Price $4.50
Holiday 2012
Dog tested. Dog approved.
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~ Enrollment in Mastro’s Oil Changes For Life.* ~ Access to Mastro’s Loaners for Life. ~ 15% Off All Subaru Genuine Accessory Parts. ~ Inclusion in Mastro Rewards For Life. ~ Mastro’s Promise to Strive for Excellence in Service For Life. ~ Exclusive referral bonus of $100 for any customer that *See sales associate for full program details, conditions and, exclusions. you refer to us that joins our Loyalty For Life Program. ~ Mastro’s 40 Year Guarantee. No tricks or gimmicks, just the lowest out-the-door pricing. ~ VIP Priority Service Scheduling For Life (excludes Saturdays).
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CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS. Purchase a car from Mastro Subaru and the Mastro Family will pay for adoption fees when you adopt from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay or the Orlando Humane Society/SPCA of Central FLA.
Tampa | 6402 West Hillsborough Avenue | 813.884.7513 Sanford | 4113 South Orlando Drive | 321.206.1792
®
Dog is My Co-Pilot. THE 2012 PILOTS N PAWS FLYWAY SAVES 300 DOGS & CATS.
32
~
features
TREE TOP FLYER WORLD QUALIFYING DOCK DIVING EVENT, FORT MYERS.
18
BELLE OF THE BALL SOGGY DOGGIE SWIM DAY, LARGO.
26
ICE ICE, BABY DOGS ICE SKATING? WHERE ELSE, BUT DAYTONA BEACH?
28
CANINES GO FOR THE GOLD DOGLYMPICS IN ORLANDO.
30
OLIVE’S WAY.
57
HOW ONE DOG’S JOURNEY HAS CHANGED THE FACE OF THE ONCOLOGY DEPARTMENT AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA VETERINARY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE. I LOVE LUCY.
63
A BROOKSVILLE FAMILY GOES TO GREAT LENGTHS TO SAVE THE DOG WHO SAVED THEIR GRANDDAUGHTER.
ON THE SCENT: MORPHOGENESIS, A TAMPA BAY
65
COMPANY MAKING INROADS
Pilot,Wells Murphy of Hilton Head, South Carolina prepares to load five dogs in his Beech Baron. Murphy, a volunteer for Pilots N Paws, had removed all of the seats from his plane except for the two front seats, to make room for the dogs and crates. Photograph by Anna Cooke.
on the cover
Malikai, one very special Rottweiler, by artist Sam Taylor. Read more about Sam, on page 108. Every cover of The New Barker features an original piece of art by a different Florida artist.
www.TheNewBarker.com
TOWARDS A CURE FOR CANINE AND EQUINE CANCER.
SHE HAD ONE PURPOSE IN LIFE. TOM DOBIES DID NOT WANT A DOG, BUT A STRAY HAD OTHER PLANS FOR HIM. GOOD
NIGHT
GRACIE.
68
71
YOUR DOGS ARE PART OF YOUR FAMILY, RIGHT? ACCORDING TO FLORIDA LAW, THEY ARE PROPERTY. Holiday ~ 2012 THE NEW BARKER 1
®
columns 48
SUPERZOO 2012 IN THIS CASE,WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS DOESN’T NECESSARILY STAY IN VEGAS.
50
HOMEFRONT PRODUCTS THAT MAKE
TRAVELING WITH DOGS THIS ISSUE WE VISIT TALLAHASSEE AND FORT MYERS, INCLUDING DOGBONES CAFE AT THE SHELL FACTORY – 80
LIFE WITH DOGS EVEN BETTER, IN OUR BOOK.
74
WORKING DOGS MEET THE PINELLAS COUNTY CHAPTER OF THERAPY DOGS INTERNATIONAL.
86
RESCUE HONOR ANIMAL SANCTUARY, A UNIQUE FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHELTER IN BRADENTON.
100
DOG OBEDIENCE COAXING THE BEST FROM THE SOFT DOG.
106
DOG READINGS WITH JO MALDONADO.
MOLLY
IS A THERAPY DOG,
GETTING READY TO GO TO
DOGS CHANNEL TAMPA BAY RAYS JOE MADDON – 42
WORK AT
110
DOG DINIING RESTAURANT REVIEW WITH BAILEY.
112
DOG FRIENDLY RESTAURANT GUIDE
117
SHOPPING GUIDE PROGRAM YOUR GPS, DOG LOVERS & LET’S GET READY TO SHOP.
ORLANDO REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER – 76
EDITOR UNLEASHED – 6 CONTRIBUTORS – 8 CALENDAR – 10 LETTERS – 14 KUDOGS - 24 PRODUCT REVIEWS – 44 BOOKS, MOVIES, MUSIC – 52 DOG SOCIALS – 89-99 HERE’S TO DOG HEALTH – 102 -107 COVER ARTIST PROFILE – 108 ADVERTISER DIRECTORY – 119 TRIBUTES – 119 DOGS IN THE CITY - 120
Pickle, a wire haired Doxie with her mom, Denise Lee at the inaugural Dachstoberfest in West Palm Beach. Photograph by Tina VaLant-Siebelts. See more Dog Socials, beginning on page 89.
2 THE NEW BARKER Holiday ~ 2012
www.TheNewBarker.com
DOGGONE
truisims
Photograph by Anna Cooke
We met Fritz, at Charlotte Monroe Executive Airport in North Carolina during the annual Pilots N Paws Flyway. Read more about Fritz and how he went from being a potential bait dog to finding a loving home in Tarpon Springs via South Tampa pilot Ed Golly and his co-pilot Sandra Smith. Page 32
“
A dog trusts deeply, and so is easily betrayed.
www.TheNewBarker.com
–– Charlotte Gray, 1937
” Holiday ~ 2012 THE NEW BARKER 3
THE NEW BARKER Florida’s top dog magazine.
Winter ~ Holiday 2012 EDITOR
CHIEF
Anna Cooke anna@thenewbarker.com
PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR
Steve Cooke steve@thenewbarker.com
IN
ART DIRECTION
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
ADVERTISING SALES
Anna Cooke Steve Cooke Christine Bessent, DVM Steve Cooke Emerson Debbie Flamboe Karen Forcade Yvonne Guibert Heidi Joy Howard Jo Maldonado Lon Martin Danette Morse Heather Schulman Jillyn Sidlo Jacqui Silla Pam Stuart Lynne Tonte Tina Valant-Siebelts Ginger Warders Anna Cooke Laura Allen Studios Heidi Joy Howard Kirk Chamberlain Photography by Danette Tina Valant-Siebelts Jacqui Silla Elizabeth Reed Tampa Bay/Central Florida Anna Cooke ~ 727.214.7453 Sally Epply ~ 727.873.6541 NE Florida Sales Heidi Joy Howard 386.264.1YAP (1927)
Member
Your pet is one-of-a kind, and so is our care. Spending quality time with you and your pet, our philosophy is to GHYHORS D ZHOOQHVV SODQ WKDW FDWHUV VSHFLÀFDOO\ WR WKH QHHGV RI \RXU SHW while considering their individual needs and lifestyle.
A full service facility, offering: Routine Surgery, Vaccines, Heartworm Prevention, Dental Health, Senior Wellness, Behavior Consultations, Radiology, On-site Medical Diagnosis Hospitalized Treatment, Microchipping, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Food Therapy
SHAWNA L. GREEN, DVM
Practicing Veterinary Medicine in Pinellas County for 11 Years.
Madeira Beach Commons 14995 Gulf Blvd., Suite J Madeira Beach 727.299.9029
Hrs: Mon.-Fri., 8am-6pm, Sat., 9am-Noon (by appointment only) 4 THE NEW BARKER
Boca Raton/Palm Beach Tina Valant 561.945.6363 The New Barker P.O. Box 258 Dunedin, Florida 34697-0258 727.214.7453 events@thenewbarker.com letters@thenewbarker.com subscriptions@thenewbarker.com
Volume 6/Issue 19 The New Barker is published quarterly. C2012 Cooke Creative LLC. All rights reserved. The New Barker, Florida’s Top Dog Magazine and The Art of Dog are all registered trademarks. The New Barker makes no representations regarding the accuracy of the information contained herein and is not responsible for any errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Unsolicited photographs and manuscripts are welcomed but return cannot be guaranteed. Subscriptions are $16.00 per year (four issues) within the United States. Canadian orders add $15/year. International orders add $20/year POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The New Barker, P.O. Box 258, Dunedin, FL 34697-0258
www.thenewbarker.com
YOUR DOG DESERVES THE BEST DRY DOG FOOD SOLID GOLD SUNDANCER WITH CURCUMIN (TUMERIC)
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Specially sealed for freshness.
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Curcumin is an anti-oxidant for a variety of problemsCancer, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, IBD, diarrhea, leukemia, liver/kidney, obesity, diabetes, epilepsy, cataracts, Crohn’s disease. The Cute Story A five-year-old was explaining the Bethlehem Christmas Story. Governor Herod (he was never a king) forced the Holy Family to flee. All FOUR of them left. Four, you might ask? Remember, this Solid Gold Holistic Animal Nutrition Center is the logic of a five-year-old. Yes, Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the 1331 N. Cuyamaca, El Cajon, CA 92020 pilot who flew the plane for the Holy Family on their flight to Egypt. Guess she confused pilot with Pontius Pilate. Ask your local pet store for a free catalogue. If they don’t Sounds reasonable to me!!! have a SunDancer catalogue, call us at (619)258-7356, M-F, 10am to 5pm Pacific time. Or e-mail us at sarah@ We will soon have a similar dry cat food. The cats keep stealsolidgoldholisitc.com. You can also visit our website at ing the SunDancer from the dog’s bowl. Surprisingly, ferrets www.solidgoldholistic.com. like the SunDancer also. www.TheNewBarker.com
Holiday ~ 2012 THE NEW BARKER 5
Photograph by Laura Allen Studios.
Meet Sampson.
editorunleashed
He’s a Groovy Dog.
“I'm a mog. Half man, half dog. I'm my own best friend.” John Candy, as Barf, from the movie, Spaceballs.
Anna with Zoe, Chloe, Dougie and Rita, at Honeymoon Island.
An 11ish year-old Boxer, rescued in Arizona, Sampson was a stud, used to breed Boxer puppies for DERXW ÀYH \HDUV +H ZDV OHIW LQ D cage in the desert, and never VRFLDOL]HG ZLWK KXPDQV +H ZDV adopted by Peter, after he was seized by animal services, and has been living a charmed life ever since.
Sampson’s Favorites: FOOD: Orijen or Great Life Merrick or Fromm cans TREATS: Buddy Biscuits (soft) Raw meaty bones Moozles TOYS: Bottle Buddy Antler ACTIVITY: Doing whatever dad is doing.
HOLISTIC PET BOUTIQUE
2305 W. Linebaugh Ave. Tampa, FL 33612
813.265.1333
www. groovycatsndogs.com Follow our blog: www.GroovyPetBlog.com Follow us on Twitter @groovycatsndogs 6 THE NEW BARKER
As the world folds this year’s worries and problems up, we look forward to unwrapping a fresh new one that holds endless possibilities.And, like a new year, this issue of The New Barker is about hope, and moving beyond ourselves to make life a little better for someone else, be it human or dog. Many of the stories touch on the lengths people will go to save the life of a dog, whether or not the dog is part of their own family. Every story displays unabashedly, the undying love we humans have for our dogs. We will introduce you to pilots who volunteer their time, planes and fuel to fly animals to safe havens. Scared to death of flying myself, I nevertheless had the extreme pleasure to fly with three of those pilots, one of whom has flown more than 1,000 animals to a better life. Two things brought me to a place where I really wasn’t afraid to be in the air in a four-seater plane. First, while strapped in tight, headphones on, and my face two feet from the windshield, I simply lived in the moment, kind of like a dog does. I did not think about the what if's waiting for me in the future. And I certainly wasn’t thinking about anything that happened in my past. Hearing and feeling every bump and jolt of the plane kept me right in the moment, yes sir. It was good, head-clearing therapy. The second thing that kept my fear at bay was the chance to be part of a mission that transported 300 homeless cats and dogs to waiting shelters, sanctuaries and rescue groups across the country. So many of our dogs are being diagnosed with cancer, and while that is a scary thought, it is not necessarily the
death sentence it used to be. We have several stories about dogs whose families found them the best possible care to treat their different cancers.While one family traveled to North Carolina for treatment, several families were able to find help for their dogs right here in Florida. As dog lovers living in Florida, we are fortunate to have innovative companies seeking out a cure for cancer.You’ll read about them in this issue as well. Thanks to a foundation started by Lisa and Harry Posin of Palm Beach County, technologies are being vastly improved and treatment is more readily available to pet parents. We have their dog, Olive to thank for that. Like many of you, I believe a dog’s purpose is to make their humans better beings. You will meet some of those dogs, doing just that in this issue. Dogs encourage us to stop what we’re doing, whether it’s worrying about something we have no control over (the irreversible past, the unpredictable future) or finishing up a seemingly endless deadline. Just as we say to them, “Leave it! Drop it! Now!” It seems as if that is what they are telling us to do.We may joke that it’s all about the dog, or it’s a dog’s life. As if living in the moment is a selfish thing. But, dogs aren’t selfish, and neither is living in the moment. Dogs are a reminder that someone else needs our help or undivided attention. They remind us of the importance of the gift of time. Dogs are better than any alarm clock.They’re more intuitive than any smartphone on the planet. Leave it. Drop it. Now. Go sit with your dog, and let him show you what’s important in life. U www.TheNewBarker.com
To your Dog, Every Day is a Holiday (DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH TOYS TO CELEBRATE?)
BE SURE TO VISIT YOUR LOCAL, INDEPENDENT PET RETAILER FOR UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS, AND EVERYDAY MUST-HAVES. Food to accessories. Treats to toys. Unique one-of-a-kind gift items. Stocking stuffers. Hostess gifts. Art. Books. Notecards. Calendars. Dog bowls. Dog beds. Leashes and leads. And personalized customer service.
Orbee-Tuff Mazee by Planet Dog. A fresh take on the stimulating puzzle craze. AVAILABLE AT THESE FINE STORES:
DOG MANIA & CATS Dade City, 352.457.9616 GROOVY CATS & DOGS Carrollwood, 813.265.1333 GONE TO THE DOGS St. Pete Beach, 727.363.3200 LUCKY DOG DAYCARE & RESORT Tampa, 813.258.3647 PASADENA PET MOTEL South Pasadena, 727.345.2852 PET FOOD WAREHOUSE St. Petersburg, 727.521.6191 THE DOGGIE DOOR Winter Park, 407.644.2969 ONE LUCKY DOG St. Petersburg, 727.527.5825 PAW PAWS PET BOUTIQUE Madeira Beach, 727.329.8789 PET SUPPLIES PLUS Pinellas Park, 727.541.1199, Clearwater, 727.726.5544 FLUFFY PUPPIES CLEARWATER 727.446.7999 PAWSITIVELY POSH POOCH St. Petersburg, 727.892.9303 WET NOSES BOUTIQUE Sarasota, 941.388.3647
contributors LAURA ALLEN & LUCY
LON MARTIN, GUINNESS & ROO
JILLYN SIDLO & ROCKIE
DEBBIE FLAMBOE & LYNNE TONTE
We always feature Laura’s professional photographic work of other dogs. So this issue, we decided to bring you Lucy as you’ve never seen her before.The laughable, lovable Lab and love of Laura’s life. Page 26
What have these two Corgis been up to? Getting ready for the holidays, of course. Read about their antics, as told from the perspective of Guinness, in Dogs in the City, on page 120.
YVONNE GUIBERT & CHICA
DANETTE MORSE, CHARLIE, KOBE
She’s a pet sitter, dog walker, trainer and show dog handler. She starts looking forward to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show as soon as she’s on the plane heading back to Tampa from New York City. Jillyn, aka RottiGirl is hoping to adopt another Rottweiler. It’s her dog Malikai who graces the cover of this issue of The New Barker.
With Isabella Rose & Buttons. These ladies do know how to have fun. They helped organize the Chihuahuas of the Tampa Bay Area, a meet-up group of close to 300 members.The group continuously promotes shopping and giving local. They covered the Beverly Hills 3: Viva la Fiesta party thrown at Pawsitively Posh Pooch with a fun reason to celebrate the movie’s release.
JACQUI SILLA & SIERRA
GINGER WARDERS & TIPSY
They stay busy at her Carrollwood holistic boutique, Groovy Cats & Dogs. And yet,Yvonne finds time to fundraise, hold events at her store and write for The New Barker. HEIDI JOY HOWARD & WALLY
It has been an eventful year, both personally and professionally for Danette. Charlie succumbed to cancer, Danette was invited to show her work in her first photographic exhibit at the Morean Art Center in St. Petersburg, and another dog wandered into their lives.We know you’ll enjoy her photo essay on the World Qualifying Dock Diving event in Fort Myers, as well as her travels with Bailey for our quarterly restaurant review. HEATHER SCHULMAN & PUCK
Jacqui’s double career as a professional photographer and dog trainer keeps her pretty busy. She’s a trainer who spends more time with someone’s dog than what’s clocked on the books. Her commercial photography work has her flying between the Carolinas, New York and Florida.
After the success of her first book, Fido’s Florida: A Dog Friendly Guide to the Sunshine State, Ginger recently completed a similar travel book for Virginia dog lovers. She traveled to Tallahassee for us to cover a fundraising event for the Leon County Humane Society. TINA VALANT, CHLOE & DRU
PAM STUART, MONTY & PETE
North East Florida dog lovers are yappier now that more of their events and stories are included in The New Barker. In fact, all Florida dog lovers can rejoice to learn how dog friendly the entire region is.
8 THE NEW BARKER
These two enjoy traveling between Tampa Bay and Central Florida to cover events and bring us new story ideas.
When freelance writer Pam and her Vizslas aren’t competing in agility, you’ll most likely find her on a horse as an AKC Hunt Test and Field Trial Judge.
While she considers herself a failure at fostering, Tina is one of South Florida’s biggest animal advocates. As a professional photographer, you might find her on the golf course shooting for the PGA, but she always has her eyes out for an animal who needs help.
december Going on now through January 1, 2013 BEAST: Portraits of Pets Featuring the works of several Florida photographers, including Danette Morse. Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. 727.822.7872 www.MoreanArtsCenter.org
Dog Food Truck Rally featuring free food tastings from Chef Michael brand of dog food. 3p-7:30p Lucky Dog Daycare & Resort of South Tampa, 311 N. Newport Ave.,Tampa. Call 813.258.DOGS. Rescue groups invited to bring adoptables.Vendor spots available too at no charge.
Saturday, December 1 Pet Adoption Day Doggy Heaven Dog Park 10a-4p Shell Factory and Nature Park, 2787 N.Tamiami Trail, N. Fort Myers. Call 239.995.2141 Live music. Pet Adoptions from Rescue Organizations. Doggy Church. Dog Training and Agility. 20th Annual Hot Dogs & Cool Cats 5:30p-until... Featuring Elayne Boosler Sarasota Yacht Club 941.955.4131 www.HSSC.org 13th Annual Parade for Paws 11a-until... Old Railroad Depot, Fernandina Beach. Proceeds to benefit Nassau Humane Society. www.NassauHumaneSociety.com
Thursday, December 6
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with your own Take part in this proven and unique mobile pet grooming HydroDog business. Rock solid management franchise. support. Early franchisees get best choice of territories. Pet owners; give your pet the pampering of HydroDog. Call toll-free 866-493-7636 for a grooming appointment. For franchise information
call founder Anthony Amos
(727) 409-5015 HydroDog.com
The 14th Annual South of SOHO Tea & Fashion Show 3p-6p The Ritz-Carlton, Naples Beach Resort, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Benefits the Humane Society Naples. www.HSNaples.org
Saturday, December 8 Holiday Pet & Family Portraits Laura Allen Studios mobile studio. Pet Supplies Plus 1500 North McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater.To make an appointment call 727.584.5040. Pinellas Paws for the Cause 10a-2p Photos with Santa. Food Trucks. Adoption Specials. Rescue Groups. Music & Entertainment. Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Rd., Largo. 727.464.5152 3rd Annual Doggie Reunion 11a-6p Fleet Peeples Dog Park,Winter Park.
Sunday, December 9 Holiday Pet & Family Portraits Laura Allen Studios mobile studio. Pet Supplies Plus, 7331 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park.To make an appointment call 727.584.5040.
Saturday & Sunday, December 15 & 16 Celebrate DOGS 8a-5p Presented by Eukanuba & The American Kennel Club Being billed as the Paw-ty of the Year, featuring Dozens of Dog-Centric Activities.You’ll have a chance to meet the breeds of 140 AKC breeds. Eukanuba Super Dogs. Dock Diving Dogs. Extreme Soccer Dogs. AKC Agility Invitational. AKC National Obedience Invitational. Meet Celebrity dogs from Hollywood. Bring the dogs. Bring the kids. It’ll be a jumping, splashing, tail-wagging family fun couple of days. www.CelebrateDogsOrlando.com
Saturday, December 15 Pet Photography Workshop 10a-4p Receive hands-on instruction from professional pet photographer, Danette Morse and digital artist Chuck Vosburgh. Learn tips and techniques on photography, and how to enhance them in Adobe Photoshop. Morean Arts Center, St. Petersburg. Cost is $60. Register at www.MoreanArtsCenter.org
Friday-Monday, December 28-31 Agility: Presented by the Tailwaggers Agility Club of South Florida. Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, Forest Hill Blvd.,W. Palm Beach.
Saturday, December 29 Holiday Lights and Dog Parade 1p Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Call 727.453.3065.
Monday, December 31 6th Annual Key West Dachshund Walk. Begins at noon. Gather at the corner of Whitehead and Fleming Street, proceed to Duval. No registration required. Random chaos, loads of fun. Contact Ruth Reiter at 305.293.8019.
Be sure to check The New Barker events calendar online, as it © 2011
10 THE NEW BARKER
updates weekly. Friday, December 14 www.TheNewBarker.com.
january Thursday-Sunday, January 3-6 Agility: Escambia County Equestrian Center, 7750 Mobile Hwy., Pensacola. Presented by the Pensacola Dog Fanciers Association.
January 3rd and 4th AKC Independent Specialty Show Hosted by Sunshine Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club. Indoors at the Clarion Hotel. 350 E. International Speedway Blvd., DeLand www.SunshineCorgieRescue.org
Saturday, January 5
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3rd Annual Barkarilla 1p-5p Hosted by the Krewe of Samuel Bellamy. Benefits Animal Based Charities. Gaspar’s Grotto, 1805 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City. Contact Rick Medina, 813.380.5674 www.AnimalBasedCharities.org
January 11 through January 20 12 All Breed Dog Shows in 17 Days. Presented by Florida Gulf Coast Cluster Dog Shows. Greater Ocala Dog Show Grounds, 10205 NW Gainesville Rd., Ocala.
Friday, January 11 Doggie Date Night 6p-8p. Safety Harbor City Park.
Saturday, January 12 Cutest Pirate Dog Contest 3p-6p Presented by The Krewe of Alegria. Benefit for Animal Coalition of Tampa (ACT). Gaspar’s Grotto, 1805 E. 7th Ave.,Ybor City. www.ACTampa.org
Saturday, January 19 Parade of Rescues 10a-2p Pet Supplies Plus, 7331 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. 20 rescue groups with their adoptables. Attention Rescue Groups, to participate, please email DalDogEvents@msn.com I Luv Pets Fest 9a-1p Naples Estates Senior Center, 400 Pine Haven Way, Naples. Come see the Florida Wiener Dog Derby. Winter Dog Day 9a-Noon Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. Proceeds to benefit Humane Society of Polk County. 863.676.1408. www.BokTowerGardens.org
Wednesday, January 23 St. Francis Animal Rescue Fundraiser at Hamburger Mary’s, 1600 E. 7th Ave.,Ybor City. www.StFrancisRescue.org
Saturday, January 26 Bark & Bowl 6p-9p Bowl American, 10333 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville. Sponsored by the National Canine Cancer Foundation. www.BarkandBowl.com 5th Annual Pookie’s Winter RescueFest 10a-4p Lake Lilly Park, Maitland. To sign up, call 407.418.0020. www.PookiesRescueFest.com Annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade and Wizard of Paws Festival. Hosted by The Krewe of Amalee. Downtown DeLand.
To Have Your April, May, June 2013 Dog Event Listed in The New Barker Spring 2013 issue Please send an email by February 1, 2013. Send date, time, name of event, beneficiary and contact info to events@thenewbarker.com
12 THE NEW BARKER
www.TheNewBarker.com
february Sunday, February 3 Forgotten Paws Dog Walk St. Francis Animal Rescue. www.StFrancisRescue.org
Friday, February 8 Agility: Southwestern Livestock Pavillion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd., Ocala. Presented by the Marion Alachua Dog Training Assocition.
Saturday-Sunday, February 9-10 Obedience Rally Dog Training Club of St. Petersburg, 4400 34th St.,N., Presented by the Sarasota Dog Training Club.
Saturday, February 9 Paws in the Park 9a-Noon Lake Eola, Downtown Orlando. Benefits the SPCA of Central Florida. www.OrlandoPets.org Forget Me Not Gala 6:30p-10:30p Benefits Cat Depot/Sarasota. Laurel Oak Country Club, 2700 Gary Player Blvd., Sarasota. Contact Lynn at 941.366.2404. www.CatDepot.org
Trail of Tails 9a-1p Jacksonville Humane Society. www.JaxHumane.org
Sunday, February 17 Dog Bowl 2013 10a-3p T.Y. Park, 3300 N. Park Road, Hollywood. Presented by Boxer Friends, Inc. Call Fran at 954.646.3786 www.BoxerFriends.org
Saturday, February 23 Jack Russell Terrier Races Little Everglades Ranch, Dade City. Classic Car Show. Petting Farm. Call 352.521.3661 LittleEvergladesSteeplechase.org
Date TBD
SAVE THESE DATES Friday, March 1 Pet Lover’s Gala 7p-11p Benefit for the Humane Society Naples. www.HSNaples.org
Saturday, March 13 7th Annual Paws in Motion Walk-A-Thon 8a-Noon Beautiful Downtown Bradenton Riverwalk. Benefits Humane Society of Manatee County.
Saturday & Sunday, March 16 & 17 Florida Canine Follies A Canine Musical Freestyle Competition. Sarasota Obedience Training Club, Hwy. 675 and US 70, Sarasota www.SOTCDogTraining.com
Saturday, March 16 Annual Dog’s Day in Dade City 10a-1p Vendor fee: $20; Non-profits: Free Agnes Lamb Park, Dade City. Contact Lucy at 352.424.4972. www.DogsDayinDadeCity.com
Friday, March 22 There’s No Place Like Home Dinner. Music. Dancing. Silent & Live Auction Benefits Humane Society of Manatee County. www.HumaneManatee.org
Saturday, April 6 7th Annual PawFest 10a-3p One of the best dog friendly events of the year. Largo Central Park. 101 Central Park Drive, Largo. Hosted by Kiwanis Club of Largo/Mid-Pinellas. Linda Bullerman, 727.501.1444.
April 13 2nd Annual Chasco Fiesta Pet Adoption Fair Interested in being a vendor? Rescue groups can sign up for free. Contact Kristen King at 727.842.7651.
Edison Festival of Lights Mutt Strut. www.EdisonFestival.org
February is Pet Dental Health Month. The following veterinarians are offering Dental Health Specials during the month: Care Animal Hospital of Seminole - 727.954.3994 Central Animal Hospital - 727.521.3518 Davis Island Animal Hospital - 813.251.4384 Medicine River Animal Hospital - 727.299.9029 Metzler Veterinary Hospital - 727.669.7221 Urgent Pet Care of South Tampa - 813.289.4086 www.TheNewBarker.com
THE NEW BARKER 13
letters PLEASE KEEP MY SUBSCRIPTION CURRENT. Thank you so much for getting back to me and yes, I received the new issue. Glad you keep better records than I do. Thanks again for all your help, and for a wonderful magazine. I don't know how I lived without it! WARM REGARDS, GABRIELL Brooksville
THE NEW BARKER: IT’S NOT JUST FOR PEOPLE. I just wanted to let you know that in addition to The New Barker being one of my favorite publications, I discovered that Newman loves to hang out and read on Sunday mornings too.We love to find new dog-friendly events and venues throughout the Tampa Bay area. Thank you for a great publication and for inspiring him to “read.” Trinka Tampa MOVING FROM LARGO TO FORT MYERS. I was looking on your website to find a place to change our address as we would not want to miss any issues.Could you please acknowledge that the address has been changed? Thanks, and keep up the wonderful work. Bob and Marina Fort Myers 14 THE NEW BARKER
TRAVELS WITH DOGS. Hi! I always look forward to your magazine, and enjoyed the article about Grayton Beach (Summer, 2012). My favorite Panhandle area is Cape San Blas and St. George Island.The beach is dog friendly and so are the people. One year, we had a family Christmas with our two Goldens and my brother's Terrier on St. George Island and it was not crowded at all and very quiet. Emily St. Petersburg IT’S A SMALL WORLD WHEN YOU LOVE DOGS. I recently received my Macy’s bill, and noticed my payment wasn’t credited properly. I called the number on the bill, and spoke with a nice gal, Lisa in Clearwater. My dogs started barking, and Lisa told me my house sounded like her aunt’s house. I told her I volunteer for Aussie rescue. Lisa told me, her aunt volunteers for Siberian Husky rescue, and asked me if I have ever heard of The New Barker. I had to laugh. I told her that I do photography and write for the magazine. She was going to her aunt’s house after work to read the latest issue. Tina Boca Raton www.TheNewBarker.com
IT WAS KISMET Through The New Barker, we at ACT filled a hole in a major entertainment lineup for our 12th annual Stride for Strays Pet Walk. Literally, at the last minute, one of our important major entertainers canceled. With all that was going on, we were lost and unsure what to do. Suddenly, out of nowhere, we received a phone call from Lee Rebalko, who had a copy of The New Barker (which he’d received during his gig at Doglympics in Orlando). He saw the ad for Stride for Strays in The New Barker, and called us on a whim. He had no idea of our dire situation. Once folks got wind that The Doggie Fun Zone was coming to Stride, ACT received some mega bonus activity on social media. Someone even told us that his plans were to go to the Buc’s game. But when he heard The Doggie Fun Zone was coming to Stride, he changed his plans. Can I thank you enough? You made our day, saved many animals as a result, and brought in a lot of people. We will never forget the serendipity that came as a result of the ad we had in The New Barker. From Orlando, down to The Doggie Fun Zone’s home in South Florida, and back to Tampa. Have The New Barker will travel. Thanks guys. Linda Hamilton Executive Director Animal Coalition of Tampa
www.TheNewBarker.com
well bred & well read
Buddy is a four-year-old Labrador Retriever (and pizza-holic). Buddy was very excited (look at that smile) to be introduced to The New Barker. He was barking at his dad for a subscription. He greets customers, inspects pottery shipments and supervises the master wood-carver at Beach Pottery in Fort Myers Beach. Photograph by Tina Valant-Siebelts.
corrections&apologies
Mea Culpa (and 50 lashes with a Labrador Retriever’s Tail). Dagmar (above) is featured in the book, Underwater Dogs by world-renowned photographer Seth Casteel.We featured Seth in our Summer, 2012 issue, along with him working in the water with Dagmar, a 10-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Seth photographed Dagmar at Suncoast Dock Dogs in Fort Myers. In the article, we mistakenly identified Dagmar, who belongs to Kris Logan-Walker and her husband Bob, as a Chocolate Lab.The book, which came out in October, recently hit The New York Times Best Seller List in November. It is available at Fluffy Puppies Boutique, Clearwater. 727.446.7999
Right Dog. Wrong Photo. In our American IDog story, featured in Summer, 2012, we had the wrong photo of Dancer, whom we had met at PawFest 2012 in Largo.We ran into Dancer and his human, Lynn again in Orlando during Doglympics, where the American IDog team was performing.Who could ever forget Dancer’s long eyelash off of her right eye? THE NEW BARKER 15
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MORE ONLINE DOG:
Florida Dog Parks.
Monty, a Vizsla photographed by Anna Cooke.
New to the area? Traveling to another part of the state? Our dog park list is huge and growing. And, if your favorite park is not listed, well send us the name and address of the park, along with your thoughts. Email to info@thenewbarker.com and place “Dog Parks” in the subject line. Georgie (below), an English Springer Spaniel, was photographed strolling through the Sarasota Farmer’s Market this past August. Photographed by Anna Cooke.
We have compiled a list of Florida organizations that are providing pet food to those who are currently unable to feed their pets. For example, volunteers for Pasco County’s Meals on Wheels realized there was a need to provide the service when they noticed their clients were saving their own meals to feed their pets because they could not afford to purchase pet food. What if everyone reading this issue of The New Barker were to purchase an extra bag or can of dog or can food to donate to the organization of your choice? Every one of us has the ability to make a difference. www.TheNewBarker.com
BEYOND ONLINE:
Florida Dog Talk. One Online Address Does It All: www.TheNewBarker.com As an extension to The New Barker dog magazine in print (which comes out quarterly) we will soon be offering the magazine online to subscribers. Our website calendar is updated weekly as new events are sent to us from AKC dog shows to Adoptathons. And, if your Florida shelter or rescue group has an event you would like listed, send an email to events@thenewbarker.com. Please include the day, date, time, name of event, beneficiary, brief description and contact information (phone and email address). We also offer tips, tidbits and daily inspiration through Facebook and our blogs. All you have to remember is one online address for all of the links covered here. That’s how Dudley (above), found out about Bark in the Park at Tropicana Field earlier this year. A Chug (part Chihuahua, part Pug), Dudley donned his Joe Maddon glasses during the Tampa Bay Rays baseball game. Photography by Anna Cooke. - www.TheNewBarker.com ONLINE EXCLUSIVES:
Giveaways, from restaurant gift certificates to movie passes to mini vacation packages.
Help us bring The New Barker to more Florida Dog Lovers.We are seriously looking for help with distribution, event and story coverage and sales in Central, NE, NW, SE and SW Florida.We also have exclusive license agreements in each of those territories. Love dogs? Love being an entrepreneur? Drop us a line via email, and let’s talk. Amber, (below) a Corgi at the Dunedin Jays Bark in the Park. Photographed by Heather Schulman.
Stay Pup-To-Date on events, giveaways, advertiser specials, all offered exclusively to The New Barker. Our Weekend PupDate email messages go out about two times a month. It’s free, and we’ll never sell or give out your information. Just sign up at www.TheNewBarker.com/PupDates Hey, Mystery Man (left) you had us at “adopted” during the AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day. Email info@thenewbarker for a restaurant gift certificate to Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill. 16 THE NEW BARKER
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NEW HOPE
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i’m a treetop flyer... born survivor. Fort Myers – Story and Photography by Danette
Dock Diving, or dock jumping, is one of the fastest growing sports for dogs in the world. DockDogs is the independent governing and sanctioning body for regional, national, and international dock jumping, a performance sport for dogs. The rules and standards of the sport have been established by DockDogs, founded in 1999. SunCoast DockDogs in Fort Myers is the Florida affiliate club of DockDogs, and Aqua Dog Sports is the only Florida Sanctioned DockDog facility.Twice a year they hold two World Qualifying events, one of which was held this past September. As a sponsor,The New Barker had front row seats. In all honesty, though, from a spectator’s viewpoint, there wasn’t a bad seat in the house. In the sport itself, the dock is 40 feet long by eight feet wide. Generally two feet of the dock is above the water surface. The pool is also 40 feet long.There are two techniques used to encourage the dog to jump in the water: Place and Send — The dog is walked to the end of the
18 THE NEW BARKER
dock, while a toy is thrown into the water.The dog is walked back to the starting point and placed, then released to retrieve the toy. Chase — The dog is placed in a stay or wait position at the starting point on the dock.The handler walks to the end of the dock holding a toy, calls to the dog and throws the toy, trying to keep the toy just in front of the dog’s nose so he can chase it into the water.The goal of this method is to get the dog at the optimum launch angle to increase distance by getting him to jump up instead of just out or flat, as with the place and send method. DockDogs has a zero discrimination policy. Any breed, mix and size can learn the techniques and compete.While this is a competition, fun is the operative word.The dogs must go in the water on their own. No shoving or pushing the dogs into the water is ever tolerated. The competition consists of four heats: Big Air — a long jump for dogs.The dog is placed anywhere on the 40 foot dock, runs and jumps into the water after the toy.The distance is judged from the end of the dock to where the tail of the dog breaks the water’s surface. Speed Retrieve — a timed event. At the far end of the pool is a bumper toy, suspended two inches above the water with a starting indicator light just above it.
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The dog is placed at the 20 foot mark and is released when the indicator light turns green.The time clock stops when the dog has pulled the toy from the Speed Retrieve bracket. Extreme Vertical — a high jump for dogs.The dog starts off at the 20 foot mark and jumps up to grab the bumper toy that is extended eight feet from the end of the dock, over the water. Iron Dog — is similar to a triathlon. Dogs registered as an Iron Dog will have their best score from Big Air, Speed Retrieve and Extreme Vertical calculated. Above photos, left to right: Jazmine is a six-year-old Yellow Lab, whose handler Vicki Tighe, is the owner of Aqua Dog Sports in Fort Myers. Jazmine’s best grab was five feet. Ali is a three-year-old Boykin Spaniel, participating in the Lap Dog Division. A lap dog is any dog 17 inches www.TheNewBarker.com
and under at the withers. Ali’s handler is Dennis DeWitt from Estero, Florida. Two-year-old Walker Coon Hound Bo, won the Extreme Vertical with a grab at seven feet/six inches. He went on to receive his first personal best attempt at seven feet/eight inches, then a second personal best with a seven foot/ten inch grab. Bo’s handler is Crystal McClaren of Cape Coral. Five-and-a-half-year-old Black Lab Sophie, with handler Stephanie Cook from Port Charlotte, Florida. Some competitors jump so high that Bob Dewire, a DockDogs Worldwide employee, has to use a ladder to set the bumper. Since this is a worldwide organization, standards are set and calibrated throughout the events. The bumper height is measured before every jump. Bo (shown right) was found at a feed store as a puppy.Who knew he’d grow up to be such a competitor? He and other large dogs wear a personal floatation device to help keep them buoyant when they enter the water. THE NEW BARKER 19
Charlie is a rescued Miniature Eskimo who loves water. So much so that his parents Donna and Chad sold their house in the Keys and moved to be closer to Florida’s Aqua Dog Sports training location in Ft. Myers. Donna is Charlie’s handler, and Chad is an announcer for the events. In the Big Air event, the handlers can use any floatable retrievable toy. If you listen closely at an event, you can hear the handlers using unique and varied names for the toys to get their dogs excited about jumping after it. Every handler sets up their dog’s jump in their own way on the 40 foot long dock. The handler of a Rottweiler, for instance, backed the dog from the front edge of the dock to the back of the dock like he was winding up a toy car. Eli (photo above) is a three-and-a-half-year-old Nova Scotia Duck Toller, whose handler Mona Kurth is from Lehigh Acres. Ice (photo below) is a four-year-old German Shepherd, handled by Penny Moore of Plant City. Ice’s best jump was 18 feet/one inch.
An uninitiated spectator might be surprised to learn that a dog’s size or the length of it’s legs aren’t always good indicators of a successful jumper. Motivation, drive, physics, and practice are all part of the equation. And the category a dog is in is determined not by breed, height or physical attributes, but on the distance of their past jumps. Once they enter a higher level, they cannot return to a lower one. Wheaton Terrier, Ellie (above) is almost two years old. Her handler, David Pinheiro from Cape Coral, is actually a Junior Handler, as team members between the ages of eight and 16 are categorized. 20 THE NEW BARKER
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The world record for Big Air distance jump is 31 feet, held by a Black Lab named Taz. Distance is measured by computer pictures to see where the base of the tail enters the water. Krak (above) is a five-year-old Belgian Malinois who is new to the sport. His handler is Crystal McClaren.
Y DockDogs conducts a free monthly
Think Your Dog Can Do This? SunCoast
seminar, open to any dog over the age of six months. Each dog is worked with, one-on-one. The sessions are generally 20 minutes per dog. Visit www.SuncoastDockDogs.com SunCoast Dock Dogs and Aqua Dog Sports, 2787 North Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers. If you’re traveling to Fort Myers, Hotel Indigo at the Downtown River District is just a few minutes from the SunCoast Dock Dogs’ facility. Call for reservations, 239.337.3446. See accompanying story in our Travel Section.
Loves Jumping. Retrieving? Not So Much. Even so, Charlie the Miniature Eskimo, qualified to attend the World Championship in Iowa in the Lap Dog division. www.TheNewBarker.com
Was your dog photographed during the September DockDogs event? Contact Danette@PhotographyByDanette.com
THE NEW BARKER 21
Winter Dog Day Saturday, January 19
Celebrate Dogs! Saturday & Sunday, December 15 & 16 You won’t want to miss this fun event and educational event for the entire family at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center. ~Dock Diving ~Extreme Soccer Dogs AKC ~Agility Invitational AKC National ~Obedience Invitational ~Huge Doggie Vendor Mall You will also have a unique opportunity to meet the breeds, with rows and rows of booths, featuring more than 140 AKC breeds. www.CelebrateDogsOrlando.com
Parade of Rescues Saturday, January 19 Parade of Rescues will continue to focus on the support of smaller pet rescue organizations that may be overlooked by potential donors and adopters due to their limited fundraising and marketing capabilities. Dalmatian Rescue of Tampa Bay (www.DalRescueTampaBay.org) is the rescue group coordinator of the twice a year event with Pet Supplies Plus. Don’t miss this wonderful event on Saturday, January 19 at 7331 Park Boulevard, between 10a and 2p. Contact DalDogEvents@msn.com for vendor participation. Pictured above: Boy Scout, Justin Moore
Two times a year, Bok Tower Gardens allows visitors to bring their dogs. January is our favorite time to stroll the gardens and listen to the Carillion. 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. 863.676.1408. www.BokTowerGardens.org. Above, meet Jesse and Bailey, two Golden Retriever brothers enjoying Dog Day at Bok Tower Gardens. Photograph by Anna Cooke.
holds Cinderella at the Rugaz Rescue booth (www.RugazRescue.com) during the October, 2012 event in Clearwater. Photograph by Jacqui Silla.
Visit Mount Dora Saturday, January 19 Florida Gulf Coast Cluster Dog Shows January 11-20 Greater Ocala Dog Show Grounds, 10205 NW Gainesville Road,Ocala.
Jacks Are Running, Saturday, February 23 Jack Russell Terrier Races at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City. Includes a Classic Car Show. Petting Farm. Call 352.521.3661. LittleEvergladesSteeplechase.org
www.FloridaGulfCoastCluster.com
Shown above - Isabella. Photograph by Laura Allen Studios.
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Florida Highwaymen Art Show offers a history of art. Presented by Heron Cay Bed and Breakfast Inn. Make your reservations now to stay at this lovely B&B. Call 352.383.4050. Above - One of the Inn’s four Borzois.Photographed by Anna Cooke. www.TheNewBarker.com
YOUR PET
honored the way a family member should be. Pets can be more loyal and dependable than people. They deserve a proper send-off. If you experience the loss of a family pet, we’d like you to know we offer cremation specifically for pets.
(727) 937-7555 Thomas B. Dobies & his beloved Lucy, may she rest in peace. Š adfinity
RIGHT: Dogs Arrive at Charlotte Monroe Executive Airport in North Carolina. We recently met Shelly Nunn, Executive Director for the Ryan Newman Foundation, at the Pilots N Paws Flyway. Thanks to the Foundation, they were able to pull dogs out of animal services who were about to be euthanized. “Vance County has one of the highest kill rates in the state at 96 percent,” she told us. (More on page 32.)
They Came. They Saw. They Adopted. If Tiffany and Josh (top photo) are any indication, the first Racing 4 Rescues at Showtime Speedway was a success. The couple drove from their New Port Richey home to the Pinellas Park event, saw Skylar and fell instantly in love. They adopted the German Shepherd puppy from Heidi’s Legacy. (www.HeidisLegacyDogRescue.com)
That’s the Way You Do It. Everywhere we go, we hear the special stories of rescue, fostering and adopting dogs. Olive, the Jack Russell pictured (top center) with Jill, Jennifer and Chris of All Dog Rescue was left for dead on the side of the road. But a kind soul and Good Samaritan refused to look the other way, and pulled over. Thinking she would just pick up the dog and maybe bury her, Vivian, a volunteer with All Dog Rescue was surprised when the dog moved. All Dog Rescue nursed Olive back to health, and had her on ready for adoption during the Racing 4 Rescues event. All it takes is one person, one moment, to make a difference. Want to make a difference? Email clearjill@aol.com.
I Won’t Back Down. Sheer determination is exactly what former Florida resident, and artist Clair Hartmann had in order to save a dog she knew 24 THE NEW BARKER
nothing about. While on Facebook, she noticed a post about a stray that had been picked up by animal control. Being in a high kill facility, Clair knew the dog’s time was limited, and she sprung to action, calling to ask if she could adopt the dog. But, she was told that since she lived outside of the county she could not adopt the dog. Her only hope was to have a rescue organization submit the correct forms in order to be able to pull the dog on its release date. “After calling every shelter we could find, we finally found someone who volunteered to go pull the dog. She was pulled with only hours left before being euthanized,” said Clair who named the dog Frida, after the artist Frida Kahlo.The little Rat Terrier (top right) is one of the sweetest dogs Clair has ever met. She recommends checking out New Rattitude, a Rat Terrier rescue and adoption organization. www.NewRattitude.org.
A Vote for the Dogs. In October, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi brought Baker, a shelter dog to a Cabinet meeting. In recognition of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, all shelter dogs over the age of six months, were available for adoption at no charge in October, every Thursday through Tallahassee’s Animal Service Center. www.TheNewBarker.com
Richard’s Run For Life.
Life in the Fast Lane.
The 11th Annual Richard’s Run For Life raised $80,000.The 5k had more than 2,000 registered runners, walkers, supporters, volunteers and sponsors who joined together on November 2 in Ybor City’s Centennial Park. Afterwards, “I feel that our run and other events like it, everyone was treated give patients battling cancer and their families to a fabulous spread of hope,” said Richard Gonzmart with his dog delicious food from Rusty, accepting the $1,000 raised by The New Barker. the Columbia Restaurant.The New Barker was honored to be one of the sponsors of this year’s event. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the Adolescent Young Adult initiative for sarcoma research at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. We would like to thank Mark Sembler of HydroDog, Lisa Posin of Olive’s Way, the Tampa Bay Chihuahua Meet Up Group, Kris Logan-Walker of Fluffy Puppies, Hip Doggie and Heron Cay Lakeview Bed & Breakfast for helping us meet the pledge. Lynne Tonte, with the Tampa Bay Chihuahua Meet Up Group said, “We were happy to help and hope that this shows that our passion for life goes beyond our pups. All life is precious.”
The Ryan Newman Foundation, out of Statesville, North Carolina, gave out $560,000 in grants this past October. It was a tough job for the foundation’s Board of Directors as they reviewed 400 applications between January and June, 2012. “The toughest job is deciding who to help. Everyone in animal rescue should be commended for their time and compassion put into saving animals. I wish we could help everyone,” said the Foundation’s Vice President Krissie Newman, wife of NASCAR driver, Ryan Newman. Several Florida organizations were the recipients of some of the grant money, including First Coast No More Homeless Pets (www.FCNMHP.org) in Jacksonville, and the Humane Society of Manatee County (www.HumaneManatee.org) in Bradenton.
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Innovative Thinking Towards A No Kill Community. Hillsborough County Animal Services recently announced new hours for their adoption facility.They will now be open seven days a week from 10a until 7p.The new hours, which came as part of some of the recent changes implemented by the new director, Ian Hallett, will make the facility more accessible to people interested in adopting a dog or cat. Like a retail business, the facility’s new hours will cater to the needs of the consumer. For more information, contact Marti Ryan at 813.356.9711.
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– By Anna Cooke Photography by Laura Allen Studios.
Belle of the Ball.
E
Each year, the City of Largo Parks and Recreation Department in Pinellas County, holds an end of the swim season event. Soggy Doggy Day marks the closing of the Highland Family Aquatic Center for the year. It’s the one day dogs are allowed in the pool, and humans are not. The theme of the September 8 event was Circus, and dogs were encouraged to dress accordingly for the costume contest, one of the many events held throughout the day. Lucy, the Labrador Retriever who owns her human Laura Allen, has attended Soggy Doggy Day every year for the last two years. This year was her third outing, and she was no less excited; like a child who loves going to Disney World, over and over again. The thrill of the visit never wanes. As Laura drives down the road that leads up to the Aquatic Center, before even seeing the other dogs or the pool, Lucy is already jumping around in the car. And when the gates to the pool are opened, she is ready for some serious play time. She takes off with the other dogs, barely looking back at Laura. But every once in awhile, Lucy looks up and around for Laura, just to make sure. She gives Laura a reassuring smile, and goes back to playing.
Stylin’ and Smilin’ – Lucy may not have the technique of a champion swimmer, but her megawatt smile sure does have star power.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? After two hours of playtime, Lucy inspects the water for a ball to determine how much effort is needed to go in after it.
The Big Tease. This is how Lucy engages Oliver to chase her. Oliver and his human, drive from South Tampa to Largo each year for Soggy Doggy Day. 26 THE NEW BARKER
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As the life of the party, Lucy has never met another dog she didn't like, running around to make sure she’s greeted everyone. One moment she is relentlessly flirting with her best friend, Catahoula mix Oliver, adopted from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. The next moment, she’s taking her toy to another human she doesn’t even know, coaxing him to throw it. No one can resist Lucy’s charm and invitation to play ball with her. No one. She will continue to pick up and drop the toy in front of the unknowing stranger, until he finally picks it up to throw it into the pool. And off she goes. Lucy loves the water and will dive straight down three to five feet, to retrieve a toy. She loves swimming after Laura in the Gulf or in a swimming pool, so she has definitely honed her aquatic skills. And that came in handy for the 25-yard swim, another event held during Soggy Doggy Day. It was a massive start at the relay, as the dogs all jumped in the water at the same time. Everyone was swimming in all directions. Everyone that is, except Lucy. With an almost inaudible whistle from Laura, Lucy quickly spotted her mark at the other end of the pool, and was soon cutting through the water like an arrow. Of course it didn’t hurt that Laura held one of Lucy’s toys in her hand. Advantage:Team Lucy, winner of the 25-yard swim. Lucy embodies the complete and utter joy of a dog, and Laura brings that out in her. They go almost everywhere together when Laura is not working on location or on assignment as a professional photographer. Laura, who completely appreciates our domestication of dogs as a society, also believes dogs should be allowed to be dogs. Like children, dogs sometimes like to get dirty, and roll around in the grass, or mud. Laura thinks we should all take it in stride. “If I know we’re going to a place where Lucy will get dirty, I just make it a bath day. I try to live in the moment, just like Lucy does, and to not stress about the little things,” said Laura. U Was your dog photographed during September’s Soggy Doggy Day event? Contact Laura@LauraAllenStudios.com to view her portfolio of the event.
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THE NEW BARKER 27
Daytona Beach
ice ice baby. –by Heidi Joy Howard
We think Bear must have known the Olympics were going on this day, as he seems to go for the Gold in the Long Jump.
Pooches of all sizes were slip slidin’away as a monthly Yappy Hour was moved indoors to The Daytona Ice Arena. Halifax Humane Society is known for their wonderfully creative events, and this icy spot on a hot summer day was the coolest of the summer.The first-ever Dog Park On Ice drew hundreds of dogs and their best friends on August 8. Dogs played with tennis balls, each other, and, of course, hockey pucks. It was fabulously fun, and honestly, quite hilarious at times, seeing these little guys and gals make their way across the slippery floor. For more information on the Halifax Humane Society, located at 2364 LPGA Boulevard, Daytona Beach, visit www.HalifaxHumaneSociety.org.
(Photos right, top to bottom:) Cocker Spaniels Rozy and Reggie resembled little snow bunnies with their cute earmuffs; Nicole Van Son was excited to hit the ice with Shelby, her two-year-old Dachshund, adopted from The Dog Liberator of Deltona - www.TheDogLiberator.com; Shelby’s booties kept her nice and warm; Whoa, this pooch was having fun navigating on the ice. Photography by Heidi Joy Howard. 28 THE NEW BARKER
www.TheNewBarker.com
Y
Canines Go for the Gold in Central Florida. Orlando
–by Anna Cooke and Jillyn Sidlo
What do you get when you combine Flyball with Agility; throw in some goat herding (shown above) and dock diving; add a doggie costume contest, and plenty of food trucks to meet anyone’s appetite (including one that serves up homemade dog treats), top it off with the American IDOGs super show, all in one location? We called it heaven on earth for dogs, and their dog loving human companions. The official name of the event was the Fourth Annual Doglympics at the Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orlando on October 6. Canines competed for gold medals in a dizzying display of dog fun for participants and spectators alike all day long. In the sport of herding, the manner in which a dog approaches and handles livestock is sometimes referred to as
“style.” It is the way a dog gathers the stock, and brings it to the handler; whether he works silently or barks; works close to the stock or further away. Fern, a Corgi (above), demonstrated his style by moving smoothly while crouching low to the ground at times. Of course, one might ask how much lower could a Corgi go? Fern’s crouching style was impressive. His legs all but disappeared at times in his technique. For more information on herding, check out the Central Florida Herding Club, www.CentralFloridaHerdingClub.com. Upcoming events include an AKC Trial, December 1 and 2 and January 20, 2013. The trials usually take place at Asher-Dell Farm in Malabar. Contact Judith Kelly at 321.544.7321 or visit www.AsherDellFarm.com.
Sam is a 10-month-old King Corso who enjoyed watching other dogs compete during the Flyball matches.Tampa Bay’s own Barkaneers Flyball Team made a winning statement. www.Barkaneers.com. Maddie, an eight-year-old Great Pyrenees, showed off her newly-painted red nails. She was gamely representing Florida Great Pyrenees Rescue through the Florida Great Pyrenees Club - www.FloridaPyrs.org. Housemates Romeo, an Australian Cattle Dog and Bailey, were waiting to tryout for the American IDOGs Show.To learn more about Doglympics, visit www.DoglympicsUSA.com. Photography by Anna Cooke.
30 THE NEW BARKER
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The current American IDOGS team put on three fantastic, fast-paced shows in addition to holding auditions throughout the day.To find out where the next Florida auditions will be held, visit www.AmericanIDOGS.com
Every member of the family deserves to live stylishly. UNLEASHEDLIFE.COM 417.869.8181
(Left): Emcee and producer of American IDOGS, Daniel Ratay, begins the first show of the day. (Right): Dogs competed in the Doggie Fun Zone, an elaborate obstacle course showing off Agility skills. Photo courtesy of Lee Rebalko.
Dogs also gamely competed in the proverbial doggie costume contested as well. Photograph by Jillyn Sidlo.
www.TheNewBarker.com
THE NEW BARKER 31
– Written and photographed by Anna Cooke
O Cinderella.
One by one, the planes began arriving at Charlotte Monroe Executive Airport on a Friday afternoon in late September.Very early the following morning, before the sun was up, we watched as the SUVs, vans, and trucks began arriving. Filled with homeless dogs and cats, who unbeknownst to them, were headed to a new life. It would be a better life than the one fate had handed all of them. Abused. Unwanted.Thrown out like garbage. Some of them had been pulled from high kill facilities just hours before being euthanized, like Cinderella, (shown left) a Great Pyrenees/Landseer/Newfoundland mix who was about to be gassed at Cleveland County Animal Control. She is a puppy. The wave of humanity descending upon the airport by land and air that foggy Saturday morning was overwhelming to witness. Many of us, unprepared for the sheer magnitude of it all, were overcome with emotion.Volunteers who had been fostering some of the arriving animals from as little as 24 hours to as long as 30 days just for this mission, choked back tears as they handed over their charges to the pilots. The dogs and cats were loaded onto planes which had been retrofitted with crates. Less than 24 hours after landing, the planes began to take off with their precious cargo. As each one ascended into the air, those of us still on the ground stopped to look up and wave. Often, all that was heard was the sound of the engine as the plane disappeared on the horizon. Silent prayers were being sent to the pilots for safe landings, and a better life for the animals. Many of the dogs were headed to Florida, thanks to an organization called Pilots N Paws. And it was one of the most incredible journeys I have ever taken to cover a story for The New Barker. Continued g
32 THE NEW BARKER
Pilots N Paws volunteer pilot Jeff Bennett, on our flight from North Carolina to Tampa during the annual Flyway, sponsored in a big way by Subaru. Jeff’s home base is Big Pine Key, Florida. He was recently featured on NBC Nightly News for having flown more than 1,000 animals to safer ground, and a better life.
www.TheNewBarker.com
Pilots N Paws is a 501c3 charitable organization that was mals still being euthanized in this country. This year’s Flyway on established in 2008 by Jon Wehrenberg, a retired manufacturing Saturday, September 29 brought together 60 pilots to transport 300 dogs and cats to no kill shelexecutive and weekend pilot, ters, sanctuaries, rescue groups— along with Debi Boies, a retired and in one or two cases, adoptive nurse and long-time animal res“There is no pilot I’ve ever been families—across the country.The cuer. Their number one mission aware of who feels he has enough mission was dubbed, Dog Is My has been to airlift forsaken animals to loving homes and safer Copilot, after the name of a opportunities to fly. So we put two circumstances. It’s a mission recently published book by where volunteer pilots are called and two together and said, ‘Hey, if we Patrick Regan. The book docuupon almost every day. The ments 24 real-life rescue misorganization connects animal can merge the rescues who are look- sions collected from the Pilots N rescuers with pilots who donate Paws pilots, and their animal resing for transports with pilots who are cue counterparts on the ground. their time, aircraft, and fuel expenses to fly what many of the looking for any opportunity to fly, we Everyone who flies these misvolunteers refer to as “death-row sions knows that behind every might have something here.” flight, there is a story. dogs” to parts of the country where they have a higher chance Such was the case of Fritz, – Jon Wehrenberg, co-founder of Pilots N Paws of adoption. one of the first dogs we met The beauty of how Pilots N during the Dog is My Copilot Paws works can be traced to its volunteers’ savvy and prolific use Flyway. Fritz’s back story is, like many of the dogs on this jourof social media networking to connect the pilots with shelters, ney, a tragic one. He had been found wandering the streets in a rescue groups and the dogs in need. Many of the volunteer rural area of North Carolina. Maybe he had the guts to escape pilots make weekly flights transporting animals.“There is always his horrific beginnings. Anything must have been better than a need,” said Debi Boies. his previous life which included having his ears inhumanely cut Annually, a Flyway is set up to help bring awareness to the off. Fritz, by most accounts, was being groomed for the short, organization’s mission, and attention to the high number of ani- harrowing life of a bait dog.
34 THE NEW BARKER
www.TheNewBarker.com
Cropping the ears and tail of a bait dog limits the area for the fighting dog in training to grab onto. The cropping of the ears and docking of the tail also makes it more difficult for other dogs to read the dog’s mood and intentions through normal body language. For some reason, Fritz’s tail was spared. Or, maybe he ran safely away before his tail was to be docked. Either way, Fritz is in a much happier situation now. And that was just one of what would become 299 more happy endings (or tales as we like to say), as a result of the many volunteers working together with Pilots N Paws. U
Fritz has found a new home—Maria and Don of Tarpon Springs had been waiting for Fritz since earlier this year when they adopted him online. Fritz flew in to Tampa Executive Airport from North Carolina with Ed Golly and Sandra Smith, Pilots N Paws volunteer pilots.
Time to keep going; time to move on – Ed Golly and his co-pilot Sandra Smith, both from South Tampa, left Charlotte Monroe Executive Airport with 20 dogs on board their Cessna 210. First stop was Tampa, where volunteers from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and Suncoast Animal League took delivery of some of the dogs.Then it was on to Naples to drop off these two dogs before Ed and Sandra could return home, and call it a day. 36 THE NEW BARKER
Are you a pilot interested in donating your time to Pilots N Paws? Visit www.PilotsNPaws.org. You may also email them at info@pilotsnpaws.org. Shelters and rescue groups are encouraged to sign up on the Board Index in the Animals Needing Transport section of the Pilots N Paws website. Please consider donating to Pilots N Paws this holiday season. To read more about our flight adventure, visit The New Barker blog at www.thenewbarker.wordpress.com. Search Pilots N Paws.
Dog is my co-pilot – On the flight out of North Carolina,Wells Murphy of Hilton Head, South Carolina flew with five dogs in his Beech Baron. His co-pilot, strapped in for the flight, was all business. Murphy’s first stop was Craig Field in Jacksonville, Florida.Two of his passengers were gorgeous Irish Wolfhounds. Brothers, they were owner surrendered. Murphy had removed all of the seats from his plane except for the two front seats, to make room for the dogs and crates. As he jumped in his planes, he yelled out to his passengers, “We’re going to Disney World.” www.TheNewBarker.com
Turn Your Kitchen Into Your Dog’s Diner. Cooking for your dogs is now easier than ever with our treat mixes, complete with simple instructions. We use only high quality, organic and natural ingredients. It’s a fun, healthy and fresh alternative for your dogs’ diet. Your dogs will just think you’re the cat’s meow.
Now found in finer pet stores, including Groovy Cats & Dogs/ Tampa and Gone to the Dogs/ St. Pete Beach. Locally-owned and operated in Lutz, Florida.
813.949.1345 www.YourDogsDiner.com
Nearly seven out of ten Subaru owners have a pet, and Subaru has recognized that pets are part of the family. That is why Subaru has been an important sponsor of the Pilots N Paws organization.
rs e Wher& Cat Love h Dog ch Their Itc Scrat Spike
t Holistic Foods, Treats & Supplements. t Stroller, Carriers, Bedding & ID Tags. t Breed Specific Jewelry, Art, Clocks, Figurines, Stickers & More. t Apparel & Accessories. t Personalized Gifts Made from Photos.
The car company’s funny ad campaigns featuring dogs in print and on television promotes the versatility and safety of the Subaru product line of vehicles. Not to mention a sense of humor. The folks at Florida’s Mastro Subaru recently celebrated their 40th year in business. Mastro Subaru has helped Subaru raise millions of dollars for charity. The family owned and operated dealership has been a longtime supporter of animal advocacy, especially pet adoption programs. With two Florida locations (Tampa Bay and Central Florida) they hold monthly adoption events, and support Subaru’s philosophy of giving back. Love. It’s what a Subaru is all about. The current Share the Love sales promotion includes a donation from Subaru of $250 per sale or lease to one of five charity organizations of the customer’s choice. Additionally, Mastro Subaru customers will have their pet adoption fees paid for. Is there a better reason to buy or lease a new or used car from Mastro Subaru? Ask about their programs, Oil Changes for Life and Loyalty for Life for all new and used cars. Call 888.859.6539 or visit www.MastroSubaru.com.
14012 7th Street, Dade City TOLL FREE 866.315.8744 www.DogManiaAndCats.com www.facebook.com/dog.mania.cats
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THE NEW BARKER 37
38 THE NEW BARKER
A line has been drawn in the sand. Are the Beaches of Long Boat Key & Anna Maria Island Ready to Be Dog Friendly? – Story and Photography by Anna Cooke
www.TheNewBarker.com
THE NEW BARKER 39
Walking the beach with a dog is one of the lucky things Floridians are able to do. But not all of our beaches are dog-friendly. Over the years, there have been more and more restrictions placed upon the public and what they have access to. Thanks to a group of dog owners in Long Boat Key, residents there may be about to experience a sea change. There are 6600 residents on Long Boat Key, many of whom have dogs. Dogs are not allowed on the beaches here. An advocacy group was formed a little more than a year ago, LBK9 Coalition, to improve the community environment for people who enjoy outdoor recreation with their dogs.To the city commissioners, the group’s members requested a designation of a fair and equitable recreation zone on the beach.The group has taken a very considerate approach, with respect to the concerns of non-dog owners. “We are taxpayers and we are voters. We care about our community and are committed to enriching the quality of community life here on Long Boat Key,” said Laurin Goldner, a founding member of the Coalition, and Long Boat Key resident since 1998. Under the direction of the city commission, LBK9 Coalition set up a feasibility committee, headed by Laurin and comprised of seven diverse members, one of whom is a volunteer with Mote Marine Turtle Watch.They have met six to seven times over the last year. Their main purpose is to compile enough research and information to make a presentation to the city commissioners, who have been cautiously open to the idea. The group has been in contact with Barbara Arnold, one of the volunteers who spearheaded the successful dog beach in Brevard County. They are also working with Stephanie Somerset of Bay Families with Dogs, a non-profit advocacy group formed to improve their Bay County community of Panama City. “Stephanie has been a wealth of information, and a dream to work with,” said Laurin. Should dogs be allowed on the beach with all of the endangered foliage and fauna? Humans have actually been more disruptive to the environment than dogs. “I was told by someone at Fish and Wildlife, that ideally no one should be allowed on any beach. But, of course that is not realistic,” said Laurin. And what about human health concerns with dogs on the beach? Conversations with the Sarasota County Health Department, the Manatee Health Department’s assistant epidemiologist and the head veterinarian at Florida’s Department of Health, reveal that there have been no reported cases of disease attributed to dog beaches. Rand scientist and California resident Dr. Sandy Geschwind is an environmental epidemiologist who has studied the adverse health effects associated with
40 THE NEW BARKER
LeLu, an Australian Shepherd Mix with his fellow beach lover, Max Goldner a Wheaton Terrier.
environmental pollutants in the water. “While it is critically important to ensure that the dog beach is maintained, and the waste dealt with responsibly, it is not a significant source of pollution (to the water) or health risk,” Dr. Geschwind told Laurin. To experience the beach with their dogs, Long Boat Key residents (and vactioners for that matter) have to travel to St. Petersburg’s Paw Playground at Fort DeSoto Beach, or to Paw Park on South Brohard Beach in Venice. David Damarest, who was the operations supervisor for Sarasota’s Parks and Recreation Department said of Paw Park in Venice, “It was the best venture I’ve ever been associated with in my 27 years in government.” Paul Tritaik, Refuge Manager for Ding Darling State Park said of allowing dogs,“It’s been a very positive experience. Dog owners, for the most part, have been very respectful.They pick up after their dogs, and have made sure their dogs are under control at all times.”
www.TheNewBarker.com
The Ambassadogs Program through the Tampa Bay Estuary Program has said they would work with Long Boat Key residents to develop a Clean Beach program. Yvette Little who was a fellow with the Audubon Society started the program at Robinson Preserve in Hillsborough County. “It has been very successful,” she told Laurin. There are 34 dog beaches in Florida. Residents and visitors alike say it has increased the quality of life in those respective communities.“If you work together with everyone towards a common goal, I believe we can make this work,” said Laurin. U
Preserving Our Freedoms.
Shell Island dogs helped their owners participate in the Coastal Cleanup on September 15, keeping their island pristine and natural.Volunteers put piles of discarded and rusting beach chairs and tents, bottles and cans and children’s toys into boats and ferried the trash back to shore. Using a Siberian Husky trash sled helped expedite the process. All volunteers received complimentary copies of The New Barker. Shell Island water-based vendors Bay Ice Cream and Just the Cook provided refreshments for the group. ABOUT BAY FAMILIES WITH DOGS. In the summer of 2006, a controversial decision by the State of Florida sparked the formation of Bay Families with Dogs. Citizens who had been enjoying the shores of Shell Island, off Panama City for generations with their dogs, were forced off the island by armed patrols invoking criminal charges. As the controversy raged, the Bay County Commission voted unanimously to ask the State to work with them on a solution for recreational access at Shell Island as well as on some mainland beach areas. The State held a public meeting in Panama City that drew a huge turnout in favor of restoring the generationsold recreational access these families cherished. U Some of Our Favorite Florida Dog Friendly Beaches: Anne’s Beach, Islamorada Davis Island Dog Beach, Tampa’s Davis Island Dog Beach of Hollywood, Broward County Fort DeSoto Beach, St. Petersburg Key West Dog Beach Lori Wilson Dog Park at Cocoa Beach in Brevard County Paw Park on South Brohard Beach in Venice Shell Island, Panama City, accessible by the dog friendly St. Andrew Bay Ferry Walton Rocks Beach, Fort Pierce in St. Lucie County
www.TheNewBarker.com
THE NEW BARKER 41
Dogs Channel Joe Maddon. The first ever Bark at the Ballpark is a Howling Success at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.
When the Tampa Bay Rays announced that Tropicana Field would open its doors to humans and their dogs in July during a game, the Party Deck immediately sold out, with 1,000 tickets sold, and more than 450 dogs registered to attend.The SPCA Tampa Bay and Pet Pal Animal Shelter were invited to bring their adoptables. The New Barker was signed on as the official dog magazine, with a double booth to accommodate Natura Pet, One Lucky Dog, I Heart Shakey movie and our special guest, Bailey. She is an avid Rays fan, and spokesdog for animal adoption. Bailey was adopted from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, and stays busy traveling the state reviewing dog friendly restaurants for The New Barker.
Tucker, a GoldenDoodle
The New Barker booth was non-stop busy, as folks lined up to meet Bailey and don our special Joe Maddon glasses for a photo opp.We hoped Joe would stop by and allow Bailey to shake his hand, but we knew he was busy getting ready for the game. David Price sent out his own dog, Astro, who thought Bailey was ruff-a-licious. Bailey wasn’t so sure about Astro, though. Pictured above: Blake, Astro, Suzie, Bailey. Photography by Anna Cooke.
Searching for Joe Maddon... Rays broadcaster,Todd Kalas opted for Bailey instead, who is shown with her human,Suzie.
42 THE NEW BARKER
Scarlet, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She is named after a character in the HBO series, Sex & the City, who had a Cavalier named Elizabeth Taylor.
Dipper & Deenie, Cocker Spaniels
Spirit, a Black Lab
Bowden, a Labrador
Tazi, a Pomeranian
Holly, a Golden Retriever
www.TheNewBarker.com
Wally, a Cockapoo
MayWay, a Yellow Lab
Sugar Bear,a Lhasa Apso
Avery, a MinPin
Harley,
a chick magnet
Moose, a Cocker Spaniel Starlet & Shigemi
Phineas, a Yorkie
Lilo & Gucci,
a Maltese & Yorkie
Gio holding his Bella, a Puggle
Beasley, a Beagle
Jack,
a Shepherd-Doberman mix
Puck, a Dachshund, and pal to Rover Reporter, Heather Schulman.
Chewie, a Yorkie www.TheNewBarker.com
Monkey,
an Affenpinscher
We’d like to thank Linda Carver of Natura Pet, Jade with One Lucky Dog, Suzie and Gerry Archibald, Scott Daly of Pet Pal Animal Shelter, and Heather Schulman.Your help setting up, positive attitudes, and working with us throughout the day were very much appreciated.
Jaxson, a Cocker Spaniel THE NEW BARKER 43
cleaning solutions for getting stains out and odors under control have come a long way. Many of today’s products are more environmentally safe for children and pets. In a pinch, though, old-fashioned, tried and true household remedies for tackling pet odors in carpets, rugs and upholstery still work. BAKING SODA – For a urine spot that has already dried, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the soiled section and then let it sit for two hours before vacuuming. Pet Advisory: Dr. Tina Wismer, DVM, DABVT, DABT, medical director of the ASPCA Poison Control Center, advises owners to use a baby gate or an overturned laundry basket to keep pets away from the area while the baking soda sets. Although this cleaning method is safe to use in homes,“If ingested, baking soda can cause stomach upset and electrolyte imbalances,” says Dr. Wismer. WHITE VINEGAR – If you have a urine spot on your carpet that’s still wet, opt for eco-friendly white vinegar, which neutralizes odors due to its high acidity — and works well even if the stain or smell has been there for a while. Start by blotting the area, rather than rubbing it, which will only push the stain further into the carpeting fibers. Then mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water, and pour the mixture generously over the soiled section. Blot well, and then let it dry. (A fan can speed up the process.) Once dry, run a vacuum over the area. Source:Vetstreet
RED BERRIES + CHAMPAGNE REPLASCENT BY ISLE OF DOG. A revolutionary odor-neutralizing spray for your dog and home. A safe alternative for keeping your dog and home smelling good.
ELIMINATE ODORS WITH WHAT? So effective is What Odor?, it just may be the last product you’ll ever buy (it actually comes with a moneyback guarantee).We’ve tested What Odor?, and you know what? It really works, without masking the odor. Safe for people, pets and the planet. Above products can be found at: Dog Mania & Cats, Dade City; Fluffy Puppies, Clearwater; Gone to the Dogs, St. Pete Beach; Groovy Cats & Dogs, Tampa; One Lucky Dog, St. Petersburg; Pawsitively Posh Pooch, St. Petersburg; Paw Paws Pet Boutique, Madeira Beach; Pet Food Warehouse, St. Petersburg; Pet Supplies Plus, Pinellas Park & Clearwater; The Doggie Door, Winter Park; Wet Noses, Sarasota.
STOP URINE BURN ON YOUR LAWN. We Floridians do love our carpets of green lawn. But sometimes, living with dogs and a green lawn just don’t go hand-in-hand. Until now. We’ve recently discovered Dog Rocks, a proven cure to those unsightly brown patches on your lawn caused by canine urine. In addition to being 100% natural, it is virtually hassle-free. Placed in your dog’s water bowl, Dog Rocks will help prevent new urine burn patches that are ruining your lawn. Dog Rocks helps purify the water by removing some nitrates, ammonia and harmful trace elements such as tin and copper. The brown patches on your lawn are cause by an overload of nitrates in your dog’s urine. Proven and endorsed by veterinarians, the product will also give your dogs a cleaner source of water. Rock on with Dog Rocks. Call 561.644.4310 to see where in Florida Dog Rocks can be purchased, or visit www.DogRocksUs.com. Facebook them for updates on contests and giveaways.
44 THE NEW BARKER
www.TheNewBarker.com
Photography by Laura Allen Studios.
GOOD OLD-FASHIONED HOME REMEDIES.There’s no question,
THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME. We fell in love with this avant-garde design of origami dogs which would look good with any type of decor. And it certainly caught the eye of several retailers during this year’s pet trade shows, like SuperZoo and H.H. Backer. Made with a machine-washable cotton cover and recycled fiber filling for a cozy repose, the bed is available in medium and large sizes. Available at Fluffy Puppies, Clearwater; One Lucky Dog, St. Petersburg; Pawsitively Posh Pooch, St. Petersburg;The Doggie Door,Winter Park.
DARE WE SAY, 50 SHADES OF GRAY? We love the black, white and gray that Bowsers Beds has incorporated into their fabric line. Nature-inspired prints combined with calming earth tone neutrals. The signature Donut Bed (right) is shown in Morning Mist Microvelvet and Pebble.
THE SUN,THE MOON AND THE STARS. Bowsers Beds promises the best comfort for your dogs, while offering designs to complement your home’s decor.The Crescent Bed is a great new design, created especially for older dogs.The open front makes it easy for dogs to step into the bed.The oval ring keeps that feeling of security dogs love. Shown here is the Courtyard Grey Microvelvet with Ash bottom and white trim. Cool designer note: these beds are reversible. Available at Fluffy Puppies, Clearwater; Groovy Cats & Dogs,Tampa; One Lucky Dog, St. Petersburg; Pet Food Warehouse, St. Petersburg;The Doggie Door,Winter Park; Wet Noses Boutique, Sarasota.
THE WORLD’S BIGGEST DOG BED. And they’re made right here in sunny Florida. Made for dogs weighing more than 100 pounds. All beds are available in 32 custom colors with more than 900 different two-color combinations. Dog Mania & Cats, Dade City; Earth Pets, Gainesville; Gone to the Dogs, St. Pete Beach; Groovy Cats & Dogs,Tampa; Pasadena Pet Motel, Pasadena; Pet Food Warehouse, St. Petersburg; Wet Noses Boutique, Sarasota.
www.TheNewBarker.com
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46 THE NEW BARKER
www.TheNewBarker.com
Field of Dreams
FLORIDA GULF COAST
Cluster Dog Shows 12 All-Breed Dog Shows in 17 Days
Putting Dogs Through Their Paces In Wide Open Spaces. ~ Cluster I ~ Friday, January 11, 2013 to Tuesday, January 15, 2013.
~ Cluster II ~ Friday, January 18, 2013 to Sunday, January 20, 2013. Show Hosts: Clearwater Kennel Club, Tampa Bay Kennel Club, Pasco Florida Kennel Club and Manatee Kennel Club.
Show Hrs: 8am-6pm All AKC recognized dog breeds shown every day d
Can you imagine 8,000+ dogs of various breeds, shapes and sizes all in one location over a seventeen-day period? A dog lover’s paradise is one description that comes to mind. Florida’s version of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show might be another description. Open to the public, this AKC-sanctioned event is being presented by the newly-formed Flor-
ida Gulf Coast Cluster Dog Shows. This is a wonderful opportunity for the entire family to be up close and personal with champion dogs, handlers, judges and award-winning groomers from all over the world. R ight here in Florida.
Receive a complimentary copy of The New Barker, while supplies last at the Main Show Tent.
Conformation d Obedience Rally dJunior Showmanship d Canine Good Citizen Test d Rescue Row d Seminars & Clinics d Flea Market d Food Court d Lots of Vendors d
Bring a lawn chair
Greater Ocala Dog Show Grounds 10205 NW Gainesville Rd., Ocala 34478 www.FloridaGulfCoastCluster.com Purina is pleased to be the official sponsor.
CHOSEN BY CHAMPIONS
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THE NEW BARKER 47
In This Case, What Happens in Vegas, May Not Stay In Vegas.
A Better Way – Dr. Chris Bessent of Herbsmith, holistic formulas of herbal blends and supplements.
In Dog We Trust – Kris Logan in front of her bandana line, available at Fluffy Puppies, Clearwater and Pet Food Warehouse, St. Petersburg.
Let the thunder roll – Phil Blizzard, inventor of Thundershirt, for dogs who suffer from a variety of anxieties issues, including loud, thunderous noises. Below: Neil (right) meets with Bill (left) of the Petcurean food line.
48 THE NEW BARKER
SuperZoo is one of the 25 fastest-growing trade shows in the United States according to Trade Show Executive magazine. Held over a three day period at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, the show brings together a huge array of vendors marketing their products to the retail pet industry. It’s a show that many of our Florida pet retailers look forward to attending, including Susie and Neil Kupfer, owners of Pet Food Warehouse in St. Petersburg. So, with press credentials in hand, courtesy of The New Barker, the Kupfers enjoyed behind-the-scenes access to some pretty cool goodies. Most trade shows restrict photography to members of the press in order to protect vendor products.“Neil and I both had a great time being Rover Reporters for The New Barker, and our press passes allowed us to get some great shots,” said Susie. She and Neil met at Maas Brothers Department Store in Downtown St. Petersburg when they both began a career in retail more than 35 years ago.“I learned about different aspects of retailing, from customer service and inventory control, to merchandising and display,” said Susie. Fast forward to the challenges faced now in running their own store, and those early retail experiences have come full circle. The non-glamorous reality of owning and operating a store that has more than 10,000 square feet of retail space, includes hard work and long hours. But the Kupfers have managed to maintain a strong foothold in what has become a very competitive business. Their always upbeat demeanor and helpfulness is extended to every customer who walks through the doors. And that attitude is exuded by every employee at Pet Food Warehouse. As ardent community advocates, the Kupfers believe in paying it forward. For example, rather than wondering why thousands of cats and dogs continue to be euthanized every year, the Kupfers decided to provide valuable floor space in their
store for shelters and rescue groups to exhibit their adoptables throughout the year. They even have a permanent cat room, Pandora’s Playroom, that continuously houses adoptable cats and kittens from Pet Pal Animal Shelter.
Healthy and Colorful – Kari Liu and Randy Hubbard at the Natura booth, makers of INNOVA dog food.
Tuff & Soft – Wendy and Steve of Tuffy Toys (above), the best dog toys on earth. Below is Steve Nicolosi of Glo-Marr, makers of some of the best smelling, all natural shampoos that are detergent and cruelty-free.
www.TheNewBarker.com
Dogs Make Every Day A Holiday.
They make us laugh. They greet us like no one else matters. And, their love comes with no strings attached. At Pet Food Warehouse, we search the country to bring you USA-made products, from food to treats to accessories. Because, like you, we want only the best for our pets. We carry more than 60 top quality brands of dog and cat food, and feature the largest selection of treats anywhere in the Bay Area. Come see why so many people have made Pet Food Warehouse a part of their pets’ lives.
Scaredy Cut Ursula Dodge
These ultra plush toys are as tough as they are adorable. Durable stitched seams. Stitched eye with no hard edges. Playful design, sizes and fabric are appealing to dogs.
%UHHG VSHFLÀF PDJQHWV DQG notecards made from original oil paintings by artist Ursula Dodge.
Takes A Licking.
Art that makes people happy.
W
Smart Leash
The Silent Home Pet Grooming Kit.
Quality barber scissors adapted to use with the hair clipper’s attachment guide. The silent hair clipper solution to trimming dogs and cats bothered by the noise.
W
W
W
Fluff And Tuff
For Safety, Peace of Mind, &RQWURO &RQÀGHQFH
It is the only retractable leash that automatically stops your dog when she or he tries to suddenly run or lunge. The SmartLeash locks quickly, safely and automatically. Come in for a demonstration.
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6155-B 18th Street North, St. Petersburg Come Visit Our Beautiful Town Plaza Shopping Center Cat Adoption Room. (18th St. and 62nd Ave. N.) Adoptables from Pet Pal 727.521.6191 www.petfoodstpete.com Animal Shelter.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN ANIMAL’S LIVES SINCE 1987. INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED.
SuperZoo 2012 in September consisted of more than 850 exhibitors displaying a dazzling array of products and services. “It is almost impossible to see everyone over a three day period,” said Susie.“So Neil and I each walked half the floor during the first two days of the show, recapping what we saw at the end of the day. On the third day, we wrote orders.” The show products were displayed by section, with names like Ingredients Row and Rodeo Drive. Nature’s Pathway hosted the latest trend to emerge in the pet industry: Holistic and Organic products. There was also Groomer’s Court featuring the latest grooming products. One of the advantages to being an independent store is that the Kupfers know their customers’ needs and wants. They also make it a priority to buy products that are sourced and made in the USA. Buying for one location also has its advantages.“It’s nice not having someone in an office somewhere else telling us what products we should be carrying.We only have to listen to our customers to know we’ll get it right,” said Susie. –Special thanks to Susie and Neil Kupfer for their rover reporting and photography at SuperZoo. Visit Pet Food Warehouse in St. Petersburg to see what new products, food and gifts the Kupfers brought in for their customers from SuperZoo. Call 727.521.6191 www.TheNewBarker.com
THE NEW BARKER 49
A New Level of Dining Ultra Line ergonomically-correct stand and bowl made from premium stainless steel with skid rubber feet and handles. Bowl and stand are usually sold seperately. Chow up.
Your Dog’s Diner – Who knew cooking for dogs could be so easy? Make fresh treats with these mixes from Your Dog’s Diner. High quality, organic and natural ingredients with simple instructions. Yum-o.
Design & Durability – Woven vinyl placemats by Chilewich. The soft colors, and the simple cut out of a dog bring understated elegance together.We’ve tested this out in a high-traffic area: stays in place, still looks brand new. Love it.
Photo courtesy of Laura Allen Studios.
Fluff & Tuff? – These adorable toys can certainly take a licking. They’re made of high-quality ultraplush fabric, that’s appealing to dogs.
Wrap it Up – Why should humans have all the fun unwrapping gifts? Pet Party Printz is one-of-a-kind pet friendly gift wrap. Playful and contemporary designs; revolutionary Rip n’ Stick edge technology creates a safe product for pets. Let ‘er rip.
The unique construction, including the thick and durable inner mesh liner, means a longerlasting toy. Have Fun. Will Travel.
Reduce Your Carbon Pawprint. 100% certified organic cotton short-sleeve T’s, steeped in eco-goodness. Printed with earth-safe, phthalate free inks. One can never have too many (meaningful) white shirts.
In Dog We Trust – Reversible banners with multiple pattern combinations for dogs. Cool t-shirts for humans. Available at Fluffy Puppies, Clearwater; Pet Food Warehouse, St. Petersburg.
i want more toys, more treats, more food. (more toys.)
Scents & Sensibility – Decorative breed specific tins filled with all natural soy wax, hand poured in the USA.The fragrant candles are eco-friendly, pure burning. Fill the air in your home with holiday fragrances. Pup-permint Candy anyone? 50 THE NEW BARKER
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The Enlightened Hound... Inspirational word art and prints. Perfect for any dog and art lover on your gift giving list. Typographic prints inspired by Wild West posters, artist Debbie Kendall hand-carves the letters onto lino printing plates to create these beautifully quirky prints and greeting cards.
WHERE TO BUY GUIDE. Dog Mania & Cats, Dade City - 352.457.9616 Fluffy Puppies, Clearwater - 727.446.7999 Gone to the Dogs, St. Pete Beach - 727.363.3200 Groovy Cats & Dogs,Tampa - 813.265.1333 One Lucky Dog, St. Petersburg - 727.527.5825 Paw Paws Pet Boutique, Madeira Beach - 727.329.8789 Pawsitively Posh Pooch, St. Petersburg - 727.892.9303 Pet Food Warehouse, St. Petersburg - 727.521.6191 Pet Supplies Plus, Pinellas Park & Clearwater 727.541.1199/727.726.5544 The Doggie Door,Winter Park - 407.644.2969 Wet Noses Boutique, Sarasota - 941.388.3647
Finally, Allergy Free Chews. Organic, natural, a renewable resource, sourced in the United States. Gathered from animals that were not harmed in any way. And now, they’re available for Florida dogs.
Two Bags in One – Handcrafted in the USA, this soft and sturdy cotton canvas bag is a classic. Featuring studded expandable sides, faux leather trim and leashstyle clips on the handles. Reverses to a taupe linen stripe. So, your dog doesn’t play with balls? Try the Mazee puzzle toy. Clearly engaging, clearly rewarding and clearly fun. Fill it with your dog’s favorite treats, and your dog is ready for some long-lasting playtime. Non-toxic, recyclable and made in the USA.
The country gentlemen meets the beachcomber. A whimsical design familiar to those who frequent St. Pete Beach. Collars & leashes in various sizes at Gone to the Dogs. www.TheNewBarker.com
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books, movies & music SLOW DOWN AND TAKE THE TIME TO SNUGGLE UP WITH YOUR CANINE COMPANION. REACH FOR A GOOD BOOK OR PLUG INTO A MOVIE ABOUT DOGS AND ENJOY THE MOMENT.
Picture This by Jacqueline Sheehan is the third book read and reviewed by The New Barker. We enjoyed it just as much as her first bestseller, Lost & Found, one of our favorite books. The second book we reviewed by Sheehan, Now & Then, is the story of a remarkable journey involving one big dog, Madigan, an Irish Wolfhound and a wonderful cast of characters. Picture This is actually the sequel to her bestseller, Lost & Found. But you needn’t read Lost & Found (which has been optioned for film by the actress Katherine Keigl) to enjoy Sheehan’s latest book. Like the two previous books we reviewed, Sheehan writes about love, heartbreak, inner strength and the courage to restore and rebuild. Rocky Pellegrino, the book’s heroine, lives on an idyllic spot, Peaks Island just off the coast of southern Maine. She works at what seems to be the perfect job for her, as the animal control warden. As with the storylines in her first two books, this one is a mystery, with several plots that will eventually lead to an amazing ending. Sheehan’s training in psychology is certainly integral to her writing, especially in understanding motivation, she says, which is at the core of character development. Her descriptions of people, animals, Peaks Island and even the houses, are as alive and robust as if watching them unfold on stage. Rocky had at first bristled at the wet-dog smell that filled the rental cottage. Eight months after she found him, however, he had come to smell of ocean, sand, muscle, sheer joy, contentment, his huge black lab smile, his fangs that glistened with happy dog saliva; it all mixed to fill the house with the breath of love. From Picture This by Jacqueline Sheehan, PH.D. HarperCollins, Publishers
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Rocky’s constant companion is a Black Lab named Cooper. They protect and support one another, and Sheehan provides knowing insight on the special relationship shared by Rocky and Cooper. It’s a description that every dog lover is familiar with. “You don’t have to make choices like this,” Rocky says to Cooper. “As much as you might disagree, I can’t stay in the almighty now, every single minute like you do. I know, you’re the dog, and you are constantly rejoicing.” Yes, dogs remind us of the importance of living in the now, not only for our health and well-being, but to keep an eye out for what might be waiting for us - good or bad. By not focusing on the moment, what things could we possibly be overlooking?
Jacqueline Sheehan with Captain, the day he was auditioning for the role of Cooper for a promotional video.
Rocky is a cool, tough woman on the outside. She seems to have contentedly settled into a comfortable life, while still recovering from the sudden death of her husband, Bob some time ago. A bit guarded when it comes to love, she opens up to it, only to be hurt once again. She throws herself into renovating an old house, which to her seems haunted bittersweetly by lost love and forgotten secrets.The house speaks to her soul, and it’s fun to discover those secrets while we live vicariously with Rocky through the home’s renovations. Then, a mysterious phone call from a young woman looking for her biological father, throws the story in to full mystery gear. Bob was Rocky’s soulmate, her true love. Could the girl possibly be Bob’s long-lost daughter? Could this be the connection Rocky has longed for, maybe even a message from Bob himself? The women in Sheehan’s books are all vulnerable but tough. They live life as it comes, and fall hard in love. Luckily, they have a dog who is forever their protector, and the one constant in all of their lives. U
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gone to the dogs I Heart Shakey J.T. O’Neil is a 35-year-old widower, who, with Chandler, his 10-year-old daughter and their devoted dog, Shakey move to Chicago to start a new life. But, in the rush of things, J.T. didn’t read the fine print on his rental agreement: No dogs allowed. J.T. thinks the only solution is to get rid of the dog. Chandler and Shakey have other plans.
Arau, and introducing Rylie Behr as Chandler. Ms. D’Angelo plays Sheila, the uptight concierge for Chicago’s premier dog kennel, Chateau Bow Wow. The music is by Plain White T’s, whose first hit single, Hey There Delilah, became an international sensation in 2007. Kevin Cooper, by the way, went to the University of South Florida (USF) before attending film school at NYU. For more information, visit the film’s website, www.IHeartShakey.com. We loved the message of I Heart Shakey and enjoyed working with the team to help promote it this year. We have DVDs of the film available to give away. Read the promo box (below) for information on how to win one.
For a free consultation, call Nina at 727-785-9963 Servicing Pinellas County for all of your pet sitting needs. Extended and overnight stays available outside of service area.
I absolutely love what I do, and will keep your pets content, comfortable and happy while you are away. I look forward to meeting you and your pets.� – Nina Perino, Pet Sitter
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www.LoveAllBeingsPetSitting.com
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Win a DVD of the movie, I Heart Shakey. To be eligible, just sign up for Weekend PupDates (which is free).Be sure to include “I Heart Shakey� in the message box. Go to www.TheNewBarker.com and click onto the Weekend PupDates link.
Frankenweenie The story was inspired by a similar real-life situation experienced by the film’s writer and director, Kevin Cooper. In 1992 he adopted Chaplin, as a puppy. After graduating from film school, Kevin decided to make that big leap from New York City to Los Angeles, and the first apartment he moved into didn’t allow dogs. As he personally admits,“Thinking more about my career and being a bit intoxicated by Hollywood, my first instinct was to get rid of my trusty, loyal mutt, Chaplin.� I Heart Shakey is the first feature film directed by Cooper, and it explores the importance of sticking together as a family, whether those family members have two legs or four. In this family-friendly film, the character of Shakey is played by Ebony, a Heinz 57 variety dog. His owner/handler, Frances Cabreena, adopted him from the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department. The Amarok Productions film also stars Steve Lemme as J.T., Steve Guttenberg, Beverly D’Angelo, Alfonso www.TheNewBarker.com
Original Oil Paintings by Marjori W. Stoll
Call Marjori to discuss your pet’s portrait. 941.552.8164 (Sarasota) www.MarjoriStoll.com | email: marjoristoll@gmail.com
Just in time for Halloween, Tim Burton’s highly anticipated remake of Frankenweenie, is a visually stunning, black and white, stop-motion animated film. Thanks to the public relations machine at Disney, The New Barker booth at the annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day was decked out with movie posters and promotional giveaways for the film. The movie is about a boy, Victor Frankenstein, and his dog, Sparky. It is an inherently weird film, but to anyone who is a Tim Burton fan, that will come as no surprise. The beautiful, technically astonishing animation is wall-to-wall eye-candy. It should be available on DVD January, 2013. THE NEW BARKER 53
IVAN, A Pound Dog’s View On Life, Love and Leashes. Author: Tim McHugh This fun and funny book is told from the perspective of a dog’s view on life. Ivan, a mixed breed with a serious underbite and other deformities, tells us his story of his family, of his beautiful Queen and of other dogs, that intersected his life, as only a Pound Dog can. What sets this book apart from other stories written in the dog’s voice, is that Ivan believes his only purpose in his life is to find out what “life’ is all about. He not only recounts funny and sad happenings to him but how they relate to his “philosophical” point of view. The best quote that Ivan uses that seems to fully embrace his thoughts on living and loving is what Thoreau once said, “We should not only be good, but be good for something.” Ivan believes that good dogs are much better than smart dogs and lived his life embodying that simple statement. A lighthearted and enjoyable read.
Little Boy Blue, A Pupppy’s Rescue From Death Row and His Owner’s Journey For Truth. Author: Kim Kavin A somber and detailed description of one woman’s journey to uncover the truth about her puppy’s roots. Kim Kavin, author, begins by describing the history of her family and how their love of dogs has always been an integral part of her life. Once Kim is married and the family has moved into their dream home, it was time for her to find a puppy for her older, much loved dog. Armed with internet websites – specifically, Petfinder – she finds the perfect puppy. From that point on, the story continues like a spider weaving its web. From one source to another, finally leading up to how she had rescued her puppy, Blue, from the gas chamber shelter where only one in twenty make it out alive. This story is not for the faint-hearted; it exposes the brutal ongoing reality inside some of this country’s cruel taxpayer-funded shelters, the gas chamber shelters. Books read and reviewed by Karen Forcade. 54 THE NEW BARKER
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Aye Chihuahua, Viva La Fiesta.
If home is where the heart is, my best friends are there.
Newly Renovated and Truly Pet Friendly Apartments Ceramic Tile Floors, New Appliances, Central Heat and Air, Ceiling Fans in All Rooms, New Windows, Screened Porches, Washer/Dryer Hook Ups, Central Locations, Great Neighborhoods, Private Fenced Yards
Sandra Barnes (left) holding her dog, Brianna, with her mom, Mary Meinke of Princess Designs. Photograph by Debbie Flamboe.
FIDO FASHION, FILM, AND FLORIDA. Fans of the Beverly Hills Chihuahua movies could hardly wait for Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva la Fiesta, especially the Chihuahua’s of Tampa Bay meet-up group. They had a personal connection to the movie via one of the costumes featured in the film. Mary Meinke of Princess Designs in Michigan and Sandra Barnes of Chicka-Bow-Wow in Florida, are a mother/daughter design team. Many of their designs feature fabric and accessories from vintage clothing (think Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior,Yves Saint Laurent). Hand-stitched and hand painted, their pieces are one-of-a-kind. Mary’s Quinceanera Dress is no exception. It was made from her neighbor’s 1980’s era Pretty in Pink prom dress, with a fabric that is no longer available, making it truly unique. Someone from Disney spotted the dress online, contacted Mary and asked if she would create a duplicate, altered to fit a “principal character” in the film.There was no guarantee the piece would even be used, until someone saw the movie’s trailer. Rosa, one of the dog stars of Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3:Viva la Fiesta, was wearing the Quinceanera Dress, much to the surprise and excitement of both Sandra and Mary. St. Petersburg dog boutique, Pawsitively Posh Pooch hosted a fiesta celebrating the dress, and the film’s release.The store was festively decorated, including movie posters and stickers provided by The New Barker. A copy of the dress was raffled off during the evening. Proceeds benefited Pet Pal Animal Shelter and the Chihuahua’s of The Tampa Bay Area 911 fund. Special thanks to Lynne Tonte and Debbie Flamboe for covering the event for The New Barker. www.TheNewBarker.com
We Have No Size, Breed or Quantity Restrictions on Pets. No Pet Fees.
All Apartments are Separately Metered for Electric, Water/Sewer/Trash.
Call today to view 727.785.1028 www.PetFriendlyPinellasApartments.com We believe in the adoption of pets. Please adopt one, until there are none.
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The staff at the veterinary hospital braced themselves behind the desk. Across the lobby they watched as a couple scrutinized the invoice’s contents for their dog’s medical treatment.Their dog, who had been diagnosed with renal cancer, had just undergone a successful yet grueling surgical procedure to remove her cancerous kidney, and part of her adrenal gland. She was still in recovery, under close watch. The office manager was prepared to explain the bill, but Dr. Nick Bacon, the surgical oncologist, walked towards Lisa and Harry Posin instead. As Harry pointed to the bill, he remarked, “Dr. Bacon, I think there must be some mistake with the bill.” So Dr. Bacon graciously began the task of going over each item on the bill, line by line. Afterwards, Harry pressed on,“But doctor, the bill is too low. Is your fee in here? Dr. Bacon exhaled. Suddenly, the weariness from the surgery washed away, as he assured Harry that indeed his fee was part of the bill. Thus began a warm and mutually rewarding relationship between Dr. Bacon, the Posins, Olive their beloved Maltese, and the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.
Olive’s Way BECAUSE OF YOU.
Olive Posin, co-founder of Olive’s Way, a foundation set up by her humans to raise money for the oncology unit at the University of Florida Veterinary College of Medicine.
Olive’s Way. A Love Story. Olive was three when Lisa and Harry noticed something was not right. Their always alert and energetic dog had been lethargic for several days, and her eyes appeared puffy. They took her to their family veterinary clinic in Boca Raton where she was diagnosed with conjunctivitis, and subsequently treated with steroids. But Olive’s condition wasn’t improving. In fact, while Lisa’s mom, Marie McCarron was babysitting Olive, she observed that Olive seemed to be getting worse. Marie drove Olive to the veterinary clinic, stormed the office and firmly requested,“I want to see the records for my granddaughter.”
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It turns out, no blood work had ever been done on Olive to confirm, or pinpoint the origin of her illness. Lisa flew back from New York immediately, and took Olive to her mother’s veterinarian in Boynton Beach. “When the doctor came out of the exam room, holding Olive in his arms, I knew right away by the look on his face that something was terribly wrong,”said Lisa. “I called Harry and asked him to please come over, right away. And then, for some reason, when I hung up the phone, I just walked out of the clinic’s lobby, holding tightly onto Olive’s little sweater. I just walked and walked for, I don’t know how many miles. When a car pulled up alongside me, I turned to see it was Harry. He was holding Olive, and I could tell he had been crying.” “Olive has cancer,” Harry told Lisa. “We’ll get her the best treatment available,” he assured her. The Posins immediately took Olive to a specialty hospital in Coral Springs to see Dr. Morales. From what she had been told by Marie's veterinarian, Dr. Morales initially thought to herself that there was little hope for Olive. She would make sure Olive was comfortable until the Posins were ready to let her go. But the tests that Dr. Morales ran revealed a glimmer of hope. The cancer was encapsulated, and if removed immediately, Olive might stand a good chance of living. When the Posins asked Dr. Morales where they should go for the surgery, she immediately recommended the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Lisa looked at Harry, and then at Dr. Morales and said, “I don’t think you understand, Dr. Morales. We’ll take Olive anywhere in the world to ensure that she receives the best possible treatment and care.” Without a blink of an eye, Dr. Morales gently answered, “Well, then, you’ll be taking Olive to the University of Florida, of course.” While Lisa, her mom and Olive traveled to Gainesville by plane that same afternoon, Dr. Morales was already on the phone with Dr. Nick Bacon, head of the Oncology Unit at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Harry would fly up later that evening. What makes the UF College of 58 THE NEW BARKER
Veterinary Medicine so special is the team approach taken with each patient to reach a diagnosis and recommend the subsequent care. For one consultation fee, the patient is seen by an entire team of specialists in one location. It is often a profound savings in cost, and certainly a savings in time, as all tests, procedures and specialists are contained on one campus. Once in the system, a family is gently guided throughout the various processes by the team, while being provided thorough explanations and assurances along the way.
A year after her surgery, Olive is with Lisa Posin’s mother, Marie McCarron during the very first fundraiser for Olive’s Way.
Dr. Bacon explained the bell curve of Olive’s diagnosis and prognosis to Lisa and Marie. She could live another 16 months if the surgery was successful, he told them. As reassuring as the entire team in the room was being, Lisa was still consumed with fear and utter sadness at the realization that Olive could actually die.A young woman on Olive’s team, sitting next to Lisa, took her hand and said, “We’re here to help you, any way we can.” Suddenly, Lisa looked around and became acutely aware of her surroundings. “I felt as if I was in the most amazing place, with the most amazing people,” said Lisa. “The positive energy within that whole environment made me feel hopeful, and I realized at that moment, anything was possible.” Several times during the nearly six hour surgery the following morning, the Posin’s were given updates on Olive’s
condition. Afterwards, Dr. Bacon, who had performed the surgery, sat with the Posins for about an hour to further discuss Olive’s condition with them. 24 hours after the surgery, the Posins were able to peek in on Olive.“It was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen in my life,” said Lisa,“She was swaddled up, and with her pretty bright eyes looking at me, I just knew she was going to be okay.” Convinced that the bill was correct, but not completely satisfied, Harry asked Dr. Bacon, “How much money is raised each year for the oncology unit?” Surprisingly, on average, only $10,000 in donations came in sporadically each year by humans whose animals’ lives had been touched by the College of Veterinary Medicine.“They were making due with what they had,” said Lisa. The Posins, who had together already decided they would make a donation to the oncology unit for their efforts in having saved Olive’s life, decided that they also wanted to create a vehicle to raise even more money specifically for the Oncology Unit. Through this foundation, all of the money raised would go to help develop more research programs, purchase state-of-the-art equipment and fund in whole or part, an internship, a residency in medical oncology, and a fellowship in surgical oncology. “Harry named the foundation Olive’s Way to show that this would be the way, a beacon of hope for those pets suffering with cancer. Because with hope, as I already know, anything is possible,” said Lisa. In 2008, a year after Olive’s surgery, the first fundraiser was held at the Boca Raton Resort and Club, raising an astounding $320,000. Olive attended, as did Dr. Bacon. “Once people knew of the wonderful work taking place at the University, they immediately wanted to help by making donations to the foundation. They had just never realized that their help was needed to keep the College of Veterinary Medicine viable and growing,” said Lisa. “Due to the severity of Olive’s illness and the complex nature of the surgery,” Harry strongly believes,“had it not been for the skilled oncology team at the University of Florida, we would likely have lost Olive on the operating table.” www.TheNewBarker.com
The oncology service at the College of Veterinary Medicine has grown from a single clinician in 2002 to the largest training center for veterinary oncologists
Lily Posin, dressed in her Pink for the Cure outfit, is now an ambassador for Olive’s Way.
in the Southeastern United States. In 2010, the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida opened a new hospital with 100,000 square feet dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of veterinary patients. Today, the University of Florida is one of only two centers in the world to train veterinarians in cancer surgery in a post-residency program. Olive's Way has helped to make all of this possible. Olive defied the odds and lived another four years after her surgery. “They were four good years too,” said Lisa, who can still vividly recall the day it was time to let Olive go. “I was lying in bed with her face on my face. Harry was looking at us with tears in his eyes, waiting to take her. That precise moment in time always comes back to me whenever I see anyone else in pain. I still miss her dearly, and telling her story allows me to get back in touch with her. I never want to lose sight of her, and I can be completely re-charged just by seeing a picture of her.” Dr. Bacon changed the Posin’s lives, and they changed his. As a result, he has changed the whole landscape of the oncology department at the University. “Even though cancer is such a horrible subject, we are on the hopeful side of it, thanks to Olive’s Way, and the Oncology Department at the University of Florida,” said Lisa. Continued on the following page www.TheNewBarker.com
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Dr. Nicholas Bacon, Chief of Oncology at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Imparato Endowed-term Professor in Surgical Oncology, and Director of Olive’s Way: “From Olive, we all learned that somebody has to be in that 10%, and at that point, to take nothing for granted. We learned about the potential to succeed. I wish we knew how to make all cancer patients live as long as Olive did. Today, we have more options available to us as a result of Olive’s Way. It’s all about knowing what works, and then we educate (the pet owners) so that they feel more in control of what feels like an out-of-control situation to them.” Dr. Bacon, shown left, and right with Melanie Gonzmart. The Gonzmart’s family dog, Rusty sits on the Oncology Board of Directors, alongside Olive (top photo).
Dr. Kelvin Kow, an oncologist and Clinical Assistant Professor was also part of Olive’s team. “We worked on finding options that would work for Olive, and she did tremendously well. We provided an almost advisory position to Coral Springs Animal Hospital while Olive was undergoing chemo there. She lived her life with cancer more than without it. And the important thing to remember is her quality of life during her life with cancer was good.” “This is the world in which we live, here at the University, dealing with issues that will eventually end a patient’s life. It is always sad. But with each patient, we learn something new. Olive’s impact on all of us was tremendous. First, she gave us a chance to form an amazing human bond with the Posins. The sense of loss from her death was felt by all of us because she was the connection that brought us all together. The silver lining is that, through Olive, many other lives, human and animal, have been, and will continue to be positively affected. We could not continue to do what we do here without the support of people like the Posins and our other donors. We compete against oncologists who treat humans for the same piece of pie in funding and grant money.” Dr. Kelvin Kow (top left in photo) examines a dog.
The roles of the doctors at the University’s School of Veterinary Medicine are multifaceted. Long hours are pretty typical. In addition to treating patients, the doctors are doing research and teaching classes. “It is rewarding to be working with these animals. They deal with and respond to treatment differently than humans,” said Dr. Kow, “It’s also very fun to be part of a team of like-minded people. The team approach is very prevalent here.” Dr. Kow also wanted to emphasize that the team approach extends beyond the School of Veterinary Medicine to the veterinary practitioner. “They’re on the front lines, dealing with these complexities on a day-to-day basis. We receive a lot of referrals from primary care veterinarians. They are our clients just as much as our patients are.” 60 THE NEW BARKER
Dr. Christine Fahey, who trained at Cornell University, became the first recipient of Olive's Way Internship in Oncology in 2009. The following year she was supported by the Fund to embark on a residency in Medical Oncology. In 2012 she became Chief Resident in Oncology at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Christine Fahey.
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Guido Salas and three of the family's five Schnauzers. “Four of the five have been adopted from shelters,” Mr. Salas told us. The family travels from DeLand to Gainesville regularly now. “The Veterinary School of Medicine has become our primary care for the dogs,” said Mr. Salas. The dogs, Tonicek, Julinka, Joseph, Frantisek and Jenisek range in ages from three to eleven. “We have changed our total lifestyle for these dogs,” said Mr. Salas, smiling. “We replaced all the carpeting with tile, and installed a half acre of fencing around the property,” he added.
Jessi, from Belleair, was at the Veterinary School of Medicine with her human Erin, who told us, "We have been bringing all of our family dogs here since 2006 for their primary care. Jessi absolutely loves coming here." For more information on Olive’s Way, visit www.OlivesWay.com For more information on the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine call 352.294.4256 or visit www.SmallAnimal.vethospital.ufl.edu Watch for details on a 2013 Wine Dinner Fundraiser for Olive’s Way, co-hosted by Columbia Restaurant and The New Barker.
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The Trilogy Radiotherapy Unit is one of the most advanced pieces of radiation equipment in the world. It offers a non-invasive treatment option for tumors in the brain or other critical anatomy. It can also treat small lesions using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), delivered in a single treatment. “A more precise radiation treatment, and one anesthesia event versus a multiple series,” said Lyndsay Kubicek, Clinical Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology. “We also collaborate with the McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida.” The McKnight Brain Institute is one of the nation’s most comprehensive and technologically advanced centers devoted to discovering how the normal (human) brain operates in order to facilitate repair of the brain following injury or disease. “I will go over there, and they will often come over here. We exchange information.”
Waldo loves coming here. The lobby of the new University of Florida Veterinary School of Medicine was designed so as not to feel anything like a hospital, veterinary or otherwise. The most unique aspect to the design is the amount of natural light everywhere. It feels much more like the lobby of a five star hotel. There are live plants, and commissioned artwork everywhere, with modern comfortable furniture throughout. Every staff member, from those at the front desk to the doctors, interns and technicians throughout the facility are ready with a smile, making sure every guest has been acknowledged, are comfortable and well taken care of.
Sweetie, receiving her second chemotherapy treatment. With her are vet tech Kevin Guzman, and oncology tech Sarah Mountain. Chemotherapy treatment is not done as aggressively on dogs as it is on humans, so dogs tend to tolerate it better. Dogs generally don't lose their fur, for example, as humans do their hair during treatment. "Chemo is not a really stressful experience for the dogs," noted Sarah. U THE NEW BARKER 61
I Love Lucy. And She Loves Me. –by Anna Cooke
Lymphoma is one of the most common types of cancer in dogs. While the survival rate with many of the current treatments is extremely low, about zero to two percent, the cure rate for dogs who have received a bone marrow transplant is at least 30 percent. That is according to Dr. Steven Suter, assistant professor of oncology at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “We have seen from human medicine that peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, in conjunction with chemotherapy, has raised human survival rates considerably,” said Dr. Suter. 13-year-old Jaime Waryga and her new puppy Lucy, a PON, were spectators at the Florida Classic Clusters All Breed Dog Show in Brooksville when we first met them in 2007. Jaime was being raised by her grandparents, Dorisann and Edward Waryga. The Warygas discovered their granddaughter’s patience with dogs as they watched her train and work with Barkley, a Jack Russell Terrier. Dorisann thought that perhaps getting Jaime interested in showing dogs would help encourage responsibility while rewarding sportsmanship and hard work. But after the death of their beloved Lhasa Apso, Chopstix, Edward was reluctant to bring another dog into the household, especially with the challenges of raising a young granddaughter. Dorisann believed otherwise and silently went about doing some research. She scoured breed-specific dog magazines and found the one dog she knew Edward, of Polish descent, could not say no to: the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, better known by its native name, Polski Owczarek Nizinny, or PON. According to the American Kennel Club, the PON descended from the coated working dogs developed in Central Asia, including the Tibetan Terrier and Lhasa Apso.The PON has been known in Poland since before the 16th century, where they were used for herding and guarding flocks. 62 THE NEW BARKER
Jaime and her dog, Lucy. Photo taken April, 2011 by Anna Cooke.
Intelligent, precocious and adorably cute, what was not to love about Lucy, the ultimate shaggy dog? And to sweeten the deal, it turned out that Lucy was from Gdansk, Poland, Edward’s hometown. And so it was that shortly after Brooksville’s Florida Classic Clusters, where we were first introduced to the Warygas, Jaime participated in her first dog show—the 2007 Palm Beach Dog Fanciers Show—with a PON named Lucy. Lucy had just turned one, and Jaime, at age 14, participated as a junior handler and the youngest member of the PON Fanciers Club. More important than being a champion at such a young age, Lucy was Jaime’s constant companion. As the two of them were playing one afternoon, Jaime noticed red spots on Lucy, and felt a lump.Tests confirmed their worst fears: Lymphoma. Chemotherapy was immediately scheduled to take place at Florida Veterinary Specialists in Tampa (now
BluePearl Veterinary Partners). “Whenever there is a maybe in something, I always try to think of the positive maybe,” said Jaime. “I just knew Lucy would be alright.” Of course, the Warygas had fallen in love with Lucy, and they determined they would do whatever it took to ensure her good health. Not only was Lucy part of the family, but she had truly helped their granddaughter during a difficult time of her youth. Indeed, a child who at one time was at risk of becoming withdrawn, was now a thoughtful and confident young woman. “My career goal is to become a psychiatrist in the military,” Jaime told us. She also has a wonderful sense of humor. “When I come home from school, I yell, ‘Lucy, I'm home!’ like Ricky did in I Love Lucy. I would love to have another PON, and name him Ricky,” smiled Jaime as she cuddled with Lucy. “I believe God put animals on earth to love us, to give us comfort and to be a friend to us when others cannot or will not. Lucy convinced me of this. God gave us dogs as blessings or gifts, and we should be forever thankful for them,” said Dorisann. The Warygas found out about a new bone marrow transplant (BMT) procedure being offered by the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, specifically for dogs suffering from lymphoma. In addition to the high cost of the treatment, driving between Central Florida and Raleigh, North Carolina (a 12 hour trip each way) took a physical and emotional toll on the family. But they were determined to see Lucy through this and have her healthy once again. The procedure uses leukaphoresis machines, donated by the Mayo Clinic, that are designed to harvest healthy stem cells from the peripheral blood of the patient. Continued
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The machines are used in conjunction with drug therapy to harvest stem cells that have left the patient’s bone marrow and entered the bloodstream. The harvested cancer-free cells are then reintroduced into the patient after total body radiation has been used to kill residual cancer cells left in the body.The harvesting procedure takes six hours, and Lucy would remain in the hospital for two weeks following the painless procedure. But, Lucy was a very sick girl. In early May, 2011, after returning from Raleigh, North Carolina where they had left Lucy to begin radiation and the BMT, Dorisann received a call from Dr. Jennifer Wilcox at NCSU. They would need to remove Lucy’s uterus, which was very infected. Her bone marrow would be harvested, then frozen until Lucy was healthy enough for the transplant. Lucy remained in ICU for five days after the surgery to remove her uterus. The Warygas brought her home later that month, under strict doctors’ orders for lots of bed rest in order to get her strong enough for radiation treatments and the BMT. On May 31, Lucy returned to North Carolina State University for the procedure. Again, the Warygas, weary from the trip, were understandably concerned about leaving Lucy behind.“She did not understand why we were leaving her,” said Dorisann. As heartbreaking as it was, it just was not feasible for them to remain in Raleigh over a two-week period. On June 1, Dorisann received a call from Dr.Wilcox. Lucy, she said, was doing fine following the BMT procedure, and was now awake, looking for something to eat. “That’s our girl,” said Dorisann to the doctor. She said they all laughed with relief, and joked with one another that if Lucy didn’t come home soon, they would all gain weight.“It was the first time since Lucy had come to live with us that we were able to eat a whole meal without her around, staring us down for tidbits,” said Dorisann. They returned to Raleigh the week of June 14 to pick up Lucy. Thanks to Lucy’s own body, her recovery from the BMT was exactly what the doctors were looking for. Remaining in semi-isolation for about two weeks, her immune system recovered and the stem cells began to regenerate. She was cancer-free, but that did not mean the recovery process was complete. Lucy suffered from fur loss and was highly fatigued. It was important, once she was home, that she receive plenty of rest to regain her strength. To understand why BMT is so useful in cancer treatment, it is helpful to understand how chemotherapy and radiation therapy work. As explained by the National Cancer Institute, “Chemotherapy and radiation therapy generally affect cells that divide rapidly. Cancer cells divide more often than most healthy cells. However, because bone marrow cells also divide frequently, high-dose treatments can severely damage or destroy the patient’s bone marrow. Without healthy bone marrow, the patient may not be able to make the blood cells needed to carry www.TheNewBarker.com
oxygen, fight infection, and prevent bleeding.” To qualify for a BMT, dogs must be diagnosed with either B-cell or T-cell lymphoma. Dogs who have serious pre-existing conditions such as Cushing’s Disease, kidney or heart disease are not good candidates. The BMT process would most likely put undue stress on their system, creating an unacceptably high risk. It wasn’t too long ago that a dog diagnosed with lymphoma had little hope for survival. Chemotherapy protocols offered little promise of long term treatment success, with rates of less than two percent, and remission times lasting on average just over 12 months. But bone marrow transplant is hopefully changing those odds. Almost 17 months after Lucy had her BMT, she is doing fine. There was a scare last December when she was diagnosed with kidney failure. But through utter determination by the Warygas, with careful attention to diet, Lucy’s health improved. She recently had her annual check up, and everything checked out just fine. “Lucy is a cancer survivor, and we’ll all be wearing our pink ribbons in November during the dog show,” said Dorisann. U No doubt, the cost of a bone marrow transplant for dogs is expensive, between $16,000 and $25,000. For humans, the cost for a BMT is between $100,000 and $250,000, requiring up to six months of hospitalization and care. While the goal is to reduce treatment costs for dogs to under $10,000, that still represents a lot of money for most families, even if pet insurance covers a portion of it. Angel, a Carolina Yellow Dog, was the 15th recipient of a bone marrow transplant at NCSU. Coming up with that kind of money in just a few months was a daunting task for Kristie and Johnny Sullens. To help raise money for Angel's treatment, the Sullens set up a website called Save-An-Angel.org, and worked tirelessly to raise the $16,000 needed for her transplant. Motivated by the many dedicated pet owners facing similar situations they encountered along the way, the Sullens decided to turn Save-An-Angel into a full-fledged non-profit organization. Today, the foundation helps educate and provide financial assistance to those whose dog might benefit from a bone marrow transplant. Dorisann communicated with the foundation via Facebook during the course of Lucy's treatment. For more information, visit www.Save-An-Angel.org Frankie's Friends Charitable Pet Foundation, named in honor of the DeBartolo family's cherished Greyhound, was organized in part, to financially assist families whose pets need to receive lifesaving treatments. For more information, visit www.FrankiesFriends.com of call 888.465.PETS. Rescue: Central Florida Pon Fanciers Club also rescues, fosters and re-homes PONS. Contact Rescue Chairperson, Bill Gilchrist at president@floridaponfanciers.org
Y
THE NEW BARKER 63
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On The Scent. Tampa Bay Area company is developing revolutionary new treatments for cancer in dogs and horses.
Doug Langston takes a break at his Sarasota home with his horse, Bennie, Border Collie, Bodhi, and Archie, a Border Collie mix. Photograph by Anna Cooke.
Veterinary Oncology Services is a subsidiary of Morphogenesis that assists veterinarians in providing a nontoxic alternative to chemotherapy and radiation therapies.The innovative cancer research being conducted by Morphogenesis in Tampa is harnessing the power of cells as tools and using those cells as therapies in which to treat canine cancer.The cancer vaccine utilizes the body’s own natural immune response to fight cancer. As explained to us by Pat Lawman, Chief Executive www.TheNewBarker.com
Officer of Morphogenesis, “Bacterial infections typically evoke a strong immune response because the body’s immune system recognizes them as foreign. However, cancer cells do not normally evoke an immune response that is effective in preventing the formation of tumors, or in clearing established tumors. By acting as an initiator or priming antigen, the ImmuneFx vaccine we’ve developed maximizes the powerful potential of a “foreign” antigen rather than depending on the tumor to stimContinued g ulate an immune cascade.” THE NEW BARKER 65
Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that the vaccine can treat cancers which have up until now been untreatable with traditional therapies. What’s more, the ImmuneFx vaccine, a patented proteinbased therapy for fighting cancer, is without toxic side effects. In clinical veterinary trials, the safety and effectiveness of ImmuneFx in treating lymphoma in dogs was confirmed. To put it simply, Morphogenesis grows the cancer cells that fight off the cancer already growing within the affected dog’s body. But these aren’t just any cancer cells. The cells are taken from the dog affected with cancer through a biopsy conducted by the family veterinarian. The cells are then transported to the Morphogenesis lab, where in a few weeks, new cells will have grown. There are 10 million cells per dose needed. Those cells make up the vaccine that will be injected back into the dog, again by the family veterinarian. The treatment involves eight injections, starting at every two weeks and working up to once a month until treatment is completed. Ostensibly what occurs is the vaccine causes the cancer cells to be identified by the body’s own immune system, alerting it to attack and get rid of the cancer cells.
Dr. Elizabeth Brown of West Coast Veterinary Center and Braden River Equine, Sarasota with Strawberry Joe. Photograph by Anna Cooke. 66 THE NEW BARKER
IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR JAXSON, A 10-YEAR-OLD SHELTIE, stopped eating, showed signs of lethargy and had blood in his urine. He had already had a bout of bladder stones a year or so ago, said his family veterinarian, Dr. James Barrie with Sunshine Animal Hospital in Tampa. But x-rays revealed no stones. A biopsy revealed cancer cells in the urine. Jaxson was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma, a very invasive form of cancer with malignant tumors of the lower urinary tract. It is the most common malignancy, usually involving the bladder and/or the urethra.Affected dogs tend be older and smaller. Dr. Barrie’s concern was that the cancer could spread to Jaxson’s lymph nodes.The first method of treatment made Jaxson sick. “He just could not tolerate the drug, so we had to look for other options.” said Dr. Barrie. Unfortunately, chemotherapy would not be one of those options. “I met Jaxson when he was just three weeks old,” said his human, Sandy Soto. “I brought him home at eight weeks old, just in time for Valentine’s Day, and we’ve been together ever since. When Jaxson couldn’t tolerate the drug we hoped would help him, I was just praying that some alternative treatment would appear.” In a classic case of connections, and friends helping friends by simply inquiring how one is doing, an alternative treatment was available. “My friends and co-workers at HSN knew that my mother had been ill, and that I was caring for her. One day, when I was not at work, someone asked someone else how mom was doing. Someone else mentioned that Jaxson had cancer. Someone in that room knew someone else who worked with the folks at Morphogenesis, and had them contact me,” said Sandy. Jaxson has been a patient of Dr. Barrie’s since he was around two years old. "I feel very fortunate to have known him and his owner, Sandy. So, when she asked me about the treatment available through Morphogenesis, I was completely open to it,” said Dr. Barrie. Another biopsy was done to remove some cancerous cells from Jaxson’s bladder. Generally it takes a week to two weeks to grow the cells from the biopsied
Dr. James Barrie of Sunshine Animal Hospital, Tampa,Sandy Soto and her dog, Jaxson. Photograph by Anna Cooke
cells, but in Jaxson’s case it took three weeks.The vile was delivered to Sunshine Animal Hospital and on June 27, Jaxson received his first injection.When we met Jaxson in October, he looked wonderful. Beautiful, shiny coat, clear eyes and alert and definitely having a good time with all of the attention. He has two more treatments to go, and his prognosis looks good. “Jaxson has done really well with these treatments. And I’m convinced that we would like to pursue this type of treatment option with other patients who have cancer,” Dr. Barrie told us. BENNIE IS A 20-YEAR-OLD QUARTER HORSE WITH SOME ARABIAN MIX. The life expectancy of a horse is around 25 to 30 years. Bennie’s owner, Doug Langston told us, “Arabian horses are susceptible to skin cancer. When we adopted Bennie at eight years of age, he already had tumors. Then, about four years ago, the tumors became more severe and began multiplying.” Doug went on to explain that the type of melanoma that Bennie has starts out as external, and then turns inward, attaching itself to vital organs. “Which is ultimately what will kill Bennie,” said Doug. www.TheNewBarker.com
Dr. Elizabeth Brown of West Coast Veterinary Center and Braden River Equine in Sarasota, is Bennie’s veterinarian.The treatment administered on Bennie worked well for about a year. “At that point, it seemed as if there was nothing more we could do for Bennie, except to make him comfortable,” said Doug. But, Dr. Brown had just heard about Morphogenesis and their interest in doing a study on horses. She wanted them to use Bennie as their first horse case study, and the Langston family agreed with her recommendation. Eight months ago Bennie was practically at death’s door, as Doug describes. When we visited Bennie’s home in October, the tumors that had riddled his body were gone, save for one or two. “He has come a long way, thanks to Dr. Brown’s suggestion that we try the experimental treatment,” said Doug. “What’s also significant here is that we didn’t have to do surgery on Bennie. Today, we are all optimistic about Bennie’s condition. He is not cancer-free. But, the cancer is indeed regressing, not progressing,” said Dr. Brown. The lives of these companion animals have been greatly improved, thanks in part to the open-mindedness of their family veterinarians, and the willingness of their owners. The hope is that if this therapy can favorably treat animals, it will eventually be accepted as a treatment for humans. And perhaps, aid in finding that elusive cure for cancer. U
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For more information on Morphogenesis, and
service, please contact Steven Hazel, Director of Business Development, Veterinary Oncology Services. 727.560.1260. www.veterinaryoncologyservices.com To see the live interviews of our visits with Jaxson and Bennie, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/MorphogenesisInc filmed and edited by A Media Marketing.
The following is a short list of veterinarians currently working with Morphogenesis: Dr. James Barrie, Tampa Sunshine Animal Hospital ~ 813.885.7071 Dr. Elizabeth Brown, Sarasota West Coast Veterinary Center, Braden River Equine, Sarasota ~ 941.925.2262 Dr. Eddie Garcia, Tampa Veterinary Medical Clinic ~ 813.289.4086 Dr. Kenneth Newman, Seminole Care Animal Hospital ~ 727.954.3994
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Photograph by Anna Cooke
How do we fall so deeply in love with these creatures? What is this power dogs have had over us since they first became domesticated? Many scholars think that dogs descend from wolves who gathered near the camps of semi-sedentary hunter-gatherers some 10,000 years ago. “The process,” says University of Victoria zooarchaeologist Susan Crockford, “was probably driven by the animal themselves. I don’t think they were deliberately tamed; they basically domesticated themselves.” Smaller wolves were probably more fearless and curious than the larger, more dominant ones, and so the less aggressive wolves became more successful at living in close proximity to humans. “I think they also came to have a spiritual role,” says Crockford. “Dog burials are firm evidence of that. Later, perhaps they became valued as sentries. Their role as magical creatures was probably very important in the early days of the dog-human relationship. Evidence for humans’ love of dogs in the ancient world is abundant, from 68 THE NEW BARKER
Homer’s account of Argos waiting 20 years for his master to return from the Trojan War, to the careful burials of cherished pets all over the world. Archaeological evidence has proven time and again that our love of dogs is not a new phenomenon and as it turns out, nor is what we do to spoil them. As we all know, dogs live for treats. Behind the Stoa of Attalos—the main public building of the ancient Athenian market—a fourthcentury grave was found containing the skeleton of a dog with a large beef bone near his head. In another find, the Chiribaya people of Peru (A.D. 900-1400) also made sure their pets had something to snack on after death. In 2006, archaeologists working in an ancient cemetery near the city of Ilo in southern Peru found the well-preserved remains of 80 dogs interspersed with the burials of about 2,000 people. Each dog had its own grave next to its owner, some were wrapped in finely woven llama-wool blankets. Many of the dogs had llama and fish bones next to their noses. The dogs, ranging in age from puppies to adults, mostly died from natural causes. Michael MacKinnon, an archaeologist from the University of Winnipeg says, “There is a great connection between humans and animals in Roman antiquity. To me, this aspect of animals garnering sentimental value and being treated like humans is a key aspect of Roman culture.” Excerpts from Archaeological Institute of America. Used with permission.Photo above: Rosie Dobies.
Lucy Had One Aim In Life: To Bestow Her Heart. Call it fate or divine intervention, but Lucy found Tom Dobies’ carport at the right time in his life. ––by Anna Cooke
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One day a little more than four years ago,Tom Dobies was pulling into his business and noticed a black dog under the carport. Their eyes met as Tom walked into his office. It was thundering and raining, so the dog remained under the carport as Tom went about planning his day at Dobies Funeral Homes and Crematory. Glancing out his window occasionally, he would notice the dog looking in. Surely, he thought, this won’t be good for business—an unknown dog hanging around outside. Tom opened his office door to shoo the dog away. Instead, as the door opened, she walked right in as if invited, and in the process, into Tom Dobies’ heart. We don’t find a dog, even when we’re hoping to adopt and bring a dog home. Dogs find us, when the time is right. Call it fate or divine intervention, but the dog happened onto that carport at the right time in Tom’s life. Having grown up in Tarpon Springs in what could be termed modest if not humble beginnings, Tom had been working tirelessly to build a thriving and successful business over the last 30 years. As other independent funeral homes sold out to large corporations,Tom grew his business into four locations in Pinellas and Pasco Counties. Reluctantly at first,Tom decided they would keep the dog until she could be placed with someone else. He took the dog to a local veterinarian to make sure she was okay, even checking for a micro-chip. He ended up naming her Lucy, and they became inseparable. Lucy hopped in the car with Tom every morning and joined him for breakfast before going to work together. She traveled with Tom, who personally called on families who had just lost a loved one. Tom noticed how Lucy seemed to bring a calmness to these situations.Adults were able to smile, children hugged her neck. Tom bought a special tag for Lucy’s collar with the engraved title of Grief Therapy Dog. They visited hospice together. www.TheNewBarker.com
“She would follow Tom, and watch what he was doing. She seemed to mimic his mannerisms,” said Pam Montana, Tom’s fiance. “And Lucy was gentle. She never once jumped up on anyone.” Tom was changing, friends, family members and colleagues observed. “I became what I would call a certified animal nut. I kept treats in my car to lure strays off the highway. Once in my car, I might grab a burger at Wendy’s for the dog, then take him to a veterinarian to be checked out,” said Tom. He would try to find their owners, or make sure they were taken care of at local shelters, by donating money and supplies. He even picked up dead dogs, and brought them back to the funeral home. “If the dog had a collar on, I would call the owner to let them know we were holding the dog.” Lucy was bringing out the best in a man who had once been so consumed with work, he had barely ever taken time off to enjoy the fruits of his labor. And, perhaps this was Lucy’s purpose in life as a dog. It had been determined that Lucy was eight years old when she stepped under that carport four years ago. Time was not on her side. One night, earlier this year, Tom and Pam heard Lucy thrashing about as she slept. They thought she was dreaming. She was actually having convulsions. An MRI would reveal that Lucy had a tumor on the front of her brain. Surgery to remove the tumor left Lucy blind in her left eye. But that didn’t make a difference to Lucy, who quickly returned to her duties at work. Several months later, Lucy began having seizures again. Her hind legs stopped working. She had to be carried outside to do her business. Tom and Pam decided it was time to let Lucy go. Picture a man in a crisply pressed white shirt, tie and suit rolling in the grass with his dogs. Something happened to Tom on that rainy day four years ago when a lost dog found her way to Dobies Funeral Home. And Tom can’t really explain it other than to say, “I guess you could say I was lost too.”This, from a man who would have been perfectly happy never owning a pet.“I had no interest and no time to have a pet,” said Tom. “But, Lucy changed me. Something I didn’t think was possible. www.TheNewBarker.com
Lucy had a funeral worthy of her celebrated life, planned by Tom Dobies. He placed an ad in the local newspaper announcing Lucy’s passing. He invited an Episcopal priest and a Baptist minister to the funeral. Lucy was placed in a Grecian solid bronze casket. Tom had memorial cards printed displaying a picture of Lucy and a prayer for animals. People came
from all over, lining up outside the funeral home. Many had never met Tom or Lucy, but were connected by the death of their own pets, many still grieving from their own loss. They thanked Tom for honoring a dog in such a way. Like-minded people comfortably gathered, without being ridiculed by having someone else tell them it was silly to have a funeral for a dog. “Lucy was a family member,” said Tom, “We were committed to her, and as long as she had the will to live, I would not give up on her. She never gave up on me.” Tom is not ready to bring another dog into his life. He and Pam have two older dogs, eight-year-old Husky, Amber and Rosie, a 13 year-old Corgi. Both were adopted. But, he added, “I wish another dog would wander up.” U
Y Homes & Crematory also offers Thomas B. Dobies Funeral
Pets at Peace, a way to celebrate pets’ lives after death. For more information, call 727.937.7555 and ask for Tom. www.DobiesFuneralHome.com
Tom Dobies, Pam Montana, Rosie and Amber pose in front of Lucy’s dog house.
To read more about the domestication of dogs, visit the Archaeological Institute of America online at www.Archaeology.org/1009/dogs/companions.
Photograph by Anna Cooke.
THE NEW BARKER 69
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Debbie Turner has combined her extensive behavioral studies of dogs, and her vast insurance experience as a designated CPCU to provide an insurance policy most homeowners are not covered for: dog bites. In the past few years, insurers have grown increasingly leery of insuring animal liability and started excluding it altogether from homeowners’ policies. Other insurers focused on excluding certain breeds from liability coverage, mistakenly assuming that by doing so would eliminate bites. Turner, who is president of Dean Insurance of Altamonte Springs, took her breakthrough research to insurance companies, pointing out the flaws in traditional underwriting assumptions and shattering myths about dangerous breeds. Convinced by her extensive data, Great American Insurance Company agreed to underwrite the Covered Canine Policy, written through the Federation of Insured Dog Owners. Inc. (F.I.D.O.). The low-cost dog bite liability insurance offers protection for dog owners in the event their dog bites an individual and causes harm. For a premium of as little as $75 annually per dog, the policy limits range from $50,000 to $100,000. No breed is excluded from the policy. There is an option available that extends coverage for attacks that occur when the dog is away from home. Turner hired a company to develop a user-friendly online quote platform where dog owners can self-rate their policy according to the dog’s breed, size and weight.The policy is currently only available in Florida. Turner is working with state insurance regulators to make the Covered Canine Policy available nationally as soon as possible. www.DogBiteQuote.com to see for yourself. 407.865.7477. www.TheNewBarker.com
Goodnight, Gracie, Wherever You Are. ––by Anna Cooke
e Which One of These Is Worth Only the Replacement Value if Damaged or Destroyed?
Barcalounger - The reclining lounge chair known for its high quality, luxurious comfort and innovative design.
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Dr. R.K. Anderson passed away in October of this year. While you may not recognize his name, you might be familiar with a product he invented—the Gentle Leader head collar. He was also a founding member of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and a mentor to many veterinarians. According to Dr. Marty Becker, R.K. was a powerful voice for pets, people and the profession of veterinary medicine. Dr. Anderson, along with Dr. Leo Bustad, spearheaded the theory of the human-animal bond. “These two gentlemen knew the importance of celebrating, protecting and nurturing this bond,” said Dr. Becker. As one of Dr. Becker’s mentors,
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Barking Lounger - The family dog, Gracie known for her unconditional love, ability to provide luxurious comfort; a one of a kind design.
R.K. taught him to “always look after and speak out for the best interests of the animal.” In the legal system, animals are protected by anticruelty laws. Owners can bequeath fortunes to them. Their fates in divorce cases no longer hinge on ‘calling’ contests, where judges award custody to whomever the dog responds to first. Still, while people refer to their pets as children,“The court system has yet to catch up,” said Karina York Sturman, a family law attorney in Los Angeles. “For the most part, our companion pets are considered property, Continued with few more rights than a lounge chair.”
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THE NEW BARKER 71
In custody battles, legal disputes can get even messier. How does the system determine who owns the dog, or whether the dog has been abandoned? These issues cropped up after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when thousands of dogs and cats were stranded on the Gulf Coast. Original owners, rescue volunteers, shelter officials and adoptive families all wanted a say in the animals’ fates. What Florida dog lover doesn’t remember the case of Master Tank, the Saint Bernard renamed Noah when he was adopted by Pam Bondi, now Florida’s attorney general? After a 16-month battle with the Louisiana family that lost the dog during Hurricane Katrina, the case was settled before it went to trial, with Bondi returning the dog to its original owners.
readily in Florida than Kenneth Newman, partly because of the tragic death of his Labrador Retriever Gracie in 2008. He and his family were returning to Florida from a North Carolina vacation on that fateful day, when he asked his wife Heidi to pull off the interstate.They were approaching the exit for the Magnolia Plantation, a gift shop and service station known for their pecans and peanuts. While there, Ken decided he’d top off the gas tank and give the dogs a walk. Their son, Dylan was in the back seat. Their dogs, Gracie and Sunshine jumped up from their positions in the rear cargo area of the station wagon to people-watch. Ken returned the dogs from their potty break and Sunshine jumped into
sort out the case, but eventually had to file a lawsuit.Two years later, an insurance company attorney looked Newman in the eye and told him that even though they were liable, he wouldn’t get any more than the $800 market value for the death of his dog. “He said pets are just property,” Ken recalls. Anger inspired him to write a memoir, Meet Me at the Rainbow Bridge, wherein he describes his lifelong connection with dogs. He also points out that in his life, and the lives of many others, pets are more than just property. Ken Newman would know about this subject matter firsthand. He has been a practicing veterinarian for 33 years. He also harnessed enough rage to pen a legislative bill, hoping to garner
Sunshine, Hannah and Libby Newman.
According to DVM News Magazine, a trade publication for veterinarians, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), supports the position that pets are property and owners should be similarly compensated. Understandably, many in the profession fear new liability concerns if emotional damages are awarded in cases of malpractice or negligence. In cases of negligence, malice or an accident that results in the death of the family pet, trying to get more than market value is a slow and daunting process. Yet, many more pet owners are taking up the fight to change the laws. And AVMA is definitely keeping a close watch on those cases, some of which are precedent-setting. No one has taken up the cause more 72 THE NEW BARKER
the rear of the wagon. Gracie, on the other hand, required help getting up into the car. As Ken lifted her into the rear of the wagon, neither he nor Heidi, both facing forward, could see the car backing up towards them, until it was too late. the rear of the car struck Ken and Gracie, pinning them between the two cars, as the tailgate fell on Ken's head, back and left leg. Heidi, unhurt, jumped out and yelled at the other driver to pull forward. Ken sustained a broken leg. Gracie however, suffered devastating injuries, including several pelvic fractures and abdominal hemorrhaging. She did not survive. Ken believes she saved his life by taking the brunt of the impact. Following the accident, the Newman's met with lawyers and insurance agents to
attention and change how Florida law looks at companion animals. Gracie’s Law would make pet owners eligible to receive up to $25,000 for loss of companionship and pain and suffering in settled negligence or malice cases. Dr. Newman has been to Tallahassee during the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions looking for someone to sponsor the bill.As he continues to face barriers, often from folks within his own profession, he remains undaunted and is preparing for the 2013 legislative session. “Veterinarians have benefited from the human-animal bond, but the veterinary profession wants pets to remain property in the eyes of the law.We cannot have it both ways,” said Dr. Newman.
her housecleaning service of negligence for allowing the dog to get outside where she was hit by a car. Dr. Newman notes this sets a new precedent for pet value, but that such uncapped awards may threaten affordable veterinary care.That is why Gracie’s Law recommends the $25,000 cap. All eyes will be on the case of Lauren Rachel Glass and Roy L. Glass vs. the City of St. Petersburg and St. Petersburg Police Officer, Misty Swanson.The Glasses are suing the city claiming that Swanson “intentionally, Heidi, Sunshine, Hannah, Libby, Ken and Macho. unjustifiably, and senselessly shot and killed” their 12-year“While no amount of money old Golden Retriever, Boomer on could ever replace Gracie, laws that October 2, 2011.They are seeking damallow for compensation for pain and ages in excess of $15,000. suffering, loss of companionship and “Some people emotional distress, believe in Jesus. “In one of these stars I shall be might make the Some people police, who shoot living. In one of them I shall be believe in the dogs with very little laughing. And so it will be as if all Hebrew God of provocation, think the stars were laughing, when Abraham, Isaac and twice before you look at the sky at night. And Jacob. Some people pulling the trigger. believe in when your sorrow is comforted, It could make negMohammed. Some ligent drivers more you will be content that you have believe in Buddha. careful. And it will known me. You will always be my I believe in the make veterinarians friend. I shall not leave you. ~ Rainbow Bridge. I exercise due diliFrom The Little Prince, hope to meet all of gence in the pracby Antoine de St. Exupery, our family dogs tice of medicine,” a favorite of Dr. Ken Newman. there someday. I adds Dr. Newman. long to tell Gracie Gracie’s Law I was sorry that she could not be saved. would not supersede current laws, I would like to apologize to her for not which entitle owners to the property being able to keep her from harm. And value of their pet, and would not I would like to thank her for saving replace criminal prosecution for acts of my life.We all need to believe in malice. Owners who decline a recomsomething. It is what keeps us going,” mended veterinarian procedure that might save a pet, could not be prosecut- said Ken. U ed or punished under the law. On November 3, 2011, a Ft.Worth If you’d like to help Dr. Newman Appeals Court ruled that value can be Y sponsor his bill, please contact him at attached to the love of a dog.That overkenneth@MeetMeAtTheRainbowBridge.com. ruled a 120-year-old Texas Supreme To offer support and encouragement, Court case, which held that plaintiffs he can also be reached through could only recoup the market value of Care Animal Hospital of Seminole, their pets. 727.954.3994. In April, 2012 a Denver judge awardwww.CareAHofSeminole.com ed Robin Lohre $65,000 for the death Photography by Anna Cooke. of her dog, Ruthie. Lohre had accused www.TheNewBarker.com
THE NEW BARKER 73
The Power To Light Up A Room. –by Anna Cooke
It takes a special kind of dog to be a pet therapy dog. It takes an even more special kind of human being to recognize that their dog might be able to provide a service for the betterment of mankind. We were recently introduced to a group of volunteers for the Pinellas Chapter of Therapy Dogs International (TDI) by Elliott Rakofsky,Vice President of Development at PARC. Elliott and his dog, Conrad are TDI volunteers. PARC provides over 40 services to more than 800 children and adults with developmental disabilities in Pinellas County. It was founded in 1953 by Edythe Ibold and a group of parents with children who had developmental disabilities. Several years earlier, Edythe’s daughter Midge had been born with Down’s syndrome. When Midge was still a toddler, Edythe decided to telephone the Pinellas Superintended of Schools to find out what the training options were for her daughter. She was shocked to learn that the School Board was prevented by law from providing education and training for developmentally-challenged children. Those words impelled Edythe into action and she set out from that day forward to change the system. The first project was the opening of 74 THE NEW BARKER
a pilot class for children with developmental disabilities in 1953. The School Board furnished the teacher, the Red Cross provided transportation and members of the Junior Women’s Club provided volunteer assistance. Today, PARC has a national reputation as a progressive leader in the field of developmental disabilities. Expansion in recent years has brought enhanced innovative opportunities for PARC clients. PARC maintains four residences for both adults and children with developmental disabilities. The residents served by these homes range in age and abilities. The New Barker was at Curry Villa on the day that Therapy Dogs International volunteer teams were scheduled to visit its residents.Through the lens of my camera, I couldn’t tell who was happier to be in the room: the dogs, the residents or the TDI volunteers. Everyone was either smiling or laughing.The dogs were smiling too, tails wagging uncontrollably from all the extra attention. Who was benefiting more from the interaction? It was a tossup. As I photographed one resident with a dog, another one tapped me on the shoulder and asked if he could have his picture taken. The more photographs we set up, the more residents wanted to be photographed with the different dogs.
The dogs utilized for therapy work vary in size and breed. Many are mixed breeds. The one thing they all have in common is a love for human interaction. Alex, a nine-year-old Border Collie/Jack Russell Terrier mix was adopted by April from the SPCA Orlando. He was either lost or abandoned during Hurricane Charley. April was so grateful to have found Alex, she decided that giving back to her community felt like the right thing to do. “Like paying it forward,” she said. They have been a TDI team for almost six years. Many volunteers visit several different facilities that use therapy dogs to interact with their patients and clients. Candace Coughlin and her Samoyed, Crystal participate in the Tail Waggin Tutors program. They visit the VA Hospital at Bay Pines in St. Petersburg, in addition to their volunteer work with PARC. She agrees with April on the theory of paying it forward. Candace and her husband Paul have built a successful business in the Bay Area that revolves around dogs. For more than 25 years they’ve been dog trainers, and Candace has been a pet sitter for almost six years. It has been a rewarding journey for the Coughlins.“I love my dogs and enjoy being with people who feel the same. I cannot imagine my life without dogs,” said Candace. While it is clear that the dogs’ owner/handlers have an unselfish desire to help others, they all admit to receiving something in return for their time and effort.“It is so rewarding to watch Leilah interact with the residents, and to see the joy she brings to them,” said TDI volunteer Toni Lynn Sharpe of her four-yearold Curly Coated Retriever. U
Y
For information on Therapy Dogs International, Pinellas County Chapter, contact April at 727.771.5995 or email her at TDIChapter256@gmail.com. To learn more about PARC visit www.PARC-FL.org.
www.TheNewBarker.com
Extraor dinary Dogs We Want You to Meet.
MY LOYAL TRAIL-WALKING PARTNER, AND THE LOVE OF MY LIFE. The entire first three years of Lola’s life were spent making puppies in a small wire kennel at a Bay Area puppy mill. After the mill was raided, Lola was found scrawny, stained, scabby and beaten down.There was little hope anyone would want to adopt her. But, she stole one human’s heart after just two visits. After she was adopted, Lola’s new family gently trained her to walk on grass, and eventually she learned to even play.Three years later, she is one happy, healthy girl. Her human is Teri Reeves, a Director and the Treasurer of Humane Society of the Nature Coast. www.NatureCoastHumaneSociety.org
ONE PERSON’S TRASH IS ANOTHER’S TREASURE. It’s hard to believe anyone would give up on these sweet little dogs. Discarded like yesterday’s trash, it’s even harder to believe that many of them were pulled from Pasco County Animal Services, sometimes just hours before being euthanized.They are old, one or two are deaf, one is blind, most have bad teeth, and various other issues. But they are all now loved, and very well taken care of. They are certainly the most well-behaved group of dogs we have ever encountered. Anyone lucky enough to adopt one of them will be treated to polite (really), already trained, and housebroken dogs.They are available through Canine Estates, a relatively new adoption and sanctuary facility in Palm Harbor, dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned, abused and injured dogs primarily from high kill shelters. To learn more, visit www.CanineEstates.com www.TheNewBarker.com
THE NEW BARKER 75
Good Golly Miss Molly. You Sure Like To Share The Love. –by Anna Cooke
W
Clockwise Top: Molly walks into to ORMC. Molly with ORMC patient Janet, whose eyes lit up when Molly entered her room. Molly and Carol brighten up the staff’s day too. Jennifer Mauldin, RN, Nicole Porcaro, RN and Jamila Nghiri, RN. Kim Moore takes a moment to receive Molly Muzzles. A special thank you to Sabrina Childress, M.S. for facilitating the tour throughout ORMC. Photography by Anna Cooke.
76 THE NEW BARKER
We have met a cornucopia of dogs over our six-plus years of publishing The New Barker. All of them are special in their own way. But, once in awhile a dog comes along that stands out among them all, for whatever inexplicable reason. We met Molly last year at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort on St. Pete Beach during the first annual Pawject Runway we co-hosted. She had been selected with nine other dogs to compete in the fashion show. Molly and her human, Carol Mason had come all the way from Orlando to participate, after having read about the event in The New Barker. While Molly did not win the contest, she continued to remain in my thoughts. Months later, I realized that Molly’s face kept regularly popping into my head. I wanted to get to know a little more about her, and what made her so special.What was it about this little dog that made her so unforgettable? Molly is a Shih Tzu who was born on April 23, 2009 to Misty’s Dream and Cajun Rajun in Port Orange, Florida. Her official AKC name is Molly Jo IX. When Carol was housebreaking Molly to go outside, the dog would grab her puppy pad and take it with her.To this day, Molly refuses to go outside when it’s wet out. Soon, Molly became more and more socialized as she went everywhere with Carol.They joined the Obedience Club of Daytona, and on June 15, 2010, Molly passed Basic Obedience. Carol insists that she did more work than Molly during those classes. A few weeks later, Molly received her Canine Good Citizen certificate and on December 21, 2010 she passed Intermediate Obedience. Not one to rest on her laurels, Molly soldiered on until on May 23, 2011, the day she achieved the coveted title of AKC Therapy Dog. She’d found her calling.That same sweet look in Molly’s eyes and her spirited demeanor that we were so smitten with, have served her well as a volunteer therapy dog at Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC). As a team, Carol and Molly visit the hospital every Monday afternoon.This past April, Molly received a special pin recognizing her 100 hours of volunteer work at ORMC. Patients and staff alike enjoy interacting with Molly and the other therapy dogs. Each dog has their own calling card that says,“You have been visited by an Orlando Health Pet Therapy Team.Wishing you a “fur”iously fast recovery.” Handlers are the most important component of the Pet Therapy Team, and that was none the more evident with Carol. Equipped with hand sanitizer, she made certain everyone who came in contact with Molly at the hospital used it. www.TheNewBarker.com
And before entering a patient’s room, she made sure they wanted to see visitors, and she brought in a fresh towel on which to place Molly. During our visit to ORMC, everyone’s eyes lit up as they saw Molly prancing down the walkways or hallways — from the security guard to the doctors and nurses. She regaled everyone with her talent for dancing, twirling around on her hind legs and waving. Carol was inspired to pursue Molly's therapy dog training when she noticed how people responded to her in public. “People just gravitated towards her, and she to them,” said Carol. “She instantly put a smile on their faces.” Carol wanted to share Molly so that other people would benefit.“I thought it would be selfish of me not to. I get to keep her to myself all the time,” laughed Carol. “I wanted other people to experience all the good she has to offer.” Molly and Carol also volunteer with READing Paws. For the last three years they have visited Freedom Elementary School in Deland to read with children, helping them improve their reading skills. Molly recently received the “Best Listener” award for the school year. The dynamic duo are also active with Sophie’s Circle, a Daytona Beach program dedicated to providing pet food to financially-challenged families. It is an ongoing effort that helps keep pets in their homes, rather than being surrendered to shelters. Quite the celebrity, Molly also appeared on the Daytona Cubs Minor League Baseball team’s website with Cubby the mascot. They are also regulars at dog friendly restaurants like Lulu’s Oceanside Grill in Ormond Beach and Oceanside Beach Bar and Grill on Flagler Beach. They enjoy shopping at The Doggie Door in Winter Park, Silly Willies in New Smyrna and love Hobscot in Mount Dora. Carol admits that she spoils Molly.“But, she deserves it for all the good work she's doing.” U
Y Orlando Regional Medical Center requires that all Steps to becoming a Pet Therapy Team.
pets have a pet therapy registration from one of the following organizations: Intermountain Therapy Animal (ITA) www.TherapyAnimals.org Delta Society - wwwDeltaSociety.org Therapy Dogs Inc. - www.TherapyDogs.com Therapy Dogs International - www.TDI-Dog.org Merilee Kelley is an Intermountain Therapy instructor and can be reached at 321.251.6001. Therese Dickinson with Dogs Unlimited provides a Canine Good Citizen advanced course. She can be reached at 407.788.3647. To learn more about the Pet Therapy Program at Orlando Regional Medical Center, you may call the volunteer office at 321.843.2193, or visit their website at www.OrlandoHealth.com/Get Involved. To learn more about Sophie’s Circle, visit www.SophiesCircle.com www.TheNewBarker.com
THE NEW BARKER 77
Tallahassee: Florida's Capital City for Canines. Tallahassee has long been noted for its two great universities, Florida State and Florida A&M. It’s also fair to say much of its growth and modernization has as much to do with it being the state capitol as it being a center of learning. Its downtown has always had its share of upscale boutiques, restaurants and hotels, as most towns with large universities do, catering to returning alumni and in this case, a steady flow of politicians and the lobbyists who lavishly entertain them. Until recently however, there were no upscale pet-friendly hotels in the downtown area, and only a handful of pet-friendly restaurants. Today, thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers and business owners who support the Leon County Humane Society, Tallahassee is finally woof-worthy as
a travel destination. The city itself has made great strides in expanding its already generous green spaces in the downtown area, transforming many of them into dog-friendly fun zones. Like the Chain of Parks running through the heart of the urban district and the beautiful city park at Lake Ella, a water retention project that has become a favorite recreational area and dog-walking spot. Midtown, always a thriving little jewel, has become a mecca for dog-friendly restaurants, boutiques and entertainment venues. Tallahassee's unique canopy roads (where trees meet overhead to form a “topiary ceiling” over the road), rolling hills and beautiful parks offer a scenic kaleidoscope for you and your four-legged friends to explore.
Keith Baxter, the owner of Kool Beanz Café was on the forefront of both the culinary and canine scenes in Tallahassee. One of the most popular restaurants in the Midtown district for 17 years, Kool Beanz has always welcomed four-legged family members on its covered patio. The restaurant’s Bohemian vibe is enhanced by the colorful display
Eat
of local artwork, including the pet portraits created by Baxter's brother, Simon. Instead of taking a commission on the sale of art pieces, Baxter asks each artist to donate a comparable sum to their favorite charity. 78 THE NEW BARKER
–by Ginger Warders, author of Fido’s Florida: A Dog-Friendly Guide to the Sunshine State.
Sheraton Four Points 850-422-4201 or FourPoints.com/Tallahassee Aloft Tallahassee Downtown, 850-513-0313 or www.alofthotels.com Visit Tallahassee www.visittallahassee.com
For an early morning walk with your BFF (best furry friend), hit the Black Dog Café at Lake Ella for a great cup of Joe before strolling the scenic mile-long path around the lake. Indulge your sweet tooth at the decadent Cake Shop on Capital Circle, with offerings from tortes and cupcakes to a vast array of cookies, including dog cookies. The iconic round blue tower that stands out in the city skyline is now the Sheraton Four Points, a member of the pet-friendly Starwood hotel group. Open for just a few months after a total renovation, the Sheraton’s bright, modern décor and super-friendly staff welcome dogs under 40 pounds with no additional fees.Walk to the Capitol or one of the many “mini-parks” in the city’s Chain of Parks throughout the downtown area. Another newcomer to the petfriendly downtown scene is Aloft, an intriguing concept of W Hotels. Think European design hotel with hip lounge areas and bars, sleek Milan-modern styling, and high-tech bells and whistles. Aloft offers an Arf (Animals R Family) Program with special amenities for its canine guests in a welcoming ARF kit that includes a comfy bed and bowl, treats, toys, a dog tag and waste bags. Dogs up to 40 pounds are welcome with no additional fees or deposits.
Stay
If you want to lobby like a local, you can catch the county commissioners enjoying breakfast or lunch at the Uptown Café and the state legislators arguing issues over dinner at Andrew’s near the Capitol. Both insider favorites have pet-friendly patios and both owners, Fred and Andy, are usually on hand to schmooze with their patrons.
www.TheNewBarker.com
BUILT BY REPUTATION... BACKED BY QUALITY.
Tallahassee’s canopies of moss-draped trees line the sidewalks.Photograph, courtesy of Steve Beaudet.
Head to the Miccosukee Greenway with your four-legged friend for some outdoor adventure and exercise, a perfect place for long walks along shady pathways or romps in the wide-open spaces. For a historic stroll among some of Tallahassee's heirloom plants from roses to tomatoes, visit Goodwood Plantation. Dating back to the early 1800's, this land was once part of a grant that George Washington gave to General Lafayette. Enjoy lunch on the patio with your pooch at Fanny's CafÊ, located adjacent to the antebellum home. Explore the region’s Spanish heritage at historic Mission San Luis, a living history exhibit that recreates the 17th-century lifestyles and relationships of the Spanish settlers and the Apalachee natives. Every fall, Mission San Luis hosts a Blessing of the Animals, and well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome to explore the grounds. Nearby Maclay Gardens State Park also welcomes leashed canines for long walks under its shady, moss-draped trees.
Play
NEW & NOTEWORTHY: The Animal Hospital & Pet Resort at Southwood is the brainchild of local veterinarian, Kevin Brumfeld, who saw a need for a top-notch boarding facility in the region. The 14 luxury suites feature comfy beds, televisions and nightlights, and most have access to a private patio. Staffers provide four walks per day, including a moonlight stroll, as well as a complimentary bath. And if you do need to leave your furry friend, you'll have the peace of mind of knowing a veterinarian is on call 24/7. U www.TheNewBarker.com
BOARDIN G, G ROOMIN G, DAYCARE & T RAININ G
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(mention The New Barker)
6735 Gulfport Blvd. South South Pasadena, FL 33707 www.pasadenapetmotel.com 727.345.2852 Pasadenapetmotel@verizon.net
Open 7 days a week from 7 am -5:45 pm Closed for lunch from 12-2 pm
Chloe
Lives in Tampa, FL Single
Boarding
Daycare
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Training
Chloe — at Lucky Dog Monday So nice to wake up to my favorite breakfast and some belly rubs from WKH /XFN\ 'RJ VWDӽHUV ZKDW D JUHDW start to my day. Like Comment Share
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Chloe — at Lucky Dog Wednesday OOOH – saw Max at Agility Class today – I think he likes me :) Like Comment Share
Princess, Coco and Angel like this
Chloe — at Lucky Dog Friday Went swimming today and then Danny gave me a bath, a blueberry mask and a blowout – I am looking JRRG IRU P\ SDUHQWV &DQ¡W ZDLW WR tell Mommy and Daddy about my great week at Lucky Dog!
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Boarding • Daycare • Grooming • Training | Open 24/7 (including Gasparilla!)
311 N. Newport Ave | Tampa, FL 33606 (North of Kennedy just west of the University of Tampa) 813.258.DOGS (3647) |info@luckydogtampa.com | www.LuckyDogTampa.com THE NEW BARKER 79
Inaugural Celebration of Compassion, A Winner For Pets & Patrons. –by Ginger Warders Photography by Robin Adams Photography.
On Saturday, October 6th, the Leon County Humane Society hosted the inaugural Celebration of Compassion, a big thank-you bash for their generous supporters and hard-working volunteers. Tracey Van Hook, a past president and advisory council chair for LCHS, coordinated the event that turned out to be one of the biggest social soirées of the fall season. It was also the debut event at The Barn at the Willis Dairy, a stunning event space at the home of animal-lovers Frank and Peper Willis. Frank Willis recently finished the six-year renovation of his family homestead, using reclaimed materials from the original home and outbuildings, as well as re-creations of the doors, windows and trims that graced the 1800’s-era structures, by master woodworkers. Invited guests were treated to welcome gift bags, which included copies of The New Barker, Florida’s Top Dog Magazine, complimentary pet tags made on the spot, a scrumptious buffet of shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and other Southern favorites, and a groaning board of decadent desserts provided by the Cake Shop. I was a guest as well, signing gift copies of my pet-friendly travel guide, Fido’s Florida.
80 THE NEW BARKER
Above, Frank and Peper Willis, gracious hosts. Below, Foster parents bring the gang to meet the guests. Below,The Barn at the Willis Dairy. Opposite page, decadent dessert from the Cake Shop.
www.TheNewBarker.com
I met pet foster parents and their charges, every veterinarian in the region, and more supportive business owners than I can count.Cocktails paid homage to the animals as well, with Whisker Sours and Lemon Barkers served in mason jars. A bluegrass band played throughout the night and two tours of the Willis home were hosted by Frank Willis and architect Mark Tarmey. And it’s these down-to-earth, friendly animal advocates who have helped make the Leon County Humane Society one of the largest animal rescue organizations in the region, with a 52-year history of improving the lives of both pets and people in our state’s capital. LCHS is supported 100% through donations and has one of the largest foster and adoption programs in Florida, with more than 1200 volunteers. In addition to rescuing and rehabilitating stray or abandoned animals, they also rescue animals in danger of euthanization from other shelters throughout the region. U
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(Editor’s note: The New Barker Publisher Steve Cooke, a former Tallahassee resident, edited & contributed research for these articles on Tallahassee.)
Y 413 Timberlane Road,
Leon County Humane Society
Tallahassee 850.224.9193 To make a donation or purchase the 2013 Leon County Humane Society Christmas Pet Calendar, visit www.LCHS.info. www.TheNewBarker.com
St. Petersburg: 3055 1st Ave. S. - 727.327.6500 Seminole: 8850 Seminole Blvd. - 727.391.1600 Clearwater: 16th Ave. NW & Clwtr.-Largo Rd. - 727.586.6972
THE NEW BARKER 81
A River Runs Through It. This charming, historic getaway is surrounded by enough quality amenities to make you wonder where its been all your life. – by Danette Morse / Photography by Danette
Hotel Indigo in Fort Myers is a colorful jewel of contemporary, sleek decor in the heart of a historic city. Located in the Downtown River District which is situated along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, there is something for everyone here and within a short walk. Head to the rooftop which is host to the pool, a garden and lounge to take in views of the cityscape, marina, river and sunsets.The hotel is actually connected to the historic Post Office Arcade which provides access to a hair salon, bank and additional dining options. For those traveling with a pet, its location across from the historic courthouse is a perfect place for leash walking under the tropical banyan trees. And the outdoor “indoor” seating at the restaurants in the arcade make dining a comfortable pleasure for humans and canines alike.
T
The key to your Hotel Indigo room opens up a whole neighborhood for its guests. And just as no two neighborhoods are alike, no two Hotel Indigo hotels are
Koby is comfortable at Hotel Indigo.
alike. But, they are all close to the shopping, restaurants, galleries and music that make each neighborhood distinct. The Fort Myers River District itself has eclectic boutiques, art galleries, live theatre and great restaurants. Every Thursday yearround, under the Caloosahatchee Bridge, is the River District Farmers’ Market, a fixture since 1995. 82 THE NEW BARKER
Hotel Indigo Fort Myers Downtown River District 1520 Broadway 239.337.3446 Be sure to ask for The New Barker rate. Shell Factory 2787 North Tamiami Trail North Fort Myers Phone: 239-995-2141 www.shellfactory.com
In addition to being just minutes from the Suncoast Dock Diving facility at the Shell Factory, the Hotel Indigo in Fort Myers is also near the historic
Suites. Our visit to the Shell Factory coincided with covering the Dock Diving event in September for The New Barker.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Each Hotel Indigo features unique design elements around every corner, without compromising comfort. Plush bedding, spa-inspired bathrooms, hard surface flooring, fresh and vibrant decor and locally-inspired and sourced menu selections. Hotel Indigo offers complimentary wireless internet access, a 24hour fitness center and a business center. Join their PriorityClubRewards program to earn points including free nights at Hotel Indigo or any hotel in the IHG family of brands which includes Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood
The entire Shell Factory property is dog friendly so bring your pet and shop, eat, play and socialize. Fun for the whole family includes Dogbones Café and the Swamp with dog treats and water bowls at the ready; Captain Fishbones restaurant for steak and seafood; the Dolphin Room for special events space;The Nature Park; a Fun Park and Arcade for the kids; Doggie Heaven Dog Park for the dogs; shopping and a Shell Museum. Doggie Heaven Dog Park is home to Suncoast DockDogs and the SW Florida Wiener Dog Club. There is a free agility course open to the public daily. And they offer Doggy Church every Sunday at 12:30 pm. U www.TheNewBarker.com
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HOTEL INDIGO. SIT. STAY. RELAX. Each Hotel Indigo is as individual as its Z\YYV\UKPUNZ HUK H YLÅLJ[PVU VM [OLT 6\Y OV[LSZ MLH[\YL \UPX\L KLZPNU H[ L]LY` [\YU ^P[OV\[ JVTWYVTPZPUN JVTMVY[ 7S\ZO ILKKPUN ZWH Z[`SL IH[OYVVTZ OHYK Z\YMHJL ÅVVYPUN HUK V\Y ZPNUH[\YL T\YHSZ THRL MVY H [Y\S` YLMYLZOPUN Z[H` >L NV V\[ VM V\Y ^H` [V THRL V\Y ULPNOIVYOVVKZ LHZ` [V KPZJV]LY HUK HWWYLJPH[L @V\ JHU [HZ[L P[ PU [OL SVJHS ÅH]VY VM V\Y TLU\Z /LHY P[ PU [OL T\ZPJPHUZ ^OV JYLH[L H KPZ[PUJ[ ULPNOIVYOVVK ]PIL HUK ZLL P[ PU [OL HY[ HUK WOV[VNYHWO` [OH[ PZ Q\Z[ H ZUHWZOV[ VM LHJO KLZ[PUH[PVU»Z J\S[\YHS OPZ[VY` (ZR MVY The New Barker YH[L
www.TheNewBarker.com
Experience the DISTINCT LOCAL CHARACTER AND STYLE of Hotel Indigo. Fort Myers Downtown River District 1520 Broadway 239.337.3446 Jacksonville 9840 Tapestry Park Cir 904.996.7199 Miami Dadeland 7600 North Kendall Dr 305.595.6000
Miami Lakes 7601 Miami Lakes Dr 305.556.0100 Sarasota - Downtown 1223 Boulevard of the Arts 941.487.3800 St. Petersburg Downtown 234 Third Avenue N 727.822.4814
www.hotelindigo.com
THE NEW BARKER 83
TRAVEL NOTES: Where to Go, When Your Dog’s Gotta Go.
Let Us Pamper Your Pets. Pampering pets for more than 25 years.
Whisper
You will always find the salon clean and neat. Our stylists treat each pet with loving kindness.We use allnatural products, and our equipment is stateof-the art. In our quiet, relaxed atmosphere, everything is focused on the comfort and safety of your pet.
PET STYLES
by Jennifer
A Salon for Dogs. 426 Patricia Ave.,Dunedin 727.736.2468 www.PetStylesbyJennifer.com
YOUR HOMETOWN VETERINARIAN.
Good news for those traveling with Assistance Dogs through the nation’s airports.There is a free app that shows travelers with dogs “Where to Go: A Directory of airport animal relief areas.” Available in iPhone and Android versions, both versions make use of accessibility features on the phones which make the app also usable for people who are visually impaired. U.S. airports are listed, with short directions to the relief area at each.There are also links to U.S. Department of Transportation FAQs and updated ADA regulations about service animals. After having challenges finding the relief area in airports, Marcie Davis, founder of Working Like Dogs and International Assistance Dog Week, came up with the idea for the app, which is free. Download the Where to Go app at www.WorkingLikeDogs.com
Dolphins and Dogs. The Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys is dog friendly. Inquisitive dolphins seem to enjoy the curious visitors at this peaceful oasis.The Center is located at 58901 Overseas Highway, Marathon. Visit www.dolphins.org or call 305.289.1121.
Time to Have Fun. Delray Beach was named “Most Fun Small Town in the United States” in Rand McNally/USA Today’s 2012 Best of the Road contest.To celebrate, the Residence Inn Delray Beach is offering a discount on their Pamper Your Pet package now through the end of December. Call 561.276.7441.
Our Favorite Dog Friendly Travel Accommodations:
STEVEN C. LEWIS, DVM 225 E. Davis Island Blvd., Tampa Open 6 Days a Week with Convenient Hours. In-House Laboratory, Radiology, Laser Surgery, Dental Cleaning and More. Call for an appointment t 813.251.4384 FAX: 813.251.4398
Changing Tides, Madeira Beach. Heron Cay Lakeview Bed & Breakfast, Mount Dora. Hibiscus House, West Palm Beach. Hotel Indigo, with six Florida locations. Siesta Key Resort, Siesta Key. Steinhatchee Landing Resort, Steinhatchee. The Chart House Suites on Clearwater Bay. TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach.
www.DavisIslandAnimalClinic.com Accredited by the USDA for all health certificates, interstate and international. Follow Us On FACEBOOK for More Health and Behavior Tips.
84 THE NEW BARKER
www.TheNewBarker.com
The New Barker Fan Club.
Crystal (White Gold’s Ice Crystal) on the left, has a bear face. Lacey (White Gold’s Satin and Lace) has a wolf face. They sat for hours during a local fair, representing the Samoyed dog.They are good with people, especially children. Crystal is also a registered therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International. She visits Curry Residence, the VA Hospital at Bay Pines in St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park Library where she participates in the Tail Waggin Tutors program with her humans, Candace and Paul Couglin. Tazi is a feisty two-year-old Pomeranian Princess who loves to pose for the camera. Her number one goal in life is to make people smile. She is a career model.
ASHLYN & T WIG
LINA & CHILI
A Romantic Getaway in Beautiful Mount Dora. Heron Cay Lakeview Bed & Breakfast Inn situated on two acres overlooking Lake Dora, is one of the most photographed landmarks in Florida. Dogs will enjoy exploring the expansive, fenced-in backyard. You’ll enjoy a deliciously prepared full breakfast, complete with home made breads. Afterwards, take a stroll on a little trail that leads right into Downtown Mount Dora for shopping and antiquing.
This is a spot that takes rest and relaxation to new heights.
Lakeview Bed & Breakfast Twig and Chili, two Shelties who love to skateboard, skimboard, boogie board and encourage kids to give dog training a try. www.TheNewBarker.com
495 West Old Highway 441 Mount Dora, FL 32757 | 352.383.4050 www.HeronCay.com THE NEW BARKER 85
Breaking New Ground & Opening New Doors for Saving Animals. – Story and photography by Anna Cooke The Ranch location of Honor Animal Rescue sits on eight acres off Lorraine Road in Bradenton. The facility is on track to adopt out 720 animals in 2012, up from last year’s 633. The Ranch is where the animals are housed, receiving medical and treatment. The upcoming opening of the new Nate’s Place in a retail setting, will give the public another access to view the adoptable dogs and cats. The Ranch has plenty of wide open spaces, with large fenced-in areas for dogs to run offleash. It’s family-friendly park-like setting even has a play center for children.The most unique characteristic of the Ranch are the four colorful cottage-style buildings, similar to those used following Hurricane Katrina.The way the four cottages are situated creates an inviting courtyard with a fire hydrant water feature. Backyard Getaway created and donated the pondless water feature. Dave Burns of Backyard Getaway donated his time to install the feature. Shelter volunteers assembled the cottages.
Four cottages form an inviting courtyard.
86 THE NEW BARKER
Water feature includes a fire hydrant.
Playground for kids visiting.
The buildings are full of natural light.
www.TheNewBarker.com
A VERY IMP sRTANT PET. Boarding | Grooming | Daycare | Training | Pick-up & Delivery Service
Red or black adorable Poodle Puppies Available Dec. 13. COME MEET THE PARENTS.
Located in the Heart of Downtown Clearwater.
1242 Cleveland Street, Clearwater | 727.446.6700 | www.averyimportantpet.com
Each of the cottages houses up to six dogs at a time. Rob Oglesby, Honor Animal Rescue president said, “Each cottage costs $15,000. It takes on average, 21 days to adopt a dog. Each cottage holds six dogs at a time. That means for $15,000, we can help rescue 140 dogs in one year per cottage.” Insulated and cool inside, the high performance green buildings are LEED-certified. They will also be a safe place if a major storm hits the area.“The cottages are hurricane safe,” said Rob. “They can withstand winds of up to 200 miles per and 140 mile per hour projectiles.”We noticed how bright and airy the cottage looked and felt inside. Honor Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization staffed 99% by volunteers. They provide rescued dogs and cats a safe No-Kill sheltered environment until they are adopted. One of the area’s largest no-kill shelters, Honor Animal Rescue is in need of more volunteers. www.TheNewBarker.com
The Ranch Honor Animal Rescue 4951 Lorraine Road, Bradenton. 941.302.0933 www.HonorAnimalRescue.org
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88 THE NEW BARKER
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Look up in the sky. It’s a bird. It’s a plane.
It’s SuperDog. Of the thousands of photos we take, then review for consideration to appear in The New Barker, we all agreed on this photo of Percy. He embodies the true spirit of how we feel about our dogs. It does not matter whether our dogs are big or small, pure bred or purely mixed. Each dog, in his or her own way, is a hero. Percy is a two-year-old Beagle, and we met him at Sail Pavilion in Tampa during the Halloween Costume Contest with proceeds benefiting the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. www.HumaneSocietyTampa.org
Reporting for Duty, Sir. Ele Belle, aka GI Jane is a three-year-old Yorkie, who took the first place prize at the Sail Pavilion Costume Contest. She sat on her jeep the entire time as she was wheeled around the park. Her outfit was made by hand.
(Top left to right, clockwise): Millie, a ShihTzu mix is a six-year-old Rescue Dog. Angus, a three-year-old Vizsla brought his own Poop Factory; Sophie, a fiveyear-old Doberman; Diane Burnett and Cappuccino her two-year-old Miniature Bull Terrier; Gruden, a 10year-old Bulldog putting on his best Punk Rocker pose (looks more like Coach Gruden on the sidelines). Katie, a two-year-old Chihuahua. Heidi is dressed as Little Red Riding Hood.Photography by Anna Cooke. www.TheNewBarker.com
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All We Are Is Just Another Pup on the Wall. August was a busy month for fundraising at Animal Based Charities (ABC), Tampa. First off, The New Barker co-hosted Absolut Art & Animals at Gasparâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grotto to help jumpstart the Pirate Mural there. Murals for Mutts artist, Anna Hamilton painted 18 pet portraits on the wall within a two-week period which helped raise $400 for ABC. The event, co-sponsored by Absoult Vodka, also had live entertainment and vendors from Natura Pet to Groovy Cats & Dogs. Also in August,Tampa Bayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Belinda Womack lent her voice and band to help raise money for ABC. After being introduced by Hillsborough County Commissoiner, Ken Hagan, she charmed the audience in an intimate setting at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. www.AnimalBasedCharities.org www.MuralsForMutts.com
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tampa bay RACING 4 RESCUE - SHOWTIME SPEEDWAY, PINELLAS PARK. Jessica (left) is being fostered by Jennifer, owner/groomer of PetStyles by Jennifer in Dunedin. Jennifer is a volunteer for All Dog Rescue, a group pulling dogs out of Florida high kill shelters. Jessica was about to be euthanized because she had kennel cough. She was pulled out of a Miami-Dade facility. If you would like to adopt Jessica, please contact Jennifer at 727.736.2468. Terri Ensign, a volunteer for VIP Rescue, is holding Lucilla. VIP volunteers took in Lucilla who had several large tumors, in addition to other treatable conditions.They had her fully vetted, and nursed her back to health after her surgery. The sweet-mannered Chinese Crested Powder Puff is about eight-years-old and is available for adoption.To inquire, please contact Terri at tensign@knology.net. www.VIPRescue.org.
THE 3RD ANNUAL LOVING CARE PET FAIR - TREASURE ISLAND FUN CENTER, SEMINOLE. Get on the Rescue Bus with Hercules a Pit Bull Ambassador for Rugaz Rescue (www.RugazRescue.com). There were plenty of vendors, with games and entertainment from Radio Disney. And, of course the Goldens were well-represented by Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida (www.GRRMF.org). THE 2ND ANNUAL RED HOT CHILI COOK-OFF - QUAKER STAKE & LUBE, CLEARWATER - We are so thankful we did not have to be a judge. Every sample we tasted was delicious, and all for a good cause. Proceeds benefited each participating rescue group. Organized by a group of hard-working volunteers led by Lori Fricker of the Florida Great Pyrenees Club (www.FloridaPyrs.org). Our favorite event was watching a demonstration by the 4-H Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crazy 4 Canines. Shown here are Shaun and Gabe. Photography by Anna Cooke. www.TheNewBarker.com
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jacksonville
STRUT YOUR MUTT Although based in the desert town of Kanab, Utah, Best Friends Animal Society is anything but deserting to animals in need. They continuously include shelters across the United States in their fundraising efforts. Such a large and popular organization draws a big crowd, even for an inaugural event. Best Friends brought their popular Strut Your Mutt to Jacksonville for the first time on September 29. This year, there were nine cities in all who participated, including Los Angeles, Portland, Austin, St. Louis and New York City. Hundreds of dog-human pairs strutted their stuff around the beautiful venue, Riverside Park, with its tall oaks and duck-filled pond, through one of Jacksonville’s more neighborly areas, Five Points, where brick buildings and character abound. We look forward to seeing what other surprises Best Friends has in store for the Jacksonville area. Since adding First Coast No More Homeless Pets of Jacksonville to their list of Network Partners in 2011, they have helped home more than1,000 animals. This event included shelters and a few pups up for adoption, but mainly focused more on owners having a fun and healthy day out with theirs pets. 92 THE NEW BARKER
– Rover reporting and photography by Heidi Joy Howard
(Far left, clockwise):Romeo, a sweet five-year-old Maltese, celebrates attending his first-ever dogfriendly event with Maggie Maher; Lily, a two-year-old Wheaton Terrier, wins the best Tail Wag Contest after her tail didn’t stop wagging throughout the show; Cade, adopted by Lyn Vautier-Cyr from Pit Sisters (www.PitSisters.org), is dressed up for the big event. Maggie, Dee Talty’s Golden Retriever, with Michelle Thompson and her foster Golden mix, Jenna, strut for G.R.E.A.T. Rescue (www.GreatRescue.org). For more information on First Coast No More Homesless Pets: www.FCNMHP.org. Best Friends Animal Society: www.BestFriends.org
DOGTOBERFEST First Coast No More Homeless Pets (FCNMHP) hosted their biggest fundraiser of the year, the Dogtoberfest 2012 Walk, on a most beautiful Fall day, with scores of vendors, Doga demonstrations (that’s dog and human yoga), and shows by
Ultimate Air Dogs’ Dock Diving, and Jumpin’ Jax Flyball.We saw dogs dressed in their finest Halloween costumes, proudly prancing, pawing, and marching their way alongside the St. John’s River, through falling leaves and sunshiny paths. “This year was our biggest one yet,” said FCNMHP Development Director, Diane Wiles. The 9th annual event certainly attracted the community. More than 2,000 people and at least 1,000 dogs ‘jam-packed’ Jacksonville Metropolitan Park on October 13. Continued g www.TheNewBarker.com
Nearly $45,000 was raised for FCNMHP's vital programs which have “reduced the euthanasia rate by 78% in Duval County since 2002,” said Wiles.That was the year the organization was fully formed. Spay and Neuter Programs are a main focus, while adoptions also share the spotlight. “We are hoping to become no-kill in 2014.This is our goal. Our euthanasia count is 5,000 so far this year, down from 23,000. And once we get to 1,600 (based on Duval County's population), we officially become nokill.”This low number accounts for the necessary humane euthanasia situations. All-in-all, Dogtoberfest was a huge success according to the staff and volunteers. Wiles shared that she was impressed by the “amazing support from the community.We had live music, doggie massages, and RadioNOW did the cutest dog contest before the event. We had beautiful weather, it was a great day.” U
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SECOND ANNUAL DOG DAYS OF SUMMER, CASSIS AMERICAN BRASSERIE ON BEACH DRIVE. It may have been hot as love in August, but the dog fashions and accessories provided by One Lucky Dog were even hotter. The crowd grew four deep, as models and their dogs sashayed down the red carpet alongside the restaurant’s sidewalk cafe. The event included adoptables from Pet Pal Animal Shelter. Pictured above, left to right: Caitlyn Calderbank, Elliott Gunther, Jaime Calderbank, Karen Rizzo and her Doberman, Summer.
belleair
Photograph by Anna Cooke. U
We spotted a Puggerfly (opposite page) and a new Sheriff in town (top photo/this page).Tiffany and Dennis Sergent pose with two-year-old Ky, their striking Siberian Husky. Daphne (bottom photo) is Lori and Rick Gallagher’s seven-month-old Miniature Goldendoodle. She is all 17 pounds of fluff. www.TheNewBarker.com
THE 13TH ANNUAL BOWSER BALL AND AUCTION, BELLEAIR COUNTRY CLUB. Held on September 15th, the event benefited the Pinellas Animal Foundation, comprised of veterinarians who, over the years, have developed programs on the value of responsible pet ownership, and the human/animal bond. The night highlighted a new program called the Pet Loss Support Program which provides guidance in a group setting monthly, and assists in healthy healing from the loss of a companion. For more information on the Pet Loss Support Program, please call 727.347.7387. Once again Dr. Don Morgan, DVM put together another fabulous event ever year with sponsors including, Dr.Walter Woolf and Air Animal Pet Movers. Rover reporting and photography by Heather Shulman. U
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The bathing of the dogs takes place on the salon’s patio with four stations set up. It’s not unusual for the volunteers to bathe up to 50 dogs in an hour.The salon is located in the dog and pedestrian friendly Thornton Park, a historic neighborhood in downtown Orlando. Lisa (shown in the photo to the left) saw a need in her community and created Shampooch just four months after opening her salon.“The community support has been amazing,” she told us, “as the people of O Town love the event, and what it stands for.” THE DOGGIE DOOR, WINTER PARK OPENS UNLEASHED.
THE SIXTH ANNUAL SHAMPOOCH! AT LAMBS EAT IVY SALON, ORLANDO. Over the last six years, Shampooch! has raised more than $50,000 for local shelters and rescue groups, including The Harbor House, PAWS Program, Pet Rescue by Judy, the SPCA of Central Florida, The Haven, and Florida Wildlife Rescue. This year’s beneficiary was The C.A.R.E. Foundation (www.TheCareFoundation.org). “Typically, we wash between 300 and 350 dogs in an afternoon,” said Lisa Pirillo, owner of the Lambs Eat Ivy Salon and founder of Shampooch! Local professional photographers volunteer their time and talent to provide portraits during the event for a $20 donation. “We turn the salon into a photography studio.This year we had 55 portrait sessions,” said Lisa. 94 THE NEW BARKER
Brian, co-owner of The Doggie Door celebrates the opening of the new wine boutique with Susan, Ms. Plum, a 15-year-old Sheltie, Kim and Margie during the October Grand Opening of Unleashed - Fetching Wine & Gourmet Gifts on Park Avenue. Rover reporting and photography by Elizabeth Reed.
www.TheNewBarker.com
seminole
– Rover reporting and photography by Jacqui Silla
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS – Honoring the Feast of St. Francis with the Blessing of Animals is a growing tradition across Florida. Almost every denomination of church holds the blessings in October.This year some synagogues hosted events based on the biblical story of Noah’s Ark. Places of worship have watched their congregants disappear as they age, or as younger demographics have moved away from the church. The blessings have been a profound way to re-connect with potential parishioners. St. Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of animals and the environment. Francis was the son of a wealthy cloth merchant in Assisi, and lived the high-spirited life typical of a wealthy young man. But, while going off to war in 1204, Francis had a vision that directed him back to Assisi. On a pilgrimage to Rome, he joined the poor in begging at St. Peter’s Basilica.The experience moved him to shed all of his worldly possessions, and live the rest of his life in poverty. We attended the blessing at Lake Seminole Presbyterian Church in Seminole. Marion Komara has been helping organize the event over the last few years, which includes rescue groups and other pet-related businesses. Photos: (Near right): Pastor Wierenga, his wife Helen and their dog Ringo. (Far right): Dr. Kim Donovan with the Pastor, and her Yorkie.
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SPCA FLORIDA OPEN HOUSE – It was a bittersweet day for Warren Cox, his staff and volunteers on a Saturday late in September. It would be one of his last events at the Lakeland shelter, as he was set to retire.“We’ve found someone who will take our vision further,” said Warren.“I found that we don’t need that big shelter I thought we needed, because we’re moving the animals out; we’re getting them adopted.” www.SPCAFlorida.org www.TheNewBarker.com
We're moving to our brand new Countryside Hospital & Boarding Kennel in early 2013. Be sure to "Like" us on Facebook for updates. THE NEW BARKER 95
west palm beach – Rover reporting and photography by Tina VaLant-Siebelts.
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INAUGURAL DACHSTOBERFEST – There were around 500 Dachshunds accompanied by nearly 1200 of their humans on a beautiful October Sunday. Weiners of every age (pups to seniors), color (red, black, blonde, dapple and more), and coats were represented (short, long and wire haired). And there were wanna-be weiners (dogs dressed up as hot dogs, complete with an array of condiments). Monika Stefaniak is the mom to a trio of mischievious red doxies and the founder of the event. “We were very excited with the turn-out and hope to see everyone back, next year,” she said. Two dogs were adopted as a result of the event, which also raised funds for Dachshund Rescue of South Florida www.DachshundRescueSouthFlorida.com
The highlight of the event was fast, furious and funny (weiner dog racing). – Rover reporting and photography by Heather Schulman
7TH ANNUAL DOX-A-PALOOZA – Hosted by DARE’s (Dachshund Adoption Rescue and Education) on November 3rd, this is the rescue group’s largest fundraiser of the year. Held at Mango Dog Park, the event raises money to help abandoned, neglected, abused or orphaned Dachshunds find temporary or permanent homes. It was a fun day for Doxies and their humans, with costume contests, weiner races, silent and live auctions. www.DareToRescue.org. Sundae (left) who attends Dox-A-Palooza every year, enjoys her time listening to music with her Mom. Ty the Skunk (below center) loves the opportunity to compete against his other Dachshund peers during the costume contest. Jersey (below right) is a cream colored Doxie who is a DARE adoptee.
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FARMERS MARKETS have become increasingly more dog friendly, many Sarasota’s Farmers of which have vendors who cater Market runs specifically to the family dog.Two of every Saturday our favorite markets are the Riverside throughout the Arts Market (RAM) in Jacksonville year, rain or and the Downtown Sarasota Farmer’s shine. It has been Market. RAM is a seasonal market, going strong for March through December. Every 30 years, with an August they have a day dedicated to expansive 5,000 square feet of produce and plants, all dogs with their Bark Market event, grown on local area farms. Puppies were sleeping at the Wet complete with a dog parade (top row). Javier, a Manchester Terrier Chihuahua Noses Boutique sponsored Animal Rescue Coalition booth. Photography by Kirk Chamberlain.
www.TheNewBarker.com
mix visits the Sarasota Farmers Market. THE NEW BARKER 97
winter haven
– Rover reporting and photography by Jillyn Sidlo
WING FLING 2012 – One of the stops during this year’s event included the Humane Society of Polk County. Five tour buses were filled with people ready to have some fun, make new friends, eat good food and do it all for a great cause: to raise money for the shelter. The luxury buses were chartered at $50.00 a person for the day, making stops throughout Polk county at participating restaurants serving up some delicious fare. Each year the event has been organized and hosted by Today and Tonight Magazine, and made possible by sponsors, including The New Barker. The Humane Society of Polk County is nestled down a long winding country road in Winter Haven, on a serene patch of rolling hills.The community will be celebrating the shelter’s 40th anniversary in May, 2013. After meeting Board President Suzie Moraco and board member Karen Phillips (above center), we visited the dogs in the kennels for photos, hugs and kisses.Three dogs were adopted while we were there, including Ashley an Aussie Blue Heeler. The shelter also had eight eight-week-old black Lab mix puppies. Buster a Boarder Collie (above right), Milli, an American Bulldog/Boxer, and Jack Daniels a Catahoula Hound mix were all prancing around in hopes of getting adopted as well. Set up at the shelter to serve up their famous wings was Bubba Chucks BBQ (far left). Owners Mike and Jerry were on hand to greet and serve. We also had a chance to speak with Dr. Jerry Rayburn DVM, (near left) who was Florida’s Veterinarian of the Year in 2011. He visits the shelter once a month to donate his time for the Spay and Neuter Clinic Day. If you’re in the market for a new family member, please take a drive to Winter Haven and view this lovely facility with its knowledgeable and friendly staff. The facility also offers basic, and advanced obedience classes, therapy dog prep and dog agility classes run by Bob Sokoloskis and Diann Andress. www.HumaneSocietyofPolkCounty.org
tampa
Jillyn, working The New Barker booth, meets Harley. 98 THE NEW BARKER
AKC RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP DAY – The New Barker has been a part of this event for the last six years, and the show keeps growing every year. Karen Toth and volunteers from the Tampa Bay Kennel Club, including Jeanne St. John, do a remarkable job of lining up vendors, and entertainment. For the second year now, the event has been held at the Florida State Fairgrounds. It is free to the public ($6.00 parking per car) and the vendor fee is very reasonable. This year we had promotional items and giveaways from two Disney films: Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3 and Frankenweenie. It was non-stop all day between 10a and 4p. We signed up 100 new subscribers, met some new friends and saw plenty of old ones, including a huge representation from the
Chihuahua Group of Tampa Bay. If you are a business catering to dogs and their humans, it is not too early to sign up for the 2013 event. Booth space tends to go pretty quick. Call Karen Toth, Event Coordinator at 727.541.3223
Have Dogs,Will Travel. How many dogs are in this buggy, anyway? www.TheNewBarker.com
tampa
Left to right: Candy and Eddie DeBartolo with Mark and Kim Bagnoli.
HANGIN’ 10 FOR FRANKIE’S FRIENDS – More than $56,000 was raised for the charitable foundation, Frankie’s Friends on November 3. Candy and Eddie DeBartolo and the DeBartolo Family Foundation were the presenting sponsors. The Veterinary Cancer Foundation was started by Dr. Neil Shaw of Florida Veterinary Specialists (now BluePearl Veterinary Partners) in 1996. In 2008, the foundation’s name was changed to Frankie’s Friends. Frankie was the DeBartolo family’s beloved Greyhound for which the foundation is named. One of the missions of the Foundation is to raise money and help family pets who would otherwise suffer without proper medical care, or be euthanized due to their families’ lack of financial resources. www.FrankiesFriends.com
(Above): Michael Stewart, owner of 717 South, had a tribute to his dog, Penelope. Pictured at the table are Terrence and Kayla. (Right): Linda Pearce’s Yorkie, Mylee was one of the runway stars during the Fashion Show.
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PATTERNS FOR PAWS, hosted by Design Centers of the Americas (DCOTA) and chaired by Luann Alorro and Tara Forman, raised $24,000 for the Humane Society of Broward County. Centerpieces for the luncheon were made up of custom designer dog beds. www.HumaneBroward.com (Photo to the left): Event Chairs Luann Alorro and Tara Forman; (Top Left photo): Jenny Zalkin and Josh Fein with one of the HSBC models; (Top right photo): Dr. April Patterson with her newly adopted dog Prancer, a Pomeranian mix that was part of the shelter’s new Adoption Ambassador program, and Christina Greene. www.TheNewBarker.com
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obedience
positive training
Coaxing the Best From the Soft Dog. –by Pam Stuart
M
uch like with the power of positive thinking, there is power with positive training. The results will be a motivated and enthusiastic dog who wants to perform for the handler. Members of the Tampa Bay Vizsla Club had the pleasure of seeing positive training techniques applied to field training during Lonnie Spell’s Belief and Behavior Seminar held at the Valley Hunter farm in Alachua, Florida. Lonnie, who hails from Lafayette, Louisiana, is the proprietor of Limited Edition Gun Dogs, and has been training dogs for 26 years. His grandfather was a dog trainer, and his father is still an avid bird hunter. He has been around bird dogs as long as he can remember including Pointers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers,Water Spaniels and a particular Llewellin Setter, one of the greatest dogs he has owned. His focus is on training the big running horseback handled field dog.
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Belief and Behavior A belief can be taught by the handler through training and can also be self-taught by the dog (via selfcorrection) when the dog experiences the consequences of his actions. Repeated beliefs become the occurrences. With consistency in the training process, the dog repeatedly and consistently realizes the desired behaviors that result in positive outcomes.The dog becomes conditioned to make these right choices (what the handler wants and trains for). If the dog believes the desired behaviors will get him a reward (whether it be a click for those of you familiar with clicker training, a kind word from the handler or, out in the field, the bird not flying away) he will repeat the behaviors. Repeated good behaviors become good habits and these good habits become lifestyles. The principles of Lonnie’s belief and behavior philosophy are easily extended beyond the field, and applied to other performance venues. One of the foremost principles forming the basis of success in training is that the dog needs to view its handler as the pack leader. This relationship needs to be established in order for the dog to hear, listen and obey commands, whether in the field, the agility ring or walking on leash in the neighborhood. As much as we love our dogs, we must remember they are not little people in fur suits. They are dogs. They are pack animals and they think like pack animals.That is what they understand, and leadership is what they need.The handler, as pack leader, will command the respect and obedience of the pack member. “We ‘mark behavior’ when we reward a dog for compliance. But, that can be a problem when we mark a dog’s sulking, scared or retreating behavior by comforting him. If we mark good behavior with praise, the dog will repeat that. If we mark unwanted behavior with praise (comforting the soft dog when he is sulking, scared or retreating), the dog will repeat that, too.” – Lonnie Spell (left with Limited Edition Super Joe.)
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Y Gun dog is a dog trained to find Did You Know?
game for the handler/hunter, point the game, and retrieve the game when sent to retrieve by the handler/hunter. For the Vizsla, and other pointing breeds, these scent hunters locate and point birds. Big running horseback handled field dog is a gun dog that is handled by someone riding a horse rather than someone walking on foot. Generally speaking, a big running dog runs (and hunts) farther out from the horseback handler than a dog being handled by someone on foot. The Vizsla is known as the Gentleman’s Hunting Dog. Photography by Anna Cooke, taken during the annual “Fun Day” on 300 acres of land in Central Florida, sponsored by the Tampa Bay Area Vizsla Group.
Above - Pete and Monty, Pam Stuart’s two Vizslas, love to run. We watched two champion Vizslas (Jake and Ali, far left and below) spot in a wide open field. The first dog to spot would go “on point.” The second dog, seeing the first dog on point, would "honor" the point by staying back while also going on point. The dogs would not move off their pointing stance until released by their handler. We were told they would stand on point until the cows came home. There really is no mystery in positive training. 1) Be your dog’s pack leader. 2) Purposely create training scenarios.When your dog does something right, mark it with praise, when he does something wrong, shift into the neutral gear. 3) Consistency is the key - don’t confuse your dog with too many different commands for the same action. 4) Set your dog up for success. 5) Always leave the training session with your dog enthusiastic, and wanting more. 6) Allow the dog to be an active problem solver through self-correction. You may find you have an amazing little problem solver at the other end of the leash who is only too willing and happy to please you.
The positive training principles in Belief and Behavior are wellsuited to the soft dog. A soft dog is one that by nature of the breed or of the individual’s temperament and personality, is sensitive, shy or lacks confidence. Positive training techniques work well for the Vizsla; a breed that is very willing to please the handler and does not take well to force-based training or correction. As Lonnie has observed in his many years working with dogs, “At some point in the soft dog’s training, he will have to be corrected for something, however small that correction might be. If a soft dog has not learned to accept correction before it is applied in training, there is a huge risk that this already soft dog will take the correction personally, lose confidence and shut down.” By utilizing self-correcting techniques, the dog learns independent of the handler, does not blame the handler for any correction, and will begin to think about its actions and consequences. In his experience with training soft dogs, Lonnie has found that it is important to find a middle ground between praise and correction. He calls this the neutral gear. In other www.TheNewBarker.com
words, the handler exhibits neutral behavior when the soft dog does not perform the task asked of him: don’t praise, don’t punish. If the dog does not perform the asked behavior, let that moment go and move on. Only offer praise when the dog performs the desired behavior. If a soft dog is punished for not performing the task, his lack of confidence is compounded, which could potentially build fear of failure.This will lead to no performance at all. On the other hand, comforting the soft dog in an attempt to reassure him, will only reinforce that lack of confidence. Lonnie has found that with the soft dog, confidence building grows out of neutral training. The dog realizes that even though he may have done something wrong, the world is not going to end. Dogs are very much in the moment and the window of opportunity to mark the desired behavior is as short as one to three seconds. This mark can be a verbal cue (“yes!”), a pat on the head, or a click. Remember, comforting a sulking, scared or retreating dog only rewards that behavior. U THE NEW BARKER 101
Would You Buy A Parachute With A Hole In It Just Because It Was Cheaper? –Steve Cooke
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Our dogs don’t know the difference between one treat or another. To them, they’re all delicious, and they’ll eat just about anything we hand them, or drop on the floor. It’s up to us as pet parents to know what we’re giving them.Their health and well-being are totally, and quite literally in our hands. It’s for that reason that we’ll continue to do updates on the debacle that is chicken jerky treats from China. Thanks to people in the pet industry who continue to stay on top of the news, especially our local retailers. Yvonne Guibert, owner of Tampa’s holistic pet store, Groovy Cats & Dogs said,“No manufactured food or treat is 100% safe. But it’s safer to buy products sourced and made in the United States because we have better systems in place to monitor its production.” In September, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an update to previous reports warning pet owners about the dangers of chicken jerky treats made in China. The confirmed death toll as of September 2012 was 360 dogs, one cat and more than 2,200 severe illness claims. Lawsuits have been filed by some consumers and the allegations were taken seriously enough to prompt the FDA to investigate. Investigators were dispatched to China in April by the FDA. The Chinese government cited national sovereignty in not allowing U.S. inspectors to draw random samples from the plants for testing at United States FDA laboratories.
Tyra, a five-year-old Pit Bull, showing off her talents at the Doggy Fun Zone during the 12th Annual Stride for Strays for Animal Coalition of Tampa. www.ACTampa.org. Photograph by Anna Cooke.
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“It’s hard to believe the FDA would send a team of inspectors to China without first getting permission to bring samples back,” said U.S. Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Ohio, an outspoken consumer advocate in the House of Representatives who has been tracking the jerky problem. “They’re doing nothing of consequence. The FDA’s tonedeaf on this one.” Healthy Treating Guidelines:
aFeed treats very sparingly, especially if
aTreats should not make up more than 15your pet is less than 20 pounds. 20% of total diet.
a Use treats to reward good behaviors. a Don’t indulge your pet with treats or give treats“just because.”
What to Look For:
a Read the list of ingredients. a If you don’t know what an ingredient is,
chances are you don’t want to feed it to your pet. a Calories should be low to moderate. a Whole grains (oats, barley, rye, quinoa, spelt.) a Whole foods like chicken or beef, fruits, berries, veggies. a Made in USA.
N High fat/High sugar content. N Junk food treats (if it sounds like junk
Stay Away From:
food, it probably is junk food). N Rawhide of any kind. N Preservatives and chemical additives. N Made in China (inspect labels carefully).
Questions? Ask your pet’s veterinarian and local independent pet store for guidance. Purchase your pet’s food and treats from a local independent pet store. You’ll get good information and the reassurance that they are looking out for your pet’s health.
Anthony Bennie, who has been The New Barker go-to guy over the years for information on health and diet, weighed in: “My advice to pet lovers is to buy American made treats and support our own farmers, ranchers and manufacturers. If an American made product was suspected of causing pet illness, its manufacturer would be held accountable in a heartbeat. And that’s the way it should be. Our companion animals are family members and they deserve nothwww.TheNewBarker.com
ing less than the healthiest and safest food and treats we can give them.” Yvonne told us that the FDA report confirmed that in the past 10 years, importation of pet food from China has had an 85-fold increase. “86 million pounds of pet food came from China in 2011 alone. And pet treats, including the jerky treats, are the fastest growing segment in the pet food industry,” said Yvonne. Indeed, imports from China have a growing share of the American treat market. Virtually all of the largest companies in the mass market pet treat segment have made these products a key part of their retail strategy. “I know from personal experience in operating Clear Conscience Pet that it is far more expensive to use only American sources and make every product we sell here in the USA. We and other small familyowned manufacturers are struggling to be profitable in a highly competitive marketplace, and I am sure it is tempting for some to be lured by the dramatically lower costs of these imports. I could buy finished products ready to put in a pretty bag and virtually double my profit margins overnight, but I won’t ever compromise animal health and safety for higher profits.” Selecting the treats we feed our pets is just as important as choosing the food we put in their bowls. “It is even more important if your pet already has a health condition,” said Yvonne. She and other pet professionals emphasize the importance of reading the food labels of each product. “Never compromise your pet’s health by choosing cheap, low quality treats. As consumers, we must realize that better quality products— clean, wholesome, made in the USA—command a slightly higher price,” said Yvonne. “Pet owners should educate themselves, and then decide whether a few more dollars for food that’s safe to eat is worth it. How much is your dog’s life worth?” U
Special thanks to Yvonne Guibert, owner of Groovy Cats & Dogs Holistic Pet Boutique, and Anthony Bennie, owner of Clear Conscience Pets for contributing to this article, and continuing to keep us updated. www.GroovyCatsnDogs.com 813.265.1333
Should I Have Pet Health Insurance on My Pets? Over the last few years, big strides have been made in veterinary medicine, with more sophisticated treatments and technology. The costs for this care have escalated as well. Having pet health insurance in case of something catastrophic is being advised by veterinarians. But no one insurance provider stands out, or is being recommended over the other. As with any insurance policy, what is covered and what is not are the two biggest questions in pet health insurance. We have it on good authority – Deborah Turner, president of Dean Insurance Agency in Altamonte Springs – that a website is helping consumers. Pet Insurance Quotes has become the number one independent source for pet owners to obtain quotes and compare plans from all of the leading pet health insurance companies.The company’s mission is to help elevate awareness of pet insurance so that more pets are insured. The information on the site is based on unbiased facts and research. “Personally, my thought is that this site is a gift to all dog owners considering pet health insurance,” said Deborah. “As you will see, all of the policies have different underwriting, so any dog owner would need to review the general comparison to see which policies would work for them based on their dogs. Then they can compare pricing side by side.” Pet Insurance Quotes: www.PetInsuranceQuote.com
www.ClearConsciencePet.com 203.762.8620 THE NEW BARKER 103
Your Dog’s Health: Why Holistic Veterinarians Trust Herbal Formulas. –by Chris Bessent, DVM
W
hen bladder and urinary tract infections occur in pets, holistic veterinarians have a variety of means including herbal formulas and dietary recommendations to not only treat bladder and urinary tract infections, but to support healthy bladder function. Chinese theorists maintain that bladder infections are due to damp heat in the bladder, meaning there is swelling to the tissue of the bladder. Typically this swelling can be attributed to changes in the pH of the urine.The pH changes create an environment in the bladder favorable for bacteria to “set up shop” and create an infection. The best way to help treat and prevent these infections is to take steps to drain the damp heat and change the internal environment of the bladder. Dietary magnesium is deemed to be one of the main contributors to urinary struvite formation. High grain carbohydrates present in most generic dry pet food brands are high in magnesium. Therefore, holistic veterinarians reason that because dogs and cats are naturally carnivorous animals, a raw diet, which is low in magnesium, promotes healthy bladder and urinary function. It is also important for pet owners to feed a diet that combats obesity, as obesity is seen as another contributor to frequent urinary tract infections. Male obese cats are the most likely to contract bladder and urinary tract infections. And most importantly, encouraging pet owners to provide plenty of fresh water, and even moist food for cats, is essential. Types of Stones Before discussing treatment and prevention of bladder and UT infections, let's consider the types of crystals and stones created when damp heat is present. As mentioned, infections occur when bacteria invades the urinary tract and 104 THE NEW BARKER
bladder, creating damp heat in the bladder.This can lead to crystal and stone for-
A Golden Smile - Recently brought in by foster volunteers with Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida. Photographed by Anna Cooke at the 3rd Annual Loving Care Pet Fair in Seminole.
mation, as well as prostate inflammation. One way for bad bacteria to take residence in the bladder is for bacteria on the skin to ascend up the urinary tract into the bladder. Improper diet, which will be discussed later, also contributes to damp heat in the bladder creating these unfortunate crystals and stones. Struvite stones are the most common cause for obstruction in the urinary tract and are nearly impossible to pass. These struvite stones are composed of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate, and are primarily caused by dietary magnesium.They also thrive in high pH alka-
line environments. Prescription diets lower the pH and magnesium levels, which is helpful to prevent struvite formation. However, because we have created a more acidic environment in the bladder by lowering magnesium levels and not resolving the base problem associated with the damp heat, pets have started to develop more calcium oxalate crystals, which thrive in acidic environments. In the last few years, we have started to see a fairly even amount of struvite and oxalate stones. So by acidifying the urine, we changed the type of stones that were developing. When veterinarians realized that the calcium oxalate stones thrived in acidic environments, they took a look back at the composition of the science and prescription diets to try and combat the now stronger calcium oxalate stones. By changing the prescription diets yet again, the number of calcium oxalate stones decreased, and we are once again seeing a higher percentage of struvite stones. It’s an unfortunate predicament. There a number of holistic means available to not only treat infections when they occur, but also to support bladder health and maintain a cool, dry bladder environment. Herbs to Support Bladder Function Holistic veterinarians use a variety of Chinese herbs to treat bladder and urinary tract infections as well as help support bladder function. Some formulas help prevent bladder infections, while some are used to directly treat infections when they occur. Akebia is a flowering plant known for its draining and cooling abilities. It aids in eliminating damp heat from the bladder and promotes healthy urination. Rhubarb root is known for its natural ability to empty the system of waste. Its fiber content supports colon function along with healthy bowel movements. www.TheNewBarker.com
In addition to the aforementioned herbs that are used to both treat and support bladder health, cranberries acidify the urine, making it an unfavorable environment for most types of bacteria to survive in. Cranberries also have the ability to attach to bacteria such as E-coli and prevent it from attaching to the bladder wall. Another added benefit of cranberries is that they contain salicyclic acid, a natural anti-inflammatory. DMannose is a simple sugar that works similarly. Another method holistic veterinarians have found effective in supporting bladder health is oral glucosamine for cats.A portion of glucosamine enters the urinary tract system to be urinated out and forms a mucus coat on the bladder wall. In turn, bacteria, such as e-coli, cannot adhere to the wall. Unfortunately, struvite can present in cats without any infection present. Addendum: All of the herbs in the aforementioned article are included in Herbsmith Rx’s Dianthus Harmonize Bladder. This herbal formula has been used for a number of years by Dr. Bessent at her clinic. It has been helpful in draining damp heat in pet bladders and resolving obstructions to promote healthy bladder function. In addition to its herbal formulas, Herbsmith promotes the Chinese food energetics idea, “you are what you eat.” Its premise is that proper nutrition supports organ function throughout the pet's body, and the correct diet can make all the difference.Thus, the most important way to support a pet’s bladder health is to monitor their nutrition. U
Dietary supplements promoting optimum health, like Herbsmith Bladder Care can be found at Dog Mania & Cats, Dade City; Fluffy Puppies, Clearwater; Gone to the Dogs, St. Pete Beach; Groovy Cats & Dogs, Tampa; One Lucky Dog, St. Petersburg; Pawsitively Posh Pooch, St. Petersburg; Pet Food Warehouse, St. Petersburg; Pet Supplies Plus, Pinellas Park; Wet Noses Boutique, Sarasota.
www.TheNewBarker.com
The New Barker
THE NEW BARKER 105
Ava & Chip
e
Dogs Have A Lot On Their Minds, People.
On
respite and recovery from
two hip surgeries in 2007 and 2008, Jo Maldonado (shown above with her dog, Syd) began studying her life long passion of animal-to-human communication, and the relationship of one to the other. This led her to open Centers for Animal Therapies, an educational program for the understanding of animals in 2009. The program began with a handful of classes and quickly grew to more than 50 classes a semester. Its local and well-known national instructors offer the public general knowledge such as pet nutrition, training, alternative healing, animal communication and pet first aid to name a few. An integral component of the program was its dedication to offer animal sanctuaries education and assistance at no charge. As the program grew, so did Jo’s ability to connect the relationship of the intuitive and behavioral aspects between the animal and human species. Volunteering at animal sanctuaries gave her the opportunity to observe and practice her studies. She observed that 100% of 106 THE NEW BARKER
the time, all animals responded to the telepathic sending of messages, sending a response in return. Continuing her observations led her to the conclusion that all thoughts take on energy and that animals in turn responded to the energy that was being sent. The animals were in fact, responding to the thoughts that humans were sending. When we asked our readers to send us inquiries on having Jo do a reading on their dogs, we were overwhelmed with the response. Many of us at one time or another, have wanted to know what our dogs were thinking. We selected three people and four of their dogs. Jo was provided with a photo of each dog and one or two questions from their humans. No other background information was provided to her. Jo told us that each of these dogs had much more to say than we had room to print. Centers for Animal Therapies/C.A.T. is an educational program on animals, nature and natural therapies. Jo’s office is located at 2105 East Minnesota Avenue in DeLand. She offers private readings either in person or by phone, classes and workshops, presentations and consultations. Those wishing to learn more about their pets, and what they are thinking should call 386.279.0257 or email her at jo@cat-edu.com.
Donna Moore has two Jack Russell Terriers. She adopted Ava (below left) from Almost Home Rescue in Manatee County earlier this year. Chip (below right) is seven, and has been with Donna since he was a puppy. She wanted to know why Ava always tries to bolt out the front door. “Where do you want to go, and would you come home if you got out?” Donna, also wanted to know why Chip is so afraid of the rain. Ava told Jo: “I’ve been running for such a long time. It’s in my genes. It’s my nature. It’s part of my past. Nothing personal.Yes, I do love my home, but it’s just not enough for me. Acres and acres is what I need. Just let me go and fly! The front door is my gateway. I just want to keep running. It is possible I may not come back. My brain takes over and I just want to run. I am so focused on the run, that’s all I can think about. I may not be aware of where I end up, or know the way back.” For Donna from Jo: Ava is suggesting certain activities Donna can do to compensate this feel for the run, and what else Donna can do with her so she is not always in this state of mind.The pet sitter, and the door opening all link together. Chip told Jo: “Rain startles me. I can be sound asleep and then all of a sudden it becomes really loud. Once it starts it doesn’t stop. It’s in my head. My head hurts. I want to get away from it, but I can’t.” For Donna from Jo: Chip is a guy who sleeps very deeply and soundly. He feels elderly in the way his body mechanics work. One of his first encounters with rain awakened him and startled him so much that the next time it rained, he instinctively awakened abruptly. It has been my experience with dogs that after the second time they react to an experience in the same fashion, it becomes set in their makeup as a habit.You would need to reprogram him. We can discuss this. There are also other things that are occurring in your household that are affecting him. His nervous system is on edge. He will be overly cautious with everything he does. Assert your pack leadership role and you will see a difference, with more calmness and balance in his approach. www.TheNewBarker.com
Max
We Speak to Our Dogs Through Body Language. –by Jo Maldonado
Max is one of several dogs adopted by Donna Griffin of Riverview. She wanted to know if Max remembers the day they met, and if he is reincarnated? Max’s recollection to Jo: He’s showing me that he is running in circles. Like he is almost dodging the “capture.” He recollects that he is tired, and that he gave in.The next thing I see is a woman who places his head into the palms of her hands. She tells him that everything will be all right from this point on. She’s very comforting. She has a very believable tone to her voice, very soothing. Her hands stroke his head. He trusts her. They leave together.We are all reincarnated. Max is here with a specific purpose.
Pebbles
Andrea Schleicher told us that Pebbles, a miniature Poodle, was a rescue. “We don’t know anything about her history, except that she was picked up with her puppies by animal control.We would like to know something about her previous life. Pebbles to Jo: She’s showing me a household with multiple dogs, the woman was in her 30’s or 40’s. Pebbles is very wise. In this household she was not acknowledged for the gifts she brought to those around her. There were many dogs. She was whisked up many times as though she was an inconvenience. She is most grateful for her new home. She carries the wisdom of elders, and she has much to tell you. www.TheNewBarker.com
A dog’s proficiency in reading body language should come as no surprise since, as pack members, dogs have to communicate with each other without the benefit of a verbal language. Instead they communicate through conscious and subliminal signing or gesturing. The study of body language, kinesics, the study of nonverbal communication with your body has been studied since the early Greeks.Your body posture - your head carriage position, shoulders, hip stance, position of arms, behind you versus in front of you, all send the same messages to animals that they do to people. It just becomes more intensified when perceived by animals. Each posture or pose gives off a certain and very different energy signal. Each body position carries with it an emotion which is triggered by our thoughts and the memories our cells have stored within our body. Walking a dog is the most fundamental lesson in leadership and communication between you and your dog. Here are a few tips: Shoulders Back Did you know that more testosterone is emitted when your shoulders are back? Dogs senses are keen. When you emit more testosterone, in dog language you are saying that you are in charge. In a dog pack, the dog with the highest level of testosterone is in charge. Shoulders slumped to the front, is submissive, signaling that you don’t want to be in charge. Contracted body language (closed) is linked to feelings of lower status and worth, and is exemplified by hunched shoulders, head lowered, crossed arms and legs, and not smiling, says social psychologist Amy Cuddy,
an associate professor at Harvard Business School. Knees Locked or Knees Relaxed? Knees should be unlocked, or in a relaxed position if standing. Legs equally apart at a stance, and grounded “like a tree” is most optimal. When you lock your knees, your muscles tighten. Tight muscles can be a response to either severe cold temperatures, excitability, heightened emotions, and unbalanced energy.This delivers an unfavorable response to dogs, and may also be viewed as threatening. Example: a fearful person tends to tense up and stare. Dogs may misread a fearful person’s behavior as a challenge posture, like that of a dominant dog squaring up to an opponent.This immediately puts a dog on the defensive. Arms in Front or Behind You? Arms behind you when walking a dog on a leash, is a more neutral pose, and gives you the advantage of not “fighting the leash” or fighting your dog. After you have successfully mastered the art of the walk with a slack on the leash, you can enjoy walking your dog with your arms in a relaxed position at the side. Arms in front is, again, a contracted pose, interpreted as having lower self esteem, feeling threatened, nervous, insecure or defensive. Head Position is very significant in body language. Due to our very flexible neck structure, we are able to turn our heads forward, withdraw, tilt sideways, or backwards. All of these movements have meanings, which given some thought about other signals can be understood. The best position when working with animals, is a high head signifying attentive listening, usually with an open or undecided mind, or lack of bias. U THE NEW BARKER 107
Interview with an Artist.
what i know. Sam Taylor is our cover artist for this issue. He paints exclusively with acrylic for its fast-drying qualities, and especially for its brilliance. He began painting during college, but took a long break from it as his career in advertising took off. A few of his pieces are at the gallery of Alison West Brown who is also his representative for commissioned paintings. You may contact her at 727.510.8572. To view more of Sam’s work, visit www.AlisonWestBrown.com.
I
I always had an interest in creating art that reflected my personality and interests. I eventually realized I could try to make a career with my skills by working in advertising, so I pursued a degree in Graphic Design at the University of Florida in Gainesville. I moved back to Tampa and have been here ever since. Most of my creative years were spent with pencils and inks. The advertising business drained me of my creative spark due to long hours in an office working under the pressures of deadlines.
I’ve had many dogs over the years; Taffy, a Peek-A-Poo was a whitish ball of fur and later Benji, a tan colored fur-ball. Also Mitsie, a stray black lab who was super-smart. She would open the screen door whenever she wanted to, so she would let herself out and back into the house.They were all very affectionate and pretty good watchdogs. My wife and I enjoy art shows and one day, about two years ago, we noticed a lot of dogs being walked by their owners. I wanted to get out of the advertising industry and 108 THE NEW BARKER
found an engaging topic and an audience ready to embrace that subject matter so close to their hearts - their family pet. It has been a tremendous joy. I tried painting at home and found too many distractions there. So strangely enough, I work in an office-studio next to my wife's office at her Family Law Mediation practice. Her clients have extended visits and like to watch me paint and talk to me about my work during their breaks.The meetings can get very stressful and she jokingly refers to me as the office therapy dog. It seems to help let off the pressure they are going through.The studio has some good lighting in my work area next to glass French doors. I have to adjust my easel occasionally to get the right exposure. Aqua blues and turquoise are my favorite colors. They remind me of the ocean. When I’m painting, I usually like to listen to Progressive Rock, New Age instrumentals and even soundtracks.These can often transport me in a way, while I concentrate on what's happening on the canvas.
www.TheNewBarker.com
N.C. Wyeth was such a fantastic storyteller as an illustrator and painter. He portrayed characters and action that made you believe you were in the story. Growing up, I was really inspired by the fantasy art of Frank Frazetta and still am. He could really breathe life into his characters.Today, I have really come to appreciate the impressionists like Monet and Manet as well as the Dutch masters.The Roman art of the late Republic and early Empire.
A Spiderman coffee cup is sitting on my desk, along with pens, pencils, a copy of The Artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magazine, and my iMac.The most cherished item in my studio is my wife. Next to her, my collection of art books of all kinds. Unlike the artist stereotype, I need a clean shave every day. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m usually up by 7:00, have breakfast and get ready for work. I think about the painting I'm working on and how I will approach the colors and textures for that day's project. Weekends are spent with my kids. But I paint Monday through Friday, all day. I really enjoy immersing myself in my work, so I consider myself pretty lucky these days.
Reading is my favorite pastime, it takes me to other places in my imagination. I have a Poodle/Lhasa Apso named Pepper who can dance and stand on her hind legs forever. Our Shih-Tzu, Cookie will roll over for a tummy rub as soon as she is approached by anyone. Luke, a Husky/Lab mix was named after Luke Skywalker because of his bright blue eyes. He is really sweet, but a terrible watchdog; he never barks. He goes out back every night looking for Possums in the tree branches overhead. Finally Monte, a Yorkie named after the Count of Monte Christo. It is a favorite story and movie of my wife and her daughter Kalen.
www.TheNewBarker.com
THE NEW BARKER 109
Bone Appetite with Bailey. Traveling the state to find and review the most dog friendly restaurants around. – Photography by Danette. Review by Bailey (as told to Danette).
Ahoy! Ye Buccaneers, Lads & Lasses.
T
The atmosphere at Gaspar’s Grotto Restaurant and Bar in Ybor has you instantly feeling like you’ve stepped out of the city and into a cave. Don’t be surprised to find a swashbuckling pirate or two sitting at a table or on a bar stool. The backlit bottles at the bars shine like doubloons in a treasure chest. Music and misters. Fountains and fans. Luckily no planks to walk. But plenty were used to build the three full liquor bars that stand ready to help you quench your thirst. Bountiful booty fills the pages of the menu. Set sail with an appetizer like the Fire Roasted Caribbean Shrimp in a garlic rosemary-thyme butter served with Cuban bread for dunking. The sauce will have your savoring the tangy yet spicy flavor. Continue your journey through crocks of soup including a signature Black Bean Soup with, green peppers, garlic and topped with marinated onions. If you’re a landlubber, your grub of choice may be the Buttermilk Fried Crispy Chicken Doubloons: chicken breast strips, dusted in seasoned flour and deep fried. Served with BBQ sauce, Gorgonzola cheese dressing, or fiery hot sauce. Of course, a young lass like me is under drinking age, but for those who can partake, the Sangria is a must try. Gaspar’s Grotto motto is sample first and for good reason. Just when you think Red Sangria is traditional and the only way to add wind to your sail, a taste of the White just may have you changing course. Both are made from the house recipe and marinated overnight with fresh fruit. Once you decide, enjoy by the pitcher or the carafe.
No trip to Tampa Bay would be complete without a visit to world famous pirate bar and restaurant, Gaspar’s Grotto. Dog friendly every day of the year, Gaspar’s Grotto celebrates dogs on the first Saturday of each month with Pets on the Patio. Many fundraising events for rescue groups have been held here. Check out the mural of the pirate ship complete with portraits of dogs and cats in pirate gear. Painted by artist, Anna Hamilton, co-founder of Murals for Mutts, whose motto is Saving Pets One Brushstroke at a Time. Portraits were painted as a fundraising effort for Animal Based Charities. For more information, visit www.MuralsForMutts.com.
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Bailey, doing her best impression of Johnny Depp doing his best impression of Keith Richards. www.TheNewBarker.com
There is something on the menu at Gaspar’s Grotto to satisfy a vast variety of cravings.Wood Fired Pizza lets the pirate in you plunder a variety of toppings including mango for a tropical twist.
All hands are on deck. People and pooches feel welcomed and cared for as soon as Olivia seats you. Cam immediately delivers iced water for all, and Savannah the Captain of the Crew for the evening makes the rounds to ensure me hearties were happy. Splice the mainbrace.
Hey Dogs (and you sport’s fans),
Ferg’s Has Got It Going.
Dead men tell no tales. It’s a legend that Ybor is haunted. Did we see an apparition or just the cool mist off the fans? Gaspar’s Grotto, 1805 East 7th Avenue, Ybor City 813.248.5900. For event and catering information, contact sales@GasparsGrotto.com. Is your restaurant dog friendly? For review consideration, complete with professional Photography by Danette, drop us a line via email at info@thenewbarker.com. Put “restaurant review” in the subject line.
www.TheNewBarker.com
t Live
Entertainment Every Friday. TVs throughout. t Late Night. t Daily Food and Drink Specials. t Pet friendly on the patio’s outdoor dining areas. t FREE event and party planning for private parties and groups. t Located just steps from Tropicana Field. t Big-screen
Florida’s largest sports bar is also the official Tampa Bay Ray’s sports bar. Signature wings and burgers are only two items on an awesome menu of pub fare at its finest. Enjoy an ice-cold craft beer or cocktail from one of five bars.
1320 Central Avenue t St. Petersburg 727.822.4562 t www.FergsSportsBar.com THE NEW BARKER 111
Photograph by Anna Cooke
CAFÉ AMERICANO Distinctive European ambience, accentuated by stunning food revelations. Superb selections of pasta, salads, meats, and desserts prepared using the freshest of ingredients. A precious gemstone of culinary magic, right in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Dog friendly dining al fresco. Sarasota, 941.365.1026.
West Highland Terriers, Zoe and Moet enjoyed an evening out to help kick off the SPCA Tampa Bay’s 3k Pet Walk Fundraiser. The Yappy Hour was hosted by 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House.
CACIQUE ON MAIN Award-winning cuisine with a menu of fresh Mediterranean and Latin food, a large variety of wines to complement your meal, weekly entertainment, and salsa dancing. All of this and more is yours at Cacique On Main. A family-friendly atmosphere where great tastes are celebrated every day. Dunedin, 727.216.6222. CAPPUCCINO’S CAFÉ & WINE BAR Chef Hazel uses many Italian recipes which date back to 1913. Her special selections from around the globe make for a diverse menu of cooked-fresh-daily fare. Serving only true, all-Italian roast espresso drinks, including authentic espresso granita frozen latte’s, and more.Walls adorned with an artist’s vision of Italy welcome you to relax and enjoy. Dunedin, 727.738.8009. GASPAR’S GROTTO The only pirate restaurant and bar in a city famous for its pirates. Its casual, comfortable atmosphere is only exceeded by the tasty servings from an expansive new menu.The pet friendly room, where Tanker Ray is the resident cat, is a dog friendly diner’s delight.The full bar includes an extensive collection of premium rums,
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perfect for washing down the great food. Ybor City, 813.248.5900. LUCKY DOG CAFÉ A café with a unique carnival theme and fun atmosphere makes this downtown spot a great family-friendly eatery. With riddles to answer, guessing games to play, the kids will want to stay. Specialties include the Lucky Dog, with an awesome chili sauce, mustard and sweet onions, just like Coney Island's; a southern slaw dog, and a variety of other favorite dogs to choose from. Homemade ice cream so delicious it’ll make you scream for more. 941.896.8839 SEA SEA RIDERS Award-winning, reasonablypriced seafood and steak, with different specials every day. Family owned and operated for more than 20 years, everything made fresh inhouse. An Old Florida ambiance inside a restored 1903 waterfront home with veranda dining to provide a unique and enjoyable dining experience. Unique, dog friendly dining area. Dunedin, 727.734.1445. TANGELO’S GRILLE What began in 1986 as an 18-seat hole-in-the-wall, Tangelo’s has evolved into a destination spot for tourists, snowbirds and locals alike. Indoor and outdoor dining, a tropical atmosphere and some of the tastiest cuisine in the Bay Area.The food is a blend of the Caribbean islands with a twist of Mexico. All meats are cooked on premises and all dishes are prepared using the freshest ingredients. Gulfport, 727.894.1695. www.TheNewBarker.com
SUNDAY BRUNCH: 10am-4pm LUNCH: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-2pm
Unwind. Indulge. Enjoy. Our eclectic menu reflects our love of food in its many forms. Our aim is to bring together cuisine from around the world to be enjoyed in one place among friends. YAPPY HOUR SPECIALS every Sunday | HAPPY HOUR & LATE NIGHT SPECIALS FULL BAR | HOURS: Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight, Sunday 10am-9pm
487 Main Street, Dunedin 727.736.5202 www.TheLivingRoomOnMain.com DOG-FRIENDLY DINING
Yappy Hours: Pets on the Patio - First Saturday of every month at Gaspar’s Grotto in Ybor City. Call 813.248.5900. Pawsitively Posh Pooch - Every other Thursday in St. Petersburg. Call 727.892.9303. Cappuccino’s Altro Posto Cafe - Saturday Afternoon Special: $10.00 off any bottle of wine (take away, while supplies last). Call 727.738.8009
www.TheNewBarker.com
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THE FLYING DOG CAFÉ Since 2005, serving great sandwiches, salads, wraps, and panini’s. Homemade chili, delicious soups, daily specials and huge selection of domestic and imported beer in bottles and on tap. Food, drinks, and great entertainment. Man’s best friend is welcomed in the dog friendly dining area. Sarasota, 941.359.9788.
Treat Yourself to the Paws That Refreshes.
Two Locations: 483 Mandalay Avenue, Clearwater Beach, 727.441.6000 15000 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach, 727.391.1704 www.TheBrownBoxer.com Facebook or Call us for Daily Specials.
114 THE NEW BARKER
Dining Diva, Bailey on the deck at Wildflower Cafe. Below, a fruit dish adorned with edible flowers.
WILDFLOWER CAFÉ Tucked away under stately old oak trees, this delightful neighborhood cafe serves breakfast and lunch in a casual upscale atmosphere. Dine inside, or out on the dog-friendly deck, and enjoy refreshingly prepared specialties: omelets, breakfast burritos, quiche, waffles, soups, salads, unique sandwiches and entrees. And the award-winning Carrot Cake among other delights. Clearwater, 727.447.4497. Photography by Danette
Your dog friendly destination for fresh seafood, steaks and chicken and daily Happy Hour Specials. Outdoor dining. Many DirectTV Packages.
THE LIVING ROOM Family owned and lovingly decorated. An eclectic menu that reflects a love of food in its many forms.The awardwinning chef takes liberties with both traditional and not-so-traditional dishes, creating a tapas-styled menu that is entirely unique and absolutely delicious.Wines and beers that offer value and quality, with little-known gems from around the world. Dunedin, 727.736.5202.
stirring the pot of their imaginations.They conjured up a parlor featuring coffee, ice cream, and spirits. Wholesome foods & beverages prepared with good intentions to feed the spirits of like-minded, positive people. Palm Harbor, 727.483.9210. Photography by Danette
THE BROWN BOXER PUB & GRILLE The Brown Boxer is the premier pub & grille on Clearwater Beach, and now on Madeira Beach as well. Stop by for an amazing selection of food and drinks and an exciting energetic atmosphere for you AND your dogs.Voted one of the top 25 Bars in the Tampa Bay Area in TBT's 2011 Ultimate Bar Guide contest.Thanks to all our loyal customers for getting out the vote.Clearwater Beach, 727.441.6000. Madeira Beach, 727.391.1704.
THE WITCH’S BREW Once upon an enchanted Blue Moon, two dear friends (Denise Karnes & Lesley Klein) put their magical spoons together and started www.TheNewBarker.com
Photography by Anna Cooke
As We Do More With Our Dogs, More Restaurateurs Are Taking Notice. Restaurants that cater to customers and their dogs are realizing a source of extra revenue in a competitive industry. It’s not seen as trying to profit off pets. It’s an effort to attract and draw in more customers. Guests with dogs tend to stay longer and visit more often, which translates into higher food sales. Many restaurants with outdoor seating have water bowls, treats for the dogs and sanitizers on the tables. Some restaurants are going one step further and offering special dishes, or even special menus for dogs. Many restaurants along Beach Drive The menu item for dogs in St. Petersburg are dog friendly. at Gaspar’s Grotto includes ground chicken, rice and organic vegetables.We recently visited and saw several dogs enjoying their meal, right alongside their humans. In Palm Beach, Kent Thurston, chef and coowner of Cucina Dell’Arte, created a separate menu just for dogs. The chef at Cafe L’Europe on Sarasota’s St. Armand’s Circle, first consulted with Chris Baer, owner of Wet Noses Dog Boutique before creating a special dog dining menu. At Wildflower Café in Clearwater, while dining on the newly-renovated deck, it’s not unusual for servers to bring out a plate of bacon for their dog guests. What dog doesn’t love BACON!? In the super dog-friendly town of Dunedin (aka DogEden), Cappuccino’s Café & Wine Bar always has homemade dog treats on hand for their customers’ dogs. Before restaurants open their patios to dogs, they must comply with building and health codes, which vary across the state. In 2006, then-Governor Jeb Bush felt that his dog, Marvin and his buddies deserved to tag along to outdoor dining spots with their humans. He signed the Dixie Cup Clary Local Control Act into law. In 2009, the law became permanent.The original bill was sponsored by Senator Charlie Clary, and named after his dog, Dixie Cup. Some Florida cities with approved dog dining ordinances in place include Bradenton, Cocoa Beach, Crystal River, Dunedin, Indian Rocks Beach, Jacksonville, Melbourne, Ocala, Orlando, Punta Gorda, Sarasota, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg and Tampa. Restaurants must apply for a license, the fee of which varies in each municipality. www.TheNewBarker.com
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Holiday Fireworks Are On The Way. There is a Safe, Effective Solution to Help Calm Anxiety Issues Caused by Loud Noises. The New Barker put a call out to our readers for their own experiences with the product Thundershirt. We received an overwhelming response, but Sparkles’ story resonated with us because of her sudden change of behavior.
Sparkles is a six-year-old black and white Shih Tzu who lives with Bob and Deb McElroy. When she was a puppy, she never responded to the thunder, lightening and fireworks noises. As she grew older, those same noises began to bother her in a most adverse way. She would sit in a corner, facing the wall and shake. The McElroys tried many things to help her including playing music and giving her a dose of Benadryl (approved by her veterinarian). “She did not even want us to hold her during the bad storms. It just broke our hearts to watch her, and not be able to help her,” said Deb. “It was a regular occurrence, especially living in Florida where summer thunderstorms are a daily event, and folks celebrate every holiday with fireworks.” One day, the McElroys were browsing, with Sparkles, at Fluffy Puppies in Clearwater. “We saw the Thundershirt there, for the first time. At first glance, I simply thought it was a gimmick and ignored it. But, then I found myself going back to the display, re-reading the packaging and thought I would give it a try. It was expensive, but I remember thinking that, if it worked, it would be well worth the money and peace of mind,” said Deb. The first time Sparkles wore her Thundershirt, the McElroys made it a big game. They heard the thunder in the dis116 THE NEW BARKER
tance and decided to be proactive. Much to their surprise, Sparkles loved the shirt. When the storm arrived, Sparkles did not run to the wall, and did not shake. She was still a little apprehensive about the whole thing, but was almost completely calm. “What a difference. She would play, look to us inquisitively, but did not display any of the previous anxiety-ridden behaviors,” said Deb. Now, the McElroys ask her if she wants her t-shirt, and she immediately knows, wags her tail excitedly, and waits with anticipation as we get it and put it on her. “Thank you Thundershirt. We love you (all three of us),” said Deb, Bob and Sparkles. Thundershirt has proven time and again to be such a reliable source for anxiety issues, including barking, traveling in the car and separation anxiety, that many pet retailers carry the product. Any one of the stores featured on the following page carries Thundershirt in multiple sizes. Your Dog Could Be Our Next Feature. We are always looking for product testers and testimonials. Contact your local pet retailer (listed on the following page) and ask them to put you on The New Barker product tester list. Please leave your name, phone number and email address.
www.TheNewBarker.com
Shopping for your dogs? We suggest the following stores. Dog-Mania & Cats Dade City
Florida Jean Co. St. Pete Beach
Authorized retailer for Lucky Brand,True Religion, Pretty COOPER Angel, Kandy Wrappers Swimwear, Sun Bum, Natural Life, Chillaxin, Rider and Ipanema. Quality clothing (for humans) at a fair price. 727.365.8440.
Heading into their 8th year in business, this boutique has COWBOY more than 2500 square feet of all things dog.The store has undergone a complete renovation, with an emphasis on food and grooming. 727.446.7999.
A fun boutique on historic Corey Avenue, shoppers MAX will find some unique, one-of-a-kind artisan gifts and accessories for the home as well as the dog. Healthy food, treats and grooming. 727.363.3200.
Groovy Cats & Dogs Tampa
One Lucky Dog St. Petersburg
Paw Paws Madeira Beach
Pawsitively Posh Pooch St. Petersburg
East Pasco’s dog boutique carries an extensive selection of KATIE dog clothing and accessories for both small and large breeds. Also offering a broad selection of items aimed at the pet lover. 352.457.9616.
Fluffy Puppies Clearwater
Gone to the Dogs St. Pete Beach
A pet boutique that is 100% focused on holistic nutrition EMMA for dogs and cats.Their cool new location includes a huge outdoor deck for holding events and Yappy Hours. Call for their event schedule. 813.265.1333.
Accessories and necessities for the home and dog. From trendy to LUCKY practical. The upbeat shop has a wide variety of healthy food options. And, it’s a happening place for grooming,a so you’ll definitely need an appointment. 727.527.5825.
Located on the waterfront at Johns Pass, this is a boutique BREED SPECIFIC that has just the breed specific item you’ve been looking for. Even hard-to-find breeds. Gear for humans, the home, and garden.You name, this place has it. 727.329.8789.
Plan on spending some time here.There is so much to see. SHYLO Canine couture with an international flair from design houses in Beverly Hills, France and Italy.Top notch grooming. Yappy Hours are every other Thursday evening. 727.892.9303.
Pet Food Warehouse St. Petersburg
Pet Supplies Plus Pinellas Park/Clearwater
The Doggie Door Winter Park
Wet Noses Sarasota
Making a difference in pet’s lives since 1987, the store underwent extensive renovations about a year ago.They even have a dedicated Cat Room, Pandora’s Playhouse, that features adoptables from Pet Pal Animal Shelter. 727.521.6191 www.TheNewBarker.com
Two locations, each carrying more than 10,000 different items KING LOUIE in stock at everyday low prices. Selfserving grooming available. Each location holds one large adoption event each year. 727.726.5544/Clwtr 727.541.1199/PP
Park Avenue is one of the most dog-friendly shopping districts in SEBASTIAN Florida.The boutique has some fun clothes for dogs and dogthemed clothes for humans. Also a huge selection of raised feeders. Unleashed Wine shop is next door. 407.644.2969.
Sarasota pet lovers have been wellserved by this boutique for 16 REMY & LOUIE years. Its new, larger location in Downtown Sarasota, offers grooming and will even deliver your pet food. Features hand crafted, dogthemed Adirondack chairs. 941.521.6191 THE NEW BARKER 117
May we suggest the following for gift certificates? Tell them The New Barker sent you for value-added specials. Tina Valant – Boca Raton
Photography by Danette – Tampa Bay
Weddings. Events. People. And Pets. 561.945.6363 www.TinaValant.com
Decorate your home with beautiful photos of your pets. 727.386.9738 PhotographyByDanette.com
Davis Island Animal Clinic Davis Island
Medicine River Animal Hospital - Madeira Beach
813.251.4384 DavisIslandAnimalClinic.com
727.299.9029 MedRiverAnimal.com
Lucky Dog Daycare & Resort – Tampa
Love All Beings Pet Sitting Tampa Bay
In-house Lab Radiology Laser Surgery Dental Cleaning and More... Follow us on Facebook for more health and behavior tips.
24 hour boarding and daycare facility with a water playground. Indoor & Outdoor Playgrounds. Full time supervision. Grooming. Training.
Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture. Food Therapy. Surgery. Vaccines. Dental Health. Radiology.
Dog walking. Potty breaks. Feeding. Watering. Taxi to your vet or groomer. Overnight and extended stays in your home or mine.
Laura Allen Studios – Tampa Bay
Specializing in family portraits on the beach 727.584.5040 LauraAllenStudios.com
727.521.3518 www.TBK9.com
on Henderson in Tampa. 813.289.4086
Practicing the latest techniques in canine rehabilitation. Restoring injured, post-surgical & debilitated dogs to healthier, more active lifestyles.
A Very Important Pet Downtown Clearwater
Daycare. Boarding. Training. Grooming. Socializing puppies. Offering half-price grooming to new customers.
Aussie Pet Mobile – Northeast Florida
HydroDog – Tampa Bay
Pet Styles by Jennifer – Dunedin
800.738.6624 AussiePetMobile.com
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866.493.7636 HydroDog.com
Be sure to have a plan in case of an emergency, when minutes matter. Open M-F 6:30p-11p Sat. 2p-11p Sun. 8a-11p Located at the Veterinary Medical Clinic
UrgentPetCareofSouthTampa.com
727.446.6700 AVeryImportantPet.com
Convenient, affordable, reliable and efficient mobile pet grooming.
727.669.7221 MetzlerVeterinaryHospital.com
Urgent Pet Care of South Tampa
727.785.9963 LoveAllBeingsPetSitting.com
Professional grooming services brought to your door. Bathing. Nail Trimming. Hair Cut. Blow Dry and More. Call us for our specials.
~Surgery ~Dentistry ~Digital Radiology ~Pharmacy ~Laboratory ~Boarding ~Acupuncture ~Emergency Care
Tampa Bay K9 Rehab St. Petersburg
813.258.DOGS LuckyDogTampa.com
Unique 15 Step Luxurious Groom for all breeds.
Metzler Veterinary Hospital Clearwater
A clean, quiet and relaxing atmosphere that dogs love. All natural products, state-of-theart equipment. Jennifer has been grooming for more than 30 years.
Pasadena Pet Motel South Pasadena
Built by reputation. Backed by quality care and service. Offering: Boarding. Daycare. Grooming. Training.
727.345.2852 PasadenaPetMotel.com
Would you like to see your business listed in The New Barker? Call 727.214.7453 or email anna@thenewbarker.com
726.736.2468 PetStylesByJennifer.com
www.TheNewBarker.com
in memory of... It was a tough year for many of our friends who lost some very special dogs. But, the world was made a much better place because of them. All of the dogs pictured here were adopted from a shelter or rescue group.While each dog has a story, Dusty’s is particularly poignant, in that the first 10 years of his life were spent in a South Florida shelter. Until Arthur and Catherine drove to Miami from Palm Harbor to meet and adopt him. DUSTY.
Advertiser Directory AKC/Eukanuba All About Dogs - 9 Air Animal - 14 American Dog Rescue - 11 Aussie Pet Mobile NE FLA - 10 A Tail of Two - 12 A Very Important Pet - 87 Care Animal Hospital of Seminole - 84 Celestial Custom Dog Services - 109 Chasco Fiesta Pet Fair - 90 Changing Tides - 88 Chihuahua Group of Tampa Bay 109 Columbia Restaurants - Inside Back Cover Davis Island Animal Clinic - 84 Dobies Funeral Home - 23 Dog’s Day in Dade City - 64 Dog Mania & Cats - 37 Dog Rocks - 12 Durable Coatings - 81 Emerson’s Signs - 77 F.I.D.O. Liability Insurance - 59 Florida Gulf Coast Dog Shows - 47 Florida Jean Company - 54 Fluffy Puppies - 27 Gone to the Dogs - 59 Groovy Cats & Dogs - 6 Herbsmith - 80 Heron Cay B&B - 85 Hotel Indigo - 83 Humane Society of Manatee Co. - 105 Humane Society of the Nature Coast - 88 Humane Society of Pinellas - 90 HydroDog - 10 Hyperbaric Veterinary Medicine - 17 Jo Maldonado Animal Reader - 88 Korman Studios - 115 Laura Allen Studios - 64 Love All Beings Pet Sitting - 53 Little Everglades - 46 Lucky Dog Daycare - 79 Mastro Subaru - inside front cover Medicine River Animal Hospital - 4 Marjori Stoll, Artist - 53 Memorial Paw - 41 Metzler Veterinary Hospital - 95 Natura - Back Cover One Lucky Dog - 13 On the Wings of Angels Rescue - 29 Parade of Rescues - 46 Pasadena Pet Motel - 79
www.TheNewBarker.com
PawFest 2013 - 46 Paw Paws Pet Boutique - 70 Pawsitively Posh Pooch - 25 Pet Depictions - 49 Pet Food Warehouse - 49 Pet Pal Animal Shelter - 88 Pet Party Printz - 54 Petstyles by Jennifer - 84 Pet Supplies Plus - 14 Pinch Penny Press - 88 Pet Friendly Pinellas Apartments - 55 Photography by Danette - 67 Sally Evans Pet Portraits - 64 Scout & Zoe’s - 4 Sheldegren Boarding & Daycare - 41 Siesta Key Bungalows - 105 Solid Gold - 5 SPCA Tampa Bay - 77 Steinhatchee Landing Resort - 83 Tampa Bay K9 Rehabilitation - 31 The Canine Company - 109 The Chart House Suites - 85 The Doggie Door/Park Ave. Doggie Art Show - 47 Thundershirt - 70 TradeWinds Island Resorts - 83 Wellness - 73 & 75 Wet Noses - 81 Univeristy of Florida - 56 Unleashed Life - 31 Urgent Pet Care/S.Tampa - 36 Woof Pak Goodies - 55 Yappy Place - 95 Your Dog’s Diner - 37 RESTAURANTS Cacique on Main - 112 Cafe Americano - 113 Cappuccino’s Cafe & Wine Bar - 115 Ferg’s Bar & Sports Grill 111 Flying Dog Cafe - 111 Gaspar’s Grotto - 115 Living Room - 113 Lucky Dog - 112 Sea Sea Riders - 114 Tangelo’s - 115 The Brown Boxer - 114 Wildflower Cafe - 113
“I have only just begun to realize the depth and power of the gift that is a dog. Daily I realize that someday, one of us will lose the other. Instead of being alarmed, I find myself being more grateful for the love and companionship we share. The joy of today is worth the loss of tomorrow.” Jack Nelson Steward, in a note to Tom Dobies on the loss of his dog, Lucy.
PHOTO ABOVE LEFT: CHARLIE (WITH HIS BEST BUDDY, KOBE). PHOTO BELOW: MALIKAI
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Treats & Squeaks.
A Howliday Wish from Guinness. The best part of Christmas is the late morning snooze, In a big bed with mommy and daddy and Roo, Under blankets and pillows the Roo and I dream Of huge slabs of turkey and treats on the tree. If your holidays seem to race by like a blur, And your invites all start with Dear Madam or Sir, Take a page from your pups as they squeak on their toys, Read The New Barker, relax and enjoy. Have a Treat-filled Christmas, And a Pawsperous New Year.
Ahhhh.The cooler weather is finally here, along with it are my favorite two howlidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas. Everything is perfect about this time of year. We get to go for a bunch of car rides to other houses with lots of family who show up just to see us. Once we arrive, we nose around with our fur-cousins, get tummy rubs and take turns racing each other to catch the Frisbee. After that, it’s down to business. We all know what’s coming, so we place ourselves strategically. And wait. Then it starts. Big slabs of turkey that mysteriously show up under the table, keep us all vigilant and ready to partake. (All dogs have been sworn to silence on the supplier. Code name: Santa Paws. You know who you are). For Christmas, Daddy will actually bring a tree into the house. (Not intended as indoor plumbing for me, I’ve since discovered.) We get all the family fun, play, and the underthe-table smuggled food of Thanksgiving, but we also have squeak toys wrapped and waiting under the tree for us, too. We get to rip and chew through all that paper, before beginning the ever so careful ritual of disemboweling the stuffing, then squeaker from every single toy.
Life from a Dog’s Perspective is a series written for The New Barker by Guinness the dog (as told to his mom, Lon Martin). When he isn’t blogging to his worldwide fan base, he enjoys watching a little FDTV (front door television) with his housemate and fellow Pembroke Welsh Corgi, R o s i e. Go to www.thenewbarker.com and link onto Guinness. Photograph by Lon Martin.
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