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SYDNEY From left behind to loved page 10
Transformation { n. } Change in form, appearance, nature, or character N O. 21 - COLLECT THEM ALL. DO IT.
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BREAKING NEWS
Florida Dogs Bravely Face “Winter” Reader subm�ted photos via Facebook.com/unlea�jax
My Bella said not to wake her till spring is here.
Our little rescue “Willow” keeping warm in a cool winter morning!
These three are forced to keep each other warm because mom refuses to turn on the heat!
Florida dog, Knox, on vacation in GA mountains!
Footie
Bella says it’s sweater weather!
Davi on vacay ... what is this white stuff?
Rocket
Vega likes to belly up to the bar Ally likes to stick one at Green Turtle when it gets cold. foot out like a human!
Sir Walter
Solo
Bruno ... am I posh yet?
Bella says Florida dogs don’t know what they’re missing!
Francesca
Brody loves wearing his pajamas when it’s cold! 4 | Transformation
My Biggie is a typical Florida dog. Dramatic when it’s cold!
Transformation Issue THE
Unleash
Happy 2019 dog lovers ... or is it? My human keeps pushing me to “get a job” ... but listen, folks, I don’t want to. I’m really good at what I already do—there’s no need for change. I don’t want to “blossom” into a “better dog,” frankly that sounds impossible. Some dogs do need that kind of thing, and you’ll read about a bunch in this issue, but I’m good. Change is terrifying and my life is sweeeeet.
JACKSONVILLE
Publisher: Woof Creative, Inc. Atlantic Beach, FL Amy Olivieri | amy@unleashjax.com Guest Editor | Lulu Office Manager | Barklie Jayne Intern | Blue Is Badass (Adopt me!) Contributors Kelly Krehbiel | p10 Randilyn McCullion | p12 April Courtney | p14 Allison Rodrigues | p16 Jessie Miller | p20 Constance Frankenberg | p22 Kate Godfrey | p24 Samantha Epstein | p26 Marceil May | p28 Ashley Scruggs | p30 Angie Benz | p32
Advertising We distribute to over 80 veterinarian offices from St. Augustine to Amelia Island and many other dog-friendly places all over Jacksonville. If you want to reach Jacksonville’s dog lovers, raise your hand ... and then contact us. woof@unleashjax.com ©2019woofcreativeinc
Whoever puts this thing together didn’t leave me very much space to rant. They would never have done this to George. I guess they understand I have the attention span of a delicious lizard. Please enjoy this issue and don’t make your dog be someone they’re not, like some kind of Wall Street dogul. Let them just ... be, okay already? (Side-eyeing you, mom). May treats abound, Lulu Wanna read any issue of Unleash online or subscribe? We got you, dawg.
unleashjax.com/magazine Unleash Jacksonville magazine is available FREE at distribution points.
Please support the fantastic dog-loving businesses that support us— and let them know you saw them in Unleash! NOTE: Unleash Jacksonville is for entertainment + information purposes only. We do not take responsibility for the content of our contributors, and ask that you always seek professional help when necessary.
Super-duper adorable adoptables! Tiger Lily Not a dog, but almost as cool as one!
Blue Blue is a badass. No doubt about it. his STORY: Blue was brought to the ER with a broken back and signed over to be euthanized by his family. Vet staff fell in love and saved his life. He’s about 2 years old and nothing holds him down! He loves to play and cuddle. His special adopter will be loving, patient, home a lot, and be able to lift about 40 lbs. Photos, info, and video at “Blue Is Badass” on Facebook.
HER STORY: Tiger Lily is a super fun loving cat, approximately 1-2 years old. Found as a stray, she has been spayed, and UTD on shots. She is very playful, and has been introduced to a cat-friendly Siberian Husky, which turns out, she is dog friendly! She loves all human interaction and gives lots of kitty kisses. Tiger Lily will make the purrfect addition to a loving family! CONTACT: Holly (904) 613-8869 • s_huskylvr@yahoo.com
Great
Transformations
Simba
By Charles Lickins
I have been bent and broken, but—I hope— �to a better �ape.” ~ Charles Di�ens, Great Expe�ations
My dog Simba is one of the greatest transformations I’ve seen working as a vet tech. He came into San Juan Animal Hospital as an emergency after being brutally attacked by five other dogs. He had emergency surgery and survived. After he went home, his oweners failed to keep his wounds clean, and they brought him back in with a severe infection. They elected to euthanize him. We had them sign Simba over to the hospital instead. We tried to find him a good home, but I’d fallen in love. Months later I adopted him myself! Despite it all, he is the BEST patient and friend. He never meets a stranger! / Ashely Potter
Crosby
S�ilar to a butterfly, I’ve gone through a metamorpho�s, been released from my dark cocoon, embraced my w�gs, and soared! ~ Dana Arcuri
My Crosby’s transformation from fighting dog to family dog is absolutely amazing! Crosby was rescued from a fighting ring in Putnam County. He was so terrified and shut down, it was suggested he be euthanized. Pit Sisters was allowed to rescue him and brought him to their TAILS Center, where I met him as a volunteer. He was terrified of everything and ran when anyone came near. I’d visit, crawl in his kennel, and lay on the floor so I wouldn’t scare him. I’d then slowly reach up and scratch his chin, which he liked, and it would make him hold his head higher. After a few months, I was allowed to bring him home as a foster—to a home with five other dogs. With very slow introductions, we worked him into the pack and he gets along with everyone. He now loves to run around the yard and play. I, of course, adopted him! / Lisa Graham 6 | Transformation
events dog approved
Want to see your event here? Put in our online calendar! Unleashjax.com/events
Visit unleashjax.com/events for more details! February 9 | 9a - 4p March 16 | 6p-9p Pet Partners Handler Workshop Doggie-Gras @ Bold City Brewery Required to be registered with Pet Part$1 from every beer sold will be ners as a therapy animal team. donated to FOJA February 11 | 7:30p Love an Old Dog Hambingo Hosted by Geezer Dogs Rescue
March 23 | 10a - 3p 11th Annual Nassau County Animal Expo
February 16 | 11a - 2p 5th Annual Bark For Life Raising funds and awareness for American Cancer Society
March 31 | 12p-3p DogFest Jacksonville Hosted by Canine Companions for Independence @Seawalk Pavillion
February 24 | 2a -6p Nothing Tops DogFest 3 hours of TOP GOLF - All proceeds benefit Canine Companions
April 7 | 2p - 4p GoldenFest 2019 G.R.E.A.T. Rescue’s annual fundraising event @Kanine Social
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Photo: Wayne Lasch
Your’re gonna wanna
SAVE THIS DATE!
MARCH 22
F O JA PUB CRAWL
COVER
Sydney From left beh�d to loved / Kelly Krehbiel Fur Sisters - Furever Urs Rescue / Photos by Woof Creative Photography
I met Sydney after Friends of Clay County
Animals (FOCCA) learned that she was living under a porch in an undesirable area with her puppies. FOCCA reached out to the rescue I founded three years ago, Fur Sisters - Furever Urs Rescue, and we agreed to take in the pups. We were told that Sydney was very scared and wouldn’t let anyone near her, and she may have to be left. There was no way I would let that happen— we never leave a momma behind! Some wonderful people worked very hard to get her to us. We were able to learn a little bit about Sydney’s history from people living in the area. She’d been abandoned by her family, who’d moved away about a year prior. She’d survived on her own and had taken good care of her babies, but many people were not very nice to her. Some were, throwing scraps of food so she wouldn’t starve, but no one took her in. She’d been hit by a car while living out there, and one of her eyes was badly damaged in the accident. One person quoted, “It just finally rotted out of her head.” Ugh. This is the life Sydney came from. She was, at one point, someone’s dog, then left to live like this. Alone, scared, injured—but she survived. The day they brought her to me, she was completely shut down. She didn’t know me and wasn’t sure where she was. Everything was new and different—and scary. I knew I needed to be quiet, patient, and let her come to me. It took her about an hour to let me pet her. As I sat 10 | Transformation
on the floor with her, she finally realized she was safe. She laid in my lap and literally let out a sigh of relief. Sydney is a different dog now. She’s transformed from that terrified dog into a loving, happy, playful, joyful soul that’s finally getting to enjoy life. Instead of always being in survival mode, she can now just be a happy girl and roll in the grass! She loves to play with squeaky toys and get belly rubs on the couch—or just snuggle. Boy, does she love to snuggle! She is very affectionate and loves to be close you. Sydney can still be very timid and unsure of new people at first, understandably, but once she’s comfortable—you have a loyal bestie for life. She deserves the very best life has to offer and a family that will give her the love she deserves. Sydney loves with her whole heart. She is one of the sweetest and most loving dogs you’ll ever meet. If you’re one of the lucky ones that crosses paths with this amazing girl, you’ll understand what I mean when I say she truly is special. Being apart of her transformation has touched my heart and soul. Sydney deserves a forever home with someone who understands her and realizes her past doesn’t define her. She doesn’t live there anymore. Sydney is a happy girl with a bright future—just watch her shine! #adoptlove Want to meet Sydney to see if she’s a match for your family? Email Fur Sisters or fill an application! / fursisters.org • fureverursrescue@gmail.com
My husband, Travis, and I have rescued several dogs throughout the years,
We’ll never know her story, but that day we decided we needed to take her home and give her a place to rest and some good food. We’d consult with the veterinarian about her care in the upcoming days, as we knew that she was a high heartworm positive, had an enlarged heart, and was very malnourished. The heartworms had done their damage. We didn’t know what our plan was, but we would give her a chance, time, and if anything, become her hospice home. We were certain she did not have much time left. How could she bounce back from this?
and are often tagged in Facebook posts by friends seeking help or advice. I received a tag from my friend Melissa that there was a German Shepherdtype dog running up and down one of our busier streets in Jacksonville. She was seen several times, mostly at night, dodging traffic. The next evening, a fellow rescuer and friend, Angie, caught glimpse of her—she was on the run again. I drove around to see if I could find her and help catch her, but she was too fast, and we were afraid she would get hurt if we scared her. Melissa was able to contact Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) and have them place a trap / Randilyn McCullion filled with yummy treats where she’d been seen. Over the course of the next several days, Melissa checked the trap every few hours, but there was no sign of her. The only thing we could do was hope and wait. She’d just disappeared.
Cat��g
Johnna
Then, few days later, the call came. We’d caught her. It was bright and early on a cold Saturday morning in October, and there she was. She was in bad shape; but alive and relieved. We loaded her in the back of our SUV and drove directly to our vets office for a checkup and to scan her for a microchip. In our experience rescuing dogs, we’d never seen anything like her. She was micro-chipped, that told us her age based off of her adoption records. She was 10! Did she had a wonderful family missing her? Had she been lost for a long time? Was she neglected and then dumped? We wanted a reunion with a family that loved her. Unfortunately, after several attempts, the owner never returned our calls. 12 | Transformation
Well ... she’s absolutely amazing and the rest is history!
This past October 2018 marked Johnna’s two-year anniversary as part of our family. We absolutely love her, and she loves our family—including all her fourlegged brothers and sisters. Thanks to community donations, she was able to receive treatment for her heartworms and has been negative now for a year. We always knew Johnna was a beautiful girl, but watching her blossom over the past two years, making friends, gaining confidence, and finding her voice, has taught us so much. You never know what you’re going to find, what they’ll need to overcome, or what you’ll need to teach—and what you’ll need to learn! All she needed was a chance. •
/ Submitted via Facebook.com/unleashjax
P�ky Pie
the Po�et P�tie a Survivor story / April Courtney
P�ky and her sister Louise were part of a
horrific hoarding animal-cruelty case in North Carolina. I’d never fostered siblings before, but I saw their sad eyes in a photo and it crushed me. They were so heartbroken—needing love and comfort. When I picked Pinky and her sister up from Animal Control, I could smell them before I saw them. Imagine rotting skin, open wounds, and infection—super gross; unbelievably sad. These poor girls had been through terrible cruelty, and had fantastic mange to prove it. Pinky and her sister had to fight for their lives the first few nights, as they were so infected with mange, worms, and very high fevers. Their skin was so infected that it was constantly opening with new tears. They wore baby onesies so that their skin could heal. We barely slept the first few weeks, as any sound in the night would make them bark and hide. I basically segregated myself from the rest of our
dogs and family to rehabilitate these girls in the early few weeks. They loved being in the comfort of a home and sleeping next to me at night. They loved to cuddle. After everything they had been through, I still can’t believe how instantly loving they were. Thankfully, the girls started to recover pretty quickly, gaining weight and getting some fur patches back. Then one day they started to run and do zoomies in the yard! I knew they were starting to feel better, and in my heart I knew they would make it. After fostering the girls for three months, Louise was adopted, but I couldn’t let my little Pinky Pie go. She was the more traumatized out of the two, and I knew she would take more time to recover. Pinky is still extremely fearful of humans, so we’re working with a great behaviorist to help her overcome her fears. She’s still pretty feral on a leash and it’s comical if you see her ‘walking me’. Pinky Pie has taught us a lot on love and patience, and we absolutely love having her as part of our family. •
14 | Transformation
My new
Old Sara / Allison Rodrigues via Facebook.com/unleashjax
Let’s get one th�g straight ... I’m a cat person. I do love dogs ... but historically
it’s been because other people own them. I’ve always just thought that dogs weren’t the best lifestyle choice for me, as I’m not home as often as a dog would need. And, honestly, I’ve just never fantasized about playing fetch with my dog in the yard. (Which is theeee most important part of dog ownership, right? ;) This past January, I walked into the Mandarin Petco to buy a gift for my neighbor’s dog’s birthday. I didn’t realize there would be an adoption event, but I learned that Ana’s Angels brings adoptable pets in every Saturday. I spotted this ancient little dog in a crate with a sign that said: Dumped in Petco parking lot. 12 years old. Sara. Ugh. I walked around the store and couldn’t get this dog off my mind. 12 years old! Older than my son. She’d been found in terrible condition, but something told me she hadn’t always been that way. I wasn’t considering a dog, so I snapped a picture of her and posted it to Facebook, encouraging people to come visit her and consider her for adoption. I left and couldn’t stop thinking about the dog all week. I couldn’t believe someone could just leave her in the condition the rescue found her in. I thought long and hard before I got my husband on board with bringing Sara home for a trial. She had 18 teeth removed in the days before she
16 | Transformation
came home with me—eighteen! She was also in congestive heart failure, had severe arthritis, and required eye drops for dry eye issues. I consulted with my own vet. He gave me lots of good advice and told me that she probably had one to two years left, because of her heart. Well ... I bought a pill organizer and she never left. I coined the hashtag #oldsara, and she’s now living her best life! She’s super spoiled and a little grumpy in her own sassy way. She doesn’t move very well, but likes to try to chase lizards, goes fishing, camping, and to everyone’s cookouts. She loves to sit out on the dock in the evenings, and keep me company while I garden. Old Sara will never recover from her physical heart problems, but we are making her time as fun, cozy, and filled with love as we can—however long that is. • / facebook.com/AnasAngelsAnimalRescue
ages and backgrounds together. Their vision is to EMPOWER all beings to become even better than they are today. Empowerment Ranch took TAZ in, and did what they do with so many other animals— including other horses, goats, a duck, a lamb, and even some dogs—they gave him a second chance through rescue and rehabilitation. TAZ quickly blossomed in his new environment and began touching the lives of kids and adults that entered the ranch for therapeutic riding. When I actually met TAZ in person for the first time, I knew he could be a horse I would fall in love with, but I knew that Empowerment Ranch wanted to use him in their program to help kids with therapy riding. My first ride with TAZ on a trail took my breath away. I never once felt afraid, even when we cantered (eek, ya’ll it was like being in a movie. I lost all sense of awareness—it was just me and TAZ out there—hair and mane blowing in the wind).
Fall�g � love w�h
TAZ / Jessie Miller, Epic Outreach
Grow�g up with a grandma who loved horses sparked a longing for my own relationship with a horse at an early age. But life would take me on a journey and down some challenging roads to addiction and body-image struggles. Going off course in life side-tracked my ambitions, dreams, and desires (gahhhhh!). Fast forward oodles of years of working to raise my conscious awareness and “clean my side of the street,” and that longing for a horse was re-ignited ... and it persisted. I began embracing every opportunity I could to be around, learn about, and help horses whenever I could. The more my life evolved, the deeper that desire for a horse called. Then, in 2017, I encountered a horse named TAZ through a Facebook post asking for help in rescuing this pitiful horse abandoned in a field. He was alone and unwanted; under-nourished and unloved. Luckily for TAZ, many people rallied around him, including Empowerment Ranch, a non-profit agency { 501(c)(3) } located in Callahan, Fla., dedicated to bringing animals, nature, and people of all 20 | Transformation
I knew I’d met my horse, yet I kept my distance because I knew how awesome he was shaping up for the programs with kids at Empowerment Ranch. I didn’t want to fall in love with a horse I could never have.
One year after helping to rescue TAZ, Empowerment Ranch offered to let me adopt my knight in shining horse fur! And, after careful consideration, we made it official! He is a long- time dream come true. TAZ is a gentle spirit who has captured the hearts of so many on and off the ranch. His adoption is a full circle transformation of a life once forgotten, to a life cherished and adored that mirrors my personal journey of spiritual self-transformation. Most people associate a transformational change with outer appearance, and it is probably the most dramatic to see. Taz not only had a transformational shift in appearance, but also in his spirit, and he brought me and many he enountered ... along for the ride. I am so looking forward to the new adventures TAZ and I will create and all that is to come—the best is yet to be for TAZ and I! • Consider signing up for Empowerment Ranch’s annual Ride-A-Thon on February 23, 2019, where you can help fundraise for the care of the animals being given the opportunity of transformation! Join them for a trail ride in the Bayard Conservation Area! / empowermentranch.com
M�a�es happen when we Listen / Constance Frankenberg, Animal Communicator
Vanessa and Larry
One of the bless�gs of my work is
witnessing the transformation that it can foster for animals and their human companions. As a psychic, people come to me as they seek ways to help their “pets.” Sometimes an animal will show a major shift in behavior after a psychic reading, and sometimes it’s just because someone was there to truly listen to them. As human beings, having someone to hear us can lighten our spirits, validate us, and offer support—it’s often the same for our animal friends. I recently did a reading for a cat and the following day the “owner” shared that the cat started acting more affectionate and relaxed after the reading. Information shared in readings shows animal friends in a new light or can even encourage a personal change of habit or negative behavior upon hearing the animal share things like “cigarettes are bad for you and the smoke burns my lungs.” I asked a few of my clients to share their firsthand stories of transformation with you, so that you can better understand the true power of listening to your pets. Jacqueline
by KATE MCKEEVER MOORE | Jacksonville
We foster Rat Terriers and had rescued a tiny female from the Miami Dade Animal Shelter. It 22 | Transformation
quickly became obvious that Jackie had a very abusive past and was having a hard time adjusting. Her way to cope was to bite—my husband and I were bitten several times. Despite that, after nine months we’d fallen in love with her and decided she was family. When we took her for a reading, the first thing Constance shared was that Jackie did not like her name. It wasn’t regal enough and she wanted to be called Jacqueline, even spelling it out letter by letter. My husband laughed at the idea, but before long he agreed. She definitely seemed to be a much happier pup with the name change—the change in personality was obvious! I would like to say she has never bit again, but can’t. However, the bites are much rarer now. It made me realize that whenever a foster dog has a questionable past, as she did, one of the best things you can do for them is to give them a new name, so as not to have all the bad associations that came with the previous name. Eddie by NORMA BRIZZI | Atlantic Beach
I had a personal transformation after my very first reading with Constance for my MaltiPoo, Eddie. He began vocalizing and seemed very excited during the first few minutes. I found out later that he was very surprised that someone had come to see him specifically, and to talk and connect with him and not me. That marked my transformation as to how I view animals, not just as pets and companions for us … but as having real feelings and their own special place in the world—that they deserve our respect, to be heard, and that we need to listen.
Larry by VANESSA ALOKI LEWELL PONSFORD | Norwich, United Kingdom
The name on his British passport read Rainman but I knew my horse as Larry. He was very clever and remembered everything. It was the week before his vet appointment (to find out why he was constantly coming up lame) that Constance looked at his photo and shared the feeling that the pain he was feeling in his shoulder was originating in his foot. Though the vet really thought the planned x-rays would show the issue was in the shoulder. Constance moved her hands, showing me that something in his foot was in fact aligned at a much sharper angle than it should be. The subsequent x-ray showed the pedal bone had rotated and his heel had dropped, causing the pain. The bone was tilted at the angle Constance had described. They treated Larry, and I thought and hoped we’d enjoy many more rides together. When he came up lame again, Constance saw a dark area under his foot bone. After examination the vet found a hematoma on the underside of his foot bone, caused by concussion, as his sole was so thin. When the time came too soon, to let him be free
from pain and run free forever, Constance shared seeing him in spirit form, running free. Hearing messages from him now that he is gone has comforted me greatly. I recently did a follow-up reading with Vanessa. Though Larry is in spirit form, he appears to me as if in the prime of life, standing behind Vanessa, nudging her forward on her life journey. The two of them shared a heart connection, and that was the gift shared while here, but his care took up so much of her time, energy and focus. Vanessa is an equestrian and trains horses for competition. Larry’s message for her was clear. Now that he is gone she has the opportunity and time to fully commit to working with the horses in her care. She’s able to elevate her skills, and theirs, and grow as a person. He wants this for her because he loves her and she loves horses—her work will allow them to learn, excel and do what they love. So even through loss, we can be given the gift of transformation. • Constance works internationally, offering workshops, mentoring, and psychic readings for animals and people. / constancefrankenberg.com • 800.588.3659
TRAIN
New Year
NEW DOG / Kate Godfrey Comprehensive Canine Training, LLC
It’s that t�e of year again, when we make resolutions that usually have to do with our own behavior change. This year, why not make it a resolution to change your own behavior—in order to change that of your dog? A little work at the front end always pays off, especially when we are working with our beloved dogs! Oftentimes when dogs are “behaving badly” in our eyes, it’s because they’ve not been taught an appropriate behavior and/or the behavior is rewarding for them. You must train behaviors in different contexts for it to transfer—she knows how to sit at home but not while out for a walk. You must also be aware of what the dog finds rewarding—he may love the negative attention you give when the dog launches a full-on jumping assault. Decide what it is that you want your dog to do, rather than what you don’t want them to do. By taking this approach to behavior change, you give your dog an alternative behavior that you find acceptable and you both win. No more frustrated human, no more dog rehearsing behavior you don’t like. The more a dog does something, the better they get at it—this applies to good and bad behavior. There are multiple ways to achieve your New Year, New Dog goals. Below are a few options that can work on their own, but have excellent results when used in conjunction with one another. The training route: Let’s say Bandit is a confirmed jumper and you don’t approve of this behavior. Try training Banit to sit when meeting people! If he’s sitting ... he can’t be jumping. Dogs tend to have a “what’s in it for me” type of attitude. Use this to your advantage with positive reinforcement training—make it worth the dog’s while to do what you want them to do. Of course, you will then fade out the reward and put them on a sort of “lottery.” 24 | Transformation
The management route: Fido is a consistent shoe chewer. Rather than be retroactive and chase Fido around for said shoe (which is a favorite pastime among dogs called “human chase dog”), manage Fido’s environment. Put your shoes out of reach of Fido and, viola, problem solved. (It would also be wise to be sure Fido has appropriate things to chew, he is, after all, a dog!) Management is all about managing the dog’s environment and is a very easy way to greatly curb and eliminate undesirable behavior. The consistency route: Dino is a habitual table beggar. You only give him a scrap from your plate every once in a while. Problem: Dogs don’t understand the human concept of “every once in a while.” Frankly, it sets them up to fail. What to do? Stop your own behavior of giving Fido table scraps and teach a solid “down stay” while you eat—this would be a great training- and consistency-route combo. We all have areas that we can improve, and this usually includes our relationship with our dogs. Maybe this is the year that you decide you will finally train Rover not to jump on people, or you’ll give Mika the exercise that she needs to be a well-rounded dog that doesn’t whirl around your living room like a tazmanian devil because she doesn’t get enough regular exercise. Perhaps this will be the year you’ll train your dog not to pull you down the street as if you are contestants in the Iditarod? Whatever your resolution is, go into it with the end game in mind. Not only will you be happier, bets are that your dog will be, too—they really do prefer to know what is expected of them! The great thing about a resolution that involves your dog is that you have a teammate of sorts and you can see your results affecting a more pleasant homelife for everyone. • Kate Godfrey, ABCDT, is the owner of Comprehensive Canine Training, LLC, and a major advocate for using science-backed, force-free methods. / www.comprehensivecaninetraining.com (904) 236-3780
PLEASE HELP, JACKSONVILLE! what happened to
Griff�?
On Nov 14, 2018, a woman named Susan was passing through Jacksonville, northbound on I-95 when she got into a 5-car accident near exit 366 (Pecan Park Road) around 11:30pm. Susan’s dog, Griffin, was with her, in a seatbelt, and survived the accident but someone let go of him at the scene. Before the ambulance took Susan, she thought she saw Griffin get hit but isn’t positive. Susan was taken to the hospital and admitted, then was taken straight back to her home in Tampa. Susan needs closure and is hoping someone saw something or has Griffin. His collar has since been found, but still no sign of Griffin. Please help by sharing his story! This could happen to anyone and it is devastating.
Go to The Search For Griffin on Facebook for updates and to share his poster. DESCRIPTION OF GRIFFIN
• Male, neutered Boxer/Mastiff mix • 75-80 lbs at time of disappearance • Brindle, no white anywhere on coat • Appears more tall with long legs vs. stocky
Griffin is very loved. Please contact Susan with any information! (813) 447-0955 or schrist24@gmail.com
Tra��g to transform lives / Samantha Epstein Education Manager, K9s For Warriors
Photos provided by K9s for Warriors
Located in Ponte Vedra, Fla., K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to military veterans suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disability, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma as a result of military service post9/11. Since 2011, K9s for Warriors has rescued 967 dogs and saved 508 veterans— their 500th dog team graduated this past December!
The tra�ers at K9s For Warriors have a
trainer’s job to restore the fundamental emotions from within. Trainers don’t just teach these dogs how to serve veterans—they also teach them how to believe and to love. Our dogs are very intelligent and achieve many milestones during their time at Camp K9; the process seems so natural, it’s easy to take for granted. From the moment a dog is rescued to the moment a dog graduates, and every second in-between, our trainers are developing the skills, correcting the behaviors, and shaping the personalities of our future service dogs.
very special and important role—they are the liaisons between the human and dog world. The work days are long and exhausting, but the reward is something more Many rescue dogs have lost the ability valuable than any amount of money. Taking a timid rescue dog and turning it into a self-assured service dog is a It’s a trainer’s job to revive a dog’s fragile spirit. very emotional process, but it’s also glorious! Working There isn’t a specific step in the with a dog rescued from a process that’s more important shelter is a lot different than the next; however, than working with a dog our trainers do have their raised in a home. Many favorite parts: rescue dogs have lost
to feel hope and to even trust.
the ability to feel hope and to even trust. It’s a trainer’s job to revive a dog’s fragile spirit. It’s a
26 | Transformation
According to Jessica: “I love the ‘my lap’ command. It’s great for the dog and the trainer to experience.”
According to Michele: “Teaching dogs to heel and offer eye contact.” According to April: “I like teaching the basic foundation of dog training then watching the dog progress.” According to Lora: “The obstacle course; we create new challenges for them every day.” According to Christel: “I enjoy clicker conditioning. Once they understand what the clicker means—training becomes so much easier for both the dog and the human.” According to Cindy: “Recall games.” According to Rob: “I like incorporating distractions.” We’ve had some very special dogs pass through our program. Many of them have overcome neglect, abuse, and other dire situations. We get empowered when a dog with a dark past can find light by becoming a service dog—and thanks to our amazing trainers, this happens often! • / k9sforwarriors.org
Heal�g w�h
�tention / Marceil May, Holistic Healing Practitioner
Several years ago, in my first month volunteering at the Jacksonville Humane Society, I arrived for my scheduled shift to walk dogs. I entered the ‘bark, bark, barking’ echo of the long hallway of kennels looking from left to right through the vast and varied lot of homeless hounds, and checking out the updated notes on each chained-link gate to find out who was in need of a good romp. It was very common for the shelter to be at maximum capacity, with most dogs positioning themselves toward the front of their kennels vying for the attention of whomever was walking by.
treatment, which is a very painful experience, and he’d just been taken out of isolation into the main kennel area.) I started to speak to him very quietly, using his name over and over again. I reached over and extended the back of my hand. He looked up and started to move toward me, looking straight into my eyes. My heart was breaking right there in my chest.
As I explored who was in attendance that day, I stopped by a kennel that, at first glance, appeared empty. I looked closer to realize there, in the back corner, was a wet, shivering, dirt-grey pup with his head hung low. My heart responded instantly with a simultaneous hard pound that seemed to leap right out of my chest and a plummet into the depths of my belly. What in the world was he doing here?
After a short time, I reached over to gently offer some Healing Touch, a type of animal healing energy work. I focused on his chest, also known as the Heart Chakra, and within mere seconds, Marty began to to let go even further. Clearly, my heart wasn’t the only one breaking. Who knows why he’d come to be there, but what I did know was that he had been traumatized.
He was Marty, a 4-year-old Schnoodle, quivering, petrified, and jammed against the wall. Marty needed some one-on-one attention, STAT! I went into his kennel and sat about five feet from him. He looked at me as if to ask, Why am I here and who are you? ( I’d come to find out later that he was going through heart worm 28 | Transformation
Within several minutes of continuing to speak his name softly, he literally began to relax his tense posture. Just by the tone of my voice and intention by which I was connecting with him, he felt safe enough to soften.
As I sat there with him, I realized that this would be the most important moment of my day—just Marty and me, together, giving and receiving from heart to heart. He needed reassurance, he needed to feel the presence of intentional, focused care, he needed the healing process to begin. I found it so hard to leave Marty that day, but my
hope was that the time I spent with him would help him understand that good things were to come. I cried all the way home; it was one of the most touching experiences of my life—that little guy responding with such clear and viseral signs to the power of touch. The next week when I went into the shelter, I couldn’t wait to see how Marty was doing. There he was, wagging his tail and barking in tune at the front of his kennel with all of the other pups! He was there for another week or so, and then some wonderful family got to take my Marty home. The intention to touch and heal another is very transformational. Stopping to take notice of other ‘beings’ is so incredibly valuable to the life and vitality of all involved. Stop, LOOK, and listen. Seeing eye to eye, hearing voice to voice, and feeling heart of heart is very impactful. The truth is, when we’re truly paying attention by getting out of the chatter in our heads and into a state of mindful awareness, we can find all kinds of ways to connect with others to support and enhance the living experience of both humans and animals. Connecting with one another is often the greatest gift we can give. Just one of many various professional and therapeutic modalities related to the human and animal healing bond is a technique called the Healing Touch for Animals® (HTA). HTA teaches pet owners and animal advocates specific techniques and applications to promote wellness. HTA techniques benefit animals in many ways: • Helps them understand appropriate behavior • Builds the animal-human bond • Reduces stress and anxiety • Supports them through injuries, illnesses, physical and emotional trauma, abuse and grief • Builds a solid foundation for cancer patients • Develops confidence for training and competition • Energetically supports animals through the endof -life transition The energy-based modality of Healing Touch has been recognized throughout the human medical community since 1989, and is used by more
than 75,000 healthcare practitioners worldwide to help provide whole-body wellness. These techniques are designed to enhance the healing process and don’t replace traditional medical or veterinary healthcare, medical diagnosis, or medical treatment for illness. Besides HTA, there are manual therapies to help heal and connect with our animal companions such as massage, Reiki, kinesiotaping, cranical sacral therapy and acupressure. Also, aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage, and a whole foods diet can remarkably enhance the health, well-being and longevity of your pet. • Join Marceil for her Holistic Health for Your Furry Friend course at UNF on April 13, 2019. You’ll learn natural ways to support your dog with nutrition, essential oil therapy, herbs and touch. Register: campusce.net/unf / Marci May Holistic Healing MarciMayHealingArts@gmail.com 904-662-5570
BREED HIGHLIGHT
AKITA
Misunderstood / Ashley Scruggs
This breed stands by �self.
I’m biased, having shared my home with a handful of them over the course of my life, but a more loving, loyal, quirky, fun, and regal breed you will not find in any other canine. An Akita’s personality is as diverse and complex as any human’s personality. Just like any person we don’t know, we don’t understand how someone behaves, what motivates them—what essentially makes them the way they are—until we get to know them, and even then, people can take us by surprise at times. In the same regard, the Akita is a mystery until we take the time to unravel what makes them tick. They can be stubborn, calculating, smart, and humorous. Just like any person we are befriending, it takes time, patience, and understanding to truly get to the heart of someone, and the Akita takes the exact same meticulous handling. And, they do take patience. A lot of it. Though the Akita is a breed of dog, this simple fact is by far the biggest misunderstanding about them. You cannot expect them to behave like other dog breeds, because they possess very few dog characteristics or traits. Their internal drive and instincts are not far removed from that of the wolf. In fact, out of all the dog breeds, they are third in line to resembling
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wolves—after the Shiba Inu and Chow Chow. By resemblance, I don’t mean they resemble the wolf directly in appearance (although they, too, are very attractive, alluring, and impressive), but resembles their wild brethren in behavior. The Akita lineage is ancient and primitive, with traits and temperaments hardwired into the essence of who they are. They are a dominant and proud line, fiercely loyal, and overbearingly protective of their humans. They love with every fiber of their being and require the same in return. As with their close wolf kin, Akitas are inherently dominant. In their minds, they are Alpha. To bring one into your life and your home, you must show them that you are The Alpha. Training must be routinely consistent and constant (which will be required their whole life). By training, I mean more of keeping them in line. Basic commands of sit, stay, and shake they learn quickly, and almost becomes too simple for them. They get bored easily! You must become the ultimate provider, protector, and guide for them. This breed is not for those who are not up to being challenged. They are smart and cunning. They will test you. As puppies, the Akita is deceptively sweet
and cute. They look like adorable little fur balls that you want to snuggle and hug. Don’t be fooled; this will change! At about six months or so, these precious puppies start coming into their individual personalities, and those hardwired wolflife characteristics begin to emerge. They were bred to be hunters, so their prey drive becomes very high. They grow suspicious of outsiders and other animals. They can become very reactive in situations, and The Alpha must remind them who is in charge by staying alert and taking control. Along with strong-willed traits also comes a uniquely comical and soft side. This breed has a sense of humor! They will howl in song while greeting you at the door, and “talk” to you all about their day. In a game of tag, one of my Akitas used nip me in the rear as if to say, “you’re it!” and then take off like a quarter horse for me to chase. Another of my Akitas refuses to get her feet wet when the grass is
damp, but loves to wade in the tide pools at the beach. One of my mother’s Akitas gets the “zoomies,” where he expels a random burst of energy by zooming around the house with gale force intensity that, I swear, allows him to run sideways along the walls. They can be amusingly contradictive by liking their space, but at the same time loving to be affectionate—on their own terms, that is. The Akita breed can be immensely intense and exhaustively challenging. However, if you take the time to do your homework on the breed, take the time to work with them on a daily basis, devote yourself to them, and give them the respect they deserve, you’ll find no other canine more willing to love you unconditionally, honor and look up to you, and lay their life down for you. You will find yourself with a companion—not just a dog—but a four-legged partner in your life for as long as they live. • Akita Rescue Society of Florida, Jacksonville Florida / arsf.org
A �ance to
Blossom
When what you see is not what you get. / Angie Benz
(or cat) transform is one of the most rewarding Isn’t � true that in certain situations we all experiences I've had while volunteering. need the opportunity to become comfortable enough, feel safe enough, and feel loved enough Quick transformations are particularly fascinating. to be who we truly are inside—especially if we’ve Let's talk about "Rufus." Rufus could be any dog, been hurt in the past? The same is true for at any shelter, anywhere. Rufus hates his kennel, animals. If you’ve ever gotten close to a dog or and unfortunately, that’s where he has to spend cat (or cow or pig or parakeet for that matter), the majority of his day while he waits for a family you know ... they are not emotionless robots, to come along and take him home. He barks and although we often expect them to be. They protect jumps, maybe he spins in frantic circles. He may themselves in a myriad of ways when scared, even lunge as people walk by. Rufus is frustrated physcially hurting, or heart hurting, and this masks and most people can't see past that behavior their true personality—often to their detriment. By to the dog we know is underneath—the dog he giving a dog an opportunity time to relax or freeing blossoms into the moment he exits the kennel. them from a stressful situation, you can see a whole new wonderful personality unfold. The and most people can’t see past key is giving them a chance. Many people miss out by that behavior to the dog we know is underneath— not doing so!
Rufus is frustrated
the dog he blossoms into the dog we know the moment he exits the kennel.
When I volunteer at Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS), I see beautiful dogs blossom and transform every time I'm there. The transformation can be sudden or slow; it can happen immediately or one step at a time, built on patience and trust. But watching a dog 32 | Transformation
We had a “Rufus,” not long ago, that reminded me, yet again, to not judge a dog by his kennel behavior. I’m not even going to lie, when I walked up to his kennel, I had to stop and give myself
watch your a pep talk. He was the classic case of kennel frustration. I—mentally and physically— prepared myself to be dragged down the aisle upon taking him out. I was so wrong. The very moment the kennel door opened and he exited, he transformed! He walked beautifully on leash. He sat politely when asked, and took treats oh-so-gently. He leaned in for cuddles. His transformation was quick and drastic. As magical as those sudden transformations are, there’s something equally special about the slow change. Case in point, another any dog, at any shelter, anywhere—we'll call her "Sissy"—sits in her kennel trembling. She shakes when people approach, she hides in the corner and averts her eyes. She tries desperately to make herself small and unnoticeable. Her transformation takes time, patience, and a lot of love. But, oh—when it happens. When you get that first tail wag; when she feels safe enough to lean in for cuddles; when she ventures off to explore for a few feet before checking back in; when she begins to greet others and her confidence slowly begins to grow. It’s an amazing process to watch and be part of—her blossoming is slow and it is beautiful. But perhaps the most important transformation of all comes when a dog (or cat!) leaves the shelter and enters a home. Living in a kennel for weeks, or even months, is stressful! They need time—to decompress, to learn new routines, to realize they are safe, and to build bonds based on trust. And for that lucky adopter who can give them all of that, when they get to see them blossom from shelter dog (or cat!) to beloved pet, well that is the best transformation of all. Lots of great dogs (and cats!) are waiting for you at Animal Care and Protective Services. See a few on page 37. Adopt, foster, or volunteer! / 2020 Forest St. Jacksonville coj.net/pets
new dog un f o l d
the First 3 days... —at a minimum—is the initial “detox period” as the dog transitions from the shelter to your home. It can be overwhelming for many dogs, especially those who have been in a loud shelter for months. He may have stomach issues (from a new diet or stress), house training issues (he doesn’t know where to go or is stressed), or make escape attempts. Please be patient and keep him safe! Your new dog may sleep a lot in those first few days (he probably didn’t get a lot of quality sleep in the shelter). Try to stick to a routine. He doesn’t automatically know what you expect from him—that you are going to feed him twice a day, or where to go potty, or that the cat box is strictly off limits. Enlist the help of a trainer if needed!
After 3 weeks... your dog will probably get used to your comings and goings, learning the daily routine, and starting to figure out when the next meal is coming, that you walk at the same time every morning, that he gets to go out for regular potty breaks.
At about 3 months... most dogs know they are “home.” It’s a process to get there, but with a good behavior plan, the right tools, patience and a sense of humor, the two of you can scale the mountain together and enjoy the journey toward a great relationship.
SET YOUR NEW DOG UP FOR
SUCCESS
patience routine love
Roxy’s
363 days of change / Sylvia Rocek
even though she wouldn’t love me back for many, many weeks. 24-hours later, A1068471 “Baby Girl” became Roxy, and all the reasons to not get a dog seemed less like obstacles and more like excuses. Here is my sweet Roxy‘s first year by the numbers:
One year ago I decided to foster a dog from An�al Care and Prote�ive Services (ACPS) for the long Thanksgiving
weekend. We’d talked forever about getting a dog, but it was never the right time. I figured fostering over a long weekend would be a good thing, since it got the dog out of the shelter for a few days, and we could have a dog for a few days. I walked through the doors at ACPS and said, I’ll take the dog that has been here the longest. They brought me this big dog who looked like she didn’t care whether she went home with me or not. You know those pictures of “Dogs on their way to their forever home from the shelter,” and all the dogs are smiling and happy? That was not the kind of dog I got. My dog was shut down. She wasn’t happy, she wasn’t angry, this was just something else that was happening to her, possibly something else she would have to endure. She didn’t know. She was 65 pounds (up from the 43 pounds when she was confiscated covered in fleas, filth, wounds, and HW+) She was brought into a shelter that fed her, medicated her, and cleaned her up, but was full of dogs she didn’t know, and didn’t like, that barked, which made her bark. Who wants to foster/adopt a big HW + pup who does not care for other dogs and seemed to bark all the time? No one . For seven months, no one wanted to adopt or foster her. I drove her home in my two-seat truck, yammering on and on the whole time about how I was super happy she was coming to visit, and how much fun we were going to have, while she stared stoically out the window. It took the short length of the ride from the shelter to our home for me to fall in love with her,
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# of days she has lived with us: 363 # of years old she is: 6 (based on ACPS best guess) # of times she accidentally got away from us in the first 3 days: 4 (including a car chase to get her back) # of times she has barked while inside the house: 4 (3 times in the middle of the night, one bark,
no clear reason other than to scare the crap outta of me)
# of months it took till she was no longer terrified of the television: 6 # of miles we have walked: 600ish # of nemeses she has acquired: 4 # of cats she has tried to eat: 16 # of times I have pried her jaws open to pull out a chicken bone: 7 (there’s actually a disturbing number of chicken bones laying around Avondale)
# of times someone in a car has pointed and laughed as she flailed about on her back, happy as a clam, in the grass like she was having a seizure: 2 # of people she has barked at and scared the crap out of: 2 # of times I felt bad about that: 1 # of kisses I have given her: 5 million She takes up way too much room in the bed, has no social skills, leaves her toys all over the house, loves Jeff WAY more than she loves me, expects me to give her the last bite of whatever I am eating even when I tell her its “not for puppies,” and based on what I sweep up constantly, is comprised of mostly dirt and hair. She’s the best. • Submitted via Facebook.com/unleashjax
Super-duper adorable adoptables! Shelters and rescues are full of amazing dogs that need a home to call their own. They are so thankful and grateful and will show you by giving unconditional love and being your loyal companion. Shelter dogs are not broken or damaged ... most end up homeless through absolutely no fault of their own. They’ve been let down by humans ... but we can make it up to them and give them a life they deserve! Check out these babies waiting patiently for a family...
Mateo ✓ Dogs
? Cats
Charlie
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Max ✓ Dogs
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RDING IN BOFAAMILY ASAP
NEEDS
AGE: 2 years WEIGHT: 40-45 lbs ABOUT ME: This sweet baby is sitting in boarding waiting on someone to snuggle him! He is such a good boy and deserves to be in a home. House broken and crate trained!
AGE: 3 years WEIGHT: 50 lbs ABOUT ME: If you are looking for a dog you can take anywhere...Charlie is your man! He is so well mannered! Sweet, handsome Charlie boy is looking for his forever home.. and is one the best pups ever! #adoptlove
AGE: 1.5 years WEIGHT: 50 lbs ABOUT ME: Oh-so-so-lovable! Unbelievably, this sweet boy is still waiting on his forever family! He’s house broken, crate trained, great with other dogs, good with kids, sweet and goofy!
FUR SISTERS | fursisters.org
FUR SISTERS | fursisters.org
FUR SISTERS | fursisters.org
Star ✓ Dogs
✓ Cats
Blondie ✓ Kids
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? Cats
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Rosie ✓ Best as only pet ✓ Older Kids
R
LONG TIMT!E ALER
AGE: 2+ years WEIGHT: 55 lbs ABOUT ME: Energy level medium to low. Star is great fit for families with kids, dogs, cats. She loves walks, dog parks, belly rubs, people, dogs, and treats. I’ve been in foster care a long time, so you can ask my foster ANYTHING about me! POOCHIES PET RESCUE
poochiespetrescue@gmail.com 36 | Transformation
AGE: 2 years AGE: 4 years WEIGHT: 65 lbs WEIGHT: 60 lbs ABOUT ME: She is wonderful ABOUT ME: An absolute sweetheart! in the home and is respectful of She knows lots of commands, loves everything in it. She would do best the outdoors. walks fantastic on leash with consistent leadership. She is and loves to carry a toy in her mouth still puppy in her behavior and is everywhere. She would do best as an very teachable, learning best with only pet, but she will give you the most repetition. She stays off the furniture! unconditional love you could ask for. Privacy fenced yard is a must. BOXER AID AND RESCUE COALITION
boxerarc.org
PIT SISTERS
sisters@pitsisters.org
Spanky ✓ Dogs
✓ Cats
Buzzy
✓ Kids
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? Cats
Hoss ✓ Kids
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? Cats
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R
LONG TIMT!E ALER
AGE: 8ish years ABOUT ME: Anyone out there looking for a calm boy with good manners and ready to be your new best friend? He would love to be someone’s cuddle buddy! He is sweet and more interested in being loved on than eating treats. He especially enjoys body rubs, and butt scratches. Spanky is waiting for you!
AGE: 8 years ABOUT ME: If you are looking for a well-trained dog, who enjoys taking long walks or even jogs, loves to play, and enjoys giving kisses, Buzzy is the boy you are looking for! He has excellent leash manners, and takes treats gently. Buzzy wants a family, someone he can be a best friend to and give all the love he has to share.
AGE: 7ish years ABOUT ME: I’m soooo sweet! I have medium energy, so would enjoy tagging along with you on outings (I’m kind of an attention getter, people love to pet my ears). I also would enjoy just hanging out with you at home. Come meet me!
ACPS - SPANKY IS #A0441037
ACPS - BUZZY IS #A0491120
kampkritters@aol.com
2020 Forest St., Jacksonville
2020 Forest St., Jacksonville
Gents Marsha ✓ Dogs
? Cats
✓ Kids
AGE: 8 years ABOUT ME: Are you looking for the well-trained lady, who knows the basics and just wants to play with you? A dog ready for adventure and fun, but will also sit for your cuddles and exchange kisses? She’ll sit and give you the biggest smile! She is sweet and takes treats gently. You’d never guess she was 8 years old, she has plenty of spunk and enjoys ear scratches. Marsha is waiting to meet you at ACPS. Come visit her and fall in love! ACPS - MARSHA IS #A0769763
2020 Forest St., Jacksonville
KAMP KRITTER
Ladies Sweetness
✓ Dogs
? Cats
✓ Kids
Dolly + Charlie ✓ Dogs
? Cats
✓ Kids
AGE: 6 years THE CUTEST BONDED COUPLE! These two have a heartbreaking story, ABOUT ME: Sweetness is just losing their family suddenly, and it’s what her name says, she is a sweet, patient and loving dog! been confusing for them. They are very She knows the sit command and bonded and absolutley fantastic dogs! is house broken. She’s looking for They love to play and give kisses. These her furever family to find her, and two are literally homeless and are stuck wants to be someone’s new best in boarding. They’d love a foster-tofriend. Who is looking for a calm, adopt situation—food and supplies house broken, loving dog, who is taken care of during foster! When you patient, kind and mellow? meet this duo, you will melt.
ACPS - SWEETNESS IS #A0810416
2020 Forest St., Jacksonville
FOR MORE INFO ON THESE TWO: SALTY PAWS HEALTHY PET MARKET
(904) 372-9433 absaltypaws@gmail.com
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