Paradise Pets Magazine, Key West, FL Vol. 3 Issue 2 Apr-May-June 2017

Volume 3 Issue 2 | Apr-May-June 2017

Paradise Pets Magazine is published

by Publish In Paradise for the purpose of uniting and supporting our pet communities. A portion of all advertising revenue is donated to local animal rescue organizations.

We are a proud sponsor of the Florida Keys SPCA. For advertising inquiries, please visit us online or email ads@publishinparadise.com Š 2017 Publish in Paradise Paradise Pets Magazine ParadisePetsMag.com

Publisher: Angela J. Willard paradisepets@publishinparadise.com Contributors: Cherese Cobb Karen Thomas Tiffany Burton Tara Vickrey

On the cover: Layla is available for adoption at the Florida Keys SPCA shelter in Key West. Read more about Layla on page 15.

April is Autism Awareness Month!

A Pet Can Be Great Emotional Support for Someone with Autism or Other Disability 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

Oliver: From Shelter to Stardom

7 4 Tips for Helping Pets in Need 12

7 Pit Bull Facts

Departments Pet Parents 12

FKSPCA Rescue & Happy Tails!

14 Key West Pets Awaiting Parents 16 Marathon Pets Awaiting Parents

Pet Health 10 Health Help for Your Feline Friend

18 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-clientpatient relationship. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your local holistic veterinarian.

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By Cherese Cobb, for Paradise Pets Magazine

Meet Oliver, the pit bull who is punching his timecard for the greater good. As the CCO (Chief Canine Officer) for Bzees — a women’s shoe company— he attends photo shoots and an annual brainstorm meeting (sans tie, of course). He’s also fetching hope by raising funds for U.S.based animal rescue and advocacy groups, like I’m Not a Monster and Pets Across America. On top of all that, he’s turning the tide for pittys through Oliver’s Clubhouse: a Facebook page that encourages the fostering and adopting of the pit bull breed.

You may have seen this former shelter pooch, grinning with a tennie tucked between his teeth, on the Home Shopping Network, where he soared as the number one pin of the day. Lori McDermid, Bzees’ Vice President, adopted the white and black pup at six months old from the St. Louis Humane Society.

“I went there to drop off some Christmas stuff,” she remembers. Oliver was pressed against the glass, “looking pathetic, sad, and forlorn”. He’d been abandoned in a warehouse. “He’d been in isolation [because of Parvo] for two months. Then, when he came out, he got

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Even after enduring chemotherapy and surgery for the mast cell tumor in his arm, he’s a “court jester”. Case-inpoint: when Lori was tossing her dogs’ bedcovers into the wash, Oliver was shredding the beds’ foam. It was floating down everywhere just like a Christmas movie, and he plopped himself right in the middle of it.

“He [also] has killed many a sneaker,” Lori laughed. “He takes [my husband’s] shoes by the laces, and swings them around his head like a cowboy with a lasso. It's a full-on show.” pneumonia, so he had to go back into isolation,” she said. “He was starved for attention. I couldn’t leave him there.”

From a work perspective, Lori explains that Oliver gives “a purpose to what we

Lori brought him home on December 22, 2010, just one day before her family’s annual Christmas trip. Oliver refused to leave the house. He thought that budging from his bed meant he’d have to go back to the shelter, says McDermid. The family shoved his bed into the car. Once he got to the lake house and met Akita-mix Polly and Coonhound-mix Monte, he bloomed into a “love bomb”.

“I never feel alone. He is just 24/7 affection,” McDermid told Paradise Pets Magazine. “He’ll actually puts his paws on my shoulder, and gives me a hug and a kiss every day.”

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do”. “We love making shoes, and it's important. We innovate products to help people live their lives better,” McDermid said. Fetching Hope and Oliver’s Clubhouse —which McDermid hopes to make into a physical pit bull rescue once she retires— adds another layer to making people's lives better.

While Bzees never runs sales online, they run a promotional for a couple of weeks every quarter, donating $5 from each purchase. They raised $550 for WoofTrax and $1,000 for the Colorado State University Flint Animal Cancer Center. “[In the next quarter,] we’re looking to support a group that is educating dogs to help others [in] need,” she said.

“Oliver” continued on page 11 Paradise Pets Magazine, Key West, FL Vol. 3 Issue 2 © 2017 Publish In Paradise | ParadisePetsMag.com | 7

For pet owners, their dogs, cats and other pets play an important role in bringing added happiness to their lives. As not every dog and cat is as fortunate, you may be looking for ways to give back and help pets in need.

As many as 6-8 million pets enter shelters every year across North America, according to The Humane Society of the United States. There are numerous ways you can help homeless pets and give back, starting with these tips:

Volunteer at Your Local Animal Welfare Organization Almost every community has at least one animal shelter or rescue group that needs help. A simple internet search is a good place to start, or ask your veterinarian for recommendations on local organizations that assist pets in need. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at shelters and rescue organizations, from office duties and community outreach

and education to training, feeding and socializing, so people with every skillset are often able to lend a hand.

Donate Supplies Items such as food, cat litter, cleaning supplies and blankets are almost always in demand at animal shelters and rescues. While pets await adoption, they need access to food, making pet food a significant operating expense for animal welfare organizations. Through PetSmart's Buy a Bag, Give a Meal program, for every bag of dog or cat food purchased online and at its more than 1,500 stores across North America through the end of the year, the leading pet specialty retailer will donate a meal to a pet in need served by animal welfare organizations and food banks.

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"To celebrate 30 years of commitment to helping pets in need, and as a trusted partner to pet parents everywhere, we want to celebrate by giving back even more," said Eran Cohen, chief customer experience officer at PetSmart.

"Throughout 2017, every time pet parents purchase any bag of dog or cat food in our stores or online, they can rest assured they are also helping feed pets in need. When their pets eat, pets in need eat, too."

know that having a pet requires a longterm commitment. Be sure to keep pets fed, watered, groomed and vaccinated, and have your pet spayed or neutered to help avoid pet overpopulation.

Pets give so much to their owners; pay it forward by being a responsible pet parent and giving back to animals in need in your community when possible.

Find more ways to get involved at your local shelter or rescue group, and learn more about the Buy a Bag, Give a Meal program at Petsmart.com/giveameal.

Foster or Adopt a Pet Source: PetSmart | Family Features

As many animal welfare organizations have dogs or cats not suited for living in a shelter atmosphere, fostering a pet in your home is a simple way to give back without the long-term commitment of pet ownership. These pets may be older and in need of a quiet environment or need space to recover from a recent surgery. Of course, if you're ready for a new pet, your local shelter or rescue organization may have the perfect one waiting for you.

Adopting from a rescue or shelter can not only save that pet, but also open a spot in the facility and potentially save another animal as well.

Take Care of Pets at Home One of the most important things you can do for pets in need is simply not become part of the problem. Be ready for the responsibility before adopting a pet and

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C

ats are typically self-sufficient family members, but owners tend to forget that those furry feline friends do need help when it comes to their daily nutrition. To keep your cat healthy, it's important to look for a cat food with high-quality ingredients to help with their nutrition needs from head to tail.

"March was National Nutrition Month, [making this time of the year the] perfect time to re-evaluate what your cat is eating and make necessary changes to ensure you both are on the right path for a happy, healthy life," said Dr. Jeff Werber, registered veterinarian.

"Like humans, cats need a balanced diet to be healthy; look for a premium food that has animal protein as the No. 1 ingredient to help satisfy their nutritional needs and carnivorous appetites."

Other key elements to look for in your cat's food include: ● Optimal levels of fatty acids for a soft and shiny coat.

● A fiber blend, including prebiotics and beet pulp, for healthy digestion. ● A good mix of premium, high-quality ingredients to contribute to healthy energy levels.

Keeping your cat healthy and happy doesn't stop with general nutrition. It's also important to pay close attention to other health concerns, like oral care, which is often overlooked.

"In my experience, one of the most common health concerns I see cats face

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today is oral care," Werber said. "That's why I was happy to see that IAMS released a great-tasting cat food, IAMS Oral Care Complete, specifically designed to help reduce plaque and tartar while also providing cats with a 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition. It's a win-win."

on a new eating routine or reassessing your adult or senior cat's nutrition, remember the importance of supplying them with a premium cat food that includes high-quality ingredients for lifelong health.

With the proper nutrition from a quality food, your cat can be healthier inside and out, which means more energy and vitality for playing and bonding. Whether you're starting a kitten

For more nutritional information for cats of all sizes and ages, visit IAMS.com.

Photo courtesy of Amanda Nolan Booker.

Source: IAMS | Family Features

“Oliver’’ continued from page 7…

Oliver, with his tongue-in-cheek personality, is shattering the vicious, mobster-sidekick stereotype — literally one step at a time. Ninety percent of the time when someone meets Oliver, it’s their first encounter with a pit bull, says McDermid. “They’re loving, funny, completely opposite. But, if no one shows you, it's like anything, you don't know. The term ‘pit bull’ is scary. Once you're exposed, though, it's amazing how opposite the breed is from stereotypes.”

Cherese Cobb was raised in Maryville, Tennessee. A bibliophile, she considers herself a professional student, as she has an insatiable curiosity. When she's not writing, she splits her time between family, photography, and cat-worship, and uses coffee to survive all three. cheresecobb.wixsite.com/freelancewriter.

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Pit bull is a misunderstood dog breed that is actually not a breed at all. It is a term used for the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully or similar dogs. Pit bulls get a bad rap and we hope to shed some light on these loving "Pittys"...

Pit bulls were originally bred to fight other animals, including 1 bears, by combining the English Bulldog and the terrier.

Pit bulls were used on farms to hunt rats and protect livestock.

Pit bulls were so loved and trusted by their families with 3 children that they often were known as nanny dogs.

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Pit bulls have a strong athletic build and have been known to scale a 12-foot fence.

Pit bulls are not great guard dogs because of their nature to trust 5 humans and even may consider an intruder as a friend.

Pit bulls are intelligent and brave and learn well. They make great police dogs and have been used to sniff out bombs and drugs.

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Sources: www.pitbulllovers.com/pit-bulls-tenthings-you-should-know.html | www.anniemany.com/2013/08/10-interestingfacts-about-pit-bulls.html | terriblyterrier.com/interesting-facts-about-pitbulls/

Image: An America n Pit Bull Terrier mu zzled.

Photo by Tatiana Sa pateiro

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Pit bulls are commonly used as therapy dogs, especially with 7 the elderly, due to their loving, caring nature.

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Koii was found as a stray last year and as any young dog, she needed a LOT of exercise, room to run and to have someone spending time teaching her manners and giving her love. That home came along when Kayle and family met Koii and instantly fell in love. Kayle says, "I've gotta say she is living the good life; we love her and she loves us!" Koii found her joy with adopter Kayle and family and we've got this picture to prove it. We are so happy for Koii, Kayle and the whole 2 and 4-legged family!

Coco and Murphy, two senior Chihuahua's, were surrendered to our Marathon Campus after their owner became terminally ill.

This adorable pair had been together their whole lives and we wondered if anyone would want to take on two older dogs. Mickey and his wife Shirley came into the shelter hoping to find new companions. At 100 years old Mickey is young at heart, still drives and even plays Trumpet at the Ale House every Saturday night! Our 6/60 program matches animals over the age of 6 with people over the age of 60 absolutely free!

Thanks to our 6/60 program Coco and Murphy got a home together with a new family that absolutely adores them!

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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. She is loyal, friendly, happy and loves snuggling. Her favorite activity is playing with all her balls. When she gets excited, she does a ‘pitter patter’ dance with her feet! She likes chewing on her bones and taking naps in her big comfy bed. She would love a mildly active home where she can also be a little bit of a couch potato!

Lee is a 2 ½-year-old Pit Bull Mix. Lee is sweet, a little shy, but would love a home that will be as tender as she is. She may not be super outgoing at first as it takes her a minute to get to know you, but once she does it is worth the wait! Lee loves treats, kisses and her stuffed animals. Lee loves going out in the play yards and sniffing all the smells! She would be a great girl for any family!

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Our cover model, Layla, is an 8 ½-year-old Domestic Shorthair. Layla has been at our shelter since August of 2014 and is ready for a family! She was a feisty girl when she first came in, but has settled into the shelter life and has turned into quite a sweet girl. Layla loves her treats, but also loves finding quiet, cozy places to snuggle up and watch the other cats play. Layla would do best with an adult only family, and has plenty of love to give!

Socks is a 1 ½-year-old Domestic Shorthair who would do well with a family that has had cats before. He is sweet, cuddly, smart and independent! He loves jumping in high places, getting lots of attention and being the king of the castle. Socks can be in a home with the right cat, or would be fine as solo cat.

Cora is a 1 ½-year-old female Domestic Shorthair. Cora is a sweet, cuddly girl who will always let you know what’s on her mind. She would love a home where she is the only animal in the house, but she promises to give enough loving to everyone. She purrs and looks for affection whenever she can get it. Cora will be celebrating her year anniversary at our shelter this month, but would much rather celebrate it in your home!

Pike was found as a stray in May of 2016 and has been looking for a furever home ever since! Pike is a fun guy who loves his greens, getting some fresh air in our play yards and doesn’t mind getting dressed up once in a while. Pike was our Prince at our Parade of Paws events and we think he should be treated like the royalty he is! Pike would do great with any family that will give him the space and time any bunny would need!

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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

Phoenix

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.

Sweet Phoenix was rescued by Animal Control in January after a house fire on Big Pine Key. The entire home was destroyed, and the occupants moved out. Neighbor's reported seeing a small brown Chihuahua running loose on the property the day after the fire and when Animal Control arrived they told the Officer to look in the shed. In the back of the property, through the debris and smoldering ashes was an intact shed with no door knob. The deadbolt was locked and a white dog had chewed a hole through the bottom of the door. Her head was peeking through the bottom of the door, desperate to free herself. Her Chihuahua buddy had squeezed out through the opening to get help. The two dogs (later named Roscoe and Phoenix) were grateful to be rescued!

Roscoe, the Chihuahua, was quickly adopted but sweet Phoenix has been overlooked.

Phoenix is a 35-pound cattle dog mix. She loves other dogs of all sizes and it adorable, affectionate, playful, loving and sweet. Meet Phoenix at our Marathon Campus!

Georgia has been waiting 9 months for her forever home at our Marathon Campus. Affectionately nicknamed "Meatball" this itty bitty pitty mix was rescued from life on a chain. She's become the queen of the shelter and loves to lay in her bed with her toys. As the queen, she would prefer to be an only pet. Visit Georgia at our Marathon Campus at 10550 Aviation Blvd in Marathon behind the airport.

Georgia

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At just 2 years old Buddy was surrendered to our Marathon Campus infested with Heartworms.

Heartworms are a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. A mosquito bites an infected dog, and if they then bite a dog that isn't on a monthly preventative, that dog can become infected. Buddy needed emergency treatment to kill the Heartworms and is now Heartworm free. Buddy is lonely at the shelter and searching for permanent companionship. Buddy wants and needs a family of his own. His perfect family would be home most of the time. If you have room in your home and your heart meet Buddy at our Marathon Campus.

Mr. Ripples is a senior Orange Medium Hair cat who was surrendered to our Marathon Campus when his owner was going through difficult times. Mr. Ripples is absolutely stunning and as sweet as he is handsome! Senior pets need homes too! Stop by our Marathon Campus and meet Mr. Ripples. You'll be glad you did!

Tiger is an 8-year-old Orange Tabby Cat available to adopt in Marathon! Tiger loves when volunteers come by and give him pets and treats. He even likes a little dress up! Tiger is one of 50 amazing cats available to adopt in Marathon.

Arnold is an adorable we-don'tknow-whathe-is medium sized 9month-old puppy. He's the perfect age and size! This adorable man is friendly, loves kids and is dear friends with Phoenix at the shelter. Arnold would be a perfect companion for any home. Meet Arnold at our Marathon Campus!

The Florida Keys SPCA Marathon Campus recently had 5 rabbits surrendered due to an unexpected litter! These adorable white and black bunnies are only 2 months old!

Rabbits can make excellent family pets and need homes just like our dogs and cats. For more information on adopting a rabbit call our Marathon Campus at 305-743-4800.

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Pet Resources Key West, FL 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

Marathon, FL 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.

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