could make a good friend to the right rabbit.

*We also have guinea pigs and hamsters available for adoption.”

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Resource Guide Key West, FL Essential Dog Company Offering natural, safe, therapeutic dog care products & services Key West FL 33040 800-827-3714 EssentialDogCompany.com Florida Keys SPCA Adoption services, animal control, and more.

5230 College Road, Key West, FL (305) 294-4857 | www.fkspca.org Paradise Day Spa Pamper Your Pet, Then Pamper Yourself 1012 Truman Ave., Key West, FL 305-TRY-RELAX | Keywestparadisedayspa.com Xena Fund Financial help with veterinary care 1623 Laird Street, Key West, FL (305) 432-0494 | xenafund.com

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A bone to the dog is not charity.

Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog. ― Jack London

Marathon, FL Pawsitive Touch Giving your animal companions the energy to heal P.O. Box 500591, Marathon, FL 305.481.0868 | pawsitivetouch.org

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By Karen Thomas

Many of you have or know of an animal who is suffering from injury or illness, or is struggling with behavior challenges.

Often animal lovers easily recognize these challenges but do not know how to help their beloved friends. Our animals’ inability to verbalize what they need can leave their human companions feeling stressed and helpless. As a Healing Touch for Animals Practitioner I am dedicated to helping these animals by using a language they both understand - energy therapy.

Healing Touch for Animals (HTA) is a holistic approach influencing the health and well-being of animals through energy

Karen Thomas in last year’s Celtic Fest in Marathon

and intention. Heart-centered energy therapy restores harmony and balance to the animal’s energy system while providing physical, emotional, mental and instinctual stability. Stabilizing the energy system allows the natural flow of the immune system which supports the animal’s natural self-healing process and promotes well-being.

HTA can be used on all species of all ages, small and large, and benefits our animals in many ways: Relieves pain, stress and anxiety Eases past emotional trauma Assists in recovery from injury or illness

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Helps animals understand appropriate behavior Enhances quality of life during chronic illness Supports end of life transitions

A Peek into a Healing Touch for Animals Session Upon meeting the animal in person or through distant communication, I assess the animal’s energy system and connect with his or her spirit. I will then utilize appropriate HTA techniques using touch and intention to clear, balance and strengthen their energy system.

This treatment may include aromatherapy with therapeutic-grade essential oils or sound and/or vibrational therapy with the use of tuning forks.

Usually the first response noted is relaxation which is the foundation for optimal health. I will often receive messages from the animal in the form of pictures, words and feelings through animal communication which assists with the healing process as well. A single session can take up to an hour depending on the animal and situation.

Healing Touch for Animals works in cooperation with traditional veterinarian medicine to provide the best care for our animal companions. HTA practitioners will work in conjunction with any veterinary diagnosed and prescribed treatment plan.

As a cooperative practice this modality serves to bridge holistic animal health care with traditional veterinary science.

In home and distant therapy sessions I offer Healing Touch energy work in the comfort of the animal’s home or the environment where they’re most at ease.

My range of travel at this time is open to all of the Florida Keys.

If you are outside of the travel range or the home environment is not suitable, this work can still be done distantly since energy is not limited by time or space.

During distant work it is helpful to create a quiet and relaxed atmosphere for the animal during the scheduled sessions.

The session will take place during an agreed upon time and be followed up by a telephone or email consultation for feedback and questions.

Reference: Komitor, C. CMT, HTCP/I, CHBMT, HTACP, ESMT (2013). Healing touch for animals level 3 workbook (6th ed.). Highlands Ranch, CO: Komitor Healing Method, Inc.

Karen Thomas, R.N., is a Healing Touch for Animals (HTA) Practitioner in the Florida Keys. Healing Touch for Animals is a holistic approach influencing the health and well-being of animals through energy and intention. HTA techniques restore harmony and balance to the energy system while providing physical, emotional, mental and instinctual stability, thus supporting the body to self-heal. This work can be done in person or distantly. Karen can be contacted through her w e b s i t e www.pawsitivetouch.org or email her directly at karen@pawsitivetouch. Karen Thomas with Skylar, Libby, and Phoenix. org

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When Cpl. Matt Foster left Afghanistan after his tour of duty in 2013, he didn't know whether he would ever see his K-9 partner again.

For nine months, Foster and Sgt. Mick, a black Labrador retriever, lived and worked together keeping the military compound at Camp Leatherneck and the surrounding area in Helmand Province safe from explosive attack.

After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Foster did not give up in his quest to adopt Mick. The 7-year-old Lab had been discharged for medical reasons, and Foster said he lost count of the number of adoption forms he sent attempting to be reunited with his dog.

Ultimately, Foster's quest to reconnect with Mick was successful, and they are together again living in Colorado.

"When I first got Mick back, I was worried that I might not be able to take care of him," he recalled. "After what you go through with your dog in the service and then adopt them afterward, you wouldn't want to say goodbye to your partner because you couldn't afford to take care of him."

Cpl. Matt Foster and K-9 partner Sgt. Mick

Once military and police dogs retire, with no guaranteed pension for their medical care, the burden and cost of care often fall solely on their caregivers. Now an advocate for military dog adoption, Foster has joined The Sage Foundation for Dogs Who Serve and the RIMADYL K-9 Courage program to help other retired military dogs and handlers.

The RIMADYL K-9 Courage Program is a charitable healthcare donation program that, together with The Sage Foundation and National Police Dog Foundation, provides financial and in-kind product donations of $150,000 annually to support the veterinary needs for up to 500 retired police and military K-9s.

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Officer without a pension Despite being considered an officer of his county's sheriff's office, Dano is another retired working dog whose veterinary needs and expenses will mount after retirement.

"Dano is an extraordinary dog," said Senior Deputy Sheriff Danielle Delpit of her K-9 partner. "He's been injured, tazed and involved in two critical incidents."

Recently, Delpit noticed that Dano, now 7 ½ years old, was slowing down and she reluctantly decided it was time for him to retire. After Dano's retirement, it became Delpit's responsibility to care for him.

"While on active duty, Dano's veterinary care was covered. But now that he is retired, it is up to me," she explained.

"Dano has injuries; he has a bad back and I know he will eventually have arthritis.

The RIMADYL K-9 Courage Program will give me peace of mind to know I'll have help to give him the healthcare he deserves."

K-9s in service An estimated 1,775 military dogs are actively working to protect military personnel. Each dog saves as many as 150-200 service men and women by detecting explosives and hidden weapons caches.

The Sage Foundation for Dogs Who Serve (www.sagefoundationfordogs.org) works to promote the welfare of dogs who have faithfully served in wars, police work, crime prevention and rescue. Their work includes education and public awareness,

Senior Deputy Sheriff Danielle Delpit and K-9 partner Dano

as well as making medical care available for these hero dogs.

Law enforcement dogs are used at the local, county, state and federal levels, and are considered full-fledged police officers.

Unlike their human counterparts, however, these officers do not receive a pension.

With a mission of making K-9 teams mission-ready and self-sustaining, the National Police Dog Foundation (www.nationalpolicedogfoundation.org) provides funding for the purchase, training and medical needs for police dogs through retirement.

Learn how you can support retired police and military dogs at www.rimadylk9courage.com.

Source: Zoetis | Family Features

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