The SMITTEN Issue

T h e s a v v y d o g ’ s g u i d e t o g r e at l o ca l l i v i n g

FREE!

{ zip. zilch. nada. }

Cappucino It was love at first sight when we saw her

smitten The

Issue #13 • Collect them all! Do it.

Issue

Smitten { adj.} Having suddenly started to like or love something or someone very much

2 | Please recycle or hand to someone else!

Smitten | 3

Editor’s Column

The smitten Issue on our COVER

Model | Cappucino | Location | Castaway Island Preserve | Photog | Woof Creative Photography |

Such a cool word, smitten is. And an even more awesome thing to actually experience.

Smitten, used as a adjective means having suddenly started to like or love something or someone very much. Suddenly is the key here.

It hits you like a Great Dane tail to the face.

WHAPAHH. Dang, I wasn’t expecting that. I’m a little confused as to what’s happening, so just gonna to stand here for a minute and just keep letting it hit me over and over and over until I figure out what to do.

It’s pretty clear that my mom becomes smitten a little too easily. I’m thinking it’s because her standards are really low. She needs to slow her roll, because being smitten can really get you into trouble—the last thing we need is a cat in the house.

I’m on the other end of that spectrum. There isn’t much that I swoon for at first impression.

Goose poop is pretty much the only thing I can securely say I’ve fallen hard for recently.

Everything about it is perfect and I wish I could marry it. Or at least make a blanket out of it and wrap myself up real tight for a good long time. Cozy and delicious.

It’s totally okay to become smitten with a dog (or cat, I guess), but it has to go beyond just the way they look. We’re all cute. Some of us are high energy, some of us have special needs, some of us don’t like to be petted (not me). When smitten is part of love it changes your heart and it lasts a lifetime. Really really adoring something or someone is a special gift for all involved. I hope you become smitten with something today—maybe even this issue.

Hej då, (that’s Swedish!)

GEORGE

Look at those EARS! We’re absolutely smitten with Cappucino—the winner of our newsletter drawing. She won a photoshoot with Woof Creative Photography and the cover just by joining our newsletter. Cappucino is a rescue from Animal Care and Protective Services.

Her mom, Lauren, says, “It was love at first sight when we met her. During the first meeting, Cappucino went around kissing everyone in our family. There was a moment when she looked into my eyes and moaned.

We knew she was destined to be with us.”

Cappucino has her own hashtag!

See her adventures at #cappucinothewhippet

words to crawl into + stay awhile

The first time ever I saw your face I thought the sun rose in your eyes And the moon + the stars were the gifts you gave To the dark + the endless skies my love To the dark + the endless skies ...

And the first time ever I lay with you I felt your heart so close to mine And I knew our joy would fill the earth And last ‘till the end of time my love And it would last ‘till the end of time the first time ever i saw your face written by EWAN MACCOLL {check out george michael’s version!)

Awesomeness Directory of complete

Publisher: Woof Creative, Inc. Atlantic Beach, FL Amy Olivieri amy@unleashjax.com Editor-in-chief: King George I woof@unleashjax.com Assistant of Nothing Barklie Head of Grounds Security Lulu Contributors Karen Carmerlengo Connie + Jay Cannaday Davi + Rebecca Miller Doryan Cawyer Kevin Hogencamp Manda Jo Flynn Advertising Increase your customer base by reaching dog lovers in Unleash Jacksonville.

For more information, contact: Jessie Miller jessie@unleashjax.com Deb Davis Deb@unleashjax.com Amy Olivieri amy@unleashjax.com Unleash Jacksonville is available free at distribution points, thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please support the fantastic dog-loving businesses that support us—and let them know you saw them in Unleash!

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

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

Join our

“Woof’s Happening”

newsletter

Love dogs? LIKE us!

It goes without saying (we hope) that all Unleash content is property of Woof Creative, Inc. Unauthorized reproduction in part or whole will result in immediate neutering. ©2017woofcreativeinc

What’cha looking for? These are some of the best businesses in jacksonville!

Acupuncture Photography 7 | Pet Doctors of America 31 | Woof Creative Photography 19 | Veterinary Acupuncture & Wellness Physical Therapy (Pet) Boarding/Day Care 3 | Affiliated Veterinary Specialists 7 | Pet Doctors of America BC | First Coast Veterinary Specialists 9 | Luba’s Pet Grooming Studio 15 | Capital Veterinary Specialists 11 | Oceanview Veterinary Hospital 19 | Veterinary Acupuncture & Wellness 35 | Bark 25 | Pawsitive Effects K9 Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Services Clothing Boutiques 29 | Capri Beach & Beauty Restaurants (Pet Friendly) 12 | Sierra Grill Gifts IFC | EarthPets Natural Market Self WAsh 13 | Salty Paws Healthy Pet Market 9 | Luba’s Pet Grooming Studio 13 | Salty Paws Healthy Pet Market Training 27 | Happy Moose Garden Art 20 | Sit, Stay, Play 29 | Capri Beach & Beauty 21 | Menoka’s Dog Manners Training 31 | Woof Creative Photography 35 | Bark 35 | Bark Veterinary Care Grooming 7 | Pet Doctors of America 7 | Pet Doctors of America 11 | Oceanview Veterinary Hospital 9 | Luba’s Pet Grooming Studio 19 | Veterinary Acupuncture & Wellness 10 | Fluffy Cuts Veterinary Specialists 13 | Salty Paws Healthy Pet Market 3 | Affiliated Veterinary Specialists 35 | Bark BC | First Coast Veterinary Specialists Human Services 15 | Capital Veterinary Specialists 17 | Jobellas Beauty Bar Walkers/In-home sitters 21 | Solé Wellness Center 20 + 29 | B3 Dog Services 23 | Aura Aerial & Yoga 20 | Echo Pet Care Lawn/landscape Services 20 | Jade Paws 23 | SmartScape 20 | Jax Dog Walk 29 | Green Frog Enterprises 20 | Jessie Miller Massage (Pet)/Energy Work 20 | McGrupps Pups 18 | Jade Paws Canine Massage 20 | Sit, Stay, Play Memorials 27 | Happy Moose Garden Art 26 | Paw Prints Pet Crematory Natural Pet Products IFC | EarthPets Natural Market 13 | Salty Paws Healthy Pet Market 25 | Pawsmetics 35 | Bark Pet Crematories 26 | Paw Prints Pet Crematory Pet Food + Supplies IFC | EarthPets Natural Market 9 | Luba’s Pet Grooming Studio 13 | Salty Paws Healthy Pet Market 35 | Bark Pet Communication/Intuitive 18 | The Pet Messenger

gratitude corner

THANK YOU to my dog ... for always supporting me when I’m in the bathroom.

I don’t know what I would do in there ... all alone.

Nacho

Nacho... the day i met him!

Finding ourselves dogless and not liking it, I knew the right dog would find us when it was time.

I was volunteering at ACPS when I spotted this little hairless dog in a Gator t-shirt. Nacho was sad and clearly felt terrible, suffering from demodex. We decided to foster to help him heal, but it was clear that he was never leaving. He has a bit more hair, added a few extra pounds, and lost a few teeth along the way, but every day he looks at me with those big brown eyes, and I melt.

I don’t know where he spent his first 8 years before he came into our lives, but I know for certain where he’ll spend the rest of his years.

Alicia Strayer

Tayla

I knew Tayla was the one for us when she first showed up with a friend that had found her on the side of the road at 10 weeks old. Nothing but fluffy and tongue—ha! She is our child. I can’t imagine life without her. We’ve had her 9 years now. She was included in our wedding and goes on every vacation with us.

Erin & Bryan

smitte

unequivocally . irreversibly . co

Mazy On Thursday June 22, 2017, I took my daughter to Animal Care and Protective Services on Forest street. Mazy and Jordan fell in love at first sight! You can see the smiles on both faces. Mazy is now enjoying a very spoiled life with a little girl who loves her very much!

Shirley Wright

Auggie caught my eye when I was walking through my county animal shelter.

I had walked that shelter a thousand times, but never actually got a dog out of the cage to get to know them. Something told me I had to meet this dog one-on-one. I was looking for a playful dog that also liked to snuggle, and he had to

Kennedy + Jasmine

6|

Auggie

be cute and fuzzy!

They brought Auggie into the room and I began to play with him.

We were having a good time when he suddenly jumped up on the bench beside me and leaned in for a snuggle. That was it ... he had me smitten!

The photo is of us snuggling in that shelter meeting room 8 years ago.

Cindy Capell

I saw Kennedy’s picture (tricolor) on the shelter’s website and my son immediately said that’s my dog! We went to meet him, and he instantly stole our hearts. Two years later, Jasmine (black) was dumped at the apartments I was living in. The office staff saw her tossed out of a car. When I found her they said she had been running around there for a week. I searched for her owners (trying to give the benefit of doubt that they weren’t who dumped her). No collar, no chip, no local vets recognized her; no response from the signs posted. Everyone told me she already found her home as she and Kennedy became bonded quickly. That Christmas I made it official and she got her tags, microchip, and home. I love them both and can’t imagine what I would do without them. They were my caregivers as I went through cancer treatments last year. Shanna Garrett

I was immediately smitten when I saw the puppy picture of 10-week-old “Slick” rescued by West Georgia Pet Rescue. A friend of mine in Rhode Island was adopting him and I agreed to transport him. Slick (renamed Callan) and I drove to Tennessee where he was put on another transport to his new home in Rhode Island. When Callan’s Momma, Carla, died 5 years ago, he came to live with us. I’m still totally smitten with this 10-year-old pup. She raised him to be an awesome boy and we are lucky to have him with us. He has my heart.

Dione Garnand

Callan

ten

ompletely

Callan ... the day i met him!

Want your dog in the next issue?

Simply follow us on Facebook to find out how!

I walked into SAFE Animal Shelter just to look around.

Roger sat quietly looking at me with his big browns saying PLEASE get me out of here! It was love at first sight for Roger and me!

Rita

Roger

Sweet Pea was an injured stray at Putnam County Animal Shelter. She must’ve been hit by a car—her back leg was in bad shape. S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue pulled Sweet Pea and got her vet attention, but her leg had to be amputated.

That’s when my husband first met her.

My husband, Mike, was at S.A.F.E. to help another dog when he noticed Sweet Pea crying and whimpering in her cage. She was so sad and pitiful that he begged me to bring her home to foster.

Well, she made quite an impression on me and I couldn’t give her up. Pea is my baby and missing that leg doesn’t stop her. She’s a little spitfire and runs like a gazelle. Kathy Merrill

Sweet Pea

Smitten | 7

In a home with a lot of dogs and fosters coming in and out, Sasha was the one we would forget existed. We summed it up as “It’s just Sasha.”

learning

But it wasn’t Sasha. We just didn’t know her.

Five months after her owner brought her to us, we arranged a visit for her former family.

The minute they arrived, Sasha lit up. She laid in the grass next to them and was more animated than I had ever seen her. I was—for the first time ever— speechless.

Ten months ago

I was tagged in a post of a husky needing a new home. I gave my standard advice, but then for some reason unknown to me, I messaged the owner, offering to help with a home check. Somehow we got to the point where I agreed to foster her and see if she got along with my pack.

Unpacking

When it was time for them to leave, Sasha ran the fence line wanting to go with them.

Despite the fact Big lessons in rehoming, that my home is a decompression & dog paradise just listening where animals differently are treated like royalty, there she was, Her mom brought her running after over and Sasha was so her former happy on what she clearly thought was owner’s car. a play date. Then her mom left. And so did Karen Camerlengo All that time Sasha. Sasha left to the decompression crate Sasha wasn’t that I’d set up in a quiet place. She didn’t come just being Sasha, she was biding her time. She out. was just waiting until her people realized she Sasha would appear when we were eating. had been accidentally forgotten. She was At rare times she would sit with us while we keeping herself safe and comfortable until she watched TV. But most Sasha sightings were could go back home. when she’d sneak through the house stealing That day I had watched how her former owner toys. Initially, she snarled at me when I would interacted with her, and I learned. That night I go near her crate but over time that subsided. started over with her. We ate popcorn together, She did quickly become a permanent member of our pack, not because she fit in, but because I loved on her, I did some of the “stuff” she she would be difficult to adopt out. Most people knew. I learned to speak Sasha’s language, and don’t want a snarky reclusive dog. So we kept she finally relaxed and spoke back. her as our own and we thought she was happy.

I realized how hard rehoming is on some dogs.

Continued on page 10 >>> 8 | When I told you I liked you I was lying. I already knew I loved you.

the heart

Do something kind | 9

Other dogs barely blink. My Rainey, rehomed at 11 months, never missed a beat. But Sasha was not that way. Sasha was hurt. She was confused. She thought it’d been a huge mistake.

I think the day her former family visited was the best thing for her. She saw them drive off and knew it was not a mistake, and I, in turn, learned the mistakes I had been making.

The other day I was stretched out on a yoga mat when Sasha appeared. She hovered over me in her typical menacing way and breathed in my face. Then she stopped, and flopped down and burrowed herself into my side. I know Sasha still carries her former people in her heart and mind, but she accepts us as family now, too.

Sasha has taught me more about rehomed/adopted dogs than any other I have encountered. Because of her I listen closer, try to understand more, and love without reason. We love you Sash—and are so glad you are ours.

10 |

Do! Do! | 11

UNLEASH

dog-friendly jacksonville

Your Furry Self on Jacksonville

{ But, uh, you’ll still need your leash } location Scout Experts DAvi + Rebecca Miller

Socialize

It’s super fun to get out with your dog, but please respect their comfort—leave if it’s too loud, hot, or stimulating for them. Know the signs of agitation.

Aardwolf Brewing Company

Green Room Brewing

Pups can belly up to the bar for a treat while their humans toss back a brew or two at this old icehouse built in 1927. Pretty neato., eh?

Well-mannered dogs are invited to explore the grounds with their people and lap a drink from the communal doggie bowl.

1461 Hendricks Ave., San Marco aardwolfbrewing.com

Bold City Brewery

2670 Rosselle St., Riverside boldcitybrewery.com

Bold City Brewery allows wellbehaved pups to accompany their owners. They even have a beer named after a dog—Duke’s Cold Nose Brown Ale.

228 N. Third St., Jax Beach greenroombrewing.com

Veterans United Craft Brewery 8999 Western Way, Southside vubrew.com

Not only is this place as clean as a hound’s tooth, but it’s teeming with human and dog-friendly activities. Scout Dog is one of their most popular beers and is named in honor of military service dogs.

Yappy Hour is from 3-10 p.m.

Shop More and more shops are tweaking their policies to allow pups to walk alongside humans on their shopping trips together—many even stash treats and fill water bowls for canine customers! Here’s a list of big-name stores where 4-leggers are welcome:

Old Navy Natural Life LUSH Free People Lululemon Anthropologie Barnes & Noble William & Sonoma Lowes Home Improvement Home Depot Academy Sports Many stores leave it up to the manager to decide whether they will allow dogs.

It’s a great idea to call ahead and find out the policy before you hit the mall.

12 | When your heart knows, it knows. There’s no explaining it. You can only trust it.

smitten

i belong to you you belong to me,

You’re my ... Sweet Hoooound Connie + Jay Cannaday The London Sanctuary

Smitten can mean many things to

trust me! Baarrrooooo! But we find a hound’s stubbornness endearing and challenging, and their creative methods of self-entertainment completely comical.

For us at The London Sanctuary (TLS), often it’s just one quick glance at a beagle’s soft ears, or a basset’s sad eyes or comical little legs, or a lingering stare at an emaciated walker hound’s hip bones and ribs. One look and you know— you’re smitten.

Over the years, it’s become apparent that to know the plight of the cast-off hunting hound and to know these dogs—really know these dogs on a soul-to-soul leve, finding out what makes them tick—is a part of the draw. It’s a fact that most coonhounds don’t have easy lives. More difficult than many breeds. It’s not them—it’s us. They’re generally more than willing to connect with—and be smitten by— humans if we would permit it. But often they are used and not loved, even though they have so much love to give and also want it badly.

different people, and it’s difficult to put into words. It’s one of those things that you feel ... and you just know.

It happened to our TLS Vice President, Connie Cannaday, the instant she picked an ancient little beagle named Nate. She saw him and knew he wasn’t ever going to leave her protective side. And it happened to TLS Founder, Jay Cannaday, when he took a halfsecond glance at Casey’s shelter intake picture.

He instantly knew that she would remain with him forever. Smitten. Inexplicably connected.

That undefinable look, combined with that undeniable feeling (somehow you feel it in both your heart and your stomach at the same time). That’s my dog.

As we are with other humans, we are with dogs. Physical and behavioral traits attract and repel us; insist we move closer, or beg us to turn away. At TLS, we’re suckers for long floppy ears, sad eyes, and a mournful bay—when properly timed, of course!

A 3 a.m. houndsong is a lot less becoming, 14 | Crap. I’m smitten.

We’ve met hundreds upon hundreds of dogs, the vast majority of them (even those who have lived with us, stolen our socks, hogged our beds, made messes on the carpet) we happily let go to their forever homes, knowing (as much as we can know) that they will have a good life going forward because we were able to bring them to safety.

There are those few dogs though—sometimes a beagle or basset, sometimes a coonhound or bloodhound—that have that little bit of extra something, and we become smitten. It’s not that

we can’t allow such a special one to go to a forever home.

We know we have to or else we’d be up to our ears in floppy ears!

Jay’s Bluebelle was such a hound.

A blue tick coonhound from Jacksonville’s Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS)—bald, skinny and sad—Jay was definitely smitten by her. But she ultimately hit the hound-dog-forever-home lottery (work from home dad who didn’t care if she claimed the couch, a couple of kids to romp with, no other dogs to compete for attention—heaven for her). Man, it was hard to let her go, but updates help a lot! We’ve all had such dogs we’ve been smitten with; you can’t interact with as many dogs as we do with our rescue and not fall in impossibly in love over and over and over again.

You cannot create that connection; that sense of being smitten. It either happens or it doesn’t

with an individual dog. Sure, some grow on you in time and you come to appreciate them for themselves and you may even fall in love with them and decide you want them for yourself. Smitten though is deeper.

And instantaneous. You know it when it happens; there’s no arguing with yourself about it. Sometimes you gotta just go with it. That’s your dog!

The London Sanctuary (TLS) has been a nonprofit canine rescue group in Baker Co. Florida since 2010. They focus on providing a safe haven for elderly or unwanted hound dogs of all types, as space and funds permit. Currently TLS functions as both sanctuary and rescue, caring for dogs unable to be placed due to their advanced age or medical need as well as for adoptable dogs rescued from government-run kill shelters in northeastern Florida and around the Southeastern U.S. Special consideration is given to hounds of all types from beagles to bloodhounds, which are greatly at risk in northeast Florida. Learn more, foster, adopt, or donate to help save hounds: thelondonsanctuary.org.

Smitten | 15

Healing

Helping your pet find

Emotional through

Reiki is a Japanese word that translates literally to universal life energy. The practice of Reiki is an alternative healing modality in which a practitioner directs this universal life energy to a specific person or being with the intention of healing. It’s important to note that the practitioner doesn’t do the healing.

The energy heals, while the practitioner is merely the conduit for the energy to flow.

The benefits of Reiki We’ve all heard the saying “mind body spirit,” but did you know that the concept also applies to animals? Just like humans, our pets’ physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual awareness are all connected. Similar to humans, physical ailments in our furry companions often have an emotional core or component. A recurring ailment or injury that has no explainable diagnosis can have roots in an emotional imbalance, usually stress and/ or anxiety. When this occurs, physical healing cannot be completed until the emotional imbalance is addressed. This is where Reiki is most helpful as a safe, noninvasive technique for relieving stress and anxiety. It promotes healing at an emotional level and supports the body’s natural desire for balance.

Reiki

three straight days. His mind wouldn’t even let him stop to eat or sleep. Needless to say, both he and his mom were exhausted after three days of nonstop circling. Upon offering Reiki, he immediately sat down in front of me and sighed deeply. Within minutes he was asleep on the floor and remained there for the duration of the session. Following the session, he was much calmer and didn’t circle at all for the next few weeks.

Reiki can be a powerful tool for helping one move forward from fear, abuse, anger, and grief.

I worked with two dogs who were grieving terribly after the sudden passing of their house mate. Upon being offered Reiki, both dogs laid down together as close to me as possible and immediately feel into a deep sleep. Both were noticeably calmer after the session and were able to process their grief over the unexplained (to them) absence of their house mate.

Reiki can also ease the transition between life and death. Death is a natural part of the life cycle, and “healing” does not always mean a physical cure. I was asked to offer Reiki to a senior dog with multiple health issues. Her symptoms included restlessness and labored

One of my Reiki clients exhibits some obsessive compulsive behaviors when he is stressed— most notably, circling to the right. His stress can be anything from a change in routine to an upset stomach. His mom contacted me recently because he had compulsively run circles for 16 | Meeting you was like listening to a song for the first time and knowing it would be my favorite.

Balance

breathing. During the session, the dog lay down in front of me and feel into a deep sleep. She was completely relaxed and her breathing was no longer labored. She went on to live another couple of weeks, which was the time her mom needed to accept and let her go.

What does a Reiki session look like?

Reiki sessions typically induce a state of deep relaxation and it’s there that healing occurs.

Most animals fall asleep during their Reiki session, with big sighs and yawns to indicate emotional release. Animals don’t have to be confined or restrained to receive Reiki, and it can even be offered at a distance for the comfort and safety of both the animal and the practitioner. Some pets prefer hands-on Reiki, often placing certain parts of their body in or near my hands, while others prefer to enjoy their session from the comfort of their bed across the room. Direct touch is not required to receive the

benefits of Reiki. It’s very important that each and every animal be given the choice about how they wish to receive Reiki, or even if they wish to receive it. Reiki can’t be forced on any being, although in my experience most animals are willing participants, especially when they realize they have the choice to participate. Most animals remain very relaxed after their Reiki session, often napping for hours after the actual session.

Human companions can expect their pets to exhibit increased water intake and urinating after a session. Subtle changes in behavior are also common, ranging from an increased overall calmness to decreased aggressive tendencies.

Behavioral changes can occur after the first session or after several sessions, it all depends on the individual and the depth of the emotional imbalance.

If you think Reiki can help your pet or if you’d just like to learn more, please contact Jade Paws Canine Massage at (904) 298-5164 or go to jadepaws.com.

Smitten | 17

You Are My Sunshine It’s raining. Did you notice? Did your dogs notice?

in eyesight—she’s fine. (Sorry to those of you with storm-sensitive dogs … if you’re starting to feel jealous … wait! There’s one more dog to discuss.

We really needed some rain there for awhile, huh?

A cozy rainy day is a nice way to mix up the boring monotonous string of perfectly perfect beach and golf days we’ve been having in Northeast Florida, sheesh.

Gee is terrified of storms. He’s shaken so hard in the past I thought he might start himself on fire. He’ll start walking deliberately and stiff-leggedly toward the safe place—because it’s hard to shake that hard and walk I have one dog who is not scared of storms—she’s the normally. He’s headed under the bed. I used to try and easy one. Self-assured always—she’ll even poop in the hold him tight and sing, You are my sunshine, my only rain if necessary, no problem. I don’t give a sunshine … you make me happpeeeee duck, she says. Rain is fun. (She doesn’t like when skies are grey… Thinking the sound to swear, such a lady.) of my angelic voice would calm all his fears. I had visions of him melting into I have one dog who isn’t sure if she should me and falling into a peaceful rest. Well, • CBD oil be scared of storms or not. She’ll shake • Calming music created that never happened. He’d just look up a little and look at me, her eyes saying, specifically for dogs from at me and ask if he could go under the What should we do now? Should we hide or “Through a Dog’s Ear” bed now, please. maybe get some chips? No. Don’t be scared.

• Reiki So, do you have a storm sensitve dog?

You’re ok, little one. You’re safe. And you • Acupuncture If your angelic voice doesn’t help, check don’t need chips … neither do I. Saying • Aromatherapy out our list of things that have been those words and giving her a hug is really • Thundershirts all she needs—well, that and keeping me proven to help some dogs!

Help Storm Sensitve Dogs With:

18 | You are the love that came without warning; You had my heart before I could say no.

fernandina beach to st. augustine

Call

McGrupps Pups!

We offer dog walking & pet sitting, beach adventures, doggie park trips and shuttle service to vet and grooming appointments!

Special requests? Just ask! We can help!

Email: McGruppsPups.FL@gmail.com Call: 904-374-6031 serving: 32216,32224,32246,32250,&north32256/32082

riverside, san marco, arlington, baymeadows, san jose

Passionate about the health, happiness and training of your dog (and other pets)!

• Licensed, bonded + insured • Certified, positive dog training • Walk and Training Sessions • Pet Sitting & Dog Walking

See our ad on page 29 904.401.0116 • b3dogservices.com

mandarin, julington creek, san jose

(904) 347-7661 Sitplaystaypets.com beaches

Jessie Miller

.

Pet Care Extraordinaire 20+years working with animals Pet Sitting, Dog Walking, Bathing, & Poop Scoop

Knowledgeable & Trustworthy Patient & Compassionate References Available

904-274-1177

20 | Please recycle or hand to someone else!

Offering: Dog walking • Pet sitting Pet reiki + massage Bonded + Insured

904.298.5164 • JadePaws.com

smitten for Q. How many kittens are in need of a foster—or a permanent home—in Jacksonville?

A. Lots. And ... lots more.

In Florida, “Kitten Season” is the term used to describe the months of March to November—a big chunk of the year—where unfixed cats reproduce kittens. These kittens will enter the shelter by the thousands. If they’re too young to stay in the shelter, their only option is to find foster homes. Foster homes temporarily take in kittens until they are 2 pounds. At 2 pounds, kittens are returned to the shelter for adoption.

Did you know Jacksonville has its very own KITTEN ARMY? No, not organized tough fur balls with little helmets and tiny tanks, but a program designed to recruit, educate and support foster parents of underage kittens. Fostering means caring for animals in your home until they are ready for adoption—everything needed is provided for the foster. For kittens, this can range from 1 day to 8-10 weeks. The Kitten Army is a volunteer-run program—they’re not a rescue group and we cannot take in animals. They can, however, point you in the right direction for options when it comes to helping kittens in Jacksonville and northeast Florida!

For more info on helping the Kitten Army in their mission to save each and every kitten, check out

kittenarmy.org.

Smitten | 21

life stuff

Holding oN amy olivieri

for life

smitten with them. I love him so much, but he’s always been a loner and that made it difficult to truly bond the way you would with a heartdog.

He was my first foster. His sad eyes, his droopy ears, and the bones threatening to poke through his tricolored furskin—made me want to love him Watching the life leave fiercely. But he didn’t seem to want your dog ... sucks. There’s fierce love. He wasn’t comfortable no other word that adequately being—or didn’t know how to be— captures the feeling. I’m not close for very long. He exuded a feeling of talking about the very moment of The day we met. death, which is—pshhhh—unbearable How could I not love humbleness that made me sense he felt he on the heart, but the space in time didn’t deserve anything. I just wanted him to this guy? when it’s pretty clear ... it’s happening. feel loved so badly. But we had to do it on his terms, at arms length.

That’s where we are. He sleeps a lot. He stumbles. He doesn’t finish breakfast every I half-assed trying to find him a home and day. Or dinner. He uses WAY too a large font in there were people who wanted him—he was a email correspondence, and misses punctuation handsome lady’s man for sure. But I couldn’t take sometimes (that’s a joke, he’s never liked the chance he wouldn’t be properly taken care emailing). He has a vacant look that makes of for his entire life, after what he’d already been me think part of him is already gone, or maybe through. I couldn’t let him go. wishes he was.

George has been the most unassuming, steady, I sat with George on the floor last night and gentle boy. He’s never had an accident (until last stroked the bridge of his nose and cried. He week)—he’s never even gotten sick. He’s always wouldn’t eat his before-bed treat. In the 13 years just been there. But over >>>> there. Cuddling we’ve known each other, he’s never once turned makes him nervous. down a treat. Treats are his jam.

George is (at the very least) 16 now. I’m not going I’m unsure of what to do, if anything. to put him through any medical testing, I feel like that’d be selfish. I know it’s most likely just his If I said, “wanna go for a walk” right now ... he’d time. Sometimes we just need to accept these get excited puppy-like energy. And he would things and not make it worse, I guess. I am going make it all the way around the block as if all’s to put him through more mama time, slow walks, good, man. and all kinds of yummy foods, however. But who I’ve never been smitten with George. It makes me knows? He may live to edit many many more slightly sick to say that. (Maybe he’s not smitten issues of Unleash Jacksonville. with me either. He’s the only one of three dogs So, I guess we’ll just hang out in this weirdo space that doesn’t follow me to the bathroom. But, maybe that just makes him smarter.) Every dog— for now. I’m still not going to let him go—until I every being, really—deserves to have someone be know he’s been taken care of for his entire life.

22 | But I love you so much more than just to the moon and back.

VISIT. PLAY. ADOPT.

coffee + adoptable dogs...it just makes sense!

Happy first anniversary to the Jacksonville Dog Cafe!

20+ lives saved in the first year! The concept is pretty brilliant—free coffee and adoptable dogs in a fun setting. The café is run entirely by volunteers and 100% donation-based. The dogs come to the café from local rescues and shelters and don’t live at the café. The Dog Café offers visitors an intimate, comfortable, and fun space for humans and dogs to hang out with each other, away from overcrowded shelters, which can provoke fear and aggression in perfectly adoptable dogs. People unable to have pets of their own are also able to spend quality time with furry friends without the commitment of adoption. Stop in and find your friend or get your dog fix!

Summer Hours: every Saturday 5pm-8pm Jaxdogcafe.com

Located BEHIND the barber shop in Venetia Village at 5535 Roosevelt Boulevard.

(There is a Winn Dixie, Dunkin Donuts and Dollar General, too.) Near corner of Timuquana Rd. & Roosevelt Blvd.)

Smitten | 23

adoption

The day I met Wyatt to foster for Fawns Small Dog Rescue was the day he stole my heart.

He is a quiet little gentleman; a 10-year-old, AKCcertified, gorgeous Yorkshire terrier with round white eyes. He was used by backyard breeders, which left him growing old in awful conditions, and he had accumulated glaucoma and cataracts.

It wasn’t a great time to take in another foster.

We were getting ready to move. But just looking at his picture melted both my and my husband’s hearts. He was said to be 100% blind and partially deaf, but he looked like a stuffed animal—a stuffed animal I just had to foster!

I started working with Wyatt by making noises to grab his attention before he was about to walk into something. He responded extremely well, which made me think maybe he was playing us—he couldn’t hear?—haha good one, Wyatt!

One day, a friend reached out to me saying she wanted to take Wyatt on a trial sleep over in hopes of adopting him. I was excited, but deep down, I was also disappointed. He was really learning our day-to-day routine, and our dog, Gunther, loved

24 | You have a place in my heart no one could ever have.

him! But the day came, and I dropped him off and told her to keep an open mind because he is a special needs dog. I left her house bawling my eyes out, actually praying it wouldn’t work out. This dog stole my heart and I felt nothing, but guilt that he might think I was abandoning him.

Two days went by and I got the phone call I wanted (not the call I usually wanted as a foster, though)—it wasn’t working out because her two dogs were extremely high energy and Wyatt needed a more relaxing home. (Yay? Yay!) Wyatt transitioned into our new house immediately. He knew where to find his bed and the back door. The minute I opened the door and said hello to all the babies in my obnoxious high pitch voice, he came jogging to find me. Wyatt even learned to walk outside with the rest of the dogs to go potty then come back in on his own. It melts my heart to see how amazing he is doing.

Whoever said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks was obviously extremely wrong! Wyatt is learning new things everyday. He loves car rides and going on adventures.

He has had one eye removed now, and he feels so much better. We could tell the pressure was bothering him and he got more “pep in his step” a few days after surgery!

Recently, the rescue mentioned they had a very promising adopter for Wyatt. I was once again happy, but my stomach sank. My husband, Steve, and I kept joking that nobody was going to want our one-eye, blind, partially-deaf, humped-over senior yorkie. Well, that day came and someone else felt the same connection with his picture that I originally had. I immediately panicked. I called

Steve at work crying—You lied! You said nobody would want our special needs yorkie. The rescue has someone who can adopt him in four hours! My husband was silent. I bet he thought he could push off answering me about adopting him for a few more months. He realized we both became attached and I would be a wreck and full of regret if I let him go again. He said the words I’d been wanting to hear, Okay! Fine, we can adopt Wyatt, but no more animals! I immediately called the rescue and told them to call off the horses and we were adopting him. They were so excited that he’d chosen us.

We wanted to wait to do the “adoption announcement” he deserved. I blatantly lied to all of my Facebook friends, informing them that Wyatt was going to a great home at the end of the week. I received the most amazing amount of mixed feelings from people who were crying about him not staying with us.

I told Steve to block off his Saturday morning because we were doing a gender reveal photoshoot. We were going to surprise our family and friends with the gender and announcement of our newest family member, Wyatt! At one point, I think Steve questioned my insanity as I wrapped Wyatt up in a receiving blanket and held him like a real baby. I figured he would get over it and isn’t surprised at the things I do this point in our lives … I think I’ve done crazier things for dogs ... maybe?

It’s funny how things happen and how true love shows no boundaries. Wyatt would have been an expensive and high-demand puppy 10 years ago, but when he was looking for that same love he deserved, nobody would give him that chance anymore. I love all animals no matter their story or appearance. My sweet Wyatt is going to live like the king he deserves and will never look back. Please adopt! Each dog has their own special gifts and love they would love to share with you.

Smitten | 25

Good night

Sweet Princess Kevin Hogencamp

Princess—the perfect dog—had been a pain in the ass in recent months.

Not anymore.

She’s not peeing anywhere, everywhere, any time. She’s not scratching at the door every 10 minutes. She’s not vomiting or just standing and staring into space. She’s not in our way, unaware of our presence because of her hearing and vision loss. She’s not continually hobbling through the house with no destination.

We put her to sleep last night.

Her discomfort and—in her final hours—her agony are gone.

But she hasn’t really left us. I look around the house and she’s all I can think of. I hold Coco and love on Coco and tears fall for Princess, the sweetest, best

dog ever. Never an angry moment. Never anything but perfection as a member of our family. When she got sick, she was like the old grandma who never complained. She endured with dignity.

If I could only be like Princess. Without judgment or prejudice. Just plain love.

As we held her last night, she seemed to want so desperately to close her eyes. But that would be giving up, I suppose. Maybe all dogs do this, but her eyes remained open. Through the anesthesia and the euthanasia, she wanted to stay with us. It’s as if she didn’t want to say goodbye because she didn’t want us to hurt.

And when she quit breathing, she seemed comfortable, finally. For the first time ever, other than when she had bad dreams, Princess cried yesterday.

She’ll never cry again. Thank God. Good night, sweet, sweet, gentle Princess. We will always, always love you. With every single piece of our hearts.

26 | I’ll kiss every scar that’s been planted on your heart and love you for who you are.

we love you Emme Roo Kate + Bob Moore

Emme Roo was a very special rat terrier. Her mom was a Katrina dog in a Mississippi shelter where Emme was born. Emme was rescued at the final hour and came to us in Jacksonville. Because of her intelligence and sweet, personable demeanor, we decided to foster other rat terriers for New Rattitude Rat Terrier Rescue. Emme was the best therapy dog, helping many fosters adjust and go onto their forever homes. We’ll miss Emme’s beautiful smile, especially if she knew she was doing something bad. Emme is in our hearts and is loved and missed by all who knew her!

Smitten | 27

rescue spotlight | by michele higham, paw paws pet rescue

As I sit here writing this, I’m looking at Sweet Pea sleeping peacefully on my kitchen floor. She came back to us for a little while as her adoptive mom fell upon some hard times.

That fateful day we received the first picture at 2 a.m.—I couldn’t go back to sleep. We worked all night looking for transport for this girl—she was outside of Atlanta and we knew nothing—age, size, sex, breed. It didn’t matter. We needed to get the dog out and get the dog here.

Dr. Arbo at Pet Care Center of Nassau saved this girl’s life—and her foster dad loved her beyond loving any dog. Each day she gave all of us hope that we were doing the right thing. Now, three years later, I look at her and know that what we all do on Team Paw Paws is worth every tear, every sleepless hour, every mile driven. I never regret any dog we rescue. I never give up hope.

she is

WHY

we rescue .

A line of drivers were waiting their turn to help on that Thursday ... and the little girl we named Sweet Pea was fading fast. Each driver was unsure she was going to live. Her body was limp and it was a race against time.

Sweet Pea is the face of our rescue. She is the hope for all the dogs that have followed behind her. She is representing the tomorrow of every dog that steps into Paw Paws Pet Rescue and into the hearts of our volunteers and supporters. One of many—many more to come.

Paw Paws Pet Rescue is the only dog rescue in Nassau County.

They pull from anywhere that needs them and focus on medical cases 95% of the time. Paw Paws Pet Rescue does not discriminate by breed ... they rescue based on need. All talents and donations greatly appreciated! pawpawspetrescue.org

you can find ANY breed through a rescue.

feeling overwhelmed but want to rescue? email woof@unleashjax.com for match making services Akita Rescue Society of FL arsf.org

Friends of Clay County Animals New Rattitude (Rat Terrier Rescue) NewRattitude.org friendsofclaycountyanimals.org

Ana’s Angels petfinder.com/shelters/FL344

Friends of Collies & Shelties petfinder.com/shelters/fl810

N. Florida Animal Rescue northfloridaanimalrescue.org

Clay County Humane Society clayhumane.org

Florida Keeshond Rescue floridakeeshondrescue.com

Paw Paws Pet Rescue pawpawspetrescue.com

Coastal Golden Retriever Rescue G.R.E.A.T. (Golden Retrievers) greatrescue.org coastalgrr.org

Poochie’s Pet Rescue, Inc. poochiespetrescue@gmail.com

Coastal Poodle Rescue coastalpoodlerescue.org

Great Dane Rescue greatdane.rescueme.org/Florida

D.A.R.E. (Dachshund Rescue) daretorescue.com

Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services (ACPS) coj.net

The London Sanctuary (Hounds + more!) thelondonsanctuary.org

Fawn’s Small Dog Rescue FawnsSmallDogRescue.org Florida Dachshund Rescue fldr.org

Jax Area Greyhound Society 904.923.6629

The Old Dog House Senior Dog Rescue theolddoghouse.org Rescue Junkie rescuejunkie.org

The Jacksonville Humane Society Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier jaxhumane.org Club of Greater Tampa Bay Flwheatenclub.org K-9 Services German Shepherd Rescue Swamp Haven Rescue k-9services.net (Hounds + more!) swamphaven.org Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida TARAA labradorrescue.net taraajax.com

Smitten | 29

Pup play

Help Rufus get to his delicious bone, please!

DID YOU KNOW Dog nose prints are as unique as human finger prints and can be used to identify them.

Coloring Book

30 | Please recycle or hand to someone else!

Hot Dogs

Heat stroke

is common here in Florida, and it can be deadly.

Recognizing when heatstroke may be affecting your pet and what steps need to be taken if this occurs are essential—it’s an EMERGENCY situation.

DO NOT EXERCISE YOUR DOG

during hot hours of the day (12pm-4pm) & leave them home if you go to the beach. Hot sand will also burn paws.

Heat stroke generally occurs when:

Heat stroke in pets can occur quickly. It happens when an animal’s body temperature increases to a dangerous 105 degrees or over. This is known as hyperthermia.

• Animals are left with inadequate This can quickly progress to ventilation in hot vehicles or garages. Heat stoke begins with: bloody diarrhea, collapse • panting • hyper salivating (Cracking a window is NOT enough!) & even death.

• difficulty breathing • Animals are left outside without Seek immediate veterinary attention. proper shade or water.

• Animals are exercised in hot/ Fun project! Make a humid weather. watering station for hot passersby, like this one in Atlantic Beach. Make sure to change the water and clean the bowl often!

If your animal does become hyperthermic:

• move them to a cool environment • take their temperature (if able) • seek veterinary care immediately.

• DO NOT put your animal in an ice bath.

Cooling an animal too quickly can be harmful.

Smitten | 31

Learn more about these great pets or others available for adoption by going to the rescue websites listed!

Phoenix Phoenix is a young Great Dane mix. She’s 75 pounds of love.

She loves men and needs an active family, as she’s got good energy. Absolutely no children— she won’t hurt them, but she’s terrified of them. Phoenix comes with FREE boarding when needed from Kamp Kritters! kampkritters@aol.com kampkritter.com

Faith Faith is a 9-year-old, 11-pound beautiful little girl with the cutest under bite. She’s sweet, affectionate and friendly. Enjoys cuddling on a lap and going for walks. She’s healthy and playful. Good with other small dogs and older children. House broken and will use potty pads. Spayed, current on vaccines and micro chipped! fawnsfamilysmalldogrescue@gmail.com fawnssmalldogrescue.org

Chihuahuas Owner surrendered Chihuahuas. Four fur siblings looking for love and new homes.

Would love to see them at least adopted two together. They stick together like glue! fawnsfamilysmalldogrescue@gmail.com fawnssmalldogrescue.org

Praline 2-year-old bloodhound rescued

Kebou

Madame Ruby

Ruby is an awesome one-eyed 12-yearold German Pinscher mix. She’s up-todate on shots and microchipped. She needs a home that has mellow dogs.

She’s good with cats and kids, and hasn’t met a person she doesn’t like!

Contact Neptune Beach Animal Control dequine_1976@hotmail.com

from Louisiana. She is highly playful—loves kids and other dogs. She’ll cuddle with you if you have a lap that is free. Praline has had training and is currently in foster care in the Nassau County area. Praline would love a large piece of property to run on and other dogs to play with. Transport is available for the perfect family! pawpawsrescue@gmail.com • pawpawspetrescue.com

<< Bindi

+

Kebou (means full of hope), as he was saved from starvation.

Kebou would do best as only dog or with a smaller calm dog.

He is the sweetest boy with the best personality! Loves the ladies ... so guys, he is a chick magnet!

So sweet and loyal ... and loves to snuggle! He also comes with FREE training sessions to help him settle into his new home.

FurEverURSrescue@gmail.com FurSisters.com

Betty >>

Bindi is a 10-year-old Aussie and wants love and attention and a soft place to lay near her person. Bindi would require a household that is chill and laid back—not high energy.

Betty is a 7-year-old, fullblooded sharpei and interested in playing and attention. Betty has some spunk in her. Betty would likely succeed in any home!

Call Menoka to meet these sweethearts - 904.214.4699

Photo: thecobaltandco.com

Photo: thecobaltandco.com

These sweet girls left behind need a family. Can be separated.

FREE training services to help them acclimate to their new life with you!

Feeling overwhelmed in your search but want to rescue? email woof@unleashjax.com for matchmaking services

I’ll be your keeper for life as your guardian I’ll be your warrior of care, your first warden I’ll be your angel on call, I’ll be on demand The greatest honor of all as your guardian guardian | alanis morissette

Daphne Daphne is 7-month-old independent girl and loves to play with the big dogs. Her puppy play can be a bit much for smaller dogs, so her ideal home with be with large dogs or as an only dog. She’s house trained and crate trained. She loves toys and kids. She is beautiful, sweet, and a bit shy at first but ready for her forever family! foster@thelondonsanctuary.com www.thelondonsanctuary.org

Fat Cat Fat Cat is about 10 years old. He’s a big domestic short hair. He’s neutered, microchipped, and UTD on shots. He is FIV positive, so he needs to be the only cat. He gets along with dogs and loves everyone!

Contact Neptune Beach Animal Control dequine_1976@hotmail.com 904-994-9821

Tortie Momma

Stripes

‘Lil Tux

Stache

Racer

Tux

7 kitties up for adoption that are being fostered under the guidance of Friends of Jacksonville Animals (FOJA) Contact Carolyn Edwards to meet these kitties! - 904.955.3082 Lil Tux - Friendly, female, short hair, tuxedo, 8 months old; spayed. Super sweet. I love humans + other cats + dogs. Kisses + cuddles are another favorite pastime for me.

Stripes - Gorgeous green eyes; they hypnotize! Female, grey, spayed short-hair tabby.

2 years old, laid-back. Super sweet, tolerates other cats but not too fond of dogs.

Momma - Very laid back little lady! Grey short hair tabby. 12 months + spayed.

Good with dogs + other kitties.

Tortie - The most beautiful golden Tortie you will ever meet! Female, shorthair, 18 months old. Basically a lap cat who loves to cuddle and get attention. Dogs and other cats, no problem!

TUX - Male, longhair, tuxedo, 10 months old, neutered + microchipped.

“When I was a kitten, I took a joy ride in a car’s engine from Orange Park to Jax Beach + lived to tell the story!” Easy going, loves cuddles + kisses, low maintenance. Good with dogs + other cats!

Stache - Gorgeous doesn’t begin to describe this 10- month-old female, brown longhair tabby! I am super sweet and love head rubs, kisses and just need to get my beautiful self in your lap for cuddles!

Racer - One handsome dude Shorthair with a beautiful grey coat + golden eyes. I am approx. 10 months old.

Independent. Good with cats + dogs.

awesome LOCAL stuff

Jacksonville

{ Made by the coolest local peeps }

Yah, I don’t know how to say this ... your dog ... stinks.

How will your dog know you love them if you don’t have a sticker? $9+ Custom vinyl stickers Show your dog how much you love them by putting them on your CAR. Not literally. Get a sticker, duh!

HUNDREDS different silhouettes to choose from.

You can add a halo and wings to any sticker as a lovely memorial.

• Heart and name cut out • Average size 5.75” by 5.50” tall • White vinyl, rated for 5 years use • Cat stickers available • Great ‘lil gift • Local

^ Buy: [online] etsy.com/shop/blakdogs

Dude. Watch me chuck this ball up to 200+ feet with a flick of my wrist. $14.95 The original BunjiBall An Atlantic Beach inventor has taken this product to both Shark Tank and the Today show! BUNJIBALL is a throw and fetch toy for dogs that uses a patented shock-cord system and a tennis ball to LAUNCH the ball with a flick of the wrist. A tired dog ... is a happy dog. Great for the beach, throw the ball FARTHER and HIGHER than ever before—you’ll look like you’ve really been working out and your dog will have so much fun!

^ Buy: (locally) Pet Supplies Plus, Dogwood Dog Park, EarthPets Mandarin (online) bunjiball.com

$11

All-Natural, Vegan Dry Shampoo for Dogs + Cats

Want to quickly freshen and clean your awesome pet?

Terrified of the ingredients you typically find on store brands? Meeee too! (Twinsies). Try THIS. • All-natural, vegan-friendly product • Available in gentle & refreshing lavender peppermint • Made in Jacksonville with love • Blended fresh to order • Pet safe, natural BUG SPRAY also available Contains a pet safe blend of cornstarch, cornmeal, tapioca powder, aluminum free baking soda, kaolin clay, oats, and 100% certified pure natural essential oil.

Toxin-free & vegan-friendly human products available, too!

^ Buy: (locally) Grease Rags Clothing Co (San Marco (online) nicolemadethis.com

I’m ... not sure enough people know you love dogs

. $24 Priority tanks

Designed locally by one of the coolest chicks in the dog biz—Jamee Yocum! Soft + lovely + truthful.

• Bella & Canvas brand • Sizes S-XL • New designs all the time

^ Buy:: BARK | 1021 Park Street, Riverside BARK DOWNTOWN | 45 W Adams St.

YOU WANNA WIN this AWESOME LOCAL STUFF? sign up for the Unleash newsletter on Facebook or Use QR code >>> 34 | Please recycle or hand to someone else!

Smitten | 35

Deliah Morrisseau, 6

36 | Please recycle or hand to someone else!