CAMPFIRE

Unleash ating elebr C ssues I 20

J AC K S O N V I L L E

FREE!

{ That’s hot. }

NO. 20 - COLLECT THEM ALL. DO IT.

Good friends, great stories, burnt marshmellows.

2 | We rise by lifting others / Robert Ingersoll

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Light a campf ire and everyone’s a Models: Bruno + Alani Manzano Photo: Diana Manzano, co-owner of Solé Spa, our marketing partner in every single issue!

storyteller. / John Geddes

{ Consider it lit. } We’re never alone.

As soon as we step outside the campfire glow, our muse lights on our shoulder like a butterfly.

The act of courage calls forth infallibly that deeper part of ourselves that supports and sustains us. / Steven Pressfield

Thanks so much for picking up our 20th issue! It kind of snuck up on me, there—oh, you, too? Yes! I was all ... What? 20?! Already? That’s a pretty exciting milestone, I guess we should do something special? That’s about when I decided we should light a campfire! My absolute favorite thing about creating Unleash Jacksonville the past four years has been helping connect our community. So, I thought it might be nice, as the weather is cooling down (is it?), to gather some friends + fans to share something of themselves that would help us all get to know them better. Many thanks to those who took the time to contribute!

Hopefully these personal stories will make you think of your own first dog, or make you smile from another memory. Maybe they’ll inspire you to volunteer or foster or adopt. Perhaps you’ll discover a new place to camp or hike with your dog, or find the courage to do it for the first time. Or, maybe these stories will just entertain you for a few minutes. I’ll take any of it!

I’m so glad you learned how to read, however many years ago, so that you could enjoy this issue ... and all future ones, aren’t you? Gather now, my friends—let’s listen to some stories, eh?

All my best, for reals, Amy Many vigorous belly rubs to all the friends and muses who continually support our mission!

Photo from SUNNY issue release party @ Brewz, Atlantic Beach

ting a r b e el C es Issu 0 2

Unleash

DOG LOVERS ONLY!

JACKSONVILLE

Publisher: Woof Creative, Inc. Atlantic Beach, FL Amy Olivieri | amy@unleashjax.com Contributors Danny Niblock Stu McConnell Lynn Walinsky Angie Benz Lauren Wyckoff Dr. Stephen Neihaus Cindy Corey Cynthia Campbell Dr. Jessica Maines Janice Frank Doryan Cawyer Melody Pendlebury A’ndrea Knight Steve Rodriguez Advertising We distribute to over 80 veterinarian offices from St. Augustine to Amelia Island and many other dog-friendly places all over Jacksonville.

If you want to reach Jacksonville’s dog lovers, raise your hand ... and then contact us. woof@unleashjax.com ©2018woofcreativeinc

Things you CAN DO on unleashjax.com 4 Buy a “single dog mom” shirt.

4 Learn how to adopt a bff.

4 Find a dog party.

4 Find a fear-free trainer.

4 Find a new place to take your dog on a date.

4 Read your absolute fav dog magazine.

4 Leave a shout out to badass dog places.

Things you cannot do on unleashjax.com 6 Find a human girlfriend.

6 Watch political advertisements.

Unleash Jacksonville magazine is available FREE at distribution points.

Please support the fantastic dog-loving businesses that support us— and let them know you saw them in Unleash!

NOTE: Unleash Jacksonville is for entertainment + information purposes only.

We do not take responsibility for the content of our contributors, and ask that you always seek professional help when necessary.

Thank you to everypup who came out to our

SUNNY Issue Release Party

at SOUTH Kitchen + Spirits Sign up to be notified of our gatherings!

>> unleashjax.com/woofsup <<

See the whole gallery: WoofCreative.zenfolio.com/SunnyIssueRelease

6 | When your down on your luck & you’ve lost all your dreams there’s nothing like a campfire and a can of beans./ Tom Waits

events dog approved unleashjax.com for more

• NOVEMBER | 2018 •

Nov 3 @ 9 am - 2 pm PARKING LOT EXTRAVAGANZA FOR PETS! 4266 Sunbeam Rd, Jacksonville Benefits Community Hospice & Palliative Care! Large indoor community rummage sale, dog wash, vendor craft fair, pet adoptions, silent auction, pet photography for fall. Food trucks!

Nov 3 @ 12 pm - 9 pm JACKSONVILLE PORCHFEST 2018 Springfield historic district Henry J. Klutho Park \ 1340 Boulevard St., Springfield Over 20 performers on 20 porches throughout this beautiful neighborhood, followed by an evening concert in Klutho Park. Enjoy over 50 vendors ranging from food trucks to fine art. Dog and family friendly!

Yepps. You sure can add your event Jacksonville’s coolest dog-approved calendar:

unleashjax.com/events

>>> Nov 6 GO VOTE!!! <<<

YES ON 13 - PROTECT DOGS protectdogs.org | Your voting location We’ll have a historic opportunity to help thousands of greyhounds this November by voting YES on this humane amendment to end greyhound racing in Florida! PLEASE VOTE! Nov 17 @ 9 pm - 5 pm 2018 FLORIDA CORGI PICNIC floridacorgipicnic.com Dog Wood Park | 7407 Salisbury Rd. The annual fund raising event to benefit Corgi Aid! A gathering of Corgis and Corgi mixes and their humans.

A fun day with contests, races, prizes and lots of cute fluffy butts!

Nov 17 @ 6pm - 10 pm PINTS FOR PETS friendsofclaycountyanimals.org Bold City Brewery | 2670-7 Rosselle St., Riverside Event for Friends of Clay County Animals!

• DECEMBER | 2018 • Dec 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm BINGO FOR DOGS epicoutreach.org Hamburger Mary’s JAX \ 3333-1 Beach Blvd.

Play bingo in support of EPIC Outreach and the Major Dog House Project. Cards are $10 CASH ONLY and include the 10 games that will be played.

Dec 8 @ 9 am - 12:30 pm PARADE OF PAWS nassauhumanesociety.com Centre Street Welcome Centre | Fernandina Beach Dress up your pooch and the entire family for a stroll down historic Centre Street during Dickens on Centre. Prizes awarded for Best Overall, Best Original, Best Victorian.

Registration @ 10am, Parade @ 11am.

Dec 8 @ 11 am - 3 pm MEET ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE jaxdogcafe.com for more info Pet Supplies Plus OP | 510 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park Dec 8 @ 1 pm - 3 pm PET PHOTO SHOOT FUNDRAISER FOR PIT SISTERS agoldphoto.com/events/jacksonville - book your spot!

Hotel Indigo | 9840 Tapestry Park Circle 50.00 per dog for a photo shoot

Smokie

danny niblock

Photo is not actually Danny or Smokie, but let’s just pretend it is.

When I was a boy the term “rescue dog” didn’t yet exist, but the first dog I had for a long time was a rescue, in the sense that I had to save him from my dad. Smokie was a beautiful, full-grown collie that just showed up in our neighborhood one day. After seeing him a few times, he just followed me home one day (the trail of Frito corn chips may have helped). After playing with him all day, I asked mom if I could keep him because he was a stray and needed a home. She liked Smokie right away, but it would be up to dad.

After hours of stressful negotiations, Smokie could stay ... but if he made a mess or destroyed anything in the house, he was out. I knew my Dad meant business. When I was 5, I had a puppy named Tipper who, we found out, liked to dig holes—we came home from church one day to find he’d dug a hole through the middle of the couch and dad’s favorite chair! I remember lots of cussing and dad putting

Tipper in the car, and I never saw him again. I couldn’t let that happen to Smokie.

One day, I came home from school to discover wood splinters in the front door. Smokie had scratched the trim on the door frame. I called my mom at work crying that Smokie just signed his walking papers. She flew home and, after a quick trip to the hardware store, I learned how to sand and stain wood trim. That was close.

Things went well for the next few weeks—until one morning I went to the basement and there, in the middle of the carpet, was a fresh number one and number two. That was when I learned how to use a carpet cleaning machine.

Things were going well for a while longer, when one day I came home and Smokie was chewing on a pair of dad’s boxers that he’d pulled out of a laundry basket. That was when I learned how gross a dog could be. Smokie was a lot of work, but I loved him and he was worth all the worry; besides he taught me to be alert at all times.

One day I was squeezing him between my legs and petting his long snout and I saw my reflection in his eyes. It was like looking in a fun house mirror. I was shocked and started to cry ... just a little. My mom saw that I was upset and asked what was wrong. “Smokie thinks I’m ugly,” I said. She smiled her mom smile and said, “Dogs love you no matter what you look like.”

Wow, I thought, my mom AND my dog think I’m a mess.

After a year or so, things relaxed when my Dad couldn’t deny that he loved the dog as much as the rest of us did. Smokie was great. We had him with us for five years before the worst day of a twelve-year-old boy’s life. Looking back, I learned how to fix screens, stain wood, clean carpets, and destroy damaged goods. It was Smokie who prepared me for my 10-year career at Home Depot. And I still enjoy Fritos.

Danny is one of Unleash Jacksonville’s most loyal friends, and I bet you three dollars that he can make you laugh.

Don’t miss your chance to see him on stage at the Comedy Zone November 23 & 24!

10 | Light a campfire and everyone’s a storyteller. / John Geddes

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Mazie the Great Protector

stu mcconnell Isn’t it amazing how dogs can be trained for so many different purposes? Herding—kids or cattle, your choice—being the “eyes” for the blind, or loveable furry additions to the family photos. One of the best purposes my yellow lab, Mazie, has served (so far) in her 11 years, was helping me complete a very important mission. I couldn’t wait for my daughter to be old enough to finally start going on camping trips. Growing up in the country cultivated my love of sleeping under the stars and sitting next to a crackling fire roasting marshmallows. Naturally, I couldn’t wait to pass this down to my own superchild. Comes to find out this proved to be a little bit of a tough sell to a young girl.

For some reason—I blame the Goosebumps stories—my kiddo had this idea that the woods were where all the scariest animals—bears and lions for example—were roaming about just waiting for a tasty little child to wander by. As hard as I tried, there was no changing her mind. I thought of everything I could to convince her that the woods of the campground at Hanna Park were as safe as could be. I set up a tent in the living room to simulate the camping experience to draw her in that way. She was sold ... until she found out about that our real camping would be in those pesky scary ol’ woods.

This is where trusty Mazie, comes in. My daughter loves that dog more than express with pen and paper (or keyboard). I promised her that we would bring Mazie to protect us from all the scary animals. At 110 pounds, with a nice loud bark, Mazie would be the perfect protector. Once she heard Mazie was coming along, she happily agreed to a camping excursion. “Just one night though ... to see if I like it.” Well, guess what ... she absolutely loved it! We set up the tent, made s’mores, and enjoyed a perfect spring evening together. Thanks to our Mazie girl, my daughter looks forward to every chance we get to camp now. Mission accomplished.

Our friend, Stu, is one of the coolest, most creative dads we know.

12 | Once all the power goes out, there will still be human beings standing together around a campfire, playing acoustic guitars. / Jim James

In my blood

lynne walinsky via unleashjax.com

In 1983, my parents took me to the local Humane Society to pick out a puppy. There were so many to choose from—my mom pointed out a litter of pint-sized chocolate labs, “Look how cute!” she said. But I knew I wanted a “fluffy, furry” dog. I was drawn to a cage with three border collie pups. I asked the staff if they could sneakers open the cage and let them out to play. Immediately, one of them ran out and peed EVERYWHERE, then jumped up on me and licked my face. Yup. Bingo! “I want this one,” I said, unwavering. With much dismay, my mother obliged, and we put the puppy in the car for the drive home ... during which she vomited all over the back seat. Of course she did. This is amazing, I thought!

I named her Sneakers because of her white paws. She was my best friend until my junior year of college, when she passed peacefully at home. Since then, I’ve always been a rescuer, thanks to my parents and that first trip mina to the Humane Society. My next dog followed me home in college—she chose me. Then came another Humane Society rescue. And then my first rescue foster pup. And yet another stray “found me” two years ago ... Mina, my bear. Being a rescuer is in your blood. You don’t even think twice about it. You just know. You just do it.

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Oh, hey you!

If not me

angie benz Angie here. Forever animal lover and long time animal shelter volunteer. I am often asked how I can do it ... or better yet, I’m told “I could never do it.” To that I always respond with same words—if not me, then who?

For as far back as I can remember, I have loved animals. Growing up, I was the one dressing my grandma’s dog up in doll clothes (sorry Casper), saving worms and bugs, and making my dad’s dog love me, even when she didn’t want to. As a teenager, I was the one at the parties that could be found playing with the dog or cat. When I became a mother, my two girls became my passion.

It wasn’t until they were grown, with lives of their own, that the deep-rooted desire to help homeless animals truly began.

I remember the first time I volunteered. I walked through the kennel run, took a crazy, jumping, barking dog out to the yard and when he melted into my lap, desperate for human touch, I sat there and cried into his fur. That was the day I knew I had found a purpose. That was several years ago, and I’ve cried thousands of times since then. But oh, the joy that comes with the tears.

Seeing a shy dog open up and play, seeing a fearful dog begin to trust, seeing a reactive dog settle calmly ... well, there’s nothing quite like it. And seeing many of those same dogs adopted into homes is worth every single tear.

I have had so many loves over the years. I mean, I love them all, but there are some “heart dogs” that just stick with you. You feel that connection almost immediately. I’ve often asked myself how many times can a person fall in love with a dog ... I’ll let you know when I find the answer. Until then, join me and find out for yourself. Find that something that speaks to you and jump in, head first, with no hesitation. Volunteer. It is food for the soul and I promise you’ll never regret it.

All sorts of humans with all kinds of talents can help out at Animal Care & Protective Services (ACPS)!

Volunteers are needed and greatly appreciated.

It's eeeeasy...

FIRST: Complete an online application at coj.net/volunteer SECOND: Attend an orientation that will explain ways you can help at the shelter. If you’re planning to attend please email ACPSVolunteers@coj.net for info & to reserve your seat.

AGE REQUIREMENTS: Age 16 & 17: May volunteer with parental permission.

Age 14 & 15: May accompany a parent/guardian that’s an active volunteer. Both parent and child attend orientation and complete all necessary steps to become an active volunteer. Parent/guardian must be present for the duration of each volunteer shift.

Thanks

for you interest in volunteering. Joining this team of life savers might just be the best thing you’ve ever done!

Our friend Angie is an incredible animal advocate. If you want to catch up with her, head down to the shelter, because that’s where she spends most of her free time, falling in love and changing lives.

14 | I was growing cold, but now you are my campfire./ Serena B. Miller

Wild at Heart

lauren wyckoff Lauren is our super duper friend, former cover model, and co-owner of brewhound, opening early 2019 .

Photo provided by Lauren Wyckoff

It’s super fascinating to think that every pup you see—no matter size or shape—descended from the wildest of them all—the wolf. Yes, even your miniature hairless chihuahua’s family tree starts with White Fang himself (40,000 years can do a lot to your hairstyle).

protective nature a little more intense—yet her overall disposition calmer, freer, and more at peace.

The wolf within her comes alive. And in this same amount of time, our human hair, too, becomes unruly and untamed, taking on new shapes, mimicking those of the Sasquatch. Our worldly guards and walls diminish, our eyes become wider and brighter, and our hearts more open.

Dogs are instinctively what is the focal point of this compelled to connect And sojourn of man and beast into our with their wild wild hearts, you ask? The campfire surroundings. itself. This is where we gather after

Dogs are wild. The connection they feel to mother earth is deep. For a lot of us humans, getting out in nature means to disconnect in order to reconnect, to release and to come alive. Immersing oneself in the great outdoors revitalizes our inner wilderness. For dogs, the same applies but at a more innate level (you know because of the wolf thing). Dogs are instinctively compelled to connect with their wild surroundings. And, like us, to release some of their inner beast.

We aren’t so different after all, man and beast.

After just a few days with us in the woods we can attest that our dog Wicket’s mane gets a little more pronounced, her gaze a little more penetrating, her

the day’s adventures, where we rest our muscles and make our meals, where we observe the night’s changing sky and tune into nature’s choruses. Where we relax and receive, where we share and open, and as with our ancestors before us, where our bond to the wild wolf is forged.

Alas, the camping season has begun, so take your wild-hearted beasts out there, sit around the campfire and watch them closely … you may just see the wolf emerge.

16 | Probably the single most important evolutionary trait dogs developed was right there at the outset, illuminated by the campfire.

It is in those eyebrows and in the way dogs have of tilting their heads. They are warm packages of emotions. / Bill Buford

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Exceptional Faith

dr. steven neihaus Steve, I have the case of a lifetime for you! My friend Dr. Mike had called to tell me about a puppy that a client of his had, born with some ... extra parts. As a referral surgeon, I’m used to seeing the most unusual and most challenging cases, but I wasn’t quite prepared for what came through the door this time.

Faith came to me as a 2-pound, 4-week-old Chihuahua-mix pup. From the front she looked pretty normal. But when you turned her around, you thought you were seeing double. She was born with an extremely rare congenital condition called Caudal Duplication—she had two tails, two vulvas and two anuses. Because of her small size and young age, we decided to give her a few weeks to grow and figure out if we needed to do anything for her. Over the next two months, she grew to 6 pounds and was acting like a normal puppy, except she developed repeated urinary tract infections due to one of her vulvas and anuses being too close together. To get a better idea of what was happening inside of Faith, we performed a CT scan of her entire body.

The scan showed she had two urinary bladders (red arrows) and two colons (blue arrows) that were both functional. Since the extra anatomy was causing her problems, it was time to intervene. After lengthy discussion with her owner, I took Faith to surgery to remove her extra organs.

During surgery, I found she had two cecum’s (appendixes), a branching colon, two urinary bladders, which each only had one ureter (instead of two), two separate uteruses and four ovaries. Since her left side appeared more abnormal and was causing her clinical problems, I decided to remove all of the left-sided extra organs. I removed the left urinary bladder

while re-routing the ureter to the remaining bladder, removed both uteruses with all four ovaries, and the extra colon. Then I removed both tails (neither worked and they just got in the way), with the left vulva and anus. Faith recovered well from surgery and at her last visit two months postoperatively, she was running around like a happy, normal puppy!

This highly unusual condition has only been described in a handful of case reports and never to this extent that survived. As far as I can tell, this is the first time this procedure has been successfully performed in a dog. This success wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the entire staff at Capital Veterinary Specialists who worked tirelessly to help Faith.

This little dog won over all our hearts and is definitely one I will never forget!

Our friend Dr. Steven Neihaus is a board-certified small animal surgeon at Capital Veterinary Specialists. He’s a Chicago native who loves the North Florida lifestyle. When Dr. Neihaus isn’t working or spending time with his wife and three kids, you can find him fishing or cheering on the Jags!

20 | The fire is the main comfort of the camp, whether in summer or winter. / Henry David Thoreau

Navigating it all together DV

I met Sasha not knowing what I was getting into. I’d always wanted a dog, but I knew it’d be a challenge being active duty with the Navy. In May 2011, I decided to foster for Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) to see if dog life was a good fit for me. Sasha came to me as an energetic five-and-a-half-year-old wiry-furred pup, complete with a helicopter tail that rarely stopped whirring. Getting to know her was a blast, but the time came when I had to take her back her back to the shelter so she could get adopted. I became emotional and couldn’t do it. I didn’t have the courage to leave her there ... so I adopted her! It’s been one of the best decisions ever. She’s stuck by me through three deployments and three coast-to-coast moves—she’s been a constant in my life when things shift. I make sure that I do everything I can to let her know she is my home—and even if I have to leave, I’ll be back for her. We’ve done it all together—hiked a 14,000-foot mountain, swam in both oceans, and pounced in the snow. She climbed that 14,000-foot mountain at twelve-and-a-half years old! “Old” is slowly creeping up on her now, but she still has that puppy-like energy. I can’t imagine life without her, and I look forward to the years to come.

Our friend DV is a talented naval pilot. Please consider helping our active duty keep their pets by fostering for Dogs on Deployment / dogsondeployment.com

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The best companion cindy corey

We’ve always had a dog in my family. My first memory of a family pet was Curly, a slightly yellow spaniel-type dog. She came with us from Lewiston, New York, when we moved to South Florida when I was 4 years old.

Curly disappeared one day, and I can still remember my father driving around in our station wagon calling her name. Sadly, he never found her. We’d moved into a new neighborhood that had probably been carved out of former marsh, as it had canals running between the streets, and in those canals ... were alligators. It was thought that our dog was eaten by one of them. So that’s always been the story I’ve told. Apparently, there could be some semblance of ‘truth’ to the story, as one of our neighbors woke up one morning to find an alligator stuck in the screen door trying to get in their back porch!

Cindy with current-day pal, Lottie

he’d found in a pail thrown on the side of the road.

Missy, who’d never had puppies of her own, would guard them outside and care for them. They all thrived and we found homes for all of them.

Missy did also like my father—so much in fact that when we moved into town from the countryside, she used to follow him to work. He was an attorney, and while he had his law practice in the parlor of our large Victorian house, he was also the town attorney and had periodic meetings at the town hall, which was We moved back to New York a year later. I suppose also the police station and jail. The chief of police my parents thought better of making our home where would put her in the jail until the meeting was over. hurricanes visited and family pets were eaten by While we lived in Mooresville, I joined the 4-H club alligators. Back in New York, we acquired a cocker and dog training became my speciality. When it was spaniel named Dusty. Dusty seemed to live in the my turn to host the monthly meeting at my house, I laundry room and pantry primarily, because she demonstrated some of the things I’d trained Missy to (or he) hated my father. One day Dusty was just no do. I thought the most impressive was when I had her longer there. I recall my father’s explanation of her lie down and I left a piece of steak in front of her, inches new home on a farm being upsetting, but not as sad from her mouth, I then walked into an adjacent room as Curly’s disappearance. Shortly after, we visited and Missy waited obediently until I said the command a man’s house and came home with a German that would give her permission to eat. I was always Shepherd-mix puppy. ‘Missy’ quickly became my dog. very proud of how smart, well trained, and sweet my dog was. As I grew older and took Missy to live with When I was 8, my father decided moving away from New York again was a good idea. In the winter me in nearby Indianapolis, I could walk anywhere with her and she perfectly heeled without a leash. The truth of 1965, we moved into a large house in rural Mooresville, Indiana, with the nearest neighbor a half was, she was so in tune with me, it was easy to have her listen and follow—it felt like there was very little mile away. Our move to Mooresville had taken me away from my grandparents, friends, neighborhood, training and certainly no force involved—I just had an and school, and it threw me into what felt like another exceptional dog. country. I didn’t really fit in, and I struggled to find Missy was the best companion I could’ve had my bearings. Missy took on an exceptional role for throughout my childhood and into adulthood. She lived me. There were acres and acres of woods and a hill (with me) until I was 20 years of age and she was 14 behind our house, so Missy and I explored outdoors years. I was so very fortunate to have her. many afternoons. I was allowed a great deal of freedom and, over the years, I walked miles through Our kind-hearted friend, Cindy, is an animal advocate and is joyfully active in her role as grandmother to several lucky hills, woods, and cornfields with my dog at my side.

One day my father came home with 5 or 6 puppies 22 | Life is just better around the campfire.

humans. She’s also a fantastic pet-friendly realtor for Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty, Avondale.

Judeau the ExploraCorgi cynthia campbell via unleashjax.com

A corgi at a campsite is a happy sight to see – a furry loaf of bread to keep you company.

I’ll help inspect the tent so we know that it’s ready, then lay down in the dirt because I’m quite sleepy.

Constant drool on your foot waiting for you to feed me.

Camping is hard work, but it’s the life for me!

At 14 years old, Judeau is “retired” and truly living out his golden years with the best combination of adventure, relaxation, and treats. Relaxation and treats probably dominate the pie chart, but the point is, we include him in our travels whenever possible. Camping—specifically in the spring and fall months when the evenings are cool—presents itself as a perfect way to achieve this. As an added bonus, Judeau loves all the new and interesting smells, along with the opportunity to pee on them.

It’s a win-win!

We really enjoy Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine—it’s dog-friendly … sorta. Pups can join

their humans for overnight camping and explore nature trails (on a leash of course); however, they aren’t allowed on the actual beach. Most of the waterside camping spots we’ve frequented over the years have similar rules, including Salt Springs and Little Talbot Island. As a workaround on our most recent camping venture, my husband and I drove to a beach up the road so Judeau could spend the day with us there (although parking at any beach can fill up quickly so an early start is recommended).

Thank you, Cynthia and Judeau! For more information about camping with a pet at any Florida State Park, check out floridastateparks.org/PetPolicy.

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Camping with dogs adds joy to the adventure!

Their enthusiasm reminds us to be in the moment.

will camp Have dog

This was Finn’s last camping trip before he passed. He was 15 and had a wonderful time hiking, swimming, and kayaking (well, sleeping in the kayak while I paddled). We always had to bring him his own camp chair, as he refused to lay on the ground.

That’s him in the chair and Stella peeking out of the tent.

(Carter’s Lake,Georgia) christ y popoli

Our first camping trip with TOGO II! He was a natural! Full of curiosity and ready to go!

The Suwannee River State Park proved to be one of the best camping spots in Northeast Florida.

With excellent walking trails along the river.

(Suwanee River State Park) r osa & tom michaud

Cody and Maverick love camping with us and we always love having our furry family on our adventures!

Blue, Truffles, and D.O.G. RV camping in Alaska!

(Jekyll Island Campground) car olyn & jim edwards

thé r e s e p ederson

24 | Camping rules: Visit with friends. Enjoy nature. Sit by the fire. Make s’mores. Have a cold drink. Take a hike. Enjoy the sunrise & sunset.

Mishka and Sascha—modeling with their doggie pup tent, just before leaving the Northeast two years ago.

Camping with dogs changed our lives forever. We were at a place where we had a booming business, material possessions, and discretionary income, but we were miserable. We didn’t even have time to walk our dogs. We looked at Mishka, then 12, and decided we wanted a better quality of life for her than that in her elder years. So, we left everything behind, moved into an RV, and headed south with no plan other than to find happiness­— and we found it in St. Augustine! We camped outside all winter at the beach. We spent our days paddle boarding and hiking and lounging by the campfire. I’d never seen Mishka more alive than she was in her time living outdoors. It brought back an undeniable youthful quality about her. We fell in love with this city, and new we could never leave. Although Mishka is sadly no longer with us, we know in our hearts she had the best year of her life a dog could ever ask for. michelle tr ainor >>> grab discount gift certificates for dog-friendly places @ unleashjax.com/store <<<

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I knew there was more I could be doing dr. jessica maines Being a veterinarian has always been my dream job.

In many ways, my story is no different than every other veterinarians’ story you’ve heard; I grew up loving animals and wanted to help. I was also very shy growing up, and animals actually helped me connect more with people. I worked in a clinic for a few years after graduating vet school and it never felt one-hundred percent right for me. I remember speaking with my mom during my first week of working in a very busy hospital and saying to her, “This is the right career, but probably not the right job.” While clinic work is amazing and an absolute necessity at times, I felt I was doing my patients a disservice. What can I really learn about my patient in a 15-minute appointment? I knew there was more I could be doing. That’s why I started a house-call business. I get to spend more time with my patients and their families, and provide the dedicated and personalized care they deserve. Not to mention how much easier it is on the pet (especially cats!) and their owners for me to come to them! I get to see a side of my patients that I never got to see in the clinic and I’m loving it so far.

We’re pretty excited that Dr. Maines has started seeing pet patients in the comfort of their own homes in Jacksonville!

You can find out more about her services at YourHomeVetJax.com.

26 | A bonfire is basically just a nightclub in the mountains. / unknown

Major love

janice frank We recently said farewell to the cornerstone of our family.

Major was known as the “quiet leader.” Always present and always loving. He never asked for a thing, but sure was grateful for anything offered.

Either way, his love was offered fully with no question, no expectation.

I believe the only thing Major truly yearned for in this world was love. I don’t believe we are capable of giving the amount he truly deserved ... but we tried. He was too good for us and too good for this world. His absence weighs heavy but we know he is somewhere worthy of his greatness!

Thank you Major for blessing us all with your love, soundness and wisdom. We will always cherish and honor our memories with you.

Major leaves behind the legacy of helping other dogs through the Major Dog House Project.

Find out more on Facebook.

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Bonding with Zoe

doryan cawyer My dog Zoe and I love to camp and hike. Zoe was just a year old when I rescued her nine years ago, and she had a lot of energy. We started hiking together as an energy outlet for her and a stress reliever for me, but it also really strengthened our bond in those early days.

We learned how to relax and trust each other on the trails. And still today, walking through the woods—any woods—together is our happy place.

First hike together: Black Creek Ravines Conservation Area Favorite local places to hike: Timucuan Preserve + Fort George Island Favorite day-trip hiking destinations: Ravines Garden State Park, Palatka + Bulow Creek State Park, Ormond Beach Favorite out-of-state hike destination (so far): Eno River State Park, Durham, NC Our long time amazing friend and supporter, Doryan, has a passion and true talent for healing. She is the owner of Jade Paws, offering canine massage and reiki.

Prince and the Pupper

melody pendlebury Publishing your own book can be an intimidating feat. It’s been something I’ve always wanted to do, but knowing where to start was the issue. My corgi, Gatsby, is a big part of my life. Ever since he joined our family three years ago, I’ve been completely obsessed. I came up with the story the Prince and The Pupper a few years ago, but didn’t originally think of making it into a children’s book. The story is a spin-off of the well-known fairytale The Prince and The Pauper, and stars the Queen of England and one of her many corgis. I used to tell this story to all my friends and family and would say that I was going to make it into a movie one day. As an elementary school teacher, I am surrounded by children’s books and eventually came to the idea of making my story into a book.

It was definitely not an easy process, but with enough research and determination I was able to make it happen. I love being able to read my book to all of my students and see the excitement on their faces when they hear about Gatsby the corgi!

Check out Melody’s website to find her book for a little dog lover in your life! | lifewithadogandablog.com

28 | Each of us is born with a box of matches inside us but we can’t strike them all by ourselves. / Laura Esquivel

We are a proud supporter of K9s for Warriors

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Bonnie Burton, Owner

left: Summer of 1978, just hangin’ on our Wisconsin dirt pile the day we met Spreckles right: ‘lil Amy + ‘lil Ginger

Little voices

amy olivieri Growing up, all I ever ever ever wanted was an indoor dog (that’s not completely true ... I also really wanted a ten-speed bike with curved handle bars for years).

I loved animals with my whole child-sized heart—it almost made me hurt on the insides not to be around them. I once heard my dad tell a random stranger (who’s dog I was petting in a park) that all animals loved me and I had a special connection with them and he thought I’d be a veterinarian one day. I felt super proud that he recognized this “gift” in me, but I said, Noooo way! I’m going to publish a dog magazine! Guts and blood and seeing animals in pain make me woozy and those are the only two employment options for dog lovers— Veterinarian and publisher.

Ok, this is not completely true. I didn’t know I’d publish a dog magazine until about two years into publishing a dog magazine. The guts-n-blood part is true, although as a kid I didn’t know of any other jobs where I could help animals, so I really did think I’d have to suck it up and become a vet (who maybe fainted quite a bit).

We got our first family dog when we moved to “the country” from “the city.” I was three my parents surprised my sister and I with a little black-and-white speckled pup on the day we moved into our 11-acre wooded home in Newton, Wisconsin. We named him Spreckles, presumably, uh, because of his speckles. I was so psyched to have a puppy and I loved loved loved him. However, it gives me a pit in my stomach now to think about his life. Either it was a different time for dogs, or maybe that’s how people in the country treat their dogs, but that pup endured all that Wisconsin winters (and what there is of summer) could throw at him, tethered to an insulated doghouse. He wasn’t allowed inside our house. I only remember one or two times when it was blizzarding when he was allowed in the garage for the night. Ugh. We did let often him run the woods and fields often—he had wondrous freedom when he had freedom. And he always came back, so he didn’t seem to hold the not-being-allowed-in-the-house thing against us.

the road, as “neighbor” is a loose term in the country.

I was so relieved to find out that Spreckles was safe at their house. Eventually, my dad hopped in our Plymouth Duster and I couldn’t wait for him to come back with Spreckles. But he didn’t. He‘d offered Spreckles a hard butterscotch candy to try to lure him into the car, but apparently Spreckles didn’t like butterscotch and he wouldn’t get in the car. So my dad left him.

My whole child-sized heart hurt quite a bit.

Several months later, my best friend’s mom said she saw Speckles in the Shelter’s Last Chance Pets section paper.

I asked if we could go get him. To this day I don’t know how the answer could’ve possibly been no, but it was.

I don’t remember a time growing up when we didn’t have one or two outdoor dogs—Smokie, Ginger, Kraemer being a few of them. I’m not sure how they survived the snow that fell higher than I was tall, or the subzero temperatures, or how terrible the Packers were back then (I barely survived that) ... but most lived pretty long lives. I never stopped watching them through the window, wishing I could bring them in to be with me, and I’m pretty sure I tried to condition them all to like hard butterscotch candy.

I know that, as a kid, I didn’t have much say or recourse to help those dogs, but I still have feelings of guilt that I should’ve done more. I should’ve insisted I go with my dad that day to get Spreckles. I should’ve snuck them into the garage more. I should’ve tried harder to make my squeaky little voice bigger for them.

Even though the stomach-pit guilt feelings are legit, I know that they aren’t productive. All I can change is what’s happening today, and hopefully help influence a better tomorrow. It makes my adult-sized heart joy-filled to have my dogs cozy in bed with me and all up in my business every day (although, just between you and me, if I could get them to stop staring at me on the potty, that’d be Ok, that’s also not completely true. One day he did not sweet). So, I didn’t become a vet, as predicted. I created a dog magazine—no guts, all heart. Let all come back. I worried for days and then we got a call from a neighbor—who could’ve been three miles down the voices be heard.

30 | I don’t always move to the other side of the campfire but when I do, the smoke follows me. / Unknown

What love can do

a’ndrea knight I’ve learned, through many experiences, not to judge a dog by its “cover.” One of my adopted pomeranians looked like she had come from a fire—her skin was a mess, bald and hard. She looked so sad and broken. She’d given up. The shelter didn’t even give her a name—they knew no one would take her. But I knew I could help her and went into action gathering resources to save her. All she needed was someone to believe in her and love her; to show her what a happy home was, with people who cared about her. Today, she is a full-coated, beautiful dog with a wild fiery spirit. She has risen from the ashes to an amazing life. Her name is Ember.

Our talented friend, A’ndrea is the owner of Fluffy Cuts in Jax Beach. She is an amazing person in so many ways.

Day 1

Today

My Pooh

steve rodriguez I was leaving for work one morning and, as I opened my front door, I found a skinny, scared, bloody, mange-infested puppy— wagging his tail! We tried to find his “owner” but it was pretty clear from the condition he was in no one had taken care of him in a long time! After almost a year of medicated baths and meds and lots of love, he turned into the most handsome prince, who we now call Pooh! Through all those treatments and sickness, he always showed us nothing but absolute unconditional love—his tail hasn’t stopped wagging once!

Our buddy Steve is a pet-friendly realtor for Davidson Realty and an absolute mush for dogs.

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fall in love

& adopt.

You can adopt any breed through a rescue! unleashjax.com/adopt for more resources.

Waffles

Suzy

Selective w/Dogs 6 Cats

3 Dogs

3 Kids

? Cats

3 Kids

3 Dogs

Star

? Cats

3 Kids

R LONG TIMT!E ALER AGE: 4 years BREED: Pitty/bulldog mix ABOUT ME: You go out and make the big bucks while I stay home and snack on bon bons because this girl is a HOMEBODY. I do love a good Netflix marathon and I’ve made napping with my tongue out an Olympic sport.

CONTACT: SWAMP HAVEN

info@swamphaven.org

Levi 3 Dogs

? Cats

AGE: 1-2 years AGE: 5 years BREED: The best mix!

BREED: Hound/Shar Pei mix ABOUT ME: I’m deviously smart—I ABOUT ME: I love having a playmate learn routines and tricks quickly, and my size to run and play chase with! will do anything for a piece of cheese. I’m very loving and enjoy cuddling up and giving my human all the love Goofy enough to fit into my name, I have to offer. I’m fully vetted—utd but serious about the love I give! If on vaccinations, rabies, spayed, you’re looking for a maple syrup sweet microchipped and heartworm partner in crime and adventure, look negative. Woop woop! no further than Waffles!

CONTACT: POOCHIE’S PET RESCUE CONTACT: SWAMP HAVEN poochiespetrescue@gmail.com info@swamphaven.org

3 Kids

3 Dogs

Tyler 3 Cats

3 Kids

RDING IN BOFAAMILY ASAP

NEEDS

I’m Levi — they say I’m about 4 years old.

When I first came to ACPS, I was very shy but the wonderful people there were so patient with me. Now I love to run and play! I’m nervous around other dogs, so I need someone who can go very slow introducing me to others. I’d also be happy to be your one and only and I promise I have enough love to go around!

COME MEET ME!

ANIMAL CARE AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES 2020 FOREST STREET | JACKSONVILLE

AGE: 2-3 years BREED: Lab mix ABOUT ME: I’m a handsome & energetic boy. I LOVE humans & children! I’ll cuddle & kiss you all day. I’ve been in boarding way too long and I desperately need a forever family.

CONTACT: FLORIDA URGENT RESCUE

904-372-3930 or adoptions@ floridaurgentrescue.com

Julian

3 Dogs 3 Older Kids

R

LONG TIMT!E ALER

AGE: 5 years BREED: 65-lb perfect mix ABOUT ME: I love water/pools!

I have a past, so I need slow introductions when outside. I LOVE my people and am a cuddle bug.

I’m crate trained!

SEE MORE + CONTACT ON FACEBOOK: JULIAN’S JOURNEY TO FIND HIS FOREVER HOME

I’ll love you

FOREVER

BABY

R

LONG TIMT!E ALER

? Cats 3 Kids AGE: 8 years BREED: Beautiful mix ABOUT ME: I’ve been at ACPS for 7 months and I’m really ready to find a family to love.

I’ve done well with other dogs who play gently and I love to go on walks! When my shelter friends take me out, they all say what a sweet girl I am and when we’re out walking, everyone we meet says “Hey sweet Baby.”

3 Dogs

Midnight

9-month-old black male. Super cool.

Super sweet. Healthy, friendly with other cats & dogs. Loves people & kids!

Midnight is a playful & loving companion.

COME MEET ME!

ANIMAL CARE AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES 2020 FOREST STREET | JACKSONVILLE

Achilles

Hoss 3 Dogs

? Cats

CONTACT: RESCUE JUNKIE

summer@rescuejunkie.org

6 Dogs

3 Kids

AGE: 6 years old BREED: Akita ABOUT ME: I’m playful, crate trained, neutered, and have had my stomach tacked to prevent gastric torsion. I love people but not other dogs or cats. I may be ok with older kids.

AGE: 7ish BREED: Boston Terrier ABOUT ME: I’m so sweet!

I have medium energy so would enjoy tagging along with you on outings or hanging out at home.

CONTACT: KAMP KRITTER

CONTACT: AKITA RESCUE SOCIETY OF FL

kampkritters@aol.com

www.arsf.org / 904.302.3980

Carmela 3 Dogs

3 Cats

Diamond

3 Kids

3 Dogs

? Cats

CONTACT FOSTER MOM ASHLEY POTTER

CONTACT: SAFE ANIMAL SHELTER

(904) 507-8583

3 Dogs

? Cats

3 Kids

info@safeanimalshelter.com

take me camping!

AGE: 10 months BREED: Shepherd Mix ABOUT ME: I’m full of loving playfulness! I enjoy being praised and pleasing my humans. I respond to commands and crave training.

He is a wonderful dog who desires an attentive owner to give him tasks to complete.

CONTACT: SAFE ANIMAL SHELTER

info@safeanimalshelter.com

3 Kids

AGE: 2 BREED: American Staff Terrier mix ABOUT ME: I’m playful and loving!

I love children, and have a special affinity for girls. I enjoy running in the yard, playing fetch, and then cuddling! I’m always ready with a smile and a kiss; I’m told my affectionate nature is heart warming!

AGE: 15 months BREED: Vizsla Mix ABOUT ME: I am very special girl! I’m all healed up from two fractured elbows and ready for my forever family!

Pork Chop

3 Older Kids

6 Cats

Lucia 3 Dogs

? Cats

3 Kids

AGE: 2-3 BREED: Gray mixed breed ABOUT ME: I love humans and children! I gives kisses, sit for treats and love walks. I’m in boarding and I desperately need a family to love!

I’d would do great as a only dog or with another dog in the family I can get along with!

RDING IN BOA MILY ASAP

NEEDS

FA

CONTACT: FLORIDA URGENT RESCUE

adoptions@floridaurgentrescue.com 904-372-3930

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flealess

market UNLEASHJAX.COM/businesses

Custom Kennel Covers

by Fresh Canopy

{904} 801.3147 2663 Park Street • Riverside www.freshcanopy.com

Book your holiday card photo session!

Woof Creative Photography {904} 416.7441

WINNIE - A WET & WINDY ADVENTURE

Children’s Book

Inspiring Kindness and Compassion

Local Artist and Author >> Available on Amazon <<

Save on pet care deals!

Download the Petszoogle app today!

For iOS + Android

Beaches local • Custom

Screen Printing

SlasherScreenPrinting@gmail.com

Custom Embroidered Collars email: CustomCreationsDogBeds@yahoo.com

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Deliah Morrisseau, 6

36 | We rise by lifting others / Robert Ingersoll