Paradise Pets Magazine, Key West, FL Vol. 2 Issue 4 by Publish in Paradise

Volume 2 Issue 4 | Oct-Nov-Dec 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: Karen Thomas Angela J. Richards Tammy Fox Tara Vickrey

On the cover: Sadowski enjoying her wheels. Photo courtesy Tara Vickrey

As pet lovers, our beloved pets are there for us with a daily slobber, wag, purr or other signal that our fur baby loves us. Many of us have chosen to rescue a pet from a shelter, to bring a homeless stray into our home or have “re-homed” a pet into our lives without realizing how much they would, in turn, rescue us. Some of our pets have been our grief counselors, our life coaches that encourage us to get out there and keep moving forward, or even our constant companions when we have no one else by our sides. Our pets become a part of us and we could never image our lives without them. They are family. With this issue we bring you some beautiful stories of how pet parents have been rescued by their fur babies during their most challenging times. We hope these stories will encourage you to rescue a pet from your local shelter. There should be no homeless pets, or people, and we are the only ones who can make a difference. They cannot rescue themselves. 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

Pets and Social Media

7 Distressed Pup Lights New Path 10 Hooch to the Rescue

Departments Pet Parents 12

We Rescued Each Other

18 Key West Pets Awaiting Parents 19 Marathon Pets Awaiting Parents 20

Rescued Through Grief

15 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.

Pets and Social Media Animals garner increased online attention

rom dogs and cats filling up social media feeds - some even with their own profiles - to true pet celebrities who command the attention of millions, animals have become a major part of the digital landscape. With this in mind, Mars Petcare conducted a survey to learn more about Photo courtesy of Getty Images people's social media habits when it comes to animals. Here are some of the top findings.

All Animals, All the Time About 65 percent of pet owners post about their furry friends on social media an average of two times per week. One in six said they've created a social media profile specifically for their pet - and half of those pet owners say their pets get more social attention than they do online. One third said they post about their pets as much, and as often, as they do about their human family and 13 percent admitted to posting about their pets even more than they do their human relatives.

Pet Love Trumps Personal Vanity More than half of pet owners polled care more about getting "likes" and/or comments for their pet-related posts than they do for most other topics, including changes to their own profile picture. Whichever way you throw the ball, pet posts matter most. See “Famous Pets” next page…

Famous Pets cont…

Call Them the "Paw-Purratzi" Thirty percent of pet owners follow famous animals on social media. The bottom line is people love pets, whether it's their own or one with real rock star status, and love sharing their stories with the world. The survey underscores what was already known: Pets have become an integral part of people's lives and pop culture.

To learn more about how to make a Better World for Pets®, visit facebook.com/ABetterWorldforPets.

Source: Mars Petcare | Family Features

By Tara Vickrey

Sadowski enjoying her wheels. Photo courtesy of Tara Vickrey.

n 2011 I was working as a Veterinary Assistant at Marathon Veterinary Hospital. The evening of April 17th 2011, I was on the emergency overnight shift when I received a phone call from Dr. Jackie Bruce. She had dinner with her husband and was leaving Sparky's Landing in Key Colony Beach around 9pm when she found a dog in distress on the side of the road. She was on her way in and I was prepping the emergency room for her and the dog's arrival. She rushed through the door holding a bloody dog wrapped in a towel in her arms. The dog had been struck

by a car and left on the side of the road for dead. During the dog's initial exam, despite being in clear pain, the dog never barked, never growled, never showed her teeth. Instead she laid her head low, avoiding eye contact, seemingly defeated. Physical examination of the dog provided a poor prognosis. Her rear end was paralyzed from the incident. Although X-ray's revealed no break in the spine, only a fractured hip, the accident caused severe and irreversible nerve damage. Dr. Jackie stated that the dog would never walk again. See “Sadowski” next page…

Sadowski cont…

Sadowski in the hospital.

So there she was on the exam table, I was giving her a warm bath to wash away the fleas and blood, her skin was raw with road rash and mange. She wasn't used to touch, and closed her eyes, seemingly enjoying what I assumed was her first warm bath. She was malnourished, and we later discovered, infested with internal parasites as well. All at only a year old.

to improve. She had a long lasting patch for pain and lots of antibiotics and antiparasitics daily, and mostly rested. I quickly learned how to express a bladder and physically carried her outside, gentle cupping her bladder in my hand and applying pressure so she could urinate. I pinched her toes in hopes she would respond and maybe one day walk again. I waited each night at the Hospital for someone to come, but no owner came looking for her. I brought her home May 3rd 2011. I was in my twenties, and although I eventually wanted a dog of my own, I certainly didn't plan on adopting a paralyzed dog! But, as they say, she found me. I taught my boyfriend Ryan how to help care for her, express her bladder and sling walk her. He was incredibly supportive and loved her as much as I did. She received her set of Handicapped Pets Walkin’ Wheels on May 13th 2011 and quickly learned how to get around with her wheelchair. That was five years ago and she still runs over my feet with her wheels to this day.

This dog had come from some place horrible, what I assumed was her entire young life, only to end up in my arms that night. I named her Sadowski, after the road she was found left for dead on. Each night, when I went to work, I sat with her in her kennel and I waited for her

Sadowski’s first day in her new wheels.

It was because of Sadowski that I got into the Animal Welfare. Watching her change from a defeated, neglected dog into a happy, smiling, thriving family member completely changed my life. I would never have applied to work at a shelter if it wasn't for that fateful evening. I've been at the FKSPCA Marathon Campus now for three years and have completely devoted my life to providing the homeless pets of the Middle and Lower Keys a happy, safe, temporary place to call home until we can find them forever families. I became an Animal Control Officer to protect dogs like Sadowski, from owners that abandon, neglect and abuse their pets. She altered my life drastically that night and I thank her every day for it.

Sadowski and “Mom” (Tara) go to Woofstock.

Sadowski at home on Thanksgiving 2015.

By Angela J. Richards “Hooch” riding in the Dog-On Bag designed by his pet parent Hazel Smith.

hen Hazel Smith decided to bring a friendly special needs Chihuahua into her home, she never imagined how he would change her life. A retired police officer, Hazel suffered from agoraphobia where even going outside to cut her grass was challenging. She was on several medications to help manage the symptoms of agoraphobia and anxiety. She was a prisoner in her own home. During this season of her life, her elderly Dalmatian "Binky” crossed over the rainbow bridge. The loss sent Hazel in search for a new companion. She checked ads, visited humane societies and SPCAs in search for a new dog. “One day when my husband and I were out looking we came across ‘Gunny’ a Dogue de Bordeaux, and we adopted him for my husband.”

Then finally Hazel came across an ad on Craigslist. A military family was being relocated and needed to re-home their 1½ year-old Chihuahua, “Hercules”. “I called immediately,” explained Hazel. “I told the lady I would be out to get him when my husband got home from work. She said if he was still there I could come get him. Worried someone else might get him I told her to hold him for me and that I was on the way. I called my best friend and told her I needed her to take me to get him. When we arrived I fell in love with him right off.” Hazel claimed the five-pound Chihuahua as her own and renamed him “Hooch”. “I thought it would be funny since we had a Dogue De Bordeaux”. Hazel soon learned the meaning of the term “Velcro dog” but Hooch had very good reason to not want to leave Hazel’s side. Hooch is deaf.

Because Hooch wanted to be carried all the time, this made it difficult for Hazel to get things done around the house. “I tried carriers on the market for pets and babies, nothing worked for both of us.” In her desperation to be able to be hands-free and still care for Hooch with his special needs, she decided to create a solution to her problem. “One day I picked up a canvas [remnant] that I had left over, and the Dog-On Bag hands-free pet carrier was born.” With her new invention, Hazel and Hooch were able to not only get things done around the house, but leave the house as well. “When I had Hooch with me I discovered I could venture outside, away from home and even on short trips to a friend’s beach cottage, ALONE.” This was a huge accomplishment for Hazel who could barely be in her own yard without anxiety setting in. Every day Hooch and Hazel would go out for a bike rides and people would ask about her homemade Hooch carrier. She decided to make more carriers in different designs and then set up a table at a local Bark in the Park event. By the end of the day she had nearly sold out of her Dog-On Bags. A business was born. Now, Hazel and Hooch have an in-home business, a website, and several retailers carry the Dog-On Bag. She has even expanded the reach of the Dog-On Bag as far as Italy. Her new-found strength and courage even set her on stage to audition for Shark Tank in seeking help for her business.

“Hooch and I enjoy spending time together on bike rides. Hooch invented the Dog-On Bag to make this possible. I just make them.” -- Hazel

“Because of Hooch, I went from being medicated and scared to leave home, to no more medication for agoraphobia and panic attacks, and standing up at pet expos in crowds, and even auditioning for Shark Tank. Hooch saved me, gave me my life back, and more.”

Hazel and Hooch displaying “Hazel’s Handywork” products.

By Karen Thomas

After my father passed away in 2009, my mother, Patti, was left with debilitating grief. They were married for sixty years, raised five children together and were an inseparable pair. Taking on the role of my father’s hospice nurse at the end of his life, I assisted him to physically and spiritually transition peacefully and pain-free. But how could I help my mother? I utilized all the tools of my trade including frequent energy therapy treatments (Healing Touch), spending quality time with her and spiritual counseling. As the months passed by, I saw some progress but the void was still deep. It was something I simply couldn't fill. So I started to pray for divine intervention. Not long after I released my request for help to the universe I came across Heeling Allies* on the Internet while researching grief therapy. Heeling Allies is a Seattle-based non-profit organization that specializes in matching individuals who struggle with a range of psychological challenges with ‘Mental Health Dogs’ that give them courage,

Ilsa and Patti. Photo by Kathy Lancaster

confidence and support. This was exactly what we needed! My prayers had been answered. An amazing woman who works professionally with dogs and holds a degree in human psychology, Darcie Boltz, founded Heeling Allies Assistance Dogs in 2008. Darcie is passionate about the intricacies of the human/dog bond, the welfare of assistance dogs and working with people with various disabilities, and the dogs that help them. Being an animal advocate and Healing Touch for Animals Practitioner I immediately resonated with this program. When I suggested this concept to my mother, I saw her eyes light up for the first time in months. After a thorough Skype interview and lengthy application process we were

After a couple months of specific training and preparation, Ilsa and Darcie made the 3,000-mile cross-country trip to meet Ilsa’s new human. From the moment they met the bond was instant. I witnessed these two soul mates being re-united—the love between them palpable. I immediately felt the dark empty void, which had consumed my mother’s spirit, start to fill with light and love. The following two weeks of training and transitioning Ilsa into Patti’s home went smoothly and naturally.

Ilsa as a puppy. Photo courtesy of Karen Thomas

approved to be matched with an ‘emotional support dog’ for Patti. Between Darcie’s keen assessment and intuitive nature, she immediately knew which dog would be a perfect match for Patti’s needs - a happygo-lucky dog named Ilsa. A five-year-old English Labrador Retriever, Ilsa was about to embark on her big journey of ‘rescuing a human’.

Ilsa and Osdeny del Rio grade 9 at MMHS. Photo by Kathy Lancaster.

Ilsa was trained for public access which meant she could accompany Patti to such places as the grocery store, restaurants and doctor appointments. Ilsa became very good at patiently waiting in dressing rooms while Patti tried clothes on at her favorite boutiques. Ilsa was the perfect mall companion and could shop for hours without complaints. Local business owners were fond of her sweet demeanor and loved when they came in together. Ilsa brought joys and smiles to everyone she met. Over the next four years Ilsa provided the constant companionship, comfort and unconditional love that Patti needed in order to heal. Ilsa also frequently served our local elementary school by helping 4th graders improve their reading skills. By simply sitting next to Ilsa while petting her, shy children gained confidence, hyperactive children relaxed, and the entire classroom was comforted by her loving presence. For the past two years Ilsa has been invited to ‘literacy week’ at our local high school.

“We Rescued Each Other” cont…

every word and always keeps a watchful eye on her. Whether they're watching old movies together, grocery shopping or walking on the beach, feelings of comfort and contentment are always present. Adopting an animal companion from a rescue organization or shelter is a wonderful act of human kindness and compassion. There are so many that need a forever home it’s often difficult to choose. However, what I’ve discovered over the years is that each animal I’ve adopted actually chose me. I’ve learned great lessons and gained wisdom from each one. Ultimately, we are all teachers and students of each other and therefore always blessed.

Patti and Ilsa enjoying time out on the beach. Photo courtesy of Karen Thomas

During this program she also helps the older students gain confidence and a sense of calm while reading aloud in the classroom.

Karen Thomas, R.N., is a Healing Touch for Animals (HTA) certified Practitioner in the Florida Keys. Karen can be contacted through her website www.pawsitivetouch.org or email her directly at karen@pawsitivetouch.org * In 2012 Heeling Allies began exclusively training service dogs for teens and young adults with Tourette Syndrome and is now referred to as The Heeling Allies Project. Service dogs provided by The Heeling Allies Project are an adjunct to important conventional therapies. For more information visit www.heelingalliespoject.org

Having just celebrated her ninth birthday, Ilsa continues to have the same exuberance for life and loves her job of helping humans. The deep relationship between Ilsa and my mom (who is now 84 years old) has been beautiful to watch. Patti often sings to her and carries on full conversations about the plans for the day or decisions to contemplate. Ilsa listens intently to her

Resource Guide 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. ParadisePetsMag.com Paradise Pets Magazine, Key West, FL Vol. 2 Issue 4 ÂŠ 2016 Publish In Paradise | ParadisePetsMag.com | 15

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.

Sophie is a 4 ½ year old Great Dane Mix. Sophie is a happy, playful and loving dog. With the right introduction, she melts into anyone’s arms. She is as silly as she is big and would love a yard.

Sookie is a 7½-year-old Chihuahua Mix. Sookie is affectionate, adorable and perfect lap dog. She loves going on short walks, playing with her toys and being the center of attention.

Tiger is a 3-year-old Pit Bull Mix. He is friendly, happy, goofy and loves to bounce around in the yards, gets excited for walks, treats and just about anything. He gets along well with other dogs.

Agnus is a 3-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.

Cora is a 1½-year-old female Domestic Shorthair. She 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 love everyone.

Benny is a 1-year-old Rabbit. She is a beauty and has the spunk and attitude of a diva! She gives lots of affection and is one of the most playful bunnies we have once she's out of her cage.

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 itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Apollo is a six-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix. He is gentle, sweet and a perfect gentleman. Apollo made friends with several of the dogs and had well balanced play. He also loves the water!

Libby, a five-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix, loved her home with several young children here in Marathon before her family moved and couldn't take her due to her being a prohibited breed.

Gibson is an incredibly handsome ten-month-old Red Heeler mix originally from Colorado. He didn't adjust well to life on a boat and his owner surrendered him hoping he could have a home of his own.

Maddie is a young Weimaraner mix. This gorgeous gal has a beautiful brindle coat with a personality to match her good looks. She spends her days at the shelter playing in the pool with her doggy pals.

Spanky, a three year old Rat Terrier mix, was so desperate for a home he would actually break into people's houses! He can't wait to have a real home all of his own!

Chinchilla is one of 5 wonderful Rabbits available for adoption. Rabbits are often overlooked in shelters but make wonderful family pets. Chinchilla Bunny is even totally litter trained and gets along with cats!

Paradise Pets Magazine, Key West, FL Vol. 2 Issue 4 ÂŠ 2016 Publish In Paradise | ParadisePetsMag.com | 19

By Tammy Fox, Director Florida Keys SPCA

I would like to tell a story of how my rescued pets have rescued me. Although they have rescued me more than once there is a time in my life that would have been harder to handle had I not had them to lean on. In June of 2008 I learned I was pregnant with my first and only baby. I am an only child and I had a strong bond with my mother. I talked with her every day and couldn’t wait to share the news with her. She was happier than I ever thought possible. Over the coming weeks we would talk about her being a grandmother and me a mother. August 17th, 2008 my mom called me in a panic. She was on her way home from her annual appointment with her doctor and they found a lemon-sized lump on her lung. The next few weeks were full with me helping her coordinate doctor’s appointments to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Cancer was no stranger to my mother. This would be the third time she was asked to fight for her life. She was diagnosed with Stage IV lung and brain

From top to bottom: T-ramp, Nay Nay and Spanky. Photos courtesy Tammy Fox

cancer. She died Oct. 15, 2008 she was 55 years old. Losing my mother at 5 months pregnant was a tragedy. I instantly felt robbed. Stolen from me were all the precious moments between a mother and daughter during one of the most significant times of my life. My son would be robbed of knowing his grandmother; the most influential and special woman in my life. It was and will forever be the most difficult time of my life. I spent the next several months of my pregnancy in a vortex of grief and anticipation of meeting my son. It was a roller coaster of emotion. As I recall those days I see three special faces that carried me through. They encircled me with joy and snuggled me with love every single night. They comforted me in moments of despair and pushed me to carry on. These faces belong to Trampasaurus, a German Shephard adopted from Austin Humane Society, Nay Nay, a pit bull also adopted from Humane Society of Austin, and Spanky, a rat terrier adopted from the Humane League of Lancaster PA. T-ramp, Nay Nay and Spanky rescued me and carried me through my grief. They were souls of comfort and love when I needed them the most. These three dogs rescued me not once, not twice but more times than I can count over many months. If there is one thing I can say it’s that the love our pets’ feel for us is found within their eyes.

Within the bond between us is the ability to feel when something isn’t right, and when it isn’t they respond with concern, love and care. Having this unconditional love during times of grief, or despair is a safety net. The ability to curl up next to a friend and not have to say a word is the safest place to be. I will forever be grateful to the four legged companions that have come into my life.

Tammy Fox is the Director of the Florida Keys SPCA Key West and Marathon campuses.