FRESH

The savvy dog’s guide to great local living

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fresh Issue #7 . 2016 . Collect them all! . Do it.

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Do something kind | 3

Editor’s Column

K

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to any lucky dog adopted from pages 34-35!!! LOOK!

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Welcome to the FRESH issue, Humans!

It’s a new year! Time for fresh starts and fresh perspectives, right? All the magazines are saying that, so I guess we have to, too? Did you make any resolutions? My attitude has always been, rather than make promises to myself that aren’t caninely possible to keep, I solve any problem by taking a nap. Don’t worry about more exercise, less cupcakes, or “changing for the better.” Just take more naps. You’re going to love it. Let me know how it goes.

What else is fresh? Yes! Puppies ... and kittens, too! This issue is all about them babies that are fresh-out-thegate and ready to make your life a living hell! But they’re really darn cute ... so they can get away with it. I know I may not look like the type of guy to have a soft spot for a cute little purrer, but I do love kittens so much ... their little ears! I wish I had one right now ... to nap with.

Did you get a puppy or kitten recently? If so, you are so lucky and I hope it’s going well. But you look tired.

I mean ... I love your hair ... but you look tired.

Also! Don’t forget! A newly adopted older dog can be a fresh addition to your home. I encourage that wholeheartedly!

That’s how I got this gig.

Sayonara (That’s Japanese!)

GEORGE Editor-in-Chief

Can you help us help Charlie?

Charlie is a loving, sweet boy! He needs a new foster or forever home near the Mandarin area because he’ll be having surgery soon.

Charlie was kept in a crate that was too small for him all day while he was growing by someone who wasn’t nice to him. Charlie’s surgery will be paid for, he just needs a loving home to help him recover and help transport him to his rehabilitation.

For more information: olivieria@att.net or text 904.416.7441

Thank you!

Beef liver treats for Melissa Heyboer for her editing eyeballs, and Karen Camerlengo, Dr. Cameron Jones, Menoka Bernardo, Ryan Watters, Michelle Crawford, Kate Godfrey and Jessica Bradstreet for their lovely contributions.

An extra-long walk is in store for all of our adorable advertisers!

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. ©2016woofcreativeinc

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bailey]

f [Faith

h

Faith, as a puppy and now at 2 years old! She was a sweet little puppy. She loved to play with her toys The first picture is a couple weeks after adopting and always posed for the camera!

Bailey from the Jacksonville Humane Society. The - Kathleen second is a few weeks after celebrating her 10th birthday! She has been through so many milestones with me and I can’t imagine life without her!

- Emily

Remember d when they were little]

[Olivia+ Clyde|

Here is my baby Clyde. I’ve had him since he was 5 months old, when we rescued him from a person that planned on using him as a hog dog. His gotcha date is January 13, 2014.

w [Riley

Riley as an 8-week old baby, and now at 11 years young! - Jamee

Olivia was purchased online as a gift by her previous owner’s boyfriend last year. At 8 weeks old she was shipped from Missouri to Miami where she lived for almost a year until she just got to be too much for the family. Looking to rehome a scared, unsocialized 100+ pound Neapolitan Mastiff, the woman contacted Green Mile Rescue in Melbourne, FL. We had just lost our mastiff, Squish, and weren’t sure if we were ready. We also didn’t want a puppy or a young dog, as we were partial to seniors. But somehow, this dog called to my husband, and I worried she would end up at high-kill Miami-Dade. It’s been four months now — there are ups and downs but she is the sweetest most loving dog. She continues to improve her behavior by leaps and bounds with the help of a trainer. We could have given up because she can be really naughty, but we made a lifetime commitment to her and she isn’t going anywhere, except maybe to more training classes!

- Monique, Mike & Olivia

daphne|

7 weeks and 3 years old.

- Lori

[Tank

n

Trip|

]

b

Tank loves Santa at Yappy Hour.

He was 4 months in the first photo and 16 months in the second!

- Angie

He was a handful!!!!! Taken from his mom and siblings too early, I had to teach him everything from bite inhibition to not being demanding to normal stuff like not jumping and mouthing. He’s 4 now and such a GOOD BOY! - Menoka

Tank and Zoey were foster failures from

Zoey & Tank+ Pit Sisters. I got them at 4 weeks old

i

and just couldn’t part with them. They are now just over 3 years old!

- Rhonda

[Prince+

Pippa when she was about 3 1/2 months old and

Pippa+ now at 1 1/2 years old!

- Lori

m

We’ve had Prince since he was 11 weeks old. He is now 7 years old but still spoiled as ever! He is our house alarm, strong protector, and sweet snuggle buddy. He loves car rides because he knows exactly where he’s going every time — the park!

- Jenny

Fresh answers

where do

Karen Camerlengo

Puppies

really come from?

Merely mention

that you are thinking of adding a puppy to your family and you will be hit from all sides. Your rescue friends will be screaming for you to adopt while others will be handing you names of the “BEST breeder.” In the end, you will find yourself curled up in the corner with your pet hermit crab because no one cared when you decided to get him.

But let’s say crabs are not for you, and you still want to get a puppy. What are your choices?

Breeders. Reputable breeders are not unicorns — they do exist, but it can take real effort and time to find one. They don’t advertise on classified pages, Craigslist, or the like.

Reputable breeders would never ever sell their puppies to a pet store, as they truly care about where they end up. Good breeders are going to make it hard for you to buy one of their puppies, again, this is for the well-being of the puppy, so it’s

actually a good thing! You will be required to visit their home multiple times. Their dogs — including seniors — will be loved members of the family. They will be involved in the rescue of their breed. So yes, these responsible, caring breeders do exist, but the vast majority of breeders fall into the next category.

Back yard breeders (BYBs). These words denote a one-toothed man in overalls yelling “Well, Mama, looks like we got us some puppies!”

While some do have their animals shoved in the back specifically for breeding, the majority look nothing like that. They will advertise all over and on Craigslist and Facebook, and their puppies can often be found in pet stores. Some higher-end BYBs will “feel” like a good breeder and even sell their dogs for a high price, but they do not hit the standards of a true reputable breeder, and in the end, there is no guarantee what you are getting. Their puppies are often sick or inbred.

Pet Stores. They claim to get their pups from “local breeders” and “USDA kennels.”

The local breeders are low-end backyard breeders, and the kennels are puppy mills. Period. A good breeder would never sell their puppy to

K

a pet store because they cannot control where the puppy will go. Some say “but this puppy is here and has already been born so what is the harm?” The harm is that, as long as pet stores continue to sell puppies, puppy mills will exist.

If there is a demand, there will be a supply. The parents live miserable lives, and the majority of their puppies will become dangerously ill or die because of the conditions. This is an archaic and cruel practice.

Irresponsible people (IP). “We want our female to have one litter so she can experience motherhood.” “I don’t want to spay or neuter my pet.” “I can’t afford to have her spayed.” IPs often become backyard breeders. It’s a short step, but before that happens, you can often finding them desperately giving away the litter they were shocked to find themselves saddled with. (Please note: First Coast No More Homeless Pets offers low-cost and, for some, FREE spay and neuter! fcnmhp.org) Rescues and Shelters. Shelters and rescues all over the country are drowning in puppies — from floppy eared mixed breeds to pure-bred calendar faces, these puppies are

looking for a great home. Internet search any breed rescue and you will see you can find a puppy this way. But where exactly do rescue puppies come from? Pregnant strays, BYBs who found out puppies are expensive, and the IPs all provide a constant supply of puppies to local rescues and shelters. Pure breds will often show up in a mama’s belly, and sometimes the last of a litter is difficult to place.

So what is right for you? Mostly, it depends on what you want out of your dog and your own personal ego. I’m a rescue mom; not because I feel sorry for them or some sort of moral and community obligation, but because I believe in love and that is all I want from my pets. “Papers” mean nothing to me. Only you can decide what route is right for you, but I encourage you to either seek out a truly reputable breeder or visit your local rescues and shelters. Do your research on both.

Adding a family member should not be a rash decision — family finances and lifestyle need to be considered.

Please choose wisely and compassionately; even if you end up getting a crab.

Select smart when adding to your family | 9

pup•play

(Get out of town! No way!

This one doesn’t count!)

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There are

12 SUPER PLAYFUL PUPPIES

throughout this issue!

Can YOU find them ALL? What would you name this pup

if it was a part of your family?!

Please Help the pup find her bone!

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Find:

unleash puppy train follow play energy breath paws bone ball fetch happy foster furry

10 | Question: What do you get when you cross a dog and a calculator? >>

Answer: A friend you can count on! | 11

health

Keep Your New Baby Healthy & Safe

Hot Tips from an ER Veterinarian Cameron Jones, dvm

As an ER veterinarian,

I have hundreds of stories of “oopsie” moments that have landed a baby in my exam room — from swallowing a foreign object or a poison, to cutting their feet on a Dr. Jones with shattered glass! I have one Samson & Cookie patient who has come to see us more than 12 times in the first two years of his life for swallowing things he shouldn’t! Each time he has gotten lucky, as we’ve been able to treat him without surgery, but his parents are two of the most diligent (and patient) people I have ever met! Proof that even well-supervised puppies and kittens get themselves into trouble.

puppies need to chew, and an appropriate toy that is hard enough to satisfy a dog must be soft enough to dig your fingernail into. Super hard bones can break teeth and bones may shatter, so ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Kittens will play with just about anything (and everything) so providing safe toys is also important.

They need to pounce, chew, scratch, and bite — that’s what they do! String and ribbon are NO-NOs for baby kittens. They can eat string or ribbon, and that could mean surgery! Catnip toys are lots of fun — watch your kitten to see how she behaves with it.

3. Playmates! Adult dog and cats may love to play with a baby, but they should always be supervised.

Pay careful attention to the body language of both animals to make sure that play does not turn to But it’s more than just swallowing things that babies aggression. Adult cats in particular can take a little adjustment period to accept a baby. Don’t need protection from — so here are some tips to worry if your adult pet does not love the baby right keep your new baby safe and healthy! away. Sometimes a baby is not accepted because 1. Give Them Their Own Space. Dogs and cats will of its playful attitude, but with time and short benefit from a space that belongs exclusively to supervised play sessions, they can turn into the best them. With a little time and training, a crate serves of friends. The initial introduction period should as a cozy place that they choose to go to, and it’s an never be around food or longtime toys, as this will effective method to house train a dog. A kitten may ultimately cause a conflict. Think neutral territory — substitute a bathroom with a litter box and water Switzerland! bowl instead of a crate, but never underestimate 4. Medical Care. Babies grow and change quickly, the trouble a baby kitten can get into when left on so frequent checkups are a must! While I’m not its own (just ask my Christmas tree). a fan of over-vaccinating pets, this is the time in 2. Toys Toys Toys! Safe toys are important! All life where vaccines are most important. Typically 12 | Keep your new baby healthy + safe!

K vaccines will begin at 8 to 9 weeks of age when the mother’s immunity begins to wear off. Not every baby has the benefit of their mother’s immune protection. Orphans most likely did not receive enough of the mother’s milk to protect them, others have a weaker immune system or are simply not up to the challenge that this world can bring — they need the extra protection that vaccines offer. Some animals may benefit from certain vaccines because they go outside or because they go near lakes and streams or woods where others live a more protected lifestyle.

5. Parasite Control. It’s also important to see your veterinarian frequently to check for signs of parasites that take advantage of babies. Parasites visit the skin (fleas, ticks, mange mites, etc), the GI tract (round worms, hookworms, tapeworms, whip worms) and the circulatory system (heart worms). Both dogs and cats need protection from all of these parasites ESPECIALLY in Florida.

6. Training. The best time to learn things is when pets are young, but the way they learn and the most effective way are not always common sense.

Pick up a book about training, consult a trainer, and talk with your veterinarian, too. Both puppies and kittens need to be trained. It’s not just about house training — an untrained pet is at risk for being a homeless pet, as behaviors that seem cute on a young animal are not so cute on an older pet. All dogs should learn to walk on a leash, sit, stay, and come. They should also learn to have all parts of their body handled — especially their feet! It’s not natural for pets to like to have their feet handled.

Working with a pet’s natural behaviors and lots of positive motivation through both treats and praise is very rewarding for both pet and owner.

Well-trained pets tend to stay out of trouble and visit the ER less often than untrained pets.

7. Spay and Neuter. Spaying and neutering cats and dogs keeps them safer and healthier. When a puppy or kitten reaches 4 months of age, they can be spayed or neutered, and

they will recover quickly from this simple procedure when it is done early.

8. Healthy Eating Habits. Choosing a healthy diet is vital! Obesity is a widespread health crisis in our human and pet population. Avoiding obesity and other nutrition-related diseases starts early! Get them started right with healthy, low-calorie treats and a balanced nutritious diet. I recommend setting a budget of $3 to $7 a day to feed a pet well. Most people choose a diet based on cost and might find a $50 pet food bill hard to swallow at first, but remember that food is the best medicine and a poor diet will cost you more in medical bills than a sound nutritious diet from the beginning. Avoid dry foods if at all possible.

Kibble is responsible for many health problems — especially in cats. I’m passionate about advising myself out of a job by recommending high-quality diets in all of my patients.

9. Exercise. Depending on the breed of pet that you have, the need for exercise will vary, but the one thing that is constant is that ALL PETS need to move to stay healthy and happy. A high-energy herding dog will not be emotionally balanced living in a small apartment without a daily dose of high energy output exercise. More pets end up in shelters because they simply did not have enough stimulation and outlet for their energy. A pet who is restless and not exercised is more likely to cause damage to a home or themselves.

10. Love. Pets provide unconditional love and loyalty. They need attention and adoration from us, too, even when they’re chewing our shoes, climbing our curtains, and soiling our rugs. Positive emotional attention is a must for a pet to stay healthy and happy. By petting your pet from nose to tail, you will be able to identify possible issues sooner, and, studies show that petting a pet keeps you healthier too! Hug them often and tell them how special they are and they will reward you by warming your heart and feet for years to come!

Blue Sky Veterinary Center is open 24/7 for Emergency & Critical Care Wellness Hours : M-F 9a - 5p, Sat. 8:30a - 12p 14185 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach (904) 223-8000• BlueSky.vet

Dr. Cameron Jones utilizes a mix of Eastern + Western philosophy in her approach to veterinary wellness.

Fresh Advice

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You’ve brought your new puppy home and you’re

completely in love with her! She’s so darn cute ... even when she goes tee tee on the floor you think, “no big deal, it’s to be expected.” Fast forward two weeks and your puppy is still having accidents in your home. These ambercolored puddles and stinky tootsie rolls are now driving you nuts! You’re at a loss at what to do.

She’s still adorable, but ... will she ever learn?

First, you need to have realistic expectations. It is a natural bodily function to go potty! If your puppy isn’t going potty in the spot you’ve designated, it’s because she doesn’t know where she is supposed to go. She’s a fresh little being here, and she doesn’t speak your language yet. You have to help her understand how to live in our human world.

It's

Business Time menoka bernardo,

Owner, Menoka’s Dog Manners Training

• Use the same potty spot outside each time. (Try to make it as boring a spot as possible). If you use a potty pad, don’t move it around or place multiple pads down.

• Have a word or phrase that you repeat in a gentle tone when you get to the spot, such as “go potty” or “do your business.”

• Give her time to sniff around.

• When your puppy goes where it’s supposed to, give lots of praise!

• Be sure to clean up accidents with cleaning agents meant for animal elimination.

• Most importantly, take your puppy out often!

Potty training has two fundamental parts: One is prevention. Work on preventing the puppy from having accidents in the wrong places. This can be achieved by predicting and containing! Get to know her schedule and give her an area, whether it be a crate, a baby gated area, or a playpen. Make sure she is confined Your goal is to prevent going in the wrong places and to this area when you’re unable to supervise her. The reward the right place! Feeding your puppy at regular second part is showing her where she is suppose to times so her body can get on a schedule is helpful go potty by rewarding her when she goes potty in so you can predict when she needs to go potty. Free the right spot (outside or on a potty pad). Be sure you feeding (leaving food down) often sets you and your keep a close eye on her. If you cannot keep your eyes puppy up for failure. on her, then she needs to be confined to her area. If you Lastly, don’t punish your puppy. Puppies do catch her going potty where she is not supposed to, such as that favorite rug that she believes is her simply don’t know what they’re doing is personal toilet, take her immediately to the correct wrong. Again, we’re talking normal bodily Gene potty spot. If your puppy goes potty on the floor and functions here! Puppies aren’t “bad” on r a l Pup you don’t catch her doing it then just clean purpose — they want to learn and please Sche py dule it up. There’s nothing you can do about you. It’s your job to patiently help them it. Chalk it up to an oopsie on your Poo: 10 learn the rules. Punishing can have longpart for not supervising her close Pee: U 20 minutes lasting repercussions. It will make after e pon wa ating enough. first th king afte you seem unpredictable or scary r ing in t

he moarnnap and to your new puppy. Punishing can in g Helpful tips:

Pee: L also make your dog hesitant a s • Know your pup’s schedule Pee: V before t thing to go potty in front of you and going t (see poo to the right >> ) the dayaried intervals o bed th based o they become sneaky. Be patient, • Don’t go out different doors n puppyroughout ’s age be kind, and hang in there! The when taking the puppy outside.

14 | With Patience ... Puppies Prosper!

How long a puppy can physically hold her bladder depends on the puppy’s age.

8 wks (2 months) In GENERAL, a pup is Max 2 hours 12 wks (3 months) able to hold her bladder roughly one hour per Max 3 hours 16 wks (4 months) month of her age. Your pup may need to go Max 4 hours more or less often.

“Hold it” Chart

goal should be to build trust and a solid human-dog relationship.

Congratulations on your new puppy! Remember that house training is a short period in time, but an important start in your relationship with your new family member. I promise! It will soon be a thing of the past.

Now ... go buy plenty of hand soap, sanitizer, paper towels, and cleaning supplies, and enjoy your new puppy! Good luck!

Menoka Bernardo is the owner of Menoka’s Dog Manner’s Training. She offers private and group training sessions at BARK Boutique in Riverside and Fluffy Cuts in Jax Beach.

904.214.4699 • menokadogmanners.com

Do something kind | 15

Fun at

BARKTOBERFEST 2015

PET

POW W W2O 015

Best buds While this wasn’t easy for our family, it was the only option at the time. After finding a new home for him, he was gone within a few days. The feeling of having to give up your dog is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

I knew he was missing us, yet I hoped he was enjoying his time with his new family. All I asked of from the new owner was for updates and pictures to know that Cody was alive, happy, and healthy. After two years and countless unsuccessful attempts to contact the Almost eight new owner for years ago, updates on I met the two little how Cody was puppy beings that doing, I began would change my to lose hope life. Both anxiously and was forced crawled out of their to move on. shared crate and

greeted the whole family In the summer of Ryan Watters with their big puppy love. The 2014, my worst fear was brotherly duo seemed excited to start confirmed in the form of a their new life with us. One was a call from Bradford County timid black and white baby, who Animal Control. My we named Elvis. The other, a information was still spunky and playful blonde on his microchip and puppy we’d call Cody. Little they had found Cody did I know, Cody would wandering the streets be an enduring friend and near Gainesville for inspiration. what appeared to be a lengthy period of time, Cody and Elvis lived and he was in very bad together and became a shape.

His once beautiful huge part of our family for and soft fur had turned to five years. They spent most of filthy mangled dreadlocks their time lounging around the filled with fleas, ticks, and house, going to the dog parks, and, of multiple skin infections. course, getting into infamous sibling fights.

Elvis turned into the quiet lap dog, while Cody After trying to contact the previous owner showed off his unique personality with skills several times with no response, combined that included pool diving and hunting lizards. with the lack of a microchip update, it was I played favorites with Cody and we became determined that he was abandoned. While it inseparable. Until everything changed. pained me to see him like this, I was elated to have him back in my life. I can only imagine what In 2012, due to living modifications, we were he went through during those two years, and it is forced to split the brothers up. We had to still unclear how he made it from Jacksonville to make one of the hardest decisions ever; I had to find a new home for my best friend, Cody.

Gainesville.

Reunited and it feels so good

20 | Please recycle or hand to someone else!

K

Since getting Cody back, he is doing much Cody has shown me that no matter how bad better and I make it a point to spoil him things are, better days are right around the everyday. His days are mostly filled with corner. I would like to thank Pet Doctors of hanging out at the beach, swimming, belly America for helping rubs, and, of course, Cody get back lizard hunting. To to normal. He Cody has shown me that no say Cody is a water brings joy to my life dog would be a huge matter how bad things are, everyday. I feel very understatement. In grateful to have a second fact, he has to wear chance with him and we a life jacket because intend to make the most of it are right around he will literally swim together. the corner. until he is so tired he To sum up Cody best, he is happiest sinks! Cody has even after a long swim, a lizard in his mouth and started to try his luck at surfing, and to his a hand on his belly. To sum me up ... I’m satisfaction, Cody even gets to visit with Elvis happiest with Cody by my side! a few times a month.

better days

FRESH

Business

1. What services do you offer?

We offer dog walking, in-home pet sitting, pet taxi, pet shopping, and pet waste removal.

2. Who owns B3?

K

My wife, Ann, and I (Dean) are the owners. We meet back in 1998, and Ann’s Christmas gift to me was our first dog together, Milo, a Jack Russel mix from the Atlanta Humane Society.

Ann and I meet in Destin while we both worked in a restaurant. Ann still works in the restaurant business and walks dogs part time. We have two beautiful adopted dogs, Banjo and Bowden. Banjo is more interested in playing fetch with his ball, while Bowden is more the social butterfly! Both love dock diving.

3. Where does the name B3 come from?

B3 is “Banjo’s Best Buddy.” Banjo is our border collie/lab that we adopted from Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS). We quickly found out how much exercise a border collie needs. It turns out that adopting Banjo was a blessing in more ways than we ever imagined!

4. What gave you the idea to start B3?

walk their dog. While we are on our walk we can take three photos (the system only allows us to add pictures from that the time we are scanned in). Once we scan out, an email is sent to you that has our time in and out, the photos from our walk, comments from us, an icon of a fire hydrant, shovel, or both (depending on your dog’s ... ahem ... business), and a Google map with paw prints that shows where we walked that day. We believe that using PetCheck adds a layer of comfort for our clients.

Plus, who wouldn’t want to get pictures of their dogs emailed to them?

8

Tough Questions for

Banjo’s need for daily exercise prompted us to join a dog park.

Some of the members told me that I have a “special way” with dogs and I should take care of them for a living. Things started slowly. Just walking some dogs here and there for friends. Now we have more than 30 “adopted babies” that we take care of.

B3 Dog Services

5. What makes B3 different?

There are many things that we believe set us apart, but the main thing is that we use PetCheck Technology. PetCheck Technology is software that tracks the time and whereabouts of your walker (while scanned in). Our clients are issued their own unique QR code that we use to scan in and out each visit. Once we scan in, an email is sent letting the owner know we have arrived to 22 | Do what you love!

6. What areas of Jacksonville do you service?

Currently, we service 32216, 32224, 32246, 32250, and northern 32256 and 32082.

7. What are your rates?

Our rates start from $16 for a 30-minute walk, if it’s three or more times a week.

8. What is your favorite thing about your work?

There are so many things to love about dog walking and pet sitting. Each visit is different, except for one common thing — there is a dog or dogs waiting for our love and attention! Not many jobs can put a smile on your face like a dog’s love for you. It is truly the most joyful job I can imagine in the world! ~ Thank you to B3 for chatting with us! ~

FRESH

Family member bag-of-bones puppy timidly walked out with his head hanging lower than low. This broken-spirited ‘lil guy, who was missing half his fur, took cautious glances our way out of the corner of his sad eyes. If you’ve ever seen a broken dog whose eyes do not light up and tail doesn’t wag — I’ll tell you, it is completely heartbreaking.

Dogs are supposed to be happy! He just made us feel sad looking at him. I began to second guess that Tyler was the dog for us. We asked to see the other dogs.

One by one, they were brought out. Other dogs did show more enthusiasm in greeting us, but something about that sad brown mutt had us hooked.

We decided to take a chance on Tyler ... and see if he might Michelle Crawford take a chance on us.

Rincon The Story of K

In 2008, on my husband’s birthday,

I arrived home from a girls’ weekend with a miniature dachshund puppy. Much to his chagrin, I convinced him she was a lovely new addition to our family. We had discussed getting a dog — now that our boys were older and I worked from home — but never had we discussed a dachshund. We had always talked about having a dog that loved the water as much as we did.

On the way back to Jacksonville, Tyler rode on the bench seat of our Suburban between two boys without moving an inch. Our friends thought we had lost our minds adopting a scrawny, scared, hairless dog, but I can say with all my heart, we have not regretted one minute of our life with our brown mutt, whose name is now Rincon!

In an effort to appease his desire for a “big” dog that loved the water, I began searching the local Jacksonville shelters for a retriever, but was unsuccessful in finding the right match for our family.

I expanded my search, using Petfinder.com, where I located a golden mix named Tyler at Haile’s Angels Pet Rescue in Gainesville (hailesangels.org).

My husband was a coach for my son’s travel soccer team, and we had a two-game Saturday on the calendar in Gainesville, so we thought it would be perfect if we could meet Tyler between games.

For the first year of his life as a Crawford, Rincon was scared to walk around the block with us.

He was constantly on guard — casing every

When we arrived at Haile’s Angels, we were almost turned away as they didn’t normally have office hours on Saturday. Fortunately for us, the staff was in the office for an emergency surgery and they agreed to let us meet Tyler.

When they opened his cage, this four-month-old, 24 | Follow your heart — take that chance, eh?

direction as we walked. If anything changed in the backyard, he was scared to go out. He did not interact with other dogs, much less people outside of the family.

We were patient with him, supporting him in what he needed to feel comfortable. To help Rincon with his skin issue, we changed his diet to include food without corn. We didn’t know what he had been through before he became part of our family, but we wanted him to know he could feel safe as a Crawford.

Now, seven years later, Rincon owns the block!

He happily greets other dogs, but continues to show reserve with people. He loves to

investigate everything and chase every squirrel he sees. He stops walking to sit for cars as they pass by, and he also sits at every intersection.

His favorite nap spot is the love seat or my son’s bed. Rincon is so smart we have to continually find different words, spellings, and phrases to discuss when we will walk. He is highly intelligent, well mannered, fun spirited, and has a full gorgeous coat. While we are still slowly encouraging his love for the water, the entire family feels that we are the lucky ones to have found him. Rincon is a critical part of our family.

We have never regretted that day we walked out of Haile’s Angels with our very own brown, hairless, scared mutt. We’re so very thankful he took a chance on us!

Adopt don’t shop | 25

FRESH bond Whether you are working with a new puppy, a rescue dog, or your long-time

family dog, your approach to training should be focused on creating a bond based on respect and trust. Imagine you are a new puppy who’s just left its litter, or are a rescue dog with history.

Would you want a bigger creature forcing you to do things, shouting, or otherwise scaring you?

No matter the age or history of a dog, the best chance for a balanced and healthy relationship begins with trust.

Training with kate Godfrey

It is possible to have a dog that listens and behaves without using any force or painful training techniques. There is no need to use prong, choke, or shock collars to train a dog. You do need to have patience and the right frame of mind to put in the work. Training should always be a fun and happy experience for both you and your dog!

If you get to know your puppy or new rescue dog’s personality — likes and dislikes — you can pick up on the subtle cues that their body language sends out. They’re like humans in that they each have a distinct personality, and they, too, are entitled to have good and bad days. They are not robots.

Some of the worst things you can do to a puppy or a rescue dog is force them into submission, hit or yell at them. There is absolutely no reason to turn a puppy or dog onto its back forcing them to “submit” or do anything else that terrifies them. These are aggressive tactics that are simply outdated and truly damage the animal’s trust in you.

trust

had never learned this particular command and was thoroughly confused when we began. I had to adapt in order to help him understand what “down” meant. How did I do this? I grabbed a chair, lured him under it with a treat while saying “down” with a hand gesture. Sure enough, once he understood what I wanted I removed the chair and he did it perfectly! He made the association between the word and hand signal with what I wanted him to do.

BE CONSISTENT. Everyone in the home should be using the same hand signals and verbal cues when working with a dog or puppy. If one family member tells the dog to “sit,” but another uses the word “down,” your dog won’t know what he/she is supposed to do.

Tone of voice is also of major importance when training a dog. Rather than raise your voice and get frustrated (the way we humans tend to do), talk in a low voice when you have your dog’s attention. They will listen and respond better to a voice that is calm and low rather than frustrated and high. Some rescue dogs come from abusive situations, so be very aware of how you are speaking to them and the reaction they give.

When teaching a dog or puppy anything, you must first identify what motivates the individual dog. Some dogs respond to tasty treat incentives like meat or cheese, while others may respond well to a particular toy. Always reward good behavior, even if it’s just with a smile or word One of my top tips for training is to refrain of praise. from repeating yourself. Let’s say you want your dog to sit. Say “sit” and wait for the dog Be clear about what you want your dog or puppy to do. Recently, I trained a beautiful 3-year- to do so. It takes time for them to process what old pit bull to lay down in a few short minutes. He we want. If you get into the habit of saying, “sit, sit, 26 | A kind hand is needed

SIT!!!” you’ve taught your dog that you only mean it when you’ve said it multiple times and have had to raise your voice.

Another issue I frequently encounter with clients is a dog not coming when called. If your dog is busy sniffing around and he looks at you when you say his name, he is absolutely doing what you’ve asked. You said his name and he acknowledged it by looking at you. Dogs and puppies are not likely to come running simply because you’ve said their name. They must be taught properly to come when called, like: “Rex, come here.” The key is to have your dog make an association between a word or phrase and a particular action/behavior.

Exposure is another important aspect of training. When dogs aren’t exposed to a variety of things, all bets are off when they experience something new. If you have a puppy, expose them to as many things as possible so the likelihood of a phobia developing later will be lessened. Let them see bicycles, screaming children on a playground, skateboards, people of different ethnicity, cats, and dogs — let them experience the world! If you have a rescue dog, expose them slowly to new things so you can read their reactions and act accordingly.

If your puppy is fearful of something, resist the urge to baby them. Coddling

will only make problems worse. It’s far better to carry on as if nothing is wrong rather than make a fuss. If you make a fuss, you reinforce their fear and the problem could snowball quickly. Be gentle with the rescue dog who is fearful. exercise. A healthy dog is a happy dog. Dogs need exercise and playtime to be both mentally and physically healthy. Some dogs that go into rescue have never had a real walk, so it’s important to take the time to teach them leash manners — please don’t expect them to know. Depending on your dog’s age and overall health, the ideal is at least two, 20-minute walks a day. It is also very important to not over-exercise a younger puppy.

A good amount of behavioral problems that occur in the home and on walks could be greatly improved if the dog had more exercise. A dog that has been properly exercised on a daily basis is far less likely to destroy your home or have issues while walking on leash. This is in part because they have been able to expend their energy but also because they are exposed frequently to the outside world on walks.

Many rescue dogs have baggage, take the time to understand them and determine what you can do to help them. Don’t put too much pressure on a new rescue, let them get comfortable with their new home and family. It will take time to gain their trust, so be patient with them and let them come out of their shell at their own pace. The time and energy you put into communicating and training them in a positive, friendly way is worth its weight in gold.

Kate Godfrey is owner of Wagging Tails and Pattering Paws Dog Walking & Pet Sitting. She also offers holistic and humane dog training to strengthen the bond naturally.

904.236.3780 • www.jaxdogwalk.com

K

Forever

FRESH good

deed

Silent Night,

jessica bradstreet

Night I arrived at the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS)

on Christmas Eve afternoon, after finishing work.

I had felt a pull to do something charitable for the holidays, so I decided to participate in the JHS Silent Night event. This event is an effort to “clear the shelter” and have as many animals as possible in homes for the holidays. I inquired as to whether there were any dogs available that might be good with other dogs, as I have a small-sized dog at home and I’d never fostered dogs.

The foster program employees told me about Precious, a dog surrendered the day before by a homeless family. Precious had been timid and scared of shelter life for the short time she was there, like so many surrendered pets. I decided she was coming with me!

On the drive home, thoughts such as, “What am I going to do if she doesn’t get along with my dog and cats?” and “What have I gotten myself into?” were racing through my head.

Once we arrived at home, I slowly introduced her to my pets and she began to settle in, sniffing her new environment. I was happy to learn she was potty trained, and that first night she slept peacefully at the end of my bed.

On Christmas morning, my parents and a friend 28 | Volunteer! It will make you feel amazing!

K came over for breakfast quiche and we all began to fall in love with Precious. She went to the beach with us that morning, where she dug in the sand, wagged her tail, and barked — she was the happiest little girl on Christmas!

As she began to come out of her shell more, her charming, intelligent character was evident. She even knew many commands and tricks. The following day, I took her to be groomed at Bath House in Jacksonville Beach. When I picked her up, she leapt up into my arms. The staff was very complimentary of her, saying how well she’d done, and how she was going to make someone a wonderful companion.

Meanwhile, my friend who had met Precious on Christmas day, had been thinking about her and wanted to have her over to see how they bonded.

On the way to my friend’s house that afternoon, I promised Precious she would not be returning to the shelter, and she would stay with me until she found just the perfect home! The gratefulness in her eyes had won me over.

Long story short, my friend, who lives alone and hadn’t had a dog in a long time, immediately fell in love with her and decided to adopt her!

The adoption was finalized with JHS the week of New Years and, as promised, Precious did not, and will not, be returning to a shelter!

Fostering Precious absolutely made my holiday!

Opening my heart and my home to Precious was exactly the kind of good deed I was looking for.

Remember to help shelter pets this holiday! | 29

Forever Love

We were told Cooper was probably going to die only several weeks after we had adopted him from the Birmingham Humane Society. He was a sick little 8-week puppy, and the vet wasn’t exactly sure what was wrong with my very first baby. We decided to take him on a road trip to the beach to give him a good couple of last days ... and we hoped beyond hope he would pull on all his puppy strength and magically get better to live with us forever.

It seemed as soon as we put is tiny paws in the sand, that’s exactly what happened! He bounded over the hills of sand in a joyous puppy way. He

30 | Please recycle or hand to someone else!

played and got stronger the week we were there.

We always said the ocean cured him.

Coopie Coop went everywhere with us. He would burrow under the covers at my feet every night and would come out panting like crazy in the morning when I would say “want to get up, Cooper?” He became my very best friend, and I relied on him as we first moved to Jacksonville and I had no friends.

He lived to be 10. The day came way too soon and I wasn’t prepared.

I miss his sweet face, and his asking to be put up in the bed, (please mom?). I miss his disctinct smell and the way he would sing if I asked him to.

I miss how he made me feel like the second most important thing in the world, after food.

I love Cooper in a way that is hard to express in human words, but anyone who has met their heart dog knows the joy and the pain.

My funny boy. I so wish I could take you to the ocean again.w

You can find any breed through rescue! | 31

K

FRESHfinds You’re going to want to order a mug for everyone you know!

Custom mugs :: $15+ Custom signs :: $15+ With a twenty-something girl boss who loves pups, beer, nature, and drawing words all pretty ... how could you go wrong? Specializing in all things custom... especially for weddings! Everything you’ll find at the apothecary bee is made with love, pure and simple!

Check it out and enjoy....

The Apothecary Bee | etsy.com/shop/theapothecarybee Ummm .. How cool is this particular mug?

submit your stuff: woof@unleashjax.com

32 | Live • Love • Bark

A few great places to look for your new Love of a Lifetime!

Harper’s Story

Ana’s Angels petfinder.com/shelters/FL344.html Coastal Golden Retriever Rescue coastalgrr.org First Coast No More Homeless Pets fcnmhp.org Florida Urgent Rescue (FUR) FloridaUrgentRescue.com 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 London Sanctuary thelondonsanctuary.org The Old Dog House Senior Dog Rescue theolddoghouse.org Pit Sisters Rescue pitsisters.org • sisters@pitsisters.org Rescue Junkie rescuejunkie.org TARAA taraajax.com

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Harper is a sweet 2-year-old Great Dane that came to St. Francis Animal Hospital very sick and required emergency surgery because she had an intestinal blockage. Harper’s mommy couldn’t afford the entire cost for her medical care — and Harper would have died without the surgery.

Thanks to many wonderful donors, Harper was able to get the medical care she needed and recovered quickly. She was even able to go home ahead of schedule! Harper has come back to St. Francis Animal Hospital for a followup and she is doing fantastic. Harper’s mommy is so happy to have her baby back home and doing so well!

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!

Rescue Junkie, Inc. is a !

501 (c) (3) animal welfare Molly die! m ’ d I E organization that rescues I’m dogs and cats from high kill ADOPT ME PLEASE! My na me is Molly and I’m a shelters in Florida. Check very well-behaved 2-year-old I’m a 65-lb brindle out their Facebook page or brindle mix. Weighing in at just Boxer mix. I’m a website for more awesome mellow, sweet 7-year- 28 pounds, I’m a great size! I adoptables! rescuejunkie.org old. May be best if I’m will be respectful of our home Learn more about these awesome dogs!

Email: summer@rescuejunkie.org Visit: rescuejunkie.org

an only child or with because I’m housebroken and another older mellow crate trained. I love other dogs dog friend. I don’t pee and kids. Give me a chance to show you how much in the house!

LOVE I have for Y OU!

I’m !

Jude I’m not sure it gets sweeter than me!

I’m a one-yearold, 50-lb Lab/ Hound mix. I’m housebroken, crate trained, and great with dogs, cats, horses, and children!

K FUR’s goal is to help rescue the urgent, high-risk animals of Florida and implement resources for others to help in the aid of these shelter and rescue animals. Fosters needed!

Check out their Facebook page or website for more awesome adoptables! floridaurgentrescue.com

nna!

I’m A

der!

hu n I’m T

Hi, I’m Thunde!r I’m a 1- to 2-year-old male boxer / hound mix I need to be the only dog in my new home , I love to ju mp and play, and I’m a very happy dog and up to date on my shots and neutered . Hoping to find my furever home soon !

I’m a SUPER SWEET mix, I believe that I might just be a lap dog. I’m around 2 years old and weigh about 45 lbs. I love kids and a m great with cats and dogs!!!

I’m super affectionate and love nothing more than to sit in your lap and get cuddles.

I’m house broken and do well in a kennel.

! ncan u D I’m

Hi!! I’m Duncan. I’m a 2- to 3-year-old mix. I weigh 60lbs and a m a very sweet boy in search of someone to play ball with and teach me the ropes of non-shelter living! I’m neutered and up to date on shots. I’m great with other dogs and have a lot of love to give !

Learn more about these wonderful love bugs!

Email: floridaurgentrescue@gmail.com Visit: FloridaUrgentRescue.com 34 | You can find any breed through rescue! Try Petfinder.com

pt o d A a ER P U S AR! ST

I’d like to be your

Buddy!

My name is Buddy. My owner passed away and all I want is a family to love again. I’m super sweet, 5 years old, and loyal.

Just look at my sweet face! I’m kind of famous, too! I was on the news on Christmas Eve! Did you see me? I also just completed Please email about me!

Advanced Companion Training Camp at KARMA K9! It was cwhitney@communityhospice.com super fun and I learned lots: walking/heeling on leash, sit & stay, down & stay, crate-training, not jumping on people or furniture, not biting or nipping, no excessive barking, as well as a reliable recall under distraction, heeling and waiting at thresholds! My new owner will get help on how to keep my training going!

Please take a chance on me ... let’s be the bestest buddies!!!

Check out these awesome HOUNDs!!!

I’m .

Mila.

ie Regg here!

I’m r Clove Leigh

I’m sweet and friendly! I’m a 2- yearHi! I’m Mila! I’m a 2- to Hi there! I’m Lavender ... a pretty little old beagle / foxhound mix who didn’t 3-year-old boxer / basset “bluetick” beagle girl. I’m a mature lady have a great start in life. Now I’m healthy mix I LOVE people and of around 10 years old - I loves to cuddle and a m just as happy snuggling on kids! Want a play buddy? and snuggle and will happily sit and the couch as I a m lounging in the sun Want a couch buddy? I’m watch tv with you as long as you want me taking a nap, or running and playing! both and MORE! You can’t to! I love other dogs and cats too! ask for a more affectionate, Please come meet me and fall in love! devoted companion!

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

BARK

BARK DOWNTOWN

1021 Park Street Jacksonville, FL 32204

45 West Adams Street Jacksonville, FL 32202

904.356.4530

904.516.7836

36 | Please recycle or hand to someone else!