1st Birthday Issue! Celebration!

The savvy dog’s guide to great local living

FREE!

charlie

“Where the presents at?”

{ Believe it. }

celebration!

Issue #6 . Collect them all! . Do it.

2 | Please recycle or hand to someone else!

Do something kind | 3

Editor’s Column

Well, it’s our birthday! One whole year. Six issues.

Shew! Time to lay in the sun for awhile.

Apparently, after you’ve been pretending to edit a magazine for an entire year, you get a whole CAKE! What a fantastic way to celebrate anything — cake. I highly suggest procuring one today, if you can. Find something to celebrate and dig in. Use your tongue.

There’s so much to revel in right now.

That cooler air is getting under my hairs and making me feel like prancing around outside (yeah, I like to prance, what of it). Assistant of Nothing! Order a cake because it’s fall.

Also, my hound nose is telling me certain holidays are coming, which certainly means more treats and special excursions. Assistant of Nothing! Order a cake because the holidays are coming!

That new kid who’s been living at my house temporarily will be finding his own family soon. We decided to put him on the cover of this issue because we want him OUT of here. (The Design Dept. says it’s because he’s super cute, but pashaaaww ... I know the real reason.)

Assistant of Nothing! Order a cake because that kid is leaving!

Celebrate like a dog! Not just the big things. I mean, I got a cake just for running this thing for one year. I can’t think of anything less exciting than that.

Adios! (That’s Spanish.)

GEORGE Editor-in-Chief?

While we’re very proud of what we’ve created in Unleash Jacksonville, we’re not going to pretend we could’ve done it without so much support. All the advertisers deserve special, extra vigorous belly rubs. Patronize them! We don’t let just anyone slap up an ad in here. We try to make sure (as well as we can) that our “family members” are good people running great businesses.

Our wonderful rescue community deserves extra treats for their hand in making Unleash a special publication. Their dedicated work in saving lives gives inspiration for every issue.

Every gentle dog-loving reader will be given extra happy running-leg dreams tonight. Thank you for picking up your copy.

Hopefully it will make you smile, inspire you, or at least look cute in your bathroom. See you in 2016. Cheers to many more editions! ~ The best in every way to you, Amy O. (pack leader)

ADOPT

Cover Model,

Charlie!

Sweet Charlie is looking for a family of his own! He loves cake. Duh. He also likes other dogs very much, people for sure, taking short walks, cuddling, and riding in the car. He would be great for someone looking for a non-active dog.

Email: Olivieria@att.net to meet Charlie

Thank you!

Extra belly rubs for Melissa Heyboer for her xxtra attension to edeting and to Erin at Pawlicious Creations for the amazing birthday cakes!

Peanutbutter treats for Claudia Hodge, Jenny Valino-Monzon Karen Camerlengo, Rebecca Miller + Davi, Kathy Burnett, Dr. Cameron Jones, and Terri Fraser for their lovley contributions.

Love dogs? Love us!

Facebook.com/beachunleash1 We would love to have you be part of Unleash Jacksonville!

Advertising: amy@unleashjax.com Articles & Press Releases: woof@unleashjax.com Kids Stuff: lola@unleashjax.com Looking for Love Fosters: woof@unleashjax.com It goes without saying (we hope) that all Unleash content is property of Woof Creative, Inc. ©2015woofcreativeinc

Never Giving Up

Emmy the puppy emmy (5 mo.) gets in trouble for nibbling on shoes daily, yet still holds out hope there will be one magical pair that is meant for her to play with.

- Brittany

Biggest Diva

Most Needy

Trixie

Angel

HONORABIRD MENTION gracie (26) the adorable umbrella cockatoo - Most Destructive gracie has her own instagram: GracieTheDevilChicken - Glen

Most Handsome Co-pilot

Aspen my rescue, aspen, (10-12?) is handsome, cheerful and ALWAYS ready for a ride... he’s my map reader!

- Helen

My Pet Deserves

an Award!

Amazing Ninja

Sasha sasha sasha (10) can get out of any situation she doesn’t care to be in. over the fence, under the fence, on the roof, tightrope to a perfect landing...she’s done it all.

- Dave

Best Alarm Clock

Roux roux (8 mo.) will sleep on the floor all night long then.. 7am...he jumps in the bed!

- Alex

Best Big Brother Ever

luke luke (12) has helped me raise a lot of fosters and 3 of his siblings. He’s such a sweetheart! He also protected the house and our other pups from someone trying to break in our house last year!

- Whitney

Most Absolutely Adorable

Biggest Heart

Most Fun Loving

Best iPad Holder

Gump

leia

Ailani

Penny lynn

gump (3) is quite the ladies’ man.

- Jon

leia (2) always just wants to be good. ailani (4 mo.) is ALWAYS up for a party.

- Val

roc (12) is a retired blood donor and LOVES books - Nevada

penny (6) was fostered at pooches playhouse...maybe they tought her this skill?

- Donna

what a cuddle-bug peaches is!

- Shanna

Smartest Cat

Best Cuddler

Roc

Peaches

Most Affectionate

Guardian Angel

Slider slider (3) took amazing care of me after my surgery. He didn’t leave my side.

- Jane

willie people will pound on my door at work to see willie (2). he brings people to my business!

- Glen

Most Beautiful Eyes

tut + bruce i guess it’s pretty obvious why tut + bruce deserve this accolate.

- Shanna

Do something kind | 7

my dog deserves and award!

continued

Most Adaptable Prettiest, Most Special

Jaxon jaxon (41/2 mo.) is just awesome! he loves life and everyone in it!

- Samantha

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macy Most Loyal

Summer + Tiki Summer + Tiki (both 12) protect us. they would never bite anybody, but they make boundaries clear.

- Judy + Sal + Stephanie

macy (2) came into our lives via rescue junkie and adjusted immediately to our high maintenance household. we LOVE her to the moon and back.

- laurie

Most Sophisticated

zeus zeus (3) is also humbly nominated for Cutest Dog and Most Dapper!

- Mark + Dana

Longest Pee’er Best Wiggly Butt

blondie blondie (51/2) loves to play fetch and when she is happy or excited (which is often) she wiggles her entire back end in delight. Even when she walks she wiggles. blondie is my silly mutt with a wiggle butt.

- Summer

8 | My dog is better than your dog.

George george (12) can stand, leg hiked with a steady stream of urine, for 21/2 days. i think it’s because he was raised as a hunting dog and not let out very much. he just holds it forever!

- lola

Time for a groomy groom | 9

pup•play

(No way...

These don’t count!)

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13 PUPS howlin’ Happy Birthday

Make your dog a Crown

1.Gather your paint brush, empty toilet paper roll, ribbon (you can use elastic or string, too), paint (metallic looks cool!) and scissors.

2. Cut little triangles from one end of your toilet paper roll.

3. Paint inside and out. You could do two different colors!

Hopefully your dog is just as excited as mine to be crowned royalty!

throughout this issue!

what

Can YOU find them ALL?

are they

4. Staple (may need adult help), tape, or poke holes in either side and string ribbon in a chin loop.

saying?

M 10 | Question: How did the little Scottish dog feel when he saw a monster? >>>

Answer: Terrier-fied! | 11

health

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low expectations of what can be done for these animals. I think this is mainly because older pets don’t complain. They gradually become accustomed to chronic, slowly progressive diseases like arthritis, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, food allergies, dental disease, cataracts, or hearing loss. When a kitten refuses to play with a toy or a puppy develops a limp, pet parents run to see me.

When the same thing happens to senior pets, many pet parents often think, “Well, he is just getting old.”

Have you ever heard the saying, “Age is not a disease?” Well it is true and it is a phrase that runs through the mind of veterinarians everywhere when they hear pet parents giving up on their old pets. I am not going to pretend that older pets don’t have the potential to have more serious problems or a poorer prognosis, but that is not a reason to not try to help them! If my grandmother’s physician had been willing to attribute her progressive loss of balance to age, she would have never had a life changing procedure on her middle ear, which allowed her to live out her life without debilitating nausea and dizziness. With age comes an opportunity for multiple,

The Happy + Healthy

Golden Years Cameron Jones, dvm

I have a thing for seniors.

I love meeting deaf, gimpy, gaited, slightly grumpy old guys with silver in their beards.

My favorite way to start the day is with a skinny, old, snaggletoothed gal who is really hard to impress. I am talking about pets of course! What I love best about my geriatric patients is the many opportunities that exist for me to improve their lives. Everyone loves a baby, and when a puppy or a kitten is sick or injured, pet parents are as motivated as ever to see me because they know that this animal was just perfectly healthy. When it comes to older pets, pet parents often have

12 | Don’t you give up on me!

slowly progressive diseases. That does not mean that many of their symptoms cannot be managed and some problems completely eliminated!

Dr. Jones with When a pet parent Samson & Cookie brings me their senior dog or cat, I feel honored to be able to help such a long-term family member, and I always remember to treat them gently. My exam starts as soon as I lay eyes on them. I can spot an achey joint across the parking lot!

When I meet them, I make sure they get a

big nose-ful of my human scent before touching them because it is pretty scary to be touched by someone you didn’t see or hear! A thorough examination can tell me a lot on any animal, but on the older guys, I feel all the lumps and bumps of their life experience, and draw them in the record. I look carefully at their mouths, since dental pain is very common in older pets and can cause significant weight loss and lead to heart disease. I always ask about their mobility, their hearing and eyesight, as well as their appetite, drinking habits, and sleeping habits. I hear so many stories about cats who howl at night or dogs who wake several times to go outside. Parents tell me amazing stories about the lengths they go to in order to take care of their elderly pets and it makes my heart smile.

What makes me even happier is when I get to tell a pet parent that there

are some other things that we might do that will make their pets golden years even brighter!

Many of my clients are unaware that there are so many options for joint pain or that there are even options for senility. Early detection of disease is the key to a cure and, even if there isn’t a cure, there is always, always (!) something that I can do to help. I recommend senior blood work every year after age 5, and I generally recommend that older pets get vaccine titres rather than continue to vaccinate them (except for rabies!). I also recommend joint supplements, fatty acids, and probiotics for older pets.

There is no fountain of youth — I cannot freeze time — but I can promise that your elderly pet does not have to accept a low quality of life just because they have earned some gray whiskers! f Dr. Cameron Jones utilizes a mix of Eastern + Western philosophy in her Jacksonville Beach practice.

Make an appointment at Blue Sky Veterinary Wellness (904) 223-0881 • BlueSky.vet

CANCER . b m u is d November is PET CANCER AWARENESS month

Claudia C. Hodge

“Your pet has cancer.”

Those words take your breath away. I don’t know one veterinarian who wants to say those words.

I certainly did not want to hear them, but, I did.

Loud and clear. I lost my dog almost four years ago to canine cancer.

Unfortunately, those words are being said more and more these days. Cancer in our pets is on the rise. Did you know that one in four dogs has cancer? And although the statistics for our feline friends is not as high as in our dogs, they too, still get cancer. Cancer is the number one disease-related killer of our dogs and cats. That is alarming to say the least.

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, calling attention to the disease, related symptoms, types, and treatments. I want to make sure you know what to look for when it comes to early detection of cancer in our pets. These may not always be indicative of the disease but, they can be.

SYMPTOMS

1. Non-healing wounds or other unexplained discharge 2. Coughing 3. Unexplained/chronic limping 4. Anorexia (lack of appetite) 5. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea 6. Sudden weight loss 7. Exercise intolerance 8. Lumps, bumps, and unexplained swellings When it comes to finding that unexplained sudden lump, bump, or swelling on your pet, Dr. Sue Ettinger, known Veterinary Oncologist and co-author of the Dog Cancer Survival Guide says it is best to “Don’t wait. Aspirate”TM. 14 | Find the CAUSE and the CURE!

North FL/Jacksonville Chapter Coordinator, National Canine Cancer Foundation

MAJOR TYPES OF CANCERS

1. Lymphoma or Lymphosarcoma 2. Mast Cell Tumors 3. Mammary Cancers (mostly dogs) 4. Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma) 5. Cancer of the spleen or liver (Hemangiosarcoma) 6. Bladder cancer 7. Melanoma (skin, oral or digital) 8. Lung cancer 9. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (feline) 10. Brain or spinal cord cancer

TREATMENT

Don’t let the words “chemo” or radiation scare you. These are two of the “big guns” of treatment protocols in fighting most pet cancers. Dogs and cats do not react to chemotherapy the way people do, so their use is relatively safe with little to no side effects. Surgery and immunotherapy are two other viable treatment options.

Consulting with your veterinary oncologist will determine which path of treatment is best for your pet. Keep in mind, cancer treatment can be costly for most pet owners. The average chemotherapy treatment ranges in cost between $1,000-$7,500 depending on how many and how long treatment is done. Radiation treatments can cost in upwards of $5,000 to $7,000.

Remember, early detection is the best prevention.

Don’t wait. f For more information please consult with your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist or visit: Pet Cancer Awareness: petcancerawareness.org National Canine Cancer Foundation: wearethecure.org

Do something kind | 15

Super DOG! Kiki

Our adorable 6-monthold Cavapoo, Kiki, delights our home with her presence and brings joys to our hearts everyday. She loves to run, play and eat lots of treats. We love to cuddle with her, she is so fluffy and soft!

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Kiki loves the cookies we make for her:

Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits 2 c whole-wheat flour 1 c rolled oats 1/3 c smooth or chunky peanut butter 1 1/4 c hot water Whisk together all ingredients. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour. Round into a ball and cover with plastic wrap. Let rest 15 min. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes with cookie cutters of choice. Since the dough doesn’t spread while baking, you can cut the biscuits close together. Pick up the parchment paper by opposite ends and transfer to a baking sheet. Bake for 40 min. Treat your dog and watch that tail wag! ~Janice Hernandez via email Book your holiday session today!

16 | Play the day away, my love.

SEVO-Med opens new clinic at the Beach!

Founded in October 2004 by doubleboard-certified veterinary oncologist, Dr. Tracy LaDue, Southeast Veterinary Oncology (SEVO) was one of the first oncology-specific veterinary specialty practices in the country. In 2011, they added internal medicine to their services and changed thier name to SEVO-Med to reflect their growing specialty capabilities.

Great news for the beaches! SEVO-Med opened a new 5,500-square-foot facility at 14333 Beach Blvd. in the Pablo Station Shopping Center on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

“We’re excited to move into our new state-of-theart center, which will provide a convenient pet-care option for our customers near the Beaches and Southside areas of Jacksonville,” said Dr. Jennifer

Locke, the lead oncologist at the beaches center. She will be joined by Dr. Katrina (Trina) Toshach, serving as internal medicine specialist ­— with a total staff of nearly 15.

“We’ve wanted to expand into the beaches area for some time,” Dr. Locke said. “The timing of our expansion could not be better, as we’ve outgrown our flagship center in Orange Park.”

Pet owners from around the United States, and from several other countries, have sought out the center to help in the treatment of their dogs, cats, and other animals. How lucky are we to have SEVO-Med right in our own city?!

The SEVO-Med beaches location will be equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment that offers a wide range of diagnostic services and therapies specifically designed for each pet receiving care at the center. f For more information, visit www.sevomed.com or call 866-771-2213.

Take your dog on a date! | 17

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Sept 26 • 2015 • Riverside Park

So great to see you helping raise funds for homeless pets at

Not-to-miss event!

e h t t a y a ome pl

C

Pow

! w o W

Whoooooo doggy! The 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Pet Pow-Wow, taking place on Nov. 14, is an event

not to be missed if you are a dog lover! The dog-friendly party is hosted by animal lover Kim DeHart. “I’m always looking for ways to give back to our pet community! There are countess animals that need our help ... by raising money and awareness we really CAN make a difference.”

Last year’s Pow Wow raised over $1,500 for the Jacksonville Humane Society. This year, proceeds from the event will go toward the efforts of opening an adoption center in Putnam County, as well as vaccinations, food, and care for the helpless animals dumped here who have almost no exposure to the public. Putnam County’s high kill shelter is located behind a landfill and not visable from any road. Pets who end up here do not have time on their side, and too many are quickly euthanized without a chance for adoption. We’re hoping to change that!

This year’s event looks to be even bigger and better than last year’s, featuring bar drinks, free food, entertainment, pet vendors, children’s activities, a pet photo booth, an obstacle course, and free dog training! There will also will be a silent auction and raffle.

Pets are more than welcome (on leash, of course).

Come help the fur babies of Putnam County and let's save some lives! The event is FREE - donations only!

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Thankgiving Pet Pow-Wow MARK IT DOWN!

NOVEMBER 14 • 1p-4p The Moose Lodge TH 10 8 Street, Jacksonville Beach 20 | Give thanks for dogs! f

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celebrate

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Pawty!

We like to

Jenny Valino-Monzon of Doggybytes by Jenny

If

you’re anything like my husband and me, your dogs are not just pets, they’re family.

Or in our case, they’re our children! What better way to celebrate their birthday than by throwing them a pawwwwty?

When our handsome boy Prince turned 5, we threw him a party at our local dog park. We don’t have a large fenced-in backyard and our house isn’t big enough to hold our two 70 lb dogs AND several other big dogs, so we had to look elsewhere. Once we had the date, time, and location confirmed, I decided on a color theme of black, white, and red. Prince’s fur is black and white so it already looks like he has a tuxedo on. My plan was to put him in a red bow tie ... so much for that idea! He did NOT want to wear it.

I looked at many different invitations to order online in those colors, but ended up making them myself. We invited all of his furry friends to celebrate, along with Jaxx, his baby brother from another mother (and father!)

Next up, decorations. I bought red and black plastic tablecloths, plates, napkins, cups, and

22 | Celebrate every day!

utensils. I made a poster board with pictures of Prince “through the years” and printed out and framed two pictures of him for display.

I also made a big sign that said “PRINCE’S BDAY PAWTY” so our guests would know exactly where to go when they came into the park. I even made a party hat with red and black paw prints that Jaxx ended up wearing, because as I mentioned, Prince does not like to wear anything that will make him look silly!

Of course not, what was I thinking?

As for food & drinks, for our two-legged friends, I kept it simple — pizza, salad, chips, brownies, soda, and water. After all, it was about the dogs. (Make sure to keep your dog away from any food that will harm them and remember to put out several bowls of water for them to drink in between play time.)

Ohh the doggy bags! I personalized the bags with a picture of each furry friend in attendance. I filled bowls with different favors — yummy treats, toys, tennis balls, and poop bags — for our friends to custom fill their pup’s bag.

Oh what a sight to see Prince and his best fur-iends having the time of their lives running around, barking, slobbering, wagging tails, chasing, fetching, playing, and eating cake!

Yes, that’s right. Because what’s a party without cake?! We bought Prince his very

idea!

Party

own bone-shaped cake that I ordered from Pawfection Bakery. They loved it! It was made with human-grade ingredients so we may have tasted a tiny bite ourselves when Prince wasn’t looking. (Ssshhh don’t tell him!) You can also order or make pupcakes if you prefer that over cake, which is what I made for Jaxx’s birthday this year.

Last but not least, we made his birthday celebration a pawty with a cause. Prince asked us (yes, he asked us, that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it) to write on the invitations that guests bring a donation for his favorite local animal rescue in lieu of gifts for him. We contacted the rescue to ask what they were in need of the most and they told us food and treats. Our guests happily obliged and we were able to collect food, treats, and monetary donations to give to them.

Oh by the way, it’s also good to have a backup plan in case you end up like we did. Wet and muddy from the rain — but boy was it worth it!

Oh and don’t forget to take lots of pictures and have fun! You know your pups will!

Well, there ya have it. With some planning and a little creativity, you too can throw your fur baby a birthday pawty fit for a prince (or princess)!

Happy Pawty-ing! f

Looking for a unique, healing experience to share with your dog-loving friends? Think about adding canine massage to your event!

What a fun addition to any dog-centered or dog-friendly function!

• Birthday or anniversary parties • Neighborhood Yappy Hours • Girls’ Night In – BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog!) • Resident Appreciation Days for dog-friendly communities • Staff or Client Appreciation Days for dog-friendly businesses Contact Jade Paws Canine Massage to schedule your group package today!

(904) 298-5164 or info@jadepaws.com www.jadepaws.com

Looking for LuLu

lost

www.facebook.com/helpfindlulu tripped over things, we asked stupid questions, we scared children, and our faces were likely featured prominently on several community neighborhood watch boards. Despite our incompetent behavior, we became known for our efforts and people would seek out Heather, myself, and our friend Chrissie for help with lost animals. It amused us to be considered knowledgeable, since we couldn’t find the dog we were looking for; we were complete failures but considered experts. Yet somehow, our little disorganized chaotic trio did a lot of good.

I didn’t know that June 5, 2011, was a day that would change my life forever ... until three weeks later.

A woman I didn’t know lost her dog, Lulu, that day. I had no idea this happened until Heather contacted me about dogs that I had found, hoping beyond hope one was hers.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have Lulu, but we started talking and unexpected karen friendship was camerlengo formed.

Looking for LuLu defined our 2011, and changed all of our lives. Unfortunately for LuLu, our skills were more “Lucy and Ethel” than “Organized Search Team.” If you saw us that summer, you would remember us. I was the one who forgot to put her car in park when I got out to hand a flier to a UPS driver; she was the one who leapt out and ran around a lake to help a stray dog that somehow morphed into a duck by the time she arrived. We 24 | Never give up

Chrissie was our beautiful but fearless muscle in high heels. She would walk into backyards, knock on doors, and ask the tough questions.

She would often demand physical proof that a dog was not LuLu. Inexplicably, she was never arrested or kidnapped. That alone made us feel like a raging success.

I assumed the job of communicating with the people providing tips. If you are ever unfortunate enough to lose a pet, you need someone else to deal with the public. This person should have low trust of others and a strong sense of humor; they will need both. The tips, jokes and scams were tiring and sometimes cruel but I had a great time dealing with them all. It would not be easy for an owner, though, and someone else should always take that task.

Because of LuLu, we learned a lot. The numbers of animals we have helped since Lu was lost is in the hundreds. We learned that animals travel very far, either by their own strong legs or with human intervention. We learned to never judge a home by appearance or behavior of an animal when they are in survival mode. And we learned to always help.

Animals can’t tell you they are lost or where they live. If you pick up an animal you are obligated to search for their owner. Scan for a chip, put up signs, post in the paper as well as Craigslist and on social media.

If you cannot do all these things, please take them to the shelter where they have a chance of being found. Finders/keepers is a thing young children say; it should not be a way of life. Whether it is an object or an animal, it is not yours. Look for an owner. Please.

LuLu ran away while Heather was on vacation. She ran from Oakleaf Plantation on the Westside, but Lu’s actual home was off Hodges Blvd in Jacksonville. She will now be 7 years old. The only confirmed sighting of her was 10 days after she had gone and she was still running. We still hold out hope that one day the right set of eyes will see her picture and we will have confirmation that she is still alive.

A $2,000 reward still remains in effect. f

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Do something kind | 25

survival

{

beaglefreedomproject.org }

so, while she was healing, BFP searched for a permanent home for her.

This is where I come in. I had applied to be an adopter or foster for BFP the first week of January, and on January 13, I drove from Jacksonville to Port St. Joe to scoop up Nelly! I was met by a little ball of energy with a cone on her head and drain tubes still in her abdomen. I was astounded by how much spunk this little girl had for what she had just gone through! I was Terri Fraser immediately in love, and knew my life was about to be changed forever.

A few weeks after she came home, Nelly On December 3, 2014, a couple driving developed an infection due to complications down a quiet road in the Florida panhandle from surgery. At that time, my vet discovered spotted a crate off to the side. They stopped that Nelly had a heart murmur and an enlarged to inspect. What they found horrified them. heart, possible side effects of her former life as a Inside were three beagles. All had been shot. research animal and breeder for the lab. Still, she Two were dead, one still barely clung to life. The persevered! She fought the sickness with gusto three dogs had the telltale markings tattooed ­— and again got healthy. on the inside of their ears signifying they had Then May came and she was dealt another been used in a laboratory. blow. Nelly went into complete liver failure. I sat The couple rushed the survivor to a local vet in the vet’s office bawling. She had just gained who treated her gunshot wound, which, luckily, freedom, how could life be so cruel to this had missed her trachea when the bullet passed sweet and gentle girl? Her liver values were so through her neck. high the vet gave her only a 20 percent chance The woman quickly contacted Beagle Freedom of survival. But what a fighter my girl is! She had Project (BFP), a non-profit rescue organization been shot, discarded like trash, survived cancer, that rescues and rehabilitates beagles used had heart problems, and yet she still lived! Nelly in animal experimentation. They agreed to wasn’t giving up this new taste of life as a free immediately take her in. The woman and her being! She spent an entire week at the vet, and husband became her foster family and named her every day she got stronger. She waited for me Nelly. She was no longer a just number in a lab. It was the first time she had ever had a name.

A thorough examination of Nelly showed a history of neglect, abuse, and sickness. Her teeth were worn to nubs from chewing on the metal cages in an effort to escape, and she had a large mammary tumor that needed to be removed.

Surgery revealed several other mammary tumors and the biopsy confirmed Grade 3 mammary carcinoma. Nelly’s foster family had found out they were being sent overseas after her surgery, Yes Mom, I realize you just made the bed. And I appreciate the 26 | Seek out cruelty-free products!

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effort you took to arrange the pillows just perfectly for me.

The Beagle Freedom Project

is a mission to rescue beagles used in animal experimentation in research laboratories and give them a chance at life in a loving forever home.

beaglefreedomproject.org to come see her every afternoon, and I did.

Nelly survived again.

We still have some hurdles to get over with all the health issues she still has. We’ve started seeing a holistic veterinarian for acupuncture, food therapy, and Chinese medicine with very positive results.

No matter the odds, or curve balls life throws at her, Nelly refuses to give up. She has learned to trust people and forgive the abuse that she suffered for over a decade in captivity. She is truly an inspiration and my heart is bursting with love for this sweet, loving, silly little girl that has turned my life upside down in so many positive ways.

As an ambassador for Beagle Freedom

These 12-year-old boys, rescued from South Korea by the Beagle Freedom Project, spent too much time in a lab.

Project, Nelly now helps educate people about animal testing and living a crueltyfree life style. She is a testament that these animals can be rehabilitated and have happy, normal lives after their time in the laboratory has concluded ... or maybe Follow Nelly on Facebook! that they facebook.com/NellyBFP shouldn’t be Find cruelty-free products used in the cruelty-clutter.org first place. f

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Out & About Scout

goin’ to Daycare with

Davi BARK on Park

Ready to go, mom!

Hey everybody! It’s Davi! Wondering if doggie

Hi Jamee! So....let’s start with the important

tested before they are allowed to register for daycare. But, even the best behaved dogs have a bad day, so if an incident does occur, the dogs are immediately separated, removed from the play area, and the parents are notified. If undesirable behavior persists, the dog will not be permitted to return to BARK.

stuff. I am mostly curious about treats because,

Whew! That’s good to know. Fear doesn’t belong

daycare is the place for you? I was nervous, too, but recently I got to grill Jamee Yocum, the owner of BARK on Park, with some hard-hitting Davi questions... read on!

yea, I love treats – all treats. Will we get treats during daycare?

You are going to be so busy making friends and playing games that eating a treat will be the last thing on your mind! Maybe try one of our fresh baked treats from our boutique bakery before or after daycare!

I mean, I’m not sure I can be expected make it through the entire day without treats, but MAYBE I can wait for fresh baked treats! I’ll be sure to tell my mom about the bakery! What about playtime? Will I get to do fun stuff?

Certainly! You will spend your day hanging out with your buddies, running and playing, swimming and sunbathing, and roaming around the playground, sniffing new scents!

in daycare. Any chance I’ll learn any new tricks?

We do not have a trainer on staff during daycare, but we do reinforce positive behavior, like sit and stay, and who knows, you may learn a thing or two from your friends during playtime.

Cool. I have a few tricks I can bring to the playground, too! So, what if I get hurt?

Hurts happen. In the unfortunate event of an accident, we will first assess the injury, contact your mom, and then treat as needed.

If the injury is more severe, we will take you immediately to your veterinarian for urgent care.

Sounds fun to me! Will I make new friends?

Absolutely! BARK is a great place for pups to mingle in a group environment and interact off leash! Learning to play together is the foundation for building strong friendships.

Yay! I’ll put my best paw forward on my first day! But what if another dog is mean to me?

Don’t worry, Davi. All dogs are temperament 28 | Please recycle or hand to someone else!

You can meet pretty girls!

PLAY!

PLAY!

PLAY!

Oh hey, this is embarrassing ... where do I go potty?

Will you tell my mom about my day?

What about my safety?

What’s the cost of doggie daycare?

You can go outside. Our outdoor play area is lined Of course! Your mom will receive a verbal with artificial turf and is strong enough to handle report on your activity, your behavior, and your all doggie do’s. Feel free to sniff and go! overall experience.

That’s very important to know. So, what happens if it rains?

Rainy days are still fun days at BARK. Indoor activities are put into play as well as television time and quiet time for dogs who may need comfort from the storm.

Who is daycare for?

Daycare is great for all dogs that love social interaction with other dogs and humans.

How long do I get to stay?

Our daycare runs Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Good question, Davi. BARK offers a variety of daycare and sleep over packages ranging from a full day of play to 10 day plans. Check our website at www.barkboutique.com for a complete list of programs and costs.

Wow! Doggie Daycare is incredible! Thanks Jamee. I'm never leaving!

I'm so glad you're having fun, Davi, but that isn’t one of our packages! f

Come Play!

Your safety is one of our highest priorities. Our qualified crew will be supervising you and your buddies at all times, making sure all gates and doors are securely closed, removing any hazardous materials from the grounds, monitoring pickup and drop off areas for strangers and unexpected visitors, and checking our video surveillance system for questionable activity.

BARK is an Urban Dog Retreat offering Grooming, Day Care, Boarding, and Training along with natural non-grain foods, amazing collars, toys, and accessories.

Located in the Historic 5 Points in Riverside, 1021 Park Street.

(904) 356-4530 www.thebarkboutique.com

Remember to help shelter pets this holiday! | 29

rainbow bridge

Remembering

Maddie came into our lives when we were volunteering at the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS). The staff knew we had recently lost Elvis, another rescued Cocker Spaniel. One of the staff came running into the yard, to tell us that the following Monday, a Cocker named “Mattie” was being returned because the adopters did not want to take care of her horribly infected ears. We said, “sign us up and please call when she gets here!”

It was the longest

Maddie

weekend of my life. We got the call and drove straight away to JHS. Mattie (we renamed her Maddie in honor of little Maddie Clifton) had just been owner surrendered about an hour before. We walked up slowly to her kennel. She was scared and confused and dirty and peed everywhere. We fell in love.

After a quick visit with the vet, we were allowed to take her home.

It turned out Maddie had been used by a backyard breeder for five or six years and never had any vet care. We will never know who used her, but apparently they dumped her when she was of no use to them. The people who adopted her the first time could not deal with the fact that Maddie didn’t know how to play, she never understood what a toy was, she had food aggression, and her ears were a horrendous mess. But we didn’t care. We got her the best food, the softest bed, never ending vet care, and showered her with the love she deserved for the next five years. She even spent a year on the road with us in our RV and saw a lot of the U.S. But, she had gotten to a point where her arthritis was so bad she could barely stand. She would hide in the corner looking confused. We made a promise to her and to each other that when the day came, we would let her cross with dignity.

On Aug. 26, 2015, Maddie went to the bridge to heal and learn how to be a puppy. And we were heartbroken.

If even one person reads this and realizes that these innocent angels are forced to breed for profit, then her life and death will not have been in vain. Please, spread the word. Adopt, don’t shop. Rest in Peace, Maddie. We love you so much and we will see you again. f

30 | Please recycle or hand to someone else!

Unleash Jacksonville is so cozy.

Get in here! Advertising: woof@unleashjax.com You can find any breed through rescue! | 31

DoggieBag

M ff!

o Paws

ff u t s My

hang your dog (or cat) (or family) on the tree!

Custom Aluminum Ornaments :: $16.95 Local artist ... order now for the holidays! Durable for decades of enjoyment. Made with the latest high-definition printing technology ­— won’t crack, fade, peel, or scratch (unlike your cat). Image is embedded into the aluminum for superior quality. The pink snowflake (above) is double-sided (same on both sides), and comes in blue as well. The paw-shape included a custom picture on one side and customized on the other (see above — black lab pup on front/nugget on back).

Use coupon code UNLEASH for 15% off through 12/31.

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Finally! A frisbee for people who can’t ... throw a frisbee New Dash™ Frisbee :: $18 The aerodynamic design of this frisbee makes it easy for humans to throw and fun for dogs to fetch.

A center hole allows for smooth, off the ground pickups, a stable, fast flight and a gradual descent. Durable outer shell surrounds a soft foam material so it won’t hurt dogs’ mouths or human hands. Injected with Air Technology making this high-flying dog frisbee fun to fetch on land or in water!

Recyclable, made in the USA, floatable, guaranteed against dog damage, BPA and phthalate-free, FDA compliant, non-toxic and dishwasher safe.Measures 8".westpawdesign.com

Mmmmm!

Skulls!

Bubba Rose Sugar Skull Dog Cookies :: $2.89 each All natural, all yummy carob and peanut butter treats! Made with organic, fresh ingredients from the USA and never any preservatives. Every treat they bake is wheat, corn, soy & gluten free. Featured on NBC’s Today Show, People Magazine, HGTVs Posh Pets, Bark Magazine, Modern Dog, and now Unleash Jacksonville!

Purchase locally at Salty Paws Natural Pet Market | 677 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach Make sure Santa can drop off treats for Pup Pup + Kitty Kitty too!

Handmade Stockings :: $30+ We LOVE these! Adorable stockings combine burlap, fabric, yarn, and twine. Exposed stitching to keep burlap from unravelling. Your dog or cat’s name is hand lettered in permanent marker. Handmade by local Jacksonville artist.

Mommy Dear Designs etsy.com/shop/MommyDearDesigns

submit 32 | Live • Love • Bark your stuff: woof@unleashjax.com

Even More

Good Things

Huuuuh?!! Classifeds - just $25! Yah. Email woof@unleashjax.com

Pet Services

In-home Canine Massage

Jade Paws ~ Doryan Cawyer, CCMT (904) 298-5164 • Email: info@jadepaws.com IAAMB# 1630 • ABMP# 1085525

Other Services

In Need of a Freelance Writer or Editor?

^ great

Professional writing and editing services for any occasion.

Contact Melissa Heyboer at melissa.heyboer@gmail.com

Your help is Needed!

Do you LOVE ANIMALS?

Consider joining Friends of Jacksonville Animals (FOJA) beach committee! Your gifts and talents are needed! Help with adoption events, fund raising, special events, and more. We’d love to have you join us.

Please email Carolyn Edwards today!

Carolyn@FriendsOfJacksonvilleAnimals.com

Jobs

BlueSky Veterinary Center (BlueSky.vet) is hiring experienced, caring Vet Techs, Kennel Techs, and Client Liaisons!

Please email your resume to MasterGardener@BlueSky.Vet

No Brainer

List your job, business, item for sale, message to your dog ... just $25!

Jaxon’s Story What would you do if your furry family member ate poison and you couldn’t afford the cost of the medical care to save their life?

That was the situation Jaxon’s family faced when they realized that he had eaten poison. Jaxson’s family rushed him to St. Francis Animal Hospital where, thanks to donors like you, Jaxson was able to get the medical care he needed to save his life. Jaxson is fully recovered and his family is so grateful to have their sweet buddy healthy again.

As in Jaxson’s case, we often have families come to us with a sick or injured pet and they can’t afford the entire cost of the medical care their pet needs. In these cases, donations to our Helping Paws Fund from caring people like you help to cover the cost of any care the family can’t afford.

St. Francis Animal Hospital Not-for-profit

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 | 33

Looking for Love - take a chance on me!

am I’m C

Rescue Junkie, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) animal welfare organization that rescues dogs and cats from high kill shelters in Florida. Check out their Facebook page or website for more awesome adoptables! rescuejunkie.org

mie!

I’m son! k c a J

! harlie

I’m C

ADOPT ME PLEASE! I’m also a 4-month-old Plott I’m a 4-month-old Hound mix! I like children and Plott Hound mix who other dogs and love to play! is great with children and other dogs. I’m very calm and gentle.

Learn more about these They tell me I’m a “senior” awesome dogs!

Shepherd mix. I’m very Email: sweet and gentle yet summer@rescuejunkie.org Visit: playful! I loooove to play ! rescuejunkie.org o l l and go for walks. I’m e H ! y extremely healthy and a b g u real gentleman!

I’m R

I’m 2 years old! I’m Housebroken, crate trained, and walk well on a leash. I like other dogs and cats and children — I just love people in general! I’m a GREAT dog!

A few other great places to look for your new BFF Ana’s Angels petfinder.com/shelters/FL344.html

Meet Sallie!

Sallie is my na me, playing is my ga me! I love to play with toys, but it’s kind of boring playing by myself... Can you help? To meet me is to love me. I a m very friendly, sweet, and I love to snuggle. I know basic commands and a m house trained. If you’re looking for a loyal companion, I’m the one for you!

Take a chance on me!

adengler@jaxhumane.org

Coastal Golden Retriever Rescue coastalgrr.org Our Jacksonville Humane Society has so many great dogs and cats looking for homes!

Stop by today or view adoptables online at jaxhumane.org

M 34 | You can find any breed through rescue! Try Petfinder.com

First Coast No More Homeless Pets fcnmhp.org Friends of Collies and Shelties petfinder.com/shelters/fl810.html Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services (ACPS) coj.net Jacksonville Area Greyhound Society (904) 923-6629 K-9 Services German Shepherd Rescue k-9services.net The Old Dog House Senior Dog Rescue theolddoghouse.org Pit Sisters Rescue pitsisters.org • sisters@pitsisters.org TARAA taraajax.com

M I’m on.. s w a D You can see how handsome I a m, but what you can’t see is that I’m very smart!

I’m 40 lbs of manners and I know my commands!

Looking for a fa mily to play with and to lounge with; I loves my people!

ie Regg here!

I’m ina Sabr e Noell

You got cats? I LOVE them! I’d love a cat of my very own, but it’s okay if you don’t have any. ( They are SO CUTE. ) I’m a “middle aged” handsome boy... check out my bowtie! I’m just perfect for a beagle-loving home!

Guess what! I’ve never met a stranger! People are awesome. I also love other dogs and would love, love, LOVE an active, fun-loving fa mily to spend time with.

The London Sanctuary (TLS) provides a safe haven for to hounds of all types, which are greatly at risk in northeast Florida. See all their adoptables at thelondonsanctuary.org adoptionandfostercoordinator@thelondonsanctuary.com

’m

,I Hello

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I’m an awesome guy ... I know this because I make friends wherever I go! And I LOVE to go - walks, car rides, and I would make a great running buddy! I do great with all people and dogs I meet - I just want to be your friend. I’m not holding any grudges from my past, even though some people were very mean to me.

Please email about me!

I’m HAPPY and really want a fa mily sandy@ who will be kind to me soon. saintfrancisanimalhospital.org

1 FREE CANINE MASSAGE

to any lucky dog adopted from this page!

Present proof of adoption & coupon

Call 904.298.5164

36 | Please recycle or hand to someone else!