Soulmates Issue

Bunleash EACH TTHHEE SSAALT LTYY DDOOGG’’SS GGUUIIDE DE TTOO GGRREEAT AT LLOOCCAALL LLIIVVIINNGG

BLU

“Mama you say the darnedest things.”

JACKSONVILLE

Soulmates

FREE!

{ Believe it. }

We simply changed our name.

Our high-quality, affordable loving care for your pet

will never change.

Jacksonville Community Pet Clinic formerly Pet Shots Affordable Clinic

Our Beaches & Westside locations are full-service companion animal hospitals.

Our Mobile Wellness Clinic offers vaccines and FREE physical exams.

BEACHES (904) 694-0541 335 11th Avenue N

Jacksonville Beach, 32250

WESTSIDE (904) 337-0076 5425 Verna Blvd

Jacksonville, 32205

MOBILE (904) 566-9646

See our website for schedule and locations.

mycommunitypetclinic.com

FREE HEARTWORM TEST with paid office visit + any 6-month Heartworm Prevention purchase

Beaches and Westside Locations!

Valid with coupon until February 28, 2015

2 | Please recycle or hand to someone else!

Do something kind | 3

EDITOR’S COLUMN

FOR KIDS ONLY: Hi friends!

As you may have noticed, you are holding Issue 2. I bet you’re just as surprised as I am. Who puts this crazy thing together? It may be some sort of magic we’re dealing with here. I’m not sure, but I’m super glad it hasn’t taken away from anything I want to do. truth: I’m a dog. I don’t do much at Beach Unleash. But! I’ve been told I do have the power to dedicate issues. So, with the season of love approaching, I’d like to dedicate this issue to that gentle familiar hand on fur; to the promise of growing old together; to the truest of love — Soulmates. take the way I feel about my person, for example! I get a fierce tingly feeling in my tum when I hear the wheely pull up the drive. the tingle travels all the way to my back end wherein the thumper starts thumping. pretty soon I can’t control my body parts any more, and everything is headed in directions I wasn’t even aware were directions.

(Sometimes I tinkle just a little, don’t tell anyone, it’s embarrassing.) My chest pounder pounds so fast. I see her! I see her! oh my gosh she is the most beautiful thing in the wooooorld.

She throws down her bags and puts her hands all over me. We look into each other’s eyes—ahhh, Soulmates.

We’ll never give up on each other, no matter how gray our hair gets or how leaky our bladders are. Love. All you need is.

GeoRGe editor-in-Chief

4 | All I want is to love you

I just got back from Chicago for winter break where I got to play in the snow — yay! I noticed that all the dogs there wear these funny-looking booties because of snow and CoLD — it was ZeRo degrees there one day, while it was 79 here in Jacksonville. It really shows how people care about their dogs when they take the time to put four little BootS on them! What do you do to show your dog you love him/her? I like to sneak my George extra food and take him for long walks. enjoy this new issue! Did you find all the crabs last time? there are 11 to look for in this issue. Good luck!

Yours in Woof- i -tude,

Lola,

Pup Play Editor ON THE COVER: THÉRÈSE & BLU “He is my Heart Dog. He is absolutely the most Zen spirit I’ve ever met.”

LOCATION: HOWELL PARK, ATLANTIC BEACH Lovely place for a stroll!

Thank you.

Extra belly rubs to Melissa Heyboer, Dr. Cameron Jones, Summer Swindell, Cynthia Inks & Jillian Cangelosi, Jack Bobeck, Jessica Cmar, Sarah Boren, Janet McInall, and Jenny Valino-Monzon.

Extra EXTRA belly rubs to Bettie Theroux of Beaches Pet Sitting for taking such great care of George the Editor over the holidays!

Hey! like us already.

Facebook.com/beachunleash1 We would love to have you be part of Beach Unleash! advertising: amy@beachunleash.com articles & Press Releases: amy@beachunleash.com Kids Stuff: lola@beachunleash.com looking for love Fosters: woof@beachunleash.com It goes without saying (we hope) that all Beach Unleash content is property of Woof Creative, Inc. If your dog’s photo appears here and you would like a professional digital copy, that is our gift to you! Just email us at woof@ beachunleash.com. ©2015woofcreativeinc

DoggieBag Doggie Bag Paws

off!

ff

u My st

DOGS ARE THE BEST, WRITE? Good Dog Pencil Set :: $11 everyone needs a good pencil...or 10.

Decorated with vintage images from Cavallini, these high-quality pencils in two different designs show off your love of pups. packaged in a reusable tin & includes a sharpener. Also comes in a vintage cat set.

The Bookmark | 220 1st St. Neptune Beach

HEALTHY PETS! Primal Raw Goat Milk :: $10.99 quart Great digestive aid. Dogs and cats are designed to obtain the majority of their water from food. By adding raw fermented goat’s milk (79% moisture) to the diet, they will gain needed moisture as well as the benefits of live active prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, trace elements, enzymes, protein, and fatty acids. Benefits any healthy animal, but especially those with skin conditions, allergies, inflammation, UtI, diarrhea, poor digestion, kidney disease, cancer, and constipation.

Salty Paws Natural Pet Market | 677 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach

A HEALTHY CHOICE FOR YOUR SAVVY DOGGY! Natural dog bed from Savvy Rest :: $99 - $149 no toxins & pure comfort! George, our elderly four-legged editor, LoVeS his Savvy Doggy™ bed. organic cotton flannel surrounds a sturdy core of pressure-relieving, snooze-inducing natural latex. he has many beds (and a couch) to choose from and he always chooses his SAVVy. Formed or shredded fill. natural or black.

Savvy Kitty bed also available!

Savvy Rest | savvyrest.com

BLING! BLING! BLING! Crystal dog collars - XS-XL :: $60 - $70 Coordinating leashes also available for utter fabulousness.

Capri Beach & Beauty | 40 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach

KICK BACK WITH YOUR BEST BUD & A BREW! Bowser Beer :: $5/bottle non-alcoholic beer for dogs. Whaaa?!! YES! It foams when poured and dogs love it. perfect addition to any meal! Beef or chicken — no salt added.

Football collars :: $28 - $31 Leather football collars complement any color fur and show support for your dog’s favorite team!

BARK Boutique | 1021 Park Street, Riverside

submit your stuff: woof@beachunleash.com

Do something kind | 7

< Rollie, 11

< Bowser, 6

“The love. He belonged to my brother and I adopted him when my brother passed away. He’d be very happy that I have Rollie.”

“He brings us so much happiness, joy, companionship & love.

He is the sweetest boy we’ve ever had. Having Bowser keeps us moving — he keeps us active!”

~cathie & philip

~gary

> Bambi, 6

“A lot! She is definitely a family lap dog. She loves on us and is ALWAYS excited to see us. She is just my constant companion. She’s my bud!”

~kathy

lexi, 5 & Dallas, 6

>

WHAT DOES YOUR

YoUr Dog YoUr LIFe BRING TO

< Dutchess, 9 ½

“Joy! I know that she genuinely loves me. I don’t know what I’d do without her. She’s just so beautiful. Her eyes amaze me.”

“They bring me such companionship and security. I just feel safe with them!”

~michelle

> lucy, 2

“A TON OF HAPPINESS!”

~Steve

~earl

< luna, 10

“She loves walking the beaches.

She gets me out of the house!”

~nancy

> Katie, 2 ½

>

Dutchess, 14

“Joy, love and companionship!”

~John

“Oh boy! Katie brings us such companionship. She runs the house and brings a lot of love because she is such a happy puppy.”

~Bill

Do something kind | 9

PUP•PLAY

treat foster frisbee cute fetch walk love beagle bacon rollover dogbed squeaktoy dig

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My pet is awesome Submit your drawing!

Best on unlined, white paper

lola@beachunleash.com “My Drawing” in subject line

Morgan, Age 7 · “Tator Tot”

Seaside Community Charter School

Nafisah, Age 9 “Bailey” Home Schooled (Nuh-uh! This one doesn’t count!)

There are 11 crabs hidden throughout this issue! Can you collect them all and save the Beach Unleash dog from being pinched?

10 | Question: What do dogs eat at the movies? >>>>

BestAwardDog

Logan Rose photography

Bella

Bella is the best dog because she is loyal, loving, smart, cute as a button, and my best friend.

She is always so happy and willing to please. She makes my life better.

Sweet Bella is a friend to everyone she meets. ~ Amy Gorman via email

Answer: Pup-Corn! | 11

Cangelosi

Jillienne

GREAT KIDS

A mother wrote us to say how proud she was of her amazingly kind-hearted and motivated 14-year-old daughter, Jillienne Cangelosi, or “Jilli” as everyone calls her. We were blown away by Jilli’s dedication to helping homeless animals and her desire to make a difference.

Here is an excerpt from her mother’s letter:

J

illi became

passionate about doing something to help homeless dogs in our community two years ago. She started by getting involved with pit Sisters (www.pitsisters.org) because she just loves pit Bulls and wants to change people’s perceptions of them. For her 14th birthday, she held a collection drive and took a U-haul full of donations to the Villalobos Rescue Center in new orleans (home of Animal planet’s “pit Bulls and parolees”). She volunteered there for two days and met the staff, and was even interviewed by them. She may be on a future show! It was an incredible experience that she will never forget.

Currently, she is a volunteer at Clay County Animal Care and Control (facebook.com/ ClayCtyAnimals). We make the 45-minute drive so that she can volunteer walking dogs, helping potential adopters, and doing anything else she is asked to do. She volunteers at all of the Mega events and fosters dogs as well. Since becoming a foster parent two years ago, Jilli has fostered or helped find a home for 20 dogs. She has held collection drives for towels and blankets, helped bottle-feed nine puppies, helped transport dogs to their new homes, and has attended events to advocate for dogs of all breeds.

In college she wants to study Forensic Veterinary Medicine so that she can pursue her passion of helping animals that have been neglected or abused. As a mom, it makes me so proud to see what a selfless and compassionate heart she has. She currently is in the process of organizing a blanket drive for the animals at Clay County Shelter — see how to contribute at facebook.com/pbandjilli. thank you for having a section in your magazine that allows kids to share their passion! they will change the future of so many animals in our community! ~ Cynthia • 12 | Do you know a GREAT KID? Please email Lola@beachunleash.com

“

If I can help one person understand how horrible it is in our country’s shelters and change their mind about adopting rather than shopping then they can change another person’s mind, and so on. The changing of minds would never end.

”

“Change Reaction” “

There are so many things I want to change in this world.

I want to outlaw backyard breeders and puppy mills. I want to have every shelter empty. I wish every animal had to be spayed or neutered.

But If I could only change one thing in the world, I would eliminate breedspecific legislation.

Jilli suggests ways YOU can help! >> Official Homeless Pet Clubs are pretty cool and anyone can start one. A school, girlscout group, school club or business can start one. you just go to www.homelesspetclubs.org and sign up. you can do fundraising, sponsor animals through a shelter or rescue group or volunteer. Its really up to the club. >> Plan a collection drive at your school for shelter pets >> Volunteer at a shelter or with a rescue group >> adopt and/or foster >> Help educate others about puppy mills

Pit Bulls are so misunderstood, that’s why I love them so much.

I think it is so wrong to judge a dog simply because of it’s breed.

It’s just like judging a person based on the color of their skin or the language they speak.

”

Dear Sir Harley Davidson,

boy. I love that You are a very sweet & smartyou from the shelter. you picked your daddy to rescueare able to jam four I love your silliness & how youhowl at me. I love how toys in your mouth and still foster guests. And even patient you are with all of our Team Snuggle Bunny that though you are the Captain ofto run outside at night doesn’t give you the authority Harvey Finklestein & scream at the neighbors. So please knock it off! ss Pebbles: And to the Professor of Unfun,at Mi & sing the I love that you are always my. Yousideare a sweet girl & I love day song of your people most thenose. I know that you are protective that you love to lick up my t is ok for him to run around & it’s over me & Harley, however i dogs. You don’t have to break up ok for him to play with other. Remember, we are being nice to the fun anytime he is playing until they find forever families. the guests. They are just visiting you were when you had to live in Remember how sad & scaredhow much better you felt when you the shelter? And remember family? Well, that’s what we are went to stay with your fosterpromise that they won’t steal your doing for other sweet dogs. I rt. food or your place in my hea I love you both!

LoVe Letters

Bo & Marley, Than k you...for all the wet kisse s after a hard day at work and for lovin g me with everything you’ve got. I’m not sure what I woul d do without the two of you in my life.

I a m than kful that you have allowed me to beco me your Mom my & that you have beco me part of my fa mily. Than k you for keep ing my toes warm at night & for making me laug h SO hard when you both run aroun d me outsi de with your leash es on, tang ling me up. You both are my world!

Bo-- You’ re the little princess of our pack.

Willi ng to do anyt hing for a “cookie.” You are the sweetest early in the morn ing when you snuggle close to me to stay warm & you mak e it hard to get out of bed. I know you hate when I put sweaters on you, but you look so adora ble when you wear them !

Marley-- My hand some boy! I a m so than kful that I foun d you. You are the SWEETES T pup. You’ re such a snug gler & a mom ma’s boy! I love that you follow me aroun d the hous e, even when I ju mp in the shower...& I love that you remi nd me when it’s time to go out. I a m than kful every day for the mom ent you ca me into our fa mily.

You’ re both so a mazing & you brighten my every day. It’s hard to write this without teari ng up.

I can’t wait to get out of this office & take you both for a nice long walk!

Love you both! Mom

Dear Maddie, 16 years ago, you took me for the fool tha t I was. I catered to your ever y “ruf f ” & rum very poor. I gave you sock toys & raw hide s, but you stil l demanded more. You want bling bark, though I was ed more attention, more walks, more food, more play time. I gave & I gav e & I gave, but you stil l ate the VHS tape of “ Taxi Dr iver” that I rented from the library. You stil l ate the only food I had left in the hous e (besides dog food ), & because it was a 1/2 bag of M & M’s , you puked & pooped all over my futon & carpet. We survived that & the time you ran away from me a dusk. You looked back as if to say, “Ad ios! at the end of your life, at the end of my You suck!” Even now, yout h, you stil l hobble up to me while I’m making dinner, scratch at my ankle, & demonstratively bark at me, dem to scratch your neck. No wonder that nice anding that I either give you a bite of people food or lean down fam miserable at their house for the two day ily promptly called me when they found you. No wonder you were s it took them to locate and answer the “lost dog” ad in the newspaper.

I am a fool for you, Maddie, and when you pass over that Rainbow Bridge, I’ll stil desire in my dreams. ~ Love, Your Mom l give you ever y friv olous a.k.a Sucker

email love letters to: woof@beachunleash.com

TREND

Cageless

Dog Boarding

So So

you are headed out of town and you can’t take Cooper. the neighbor is allergic, your grown-up kids are way too busy, and you don’t feel good about confining your fur baby in a kennel. What will happen to Cooper? Maybe you should cancel your trip?

Ahhh! Cooper will be fine and you will have a great time, as there are some fantastic options these days. In-home sitters, walkers and a new type of pet care that has caught on in many parts of the country — cageless boarding!

Cageless boarding implies exactly what it says, no cages. no small spaces, but a large room at a boarding facility, often furnished like a home, that allows dogs to mingle, play and sleep. there is a pet sitter who stays the entire night.

Most respected pet sitters know Canine CpR, understand how to work with dogs and can even work on basic commands while you are away. they will also be able to read the language of dogs in the cageless daycare environment, which is what the area consists of, until the dogs fall asleep. If dogs are used to sleeping on pillows, there will be pillows all over the floor and they will have access to sleep on them or next to other dogs. Many dogs enjoy being with other dogs in the cageless dog boarding area, especially at night.

When considering the decision to use a cageless dog boarding facility, understand that leaving your dog in a cageless dog boarding facility is similar to child daycare

16 | Please recycle or hand to someone else!

BY JACK BOBECK

or camp. there are exposures associated with congregating animals together in a “cageless” environment. educate yourself thoroughly about the cageless dog boarding options for your dog and discuss with your veterinarian. If at any time you feel uncomfortable with the cageless boarding option, you should be able to contact the boarding provider or pet sitter to discuss a change. through operational policies and a commitment to sanitation and hygiene, the facility should take every step possible to minimize the potential risk of conflict, illness and fleas or ticks.

Cageless boarding can be a great option for dogs who want to have daily human contact, but who do not like being in a confined space.

It’s the best of both dog daycare and boarding in a larger space. the cost for cageless dog boarding (generally around $40 - $50/day), tends to be a bit more than normal boarding, because of the added labor and most cageless facilities will tend to only have one sitter per 15 dogs maximum. think about looking into cageless boarding options for Cooper and he will have just as good of a time on vacay as you! “Cageless dog boarding selfie!” • For more information contact happy hound Dog Resorts, 4603 Shirley Avenue Jacksonville (904) 800-8800 • happyhounddogresorts@gmail.com happyhounddogresorts.com or check out CagelessBoarding.com for a national directory

rescue junkie

LIFE•SAVERS

| BY AMY OLIVIERI

Summer Swindell is a

Junkie (And guess what?)

Her friends are Junkies, too. who knows Summer Swindell can attest that there are few people on earth with a bigger heart or more passion for helping animals, especially those no one else is stepping up for.

Anyone

up on my Facebook news feed. She was on the weekly putnam kill list. I’d been fostering for many years, but was drawn to this dog’s eyes like no other. She was completely resigned to her fate. I felt an overwhelming urge to save her.”

When Summer and her best friend Kevin Dirmann drove down to save this In local animal rescue circles, utter the word dog (who Summer later gave the name “putnam” and there’s usually a knowing look phoebe) they thought their GpS was malfunctioning. “We couldn’t believe our of horror, maybe a throaty gasp; someone will definitely be looking down and shaking eyes. pCAC is located literally behind a their head. everyone knows it’s bad. When landfill. What does that say about the value of these animals?”

I first moved to Jacksonville, I received an email full of photos of dogs to be put down the next day at putnam County Animal Control (pCAC) in palatka. I drove the hour southwest to choose one to foster. Seeing the conditions, I cried hysterically and begged my then husband if we could take more than one. these dogs knew their fate, I could see it in their eyes. I was choosing one to live and twenty-five to die.

As much of an animal lover as I am, and as horrifying as putnam was for Kathy Burnett, Summer Swindell, Monique Addison, me, I haven’t been back despite the Kevin Dirmann, featuring Mike Addison - photobomber weekly kill-list I continue to get. It takes a very strong person, someone dedicated, “this first experience at putnam forever consumed — compulsive even — to return changed our lives. these animals have to a place like that week after week to pull almost no exposure to the adopting public these condemned animals to give them life. (except for, of course, people coming to chuck things into the landfill) and there is no medical provided once they are there. they could have a gun shot or broken leg It all began with a dog named phoebe, from being hit by a car or crying in pain says Summer. “one Wednesday morning in 2013, an emaciated female dog showed from... whatever. no medical care! they

Rescue Junkies Unite

18 | You can foster. It’s awesomely fun & rewarding.

Tucker

Cain & Mercy

Sasha & Socks

Fonze

suffer. our hearts hurt for the animals we could not take with us that first day. But at least phoebe was safe. And we knew we’d be back.” they did continue to go back, saving dogs and cats that no one else cared about. In the process, they met other rescuers zealous about saving putnam cats and dogs and improving pCAC conditions. In August of 2014, Summer, along with Kevin and three others — husband and wife Kathy and Steve Burnett, and Monique Addison — founded Rescue Junkie, Inc.

Junkie (n): a person with an insatiable craving for something they could not have picked a more fitting name. these five are junkies of the most beautiful kind, in doing what is right and good and humane. In just four short months, Rescue Junkie, along with its network of foster families, has saved close to 80 lives! Sweet Reader, can you appreciate how amazing that is! All the work and money and BloodSweatTears. It’s just mind-blowing. these five people work tirelessly — I’m talking every spare minute — for the cause, transporting and matching

Bam Bam

Kevin & Drew

appropriate fosters and adopters with pets that wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to feel love.

Rescue Junkie care so deeply about these animals; it’s beyond inspiring. they truly demonstrate that you can always do more to walk the walk when it comes to saving lives. • Rescue Junkie operates 100% on volunteers and donations. They greatly value your talents, time and contributions!

Foster. temporary homes needed for both cats & dogs, as this is vital to saving more lives. our website has a foster application.

Be a junkie!

Phoebe started it all!

adopt. All of our rescues are spayed/ neutered, vaccinated & microchipped.

See available pets at facebook.com/ rescuejunkieinc or email summer@ rescuejunkie.org. Check out some of our amazing dogs in the Looking for Love section at the back of this magazine!

Volunteer. We’d love for you to help at adoption events! We have two pet adoption events each month on various Saturdays at petco on Kernan & Atlantic Blvd, featuring dogs & cats. We could always use help with transporting animals as well.

Monetary support is also very much appreciated to help us pay for the vetting & care of our numerous rescue animals. our website has a link to donate.

Please visit us - rescuejunkie.org Rescue Junkie Inc.

Make the loving choice to adopt! | 19

FirstCoastGreenPages.org A New Local Resource for Supporting the Sustainable Lifestyle

By Janet McInall, Retired nuclear engineer and USGBC n FL Chapter Member

Want to know where you can buy a shirt made out of recycled materials? Looking for a way to remodel your home and remain respectful of the environment? Introducing the First Coast Green Pages website and mobile ready app!

WHAT IT IS: An online directory of local businesses offering products and services that enable you to shop while supporting the sustainable lifestyle. Use the First Coast Green Pages to find local green business listings for: • Building and Remodeling Services; • Residential and Commercial Services; • Household, Yard and Garden Products; • Food (restaurants, farms, markets and products); • Clothing and Accessories; • Health and Wellness Services; and • Transportation, Lodging and Recreation.

The First Coast Green Pages also includes listings for Community, education and Advocacy groups you can connect with to share your passion for practicing sustainable living.

The First Coast Green Pages is an initiative of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) North Florida Nonprofit Chapter. The aim of the First Coast Green Pages is to help increase supply and demand for local green talent, products and services. Are you an owner/operator of a local green business? Would you like to reach an audience that shares your passion for the sustainable lifestyle?

Are you a consumer interested in finding out more about green products and supporting the sustainable lifestyle?

Contact the First Coast Green Pages at greenpages@ usgbcnf.org or www.firstcoastgreenpages.org.

Love Her Breath!

Pumpkin Mint Treats A Gluten-free recipe from doggybytes by jenny

DIReCTIONS:

INGReDIeNTS: 2 c. gluten-free flour 1/2 c. organic coconut flour 1 c. organic pumpkin puree (canned) 2 lg organic eggs 3 tbsp parsley 25 mint leaves, chopped 1 tbsp organic coconut oil

Don’t like to bake? Order here: doggybytes by jenny

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix first 4 ingredients in a large bowl, then mix in remaining 3.

3. Sprinkle flour on a flat surface.

4. Knead dough (sprinkle additional flour as needed so the dough is not too sticky) & flatten to 1/4- to 1/2-inch thickness.

5. Cut with shaped cookie cutters & arrange on parchment paper.

6. Bake for 7 minutes on bottom rack, rotate pan & bake for another 7 minutes on top rack.

7. tell your pup to be patient! Let cool.

Enjoy & let your pups smooch away!

*Makes ~40 breath fresheners. *Keep in refrigerator or freezer.

COMMUNITY

Pet

Meals on

Wheels

What is Pet Meals on Wheels?

Appreciating the importance of providing both seniors and their pets with high-quality meals, Aging true Community Senior Services seeks to keep seniors and their beloved pets well-nourished via our pet Meals on Wheels program, a subsidiary of Meals on Wheels.

Who is eligible?

the program is specifically for our current Meals on Wheels clients. If a client tells us they have a pet, we will deliver pet food once a month in addition to the senior’s daily meal. In order to receive subsidized Meals on Wheels, an individual has to be at least 60 years old, homebound and living alone or with a family member who is also unable to prepare meals.

How many meals do you provide?

We are delivering 114 pet meals at least once monthly. the majority are dogs, but we also feed cats and birds!

Where does the pet food come from?

We are grateful to have a handful of community partners who collect food

and supplies for us. We also receive small amounts of funding through grants and other fundraising opportunities that may arise throughout the year. to find a pet Meals on Wheels donation drop site near you, please visit agingTrue.org.

Who delivers the food?

Both Aging true Meals on Wheels drivers and volunteers help deliver our pet food once a month, with the daily Meals on Wheels delivery. Currently, volunteers deliver 27% of Meals on Wheels to the homes of Jacksonville’s isolated senior population.

How can we help?

your social groups or companies can hold a pet food drive, give monetarily or volunteer!

We are always seeking volunteers to help us re-package the larger donated bags of pet food into one gallon or quart size zip lock bags for delivery to our clients.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jessica Cmar, Marketing Liaison 904.807.1266 or JCmar@agingtrue.org

It takes a village...to make it a village worth living in | 23

HEALTH Get to know Cameron Jones, DVM, our new health column contributor. Dr. Jones utilizes a mix of Eastern and Western philosophy in her Jacksonville Beach practice.

Why, yes! You sure CAN submit a question for Dr. Jones.

Email PetHealer@BlueSky.vet

Balance is best

on this past

As I reflectyear and all

of the amazing animals that I have had the honor of treating in my practice, I am humbled by the realization that practice never becomes routine. In 15 years of emergency care, I have seen thousands of cases of GI upset and every single one is a little bit different. My Western training has given me an arsenal of tools that I can rely on when my patient has raided the garbage can or is battling a cold, and I am deeply grateful for those tools. My eastern training has given me another arsenal of tools for those problems, but, more importantly, it has helped me better understand why every individual requires individual treatment.

Chinese medicine focuses on treating the entire animal rather than the symptoms.

articles, blogs, case reports—all discussing healthcare practices. the digital age is an amazing but overwhelming time to learn about the multitude of ways to maintain and restore health. I remember a simpler time with fewer choices and one would blindly choose a pet food based on the cost.

Advising my clients was less complicated. now, I must sort through marketing bias, dissect the nutritional labels and talk with pet owners to determine whether or not I might give a product to my own precious pets before I endorse it.

After studying and applying both eastern and Western medical philosophies, I have found that a balance of both really is most effective. too often, we try to make things fit into categories—good treatments and bad treatments.

there are a seemingly endless number of factors (environmental, genetic, and medical) that can affect the value of a product for an individual animal. After sorting through marketing, scientific research, client’s conjecture and my own opinion, I find myself endorsing and condemning less products in general and instead believing that there is no one best food, product or medication for every pet or every symptom. It’s a humbling and aweinspiring journey.

I take the responsibility of advising the public very seriously. even with a veterinary degree and an education in acupuncture and Chinese herbal Medicine, I am constantly learning—my inbox is flooded with

In my personal life, I try to live by holistic principles and reach for natural ways to maintain health for my family and my pets. When I meet someone new, the conversation invariably turns to pets or

24 | Time for a walk?

Dr. Jones with her pups Samson & Cookie

health and I love it. So many of these conversations begin with, “this medication is a waste of money” or “this treatment is terrible” or “this will cure anything.”

A variety of broad generalizations serve as the canvas on which petowner’s stories are painted.

Sometimes I feel my passion well up inside of me, agreeing whole heartedly with what I am hearing about a particular medication, or especially an herb, or surgery. But more often, I am hesitant to believe any generalization. My instinct tells me that blanket assessments are dangerous.

My eastern training doesn’t negate my Western training or vice versa.

to determine which treatments, foods, and medical practices are best to endorse. through integrating Western and eastern therapies, I am better able to tailor healthcare that is as unique as my patients. When I hear about the miracle or “quackiness” of non-conventional approach or the irrefutable validity or complete evil of a conventional therapy, I take it in without the temptation to agree or disagree. there may be a grain of truth in all of it and I am grateful that I can sort through all of the conjecture. When it comes to my patient’s health, I am not limited to standard protocols. I was never very good at choosing a meal from a restaurant menu either. I prefer a buffet. It’s all about a balanced approach.•

My Western training serves me well in sorting through data objectively. My eastern training gives me fresh context for evaluating individual cases. It will always be a challenge

Cameron Jones, DVM Blue Sky Veterinary Wellness 14185 Beach Blvd., Suite 8, Jax Beach 904.223.0881 • jacksonvilleholisticvet.com

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Mention Beach Unleash and receive a 10% discount!

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Prudence lovein a latte.

Copper’s Story

That is a FISH HOOK... INSIDe of a dog

COPPER is a curious little pup who found something yummy to eat while walking through the park with his dad. Unfortunately, the tasty treat was attached to a fish hook and Copper’s dad was horrified when he saw the line hanging out of Copper’s mouth.

Copper required emergency surgery to remove the hook but Copper’s dad couldn’t afford the entire cost of the surgery. thanks to helping paws donors, Copper was able to get the life-saving surgery he needed at St. Francis Animal hospital — and Copper’s dad is forever grateful.

“Copper is a real blessing. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everything St. Francis Animal Hospital and generous donors did for my Copper. “

St. Francis Animal Hospital Not-for-profit

Prudence - my English Bulldog!

We live at the beach and she loves to go for car rides to Starbucks in PVB with her humans! We love her so much, she definitely thinks she is human, too! ~ LISA SepoSS VIA eMAIL

Make a helping paws donation to St. Francis Animal hospital and your name (or your pet’s name) will be displayed on a helping paws paw print card in St. Francis Animal hospital! All helping paws donations are tax-deductible and will go into our donations fund to help family pets in need of medical care!

You can help save lives! Donate today at:

SaintFrancisAnimalHospital.org Do something kind | 27

LOOKING FOR LOVE - adopt me!

Pebbles

Mercy

Fonze!

One of the coolest dogs you’ll ever meet!

Fonze is very calm & so so sweet!

He loves kids, people, dogs & cats.

Great with kids! 7-year-old, 38-lb female hound mix.

Very calm & gentle. Loves other dogs, horses & cats.

Very sweet & gentle! 1-year-old, 36-lb female Terrier mix.

Great with kids & other dogs.

Housebroken & crate trained.

Contact Rescue Junkie, Inc. for more info on these awesome dogs!

Email: summer@rescuejunkie.org • rescuejunkie.org

Hemmingway

1.5-year-old, 40-lb shepherd/lab mix. He has the silkiest coat & barely sheds! He is shy & would do best in a laid-back home with older kids & calm but friendly dogs (he loves to wrestle & chase)!

Hemmingway knows the commands sit & come, loves taking walks, and getting in the water at the dog park.

Contact amie 904-238-3554

Do you have a lap that doesn’t have a cat?

China Boarded at emergency & Critical Care Pet Hospital

Call: 904-223-0881 and talk to any staff or email: CJones@911-vet.com

Such a sweet, regal girl who deserves the best home! She’d like to be the only cat, but is fine with a dog that won’t chase her. Quiet & sweet rather than rambunctious, but she loves catnip & to chase a feather. Would love nothing more than to be in a home with someone who wants a lap warmer!

Miles is a 7-year-old super sweet hound mix.

Betty Betty is looking for a love that can see past her blind eyes & look into her beautiful old soul.

As sweet & gentle as can be, she doesn’t ask for much— just a soft bed & to be able to hear your voice. Betty doesn’t care that she is blind, she gets around just as well as a dog with sight. She’s looking for a love that is as unconditional as her love.

You will lOVe Betty!

Call or text : 904-887-3315

Miles

He’s very laid back, loves people, kids, dogs & cats.

He LOVES his crate, and is not at all rambunctious.

He is just a sweet, 68-lb dog.

Miles is a once-in-a-lifetime love!

Call: 904-491-0796 email: hoopmama11@yahoo.com

MoRGAn Lee photoGRAphy

Anna

Jade & Emerald

4-year-old Shepherd mix that is very eager to please. Learns new tricks quickly. Favorites include: squeaky toys, walks/runs, fetch, and playing with other dogs. Best suited for a family or individual looking for a running partner or an active dog. She would excel in agility training and possibly as a therapy dog for the right person.

Sister kitties that are super friendly! They love kids, other cats and dogs. They are cuddlers who love to purr and are very playful. We’d love for them to find a forever home together! adopt your new twin girls today email: alicia.slater1@gmail.com

Gorgeous 8-month-old fun, curious, playful kitty!

email: cole.watson326@gmail.com

This sweet girl has been at the shelter tooooo long!

Hanna

She just returned from her foster overnight and she just loved snuggling with her foster mom. Ideal home for Hannah: A quiet, patient female home, free of cats or dogs. Currently at Jacksonville Humane Society.

Fall in love with Hanna! email: adengler@jaxhumane.org

Sage

EXTREMELY smart boy who knows sit, stay, down, and walks GREAT on a leash!

His former foster was a dog trainer & obviously did a great job teaching him.

He is blind, but he gets around very well.

Because he can’t see, he is a little picky about his dog friends. Does NOT like cats.

email: adengler@jaxhumane.org

SMART! Loves toys, balls & training! 20 months, medium-

energy male. Dog selective, does have a kittie friend. Prefers kids over 10.

Piggie

The london Sanctuary: londonsanctuary@aol.com or connieroberts3221@yahoo.com

Cutie Pie

Watson

Needs a patient home who will help socialize her & embrace her fun-loving cattitude.

Fine with other cats!

Really sweet, follows her foster parents around from room to room, lays with her foster sisters, knows sit, stay, down, up, and shake, is completely house broken, crate trained, & walks VERY well on a leash.

She is good with new people/ new dogs.

Ruby 2-year-old, 50-lb laid-back girl who loves to have as much attention as possible. Not high energy, but still loves to play, especially with her foster brother. She loves her chew toys and to go for walks. Her sweet personality will steal your heart!

Her newest love is the beach!

Contact Pit Sisters for more info on these sweet pups!

Email: patti@pitsisters.org • pitsisters.org

MORE >>

Thinking about being part of a family makes my heart siiiiing! | 29

emily+zoey are finally home.

MARIE.

(ruby, rookie jones, rupertin, cogburn)

Emily and Zoey have had a long and public journey from true homelessness to foster life and now finally to their forever home.

Cheers...

to the most hardcore dog I know.

We love u sweet girl.

May u eat filet mignons and relax endlessly at the beach.

Sweet dreams. e

Despite having four dogs of their own, Barbara and Matthew Meshnick, with the help of Karen Camerlengo, decided to help find homes for two bonded dogs a homeless couple could no longer care for. After exactly nine months of close calls, heartbreak, tons of publicity and yet another potential adopter deciding against taking both of them, these girls seem to have found the man of their dreams! Brad fell in love after meeting them and adopted both just in time to have their first real Christmas.

We wish all three of them nothing but happiness and love for the rest of their days! m emilyandzoey A compassionate Jacksonville group recently participated in a peaceful protest against local pet stores that sell puppies. Most people do not realize (or refuse to believe) that these pups come from horrible situations, and their parents are trapped in deplorable conditions. The group reports that the stores selling these pups continue to tell buyers that the pups are bought from “responsible breeders,” but when researched, this has not turned out to be the case.

Educate Yourself. c To learn more about puppy mills visit thepuppymillproject.org

LOOKING FOR LOVE - take a chance on me

Disel I love to fetch & just want to love & be loved! My previous owner moved & left me in the house. I am a 2.5-year-old pit mix. I love kids & other dogs but I don’t get along with cats. I know how to sit & shake.

Mary

Abby 4-year-old female German Shepherd. Gets along with other dogs. Unsure on cats. Crate trained & very sweet. Timid due to being under socialized in previous home, therefore, she is not recommended to a home with small children.

Extremely sweet & laid back beagle mix. Around 7 years old.

Gets along well with other dogs & adores children. A home without any feline siblings would be best. She would love to go on walks with you & then cuddle up close for a nap!

Contact Twilight Bark Rescue for more info on these cuties!

Email: TwilightBarkInc@gmail.com • www.TwilightBarkInc.com

Lucky

Such a cool dog!!

Likes other dogs & cats. Loves to run, pull a skateboard, fetch! Lots of energy. All he wants is your love. Look at that FACE. Would be a great family dog. Sweet Koda - rescued from death row.

Koda Thinks he’s a lap dog & loves to cuddle! Owner passed away & he found himself in the shelter. A 2-year-old Shepherd or cattle dog mix. Great with kids and dogs. Housebroken, crate trained, knows some commands. Loves to play and run - so needs a fenced yard!

Zoe

email Summer at summer@rescuejunkie.org

Looking for a committed foster or adopter!

Sweet Zoe has been at the shelter since October.

Too long, especially for a 10-year-old. She is so calm and gentle and will TALK to you! Would do best with calmer dogs. She needs a comfy couch and a person to love. She deserves so much more.

Zoe is at ACPS • coj.net/pets email: ang1973oo@gmail.com

Get lucky today!

Kathy: 904-655-6301

taffykat72@hotmail.com She has been through a lot, but her tail never stops wagging! 2-yearold Great Dane mix.

LOVES kitties & other dogs. Extremely obedient.

FANTASTIC DOG!!!!

Sasha

Joann 386-503-0758 or email joannperez62@gmail.com

You can find any breed through rescue! | 31

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with paid office visit + 6-month prevention purchase

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Beaches and Westside Locations!

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