Paradise Pets Magazine, Key West, FL Vol. 3 Issue 3 | July-Sep 2017

A Purr-fect Season to Adopt

Hurricane Reminder

Volume 3 Issue 3 | July-Aug-Sep 2017

Summer Travel with Your Pet

Feeling Safe During Fireworks

Paradise Pets Magazine is published

by Publish In Paradise for the purpose of uniting and supporting our pet communities. We are a proud sponsor of the Florida Keys SPCA. For advertising inquiries, please visit us online or email ads@publishinparadise.com © 2017 Publish in Paradise Paradise Pets Magazine ParadisePetsMag.com Publisher: Angela J. Willard paradisepets@publishinparadise.com

Contributors: Angela J. Willard Tammy Fox Tara Vickrey Tiffany Burton

I have been looking to adopt a small companion dog for about a year. And things always seem to fall through, until one day I had one delivered to my door. Her pet parent mama had recently passed away and she was in need of a caring, understanding “mommy” and I am so thrilled to have that honor. We bonded immediately!

Say hello to Chloe Baby!

She came to me with the name Baby, but since there is already a baby in the house (my granddaughter) I added the Chloe to help reduce confusion.

Chloe Baby is my constant companion. I do leave her home for a short while when I need to run an errand or two, but she is very well behaved, even while I am out, and is always happy to see me when I come home.

The joy of owning a pet is just tremendous, and to take in a pet who has suddenly lost their home or their pet parent makes it extra special.

I waited a year for her, and she came at a time when we needed each other.

On the cover: Georgia is available for adoption at the FKSPCA Marathon shelter. See her story on page 7.

If you have a story you would like to share of how your rescued pet has rescued you, please email it to the editor at paradisepets@publishinparadise.com

Features 5

Feeling Safe During Fireworks

7 Adopt Georgia: Georgia's Story 10 A Purr-fect Season to Adopt

Departments Pet Parents 11

Hurricane Reminder

13

Tips for Summer Travel with Your

Pet

14

Florida Keys SPCA Pets Awaiting Adoption

13 Resource Guide

Find us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram & Twitter @ParadisePetsMag 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 veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your local holistic veterinarian.

Feeling Safe During Fireworks How to help manage your dog's noise aversion

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

A scary struggle Macie Buell watched her 14-year-old Weimaraner mix, Harley, struggle with noise aversion. Fireworks and thunder are particularly stressful for the whole family due to Harley's condition.

"Harley is my baby, and I hate to see her in any discomfort," Buell said. "She pants, shakes, tries to hide under furniture or takes cover in the bathtub when she hears thunder or fireworks."

T

he boom of fireworks or the crash of thunder may create a wave of excitement for you. However, for many dogs, these loud noises trigger fear and anxiety similar to a panic attack.

This anxiety is a progressive medical condition called canine noise aversion. You might know it as noise phobia or noise anxiety. At least 1 in 3 dogs suffer from noise aversion, which can leave dog owners and their families feeling helpless during summer fireworks celebrations and rolls of thunder.

Harley's reaction to loud noises is typical of a dog with noise aversion. Other symptoms may include vocalizing fear by barking or whining, seeking extra attention from her owner, destroying furniture or even attempting to escape from home.

Over the years, Buell discussed Harley's reaction to fireworks and thunder with her veterinarian, Dr. Peter Eeg of Poolesville Veterinary Clinic in Poolesville, Maryland.

"We tried behavior therapy, naturopathic therapies and medications, but nothing helped Harley's fight-or-flight response to noise," Dr. Eeg said.

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A simple solution As soon as SILEO(r) (dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel) - the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for canine noise aversion became available, Dr. Eeg recommended this innovative at-home treatment for Harley. Dr. Eeg also used SILEO to treat two of his dogs that suffer from noise aversion triggered by thunder.

"Harley responded exceptionally well to treatment with SILEO," Dr. Eeg said. "It also completely resolved my own dogs' anxiety and fear of loud thunder."

Clinically proven to be safe and effective without other treatments or training, SILEO is a practical, fast-acting, at-home treatment for noise aversion. It begins working in about 30 minutes to one hour and provides relief for up to 2-3 hours.

Your veterinarian should show you how to administer SILEO when it is prescribed.

"We have lots of thunder, fireworks and construction in the neighborhood each summer," Buell said. "The first time I gave Harley SILEO, she napped through the thunder. It was such a relief to our family to see her relaxed and happy."

a free custom report and help start the conversation with your veterinarian.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use SILEO in dogs with severe cardiovascular disease, respiratory, liver or kidney diseases, or in conditions of shock, severe debilitation, or stress due to extreme heat, cold or fatigue or in dogs hypersensitive to dexmedetomidine or to any of the excipients.

SILEO should not be administered in the presence of preexisting hypotension, hypoxia, or bradycardia. Do not use in dogs sedated from previous dosing. SILEO has not been evaluated in dogs younger than 16 weeks of age or in dogs with dental or gingival disease that could have an effect on the absorption of SILEO. SILEO has not been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs or for aversion behaviors to thunderstorms.

Transient pale mucous membranes at the site of application may occur with SILEO use.

Other uncommon adverse reactions included emesis, drowsiness or sedation. Handlers should avoid direct exposure of SILEO to their skin, eyes or mouth. Failure to lock the ring-stop on the syringe before dosing SILEO could potentially lead to an accidental overdose. Always review INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE before dispensing and dosing. See full Prescribing Information at zoetisUS.com/sileoPI.

Talk with your veterinarian It's important to discuss noise aversion with your veterinarian to see whether SILEO is right for your dog. To learn more, visit sileodogus.com and complete the "Triggers and Behaviors" checklist to create

Source: Zoetis | Family Seatures

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You Can Adopt

Georgia Georgia’s Story On June 22nd, 2016 Animal Control Officers from the Florida Keys SPCA Marathon Campus responded to a call in the early morning from Monroe County's local Sheriff's Department to assist in picking up a dog located at a home in Marathon. Police had raided the home as part of a drug investigation. There, tied up in the backyard was a young, unaltered Pit Bull mix chained up to a tree. Animal Control Officer's removed the dog from the home while the owner was sent to jail.

Having spent her entire life chained to a tree in a backyard Georgia grew up not knowing the comforts of a home, a family or a good belly rub. She was fearful and tense, having spent her lifetime forced to be on alert. She didn't know how to play with toys, she wasn't sure about the other dogs and she let staff move her but she needed her own space. Staff at the Marathon Campus turned her kennel into her sanctuary, filling it with comfortable bedding and an assortment of toys and treats.

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Georgia cont….

Slowly but surely, as time passed, Georgia started to let her guard down and really enjoy her new life at the Marathon Campus. She started playing with toys, going on long walks and eventually making new dog friends at the shelter. Staff watched her transform into a goofy girl who loves squeaky toys and belly rubs! The transformation was amazing!

As the months passed and Georgia continued to gain confidence and grow more comfortable, it started to become clear that Georgia was ready for a home–finally. For six months the staff has been trying to find Georgia her new forever family. There must be a family for her somewhere!

Please, please don't let this very special dog spend another day, week, month or year in the shelter. Georgia's adoption fees have been paid, all she needs now is a family.

Learn more about Georgia at the Florida Keys SPCA Marathon Campus by calling 305-394-7759.

Receive a free custom pet magazine when you adopt Georgia–see ad on next page.

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ADOPT GEORGIA & Receive a FREE

Custom Pet Magazine Adopt Georgia, who has been in the Florida Keys SPCA Marathon shelter for more than a year, and receive a free Custom Pet Magazine!

When you adopt Georgia During the months of July, August or September, Keepsake Magazines will give you a free 8-page digital pet magazine* to show off your new fur baby to your family & friends around the world!

Adopt Georgia at the

Florida Keys SPCA in Marathon Call them at 305-394-7759 *No strings attached, no fees involved, just adopt Georgia through the FKSPCA between July-September and provide your contact information and permission to be contacted. You will be contact by Keepsake Magazines via email.

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www.KeepsakeMags.com

A Purr-fect Season to Adopt Kitten season creates need at shelters nationwide Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

C

ute as kittens are, kitten season often emerges as one of the most challenging times of the year for animal welfare organizations. Some experts estimate as many as 20 million kittens are born in the spring. That number of kittens is twice the number of people living in New York City.

actual number is closer to 6.5 million, which is why people should consider adoption when looking to bring a new pet into their homes.

As a result, the waiting rooms of veterinary clinics, animal welfare agencies, rescues and shelters are overrun with people arriving with boxes of unplanned litters of homeless kittens.

1.

One female cat can have up to 100 kittens in her lifetime. Cats can become pregnant at just 5 months of age and can have up to three litters per year, with each litter ranging between one and eight kittens. That's why most adoption programs offer cats and kittens that are already spayed or neutered, as well as being veterinarianchecked and vaccinated for common diseases.

2.

Cats are great communicators. Cats make more than 100 different sounds, but they only meow to communicate with humans. To communicate with another cat, they will most often purr, hiss or spit.

3.

There may be healing benefits to purring. Most people think cats purr because they are happy, but cats also purr when they are nervous and sick,

"This time of year, the need for finding adoptive families for kittens and cats increases exponentially," said David Haworth, DVM, Ph.D., and president of PetSmart Charities. "While kittens tend to find homes very quickly, adult female cats, especially those that are about to or have just had a litter, are often abandoned and they're in need of forever homes, too."

In fact, a recent survey commissioned by PetSmart Charities found that most people significantly underestimate the number of pets entering shelters each year. The majority (84 percent of American pet parents) believe that less than 1 million pets enter U.S. shelters annually, but the

If you're contemplating adopting a cat or kitten into your family, consider these little-known feline facts:

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too. Veterinarians like Haworth believe cats use purring as a self-soothing method that may even help them heal.

The frequency of the vibrations caused when a cat purrs is the same frequency that promotes increased bone density and muscle restoration.

4.

5.

Cats can be righties or lefties. Like humans, cats have a dominant paw.

Most female cats prefer using the right paw, while male cats are more likely to be lefties.

Adoptive cats and kittens bring many rewards. When you adopt, you literally save a life. Plus a free adoption kit available through PetSmart gives tips to help integrate new pets into the family and has more than $475 in free items and discounts on pet essentials and services. The retailer is also donating a meal to a pet in need for every bag of dog or cat food purchased online or in stores through the end of the year through its Buy a Bag, Give a Meal program. The food is then distributed to shelters and food banks across the U.S. through partners Rescue Bank and Feeding America.

To showcase adoptable pets and help connect them with more potential adopters, PetSmart offers free space in its stores to thousands of animal welfare organizations across the country. Contact your local store or visit PetSmart.com for more information on pets available for adoption or to learn about upcoming adoption events.

Hurricane Reminder: Are you and your pet ready in the event of a Hurricane? There are a few steps you can take now to prevent the chaos that will come if a Hurricane ever comes our way: 1) Have current tags, shots and correct information on their collar.

2) Have a current photo of your pet.

3) Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit for your animals including a carrier, leash or harness, medications, food, water, toys, litter box & litter, vaccination & medical records, bed or blankets, and a collapsible wire crate.

4) Find a Hurricane shelter that will allow you to go there with your pets or make plans to go somewhere you can keep your pet with you.

We want everyone to be prepared in the case of an emergency and being ready now will help you tremendously in the future!

A message from the Florida Keys SPCA

Source: PetSmart | Family Features

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Tips for Summer Travel with Your Pet Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

T

he warm summer months call for some fun traveling with loved ones, however, trips can be less fun if four-legged family members aren't able to come along. Pet parents already know not to leave pets in the car on a hot day, but there are other factors to consider when your pets are tagging along for the ride.

"Your pet's safety and comfort while traveling are extremely important to help reduce stress for both the pet and owner," said Jam Stewart, director of corporate communications at Mars Petcare. "Creating a safe space for your pet to travel not only shows responsible pet ownership, but also allows additional quality time for you and your furry best friend."

Keep these tips in mind when taking your pet on vacation this summer:

■ Be sure your furry friend can join you in all areas. Unfortunately, not all accommodations love pets as much as pet owners do. Don't forget to call ahead to the places you plan to visit to be sure your furry loved ones are welcome. It's also imperative for owners to understand any rules for their pets at their destination, like keeping their pets on a leash. Making sure your pet is well socialized and comfortable visiting unfamiliar places also helps make the new experience fun and positive for your pet and for you.

■ Don't forget your pet's ID. Microchipping your pet is one of the most effective ways to ensure he or she can be reunited with you if lost.

Combine it with on-collar identification tags and a GPS pet tracker, such as

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Whistle 3, which lets owners track their pets wherever their travels take them.

Resource Guide

■ Make sure your pet is comfy on road trips. It's important to introduce your pet to your car slowly before embarking on a long adventure. You can also bring your pet's favorite toys, blankets or bed to help him or her feel more at ease. If your pet is still uneasy in the car, your veterinarian can provide options like essential oils, over-the-counter supplements or, if needed, prescriptions.

Key West, FL

■ Don't forget the treats. While traveling, make sure your pet has healthy treats for the long ride. Treats such as Greenies and Pedigree Dentastix promote fresh breath and clean teeth for dogs. For treats your cat will love, try Temptations, which offers tasty treats in multiple flavors.

Marathon, FL

"Pets make our lives healthier, safer and happier, and owners should take the time to plan properly before heading out on the road with their pets to ensure a fun, safe and comfortable trip for all," Stewart said.

"Pets are part of the family and we want them to enjoy the trip as much as we do in order to have more opportunities to introduce them to new experiences and places."

For additional pet care tips, bettercitiesforpets.tumblr.com.

Source: Mars Petcare | Family Features

visit

Florida Keys SPCA Key West Campus Adoption services, animal control & more.

5230 College Road, Key West, FL (305) 294-4857 | www.fkspca.org Xena Fund Financial help with veterinary care 1623 Laird Street, Key West, FL (305) 432-0494 | xenafund.com

Florida Keys SPCA Marathon Campus Adoption services, animal control & more.

10550 Aviation Blvd. Marathon, FL (305)743-4800 | www.fkspca.org Pawsitive Touch Giving your animal companions the energy to heal P.O. Box 500591, Marathon, FL 305.481.0868 | pawsitivetouch.org

Key Largo, FL Humane Animal Care Coalition 105951 Overseas Highway Key Largo, Florida 33037 305-451-0088 humaneanimalcoalition.com

Do you have a pet business? A pet friendly motel, restaurant or other establishment? Get listed in our resource guide and we will connect you to pet parents in the Keys and beyond.

ParadisePetsMag.com

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If anyone is interested in adopting from the FKSPCA in Key West, 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.

Blue is an 8-year-old Pit Bull Mix. She was surrendered because her owner of her entire life had to leave the country for emergency reasons and couldn’t take this sweet girl with him.

Freddy is an 11-month-old American Staffordshire Terrier.

He was found alone on the streets and no owner has been able to be found. He is a happy, excited, playful and affectionate boy!

Miss Peachy has been a member of our FKSPCA family for almost two years now but rumor has it that she has ambitions to leave us for a new family. She just hasn't found one yet!

Layla was our cover model in our last issue and she is still available for adoption. She is a 8½-year-old Domestic Shorthair. She has been at our shelter since August of 2014 and is ready for a family. She has plenty of love to give!

Lola is a 6½-year-old Domestic Shorthair Mix, and she is deaf.

She was surrendered because her owner was moving and could not take her with them. Lola is sweet & loving but independent.

Lola would do best in an adult only home.

Whiskers is an 8-year-old Domestic Shorthair. She was found as a stray on Duval Street and her owner could not be found. She is extremely affectionate, loves attention and will meow when she wants some belly rubs..

We Also Have Rats & Turtles Available for Adoption!

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If anyone is interested in adopting from the FKSPCA Marathon, 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 Marathon Campus at 10550 Aviation Blvd. in Marathon, Florida. Give them a call at (305) 743-4800 or visit them online for more information.

Nala is a gorgeous Brindle Staffordshire Terrier mix waiting for her new family in Marathon! Nala is energetic, active and hoping her new family will take her on runs!

Tiny (the not so tiny American Bulldog mix) is in foster in Marathon while he waits for his fur-ever family. favorite past time is lounging on the couch and taking lots and lots of naps. He is a snuggle buddy!

Zeus is a handsome Brindle Staffordshire Terrier mix. He's a silly, laid back guy who enjoys lounging on the couch with a good toy. Zeus is well behaved, knows all his commands and wants a family to take him to the beach!

Katnis this gorgeous Tortoiseshell was rescued from life on the streets in Big Pine Key. Suffering from flea and mosquito allergies, her scars and rough exterior do not reflect the sweet and affectionate cat she is!

Egypt is a male Egyptian Mau mix who loves to climb and lounge in the sun. Part Mau and part Domestic Shorthair, He is a larger cat with a wild side! Meet him at our Marathon campus.

Cleopatra is a beautiful 1½year-old Calico was rescued a year ago from a trailer park in Marathon with two kittens. Her kittens were quickly adopted but despite her kitten-like personality, she is still waiting for her furever home.

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