Paradise Pets Magazine, Key West FL Vol. 2 Issue 3

Volume 2 Issue 3 | Jul-Aug-Sep 2016

Paradise Pets Magazine is published by Publish In Paradise for the purpose of uniting and supporting our communities. 10% of all advertising revenue is donated to local animal rescue organizations.

For advertising inquiries, please visit us online or email ads@publishinparadise.com © 2016 Publish in Paradise Paradise Pets Magazine ParadisePetsMag.com Publisher: Angela J. Richards publisher@publishinparadise.com Contributors:

With summer upon us there are quite a few opportunities to enjoy the beautiful weather along with your pets, such as going on family vacations, road trips, pool parties, boating, Fourth of July celebrations, and so much more.

Along with the fun comes an increase in responsibilities as pet parents, if it’s hot for us, it’s hot for our beloved pets. Be sure to be alert of your pet’s needs and surroundings during this season of fun in the sun. If you are going on vacation, don’t forget to pack what your pet will need, including any medications, travel pet food dishes, water bottles, pet tents, and anything else your pet may need. As well as checking out what is available for your pet, pet friendly places, pet daycare centers, pet lodging, etc. Your pet is part of your family, be sure he/she is part of your planning.

Karen Thomas Angela J. Richards Tammy Fox

Be sure to send us your fun summer pet pics. You can upload them right on our website or tag us in your Instagrams @paradisepetsmag, we just may put your pet on the cover of our next issue!

On the cover:

Enjoy your summer.

Jasmine is a 4-month-old Shepherd mix. She is learning her basic training and commands and loves play time! She is available for adoption at the Florida Keys SPCA shelter in Marathon.

Photo courtesy of the FKSPCA Marathon shelter.

Features 4 Key West New Animal Shelter Update 6 Smooth the Ride for Dogs with Motion Sickness

Departments Pet Parents 14 FKSPCA Key West Pets Awaiting Parents 15 FKSPCA Marathon Pets Awaiting Parents

Pet Health 8 Keep Your Pet Happy & Healthy 10 Safety Tips for Pets in Hot Weather 16 Summer Safety for Pets

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

By Florida Keys SPCA Staff

These are exciting times for the Florida Keys SPCA. Take a look at this architect’s rendering of the new shelter and you’ll see why. After years of dreaming of (and raising money for) a new, safe shelter for the animals in their care, it’s finally happening.

Tammy Fox, executive director, puts it like this: “For years, we have been operating out of leaking, dilapidated buildings that are unsafe for the animals, our staff and volunteers. A heavy rain leaves the dogs standing in inches of water and staff scurrying to dig trenches to divert water.

Whenever a hurricane threatens, each animal must be evacuated into a foster home for the duration. That can mean as many as 200 animals. We supply the foster homes with food, bedding, cat litter, and medications – whatever each animal needs.

Then there are the rats that we can’t control because of the state of the buildings… So, yes, we are very excited about our new home!”

FKSPCA board president, Jane Dawkins, added, “Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that after all this time, our dream is finally becoming bricks and mortar. The planning process is complete and we are working

through the permitting process right now.

Our capital campaign is moving along and we are closing in on our capital campaign goal of $6 million. We pride ourselves on being part of our community and are especially looking forward to adding to and expanding our existing community programs, such as our 6/60 free adoptions for seniors, our Faith program that offers free, temporary housing for the pets of people in domestic abuse situations and other emergencies, low-cost or free spay/neuter, and humane education in schools. There is so much more we will be able to do once the new building is complete.”

Thanks to cooperation between the City of Key West and Monroe County (for whom the FKSPCA is contractor for animal control from Key West to MM70) a parcel of land further down College Road, next to the Gerald Adams School, will be the location for the new shelter.

The Florida Keys SPCA is an openadmission shelter. No animal is ever turned away. For instance, the inventory one day at the end of June showed 155 cats, 42 dogs, 25 rabbits, 29 guinea pigs

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and rodents, one bird and four turtles! On the same day at the Marathon campus, there were 67 cats, 14 dogs, four rabbits and two guinea pigs. Every adoptable animal stays as long as it takes to find its forever home.

And one last thing. The Florida Keys SPCA is a stand-alone, private, non-profit organization. They are not funded by the ASPCA, nor do they receive any direct federal or state funding. So, please support your local animal shelter!

FREE

Visit the Florida Keys SPCA online at www.fkspca.org

Architect’s rendering of the new FKSPCA shelter in Key West.

Photo courtesy Tammy Fox

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Because the symptoms of canine motion sickness can mimic several other problems, many pet owners may not realize their dogs suffer from this condition.

However, a recent study conducted on behalf of Zoetis found that up to 23 percent of dogs experience motion sickness. The study also found that some pet owners feel that motion sickness weakens their relationship with their dog because it often forces them to leave their dog at home. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding treatment options can help ease your dog's discomfort and ensure a smoother ride for the entire family.

Motion sickness may at times be difficult to recognize, but it is a real medical condition that affects the centers of the brain that control balance and motion. This condition may also be exhibited as fear and anxiety about car rides. Dogs suffering from motion sickness may show a variety of signs, including drooling, dry heaving, excessive lip licking, excessive panting,

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

inactivity, pacing, restlessness, shaking, vomiting, whining or yawning.

However, especially during warmer months, some of these signs, such as excessive panting and whining, can mistakenly be attributed to other things, such as overheating. That's why it is important to pay close attention to the onset of signs that could indicate motion sickness and note any correlations with travel, including anxiety or avoidance behavior like resistance to getting in the car. Sharing this information with your veterinarian can help isolate the cause.

If you determine that your pet is indeed suffering from motion sickness, you can

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take several steps to make your next trip together more comfortable: ● In addition to providing the basic necessities like food, water, bowls, grooming supplies and medications create a soothing environment with a favorite blanket, bed and toys, along with an appropriate restraint device, travel crate or carrier. ● Talk with your veterinarian about a medication that has proven to be helpful in treating motion sickness in dogs. CERENIA(r) (maropitant citrate) is the only FDA-approved medication for the prevention of vomiting due to motion sickness in dogs. A CERENIA tablet can be easily administered two hours before the car ride and doesn't cause drowsiness, so you don't have to worry about a sleepy pup after the car ride. All other motion sickness medications are formulated for humans and are not approved by the FDA for use in dogs. Human medications may also be more difficult to dose for dogs, may not effectively control motion sickness and/or may have unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness. ● Make frequent stops, especially if traveling long distances, so your dog can relieve itself, drink water and exercise. ● Maintain your dog's regular feeding and exercise schedule as much as possible during your trip to reduce any anxiety it may feel about being away from home.

● Carry your leash and collar with up-todate ID tags (with your cell phone number), microchip information and rabies tags. Also carry proof of vaccinations and consider scanning your dog's medical records onto a USB device in case you end up visiting an emergency veterinary clinic away from home.

Find more resources for traveling with a dog that has motion sickness at cerenia.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Use CERENIA Tablets for acute vomiting in dogs 2 months and older, and for prevention of vomiting due to motion sickness in dogs 4 months and older.

Safe use has not been evaluated in cats and dogs with gastrointestinal obstruction, or those that have ingested toxins. Use with caution in dogs with hepatic dysfunction. In people, topical exposure may elicit localized allergic skin reactions, and repeated or prolonged exposure may lead to skin sensitization. See full Prescribing Information at cerenia.com.

All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Services LLC or a related company or a licensor unless otherwise noted. (c)2016 Zoetis Services LLC. All rights reserved. CER-00218 Source: Cerenia | Family Features

Paradise Pets Magazine would like to encourage pet parents to seek out holistic approaches when treating their pet. But we also want you to be informed of other options as well.

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images

or many people pets are a part of the family. Owning a pet is a rewarding experience, but also an important responsibility. Fortunately, there are preventative measures that can be taken to help keep pets healthy.

F

This checklist from veterinarian and author Dr. Jessica Vogelsang will give pet owners the peace of mind they need to take care of their furry families, whether within the comfort of home or during a vet or kennel visit:

Just like their human counterparts, pets are susceptible to bacteria and viruses both within and outside the home. There are some highly contagious and dangerous illnesses like parvovirus, canine influenza, rabies and adenovirus that pet owners should be aware of.

Vaccinate - All dogs need to be vaccinated for parvo, distemper, rabies and adenovirus. Cats should be vaccinated for panleukopenia, calicivirus, feline herpes virus type I and rabies. Your veterinarian is the best guide in

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determining the timing of vaccinations for dogs, cats and other pets.

Discover - Before fighting germs at home, you must first identify where those germs are living. Make a list of every place and every object your pet has been or touched. Be sure to think like a detective, too. If your canine counterpart enjoys drinking from the porcelain throne, be sure to add that to your list of culprits.

Disinfect - To disinfect hard, nonporous surfaces and accessories like crates and toys, use Clorox Regular-Bleach on a regular basis. You can use a solution of one-half cup of bleach in one gallon of water. To eliminate the risk of infection from dangerous bacteria and diseases such as parvo, soak the items in the solution for 10 minutes, then rinse and air dry.

Be informed -

Germs can

survive in certain environments for a long time. This is especially true in spaces where pets are constantly coming in and out. Before dropping your beloved at the vet or a kennel, don't be afraid to ask what measures they are taking to prevent the spread of germs.

Make it routine -

It's

important to always keep your pet's health in check - from basic teeth cleanings that eliminate germs living in their mouth to monthly heartworm prevention medication to keep their hearts healthy.

"As a veterinarian, I know keeping pets happy and healthy is very important," Vogelsang said. "Fortunately using Clorox Regular-Bleach can help prevent the spread of germs and viruses like parvo within both animal shelters and hospitals, as well as within your own home."

To find more simple tips for keeping your pets safe, visit Clorox.com.

Source: Clorox | Family Features

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

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By Tammy Fox Director FKSPCA Summer is here and it’s time to enjoy the sun, sea and slower times here in the Florida Keys. For those of us fortunate enough to spend our lives with our pets, we need to remember to keep them safe in the heat.

More than 30-percent of animal distress calls coming in to the FKSPCA over the months of May through September are heat related. Last summer we responded to 122 calls related to dogs in distress as a result of heat exhaustion. It’s crucial that pet owners take precautions to keep their pets cool to avoid life threatening heat exhaustion or other heat related injuries to their pets.

Here are some tips to help you make good choices in keeping your four legged companions safe in the heat this summer:

1. Never, Ever Leave Your Pets in a Parked Car! When we respond to calls regarding animals left in cars the owner of the car usually returns to the car within minutes saying they only meant to be inside for a minute.

However, it only takes minutes for the temperature in the car to reach fatal levels. On an 85 degree day the temperature inside a car with the windows open can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. It can quickly reach 120 degrees where your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die. It is just not worth the risk! The State of Florida has recently passed legislation that protects people who see an animal or person locked inside a hot car and smash a window to rescue them. They can now do so without facing legal action if the car's owner wants to sue for damages.

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2. Limit Exercise on Hot Days Internal temperature of a dog going on a walk on a hot day can quickly rise and lead to life threatening heatstroke. Adjust the intensity and duration of exercise according the temperature and time of day. Limit exercise to the early morning or evening hours to avoid being out in the hottest time of day. Do not walk or run your dog on hot asphalt; doing so can cause painful burns to your pet’s foot pads which will require intensive care and treatment by your veterinarian.

Always carry water with you to avoid dehydration. Be careful with pets who have white ears as they are more susceptible to skin cancer.

3. Watch for Signs of Heatstroke Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke! Signs of heatstroke are heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, excessive thirst, lethargy, difficulty breathing, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, fever, dizziness, and unconsciousness. Any sign of heatstroke should be taken seriously and the animal should be rushed to the veterinarian for emergency care. Take extra care with animals that are old, very young, overweight, not accustomed to prolonged exercise or have heart or respiratory disease. Please also take in to consideration the breed of dog. Some breeds of dogs have a harder time breathing due to the short length in muzzle.

Examples of short nosed breeds are Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, and Bulldogs. Cats with short muzzles will also have a harder time breathing in extreme heat.

4. Prepare for Power Outages We are no strangers to power outages here in the keys! Make sure you have a plan in place to keep your pets safe from heat related emergencies in the event of a power outage.

Create a disaster plan by going to www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disasterpreparedness. Make sure you have ample shade and water on hand for your pets.

Purchase cooling body wrap, vest or mat for your pet to use such as the Keep Cool Mat.

The Florida Keys SPCA wishes you a safe, fun and spectacular summer! Please remember your pets and do everything you can to keep them cool and safe. Remember when it’s hot for you, it’s hotter for your pets.

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Fundraising Events Support our Florida Keys SPCA animal shelters in Key West and Marathon and HAVE SOME FUN while you’re at it!

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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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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.

In Shelter More Than 500 Days!

Diesel is a 2½ year old Pit Bull Mix. He is incredibly energetic, happy and playful.

He loves going to long walks, chewing on his tennis balls, playing tug of war with his rope and having fun.

Sophie is a 4½ year old Great Dane Mix. Sophie is a happy, playful and loving dog. She is as silly as she is big and would love a yard to run & play in.

She’s smart, very trainable and likes going on long walks.

Goofy is a 3 year old Terrier Mix. Goofy is an intelligent, gentle dog who would like nothing more than to cuddle in your lap all day. Goofy gives soft kisses and is quick to steal your heart.

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.

Aquila is a 4½ year old female Domestic Shorthair. Aquila is a happy and sociable cat that loves warming herself in the sun, watching the birds outside and of course getting lots of cuddles.

Glider is one of fifteen Hamsters we currently have available for adoption.

Hamsters are unique, friendly and happy little animals that would make a wonderful companion in the right home!

We also have Rabbits, Gerbils, Mice and 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.

Mogwai is a 2 month old black and white kitten rescued from the streets of Marathon. Although shy at first this little guy loves to play!

Maddie is friendly and outgoing one year old Weimaraner mix. She gets along great with other dogs and absolutely adores people!

Frank is a 7 month old Australian Cattle Dog that was rescued from a hot car in Key West. He is the leader of the pack and a well balanced play mate for the other dogs.

Sultan is a 2 year old Pomeranian Chihuahua mix.

Although he resembles a tiny Golden Retriever, Sultan is fully grown at 20 pounds!

Hillary is a tri color Guinea Pig. Guinea Pigs are affectionate, outgoing and personable and do best in pairs. Although their human counter parts may not get along, Hillary is best friends with Trump!

Trump, a long haired Guinea Pig, resembles current Presidential Nominee Donald Trump. Just check out that hair doo!

Marathon has over 20 kittens currently available for adoption in nearly every color, size and age!

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Summer Safety for Pets

By Karen Thomas Merlin lounging in his baby pool after playing ball.

W

e all enjoy the fun of summer activities - swimming, going to the beach, vacations and holiday celebrations. But our very sensitive fourlegged companions may feel a little different. When the temperature rises we need to be extra vigilant of the well-being of our babies in fur coats. Living in the Florida Keys the temperature and humidity soar during the summer creating a very oppressive heat which can affect all of us.

Here are just a few safety tips for keeping our loved ones safe.

Car Safety Every year hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion from being left in parked cars.

It is never a good idea to leave your pet in

a parked car with the windows cracked, ever.

Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet at risk of serious illness and even death, even on a day that doesn't seem hot to you. And cracking the windows makes no difference.

The data below was shared by the American Veterinary Medical Association on how quickly temperatures rise.

“The temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20º F in just 10 minutes. In 20 minutes, it can rise almost 30º F … and the longer you wait, the higher it goes. At 60 minutes, the temperature in your vehicle can be more than 40 degrees

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higher than the outside temperature. Even on a 70-degree day, that's 110 degrees inside your vehicle!”

Safe Travel for Pets Let’s also not forget the severe dangers of driving with your dog in the bed of a pickup truck. Not only are they exposed to airborne hazards and risk being burned on the hot metal of the bed itself, but dogs could also fall or jump off the truck and be injured or killed on impact. Using a tether in the truck bed is not a good idea either as the tether could tangle, injure, or even choke your dog. If you must transport your dog in the bed of a pickup truck, use a secured, appropriately sized and ventilated dog kennel.

The safest plan is to leave your pets at home when you can. They will be safe, grateful and happily waiting for your return.

Exercise and Hydration It’s very important to modify your pet’s excise during the summer months.

Exercising for shorter periods in the cooler hours of the morning or evening are best once the pavements and streets have cooled. Paw pads can burn easily on hot pavements, decks, sand or asphalt. If you’re unsure of the temperature test it by taking your shoes off and standing on the surface for a few minutes. Often our pets

Libby prefers the amenities of the AC and a fan.

are so eager to please us that they won’t complain when their paws are burning.

If your dog will be spending time outdoors, make sure they have access to plenty of shade and fresh water. Wading pools (out of direct sunlight) and sprinkler hoses can help with cooling and can be lots of fun for them too.

Remember too that older, short-muzzled, overweight dogs, dogs with chronic health issues and puppies are more likely to overheat in hot weather. Animals with flat faces, like Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

The same rules apply to beach outings -lots of shade and lots of water. I always take plenty of extra water and a bucket in case it gets spilled or if there are other See “Summer Safety” pg. 18

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Summer Safety cont. from pg. 17

dogs in need of it. Be mindful of the hot sand. If you can’t walk on it barefoot you can be sure it’s uncomfortable for your pup.

Warning Signs of Overheating in Pets: ● Excessive panting or difficulty breathing ● Increased heart and respiratory rate ● Drooling ● Reddened gums and moist tissues of the body ● Production of only small amounts of urine or no urine ● Mild weakness, stupor or even collapse ● Seizures ● Bloody diarrhea and vomit ● Elevated body temperature of over 104 ● Muscle tremors ● Wobbly, uncoordinated or drunken gait or movement (ataxia) ● Unconsciousness in which the dog cannot be stimulated to be awakened If your pet is suffering from any of the above symptoms you should take immediate action and move him to a cool area, preferably with air conditioning. At a minimum move him to a shady spot.

Skylar enjoying the cool sand in the shade.

Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian who writes for HealthyPets.Mercola.com. recommends taking his temperature if possible.

“If it is 104 degrees or lower begin cooling your dog down by soaking his body with cool water – cool, but not cold. Use a hose, wet towels or any other source of cool water that is available. Concentrate the cooling water on his head, neck and in the areas underneath the front and back legs.

Carefully cool the tongue if possible, but don't let water run into the throat as it could get into the lungs. Never put water in the mouth of a dog that can't swallow on his own. Put a fan on him if possible – it will speed up the cooling process. After a few minutes, re-check his temperature.

If it's at or below 104ºF, stop the cooling process. Further cooling could lead to blood clotting or a too-low body temperature. Get the dog to a veterinary clinic right away, even if he seems to be recovering.”

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Fireworks and Storms Many people enjoy the booming sounds and flashing lights of fireworks, but they can be terrifying and overwhelming for pets, and possibly hazardous. On the Fourth of July so many pets are frightened and try to escape the sights and sounds that animal shelters around the nation report a dramatic increase in lost pets during the holiday.

Be mindful of the fact that our pets are very sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and strong smells. So on the Fourth of July (and the days around it when people are likely to set off fireworks), it's best to leave your pets safely indoors, preferably with relaxing music playing or TV turned on to hide jarring noises.

I am a big fan of the “Thundershirt” not only during thunderstorms but anytime there is loud noise or vibration. The soft pressure on the animal’s torso exerted from

the shirt has a calming effect. I usually spray my calming blend “Serenity” on the shirt as well. I love to diffuse calming essential oils (like lavender) regularly in our ‘healing room’ where there are crates set up to help create a peaceful safe space in the house. So during times of loud noises or vibrations there is a ‘safe place’ in the house for our dogs to retreat to.

The summer months can be fun and full of wonderful activities. Just always remember to pay extra attention to the special needs of our loving animal companions. They deserve to have an awesome and stress free summer too!

Karen Thomas, R.N., is a Healing Touch for Animals (HTA) Practitioner in the Florida Keys. All photos courtesy of Karen Thomas.

Karen can be contacted through her website www.pawsitivetouch.org or email her directly at karen@pawsitivetouch.org

Sources: American Veterinarian Medical Association: 1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360 Dr. Karen Becker, DVM, integrative wellness veterinarian.

HealthyPets.Mercola.com

Skylar, Merlin and Ilsa enjoying the cool grass.

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