St. Johns Magazine July 2020 Issue

THE PEOPLE ● THE PLACES ● THE LIFESTYLE

ST. JOHNS July 2020 Issue

magazine

BEST OF ST. JOHNS 2020 People & Beaches www.stjohnsmag.com

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GRAND OPENING A NEW Kumon Math and Reading Center is opening near you!

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ST. JOHNS

magazine

BEST OF ST. JOHNS

You're a grand old flag, You're a high flying flag And forever in peace may you wave.

You're the emblem of The land I love.

The home of the free and the brave.

JULY 2020 Dear Readers,

Publisher & Creative Director Debbie Gaylord debbie@stjohnsmag.com 904-687-8538 Photographer Mindy Kerr Nature's Child Photography Contributors Dr. Kathleen Deckard Lori Allen Kara Pound

The American flag with its stars and stripes is a powerful symbol of unity in the face of adversity. We have been through some tough times lately but as we have in the past we will resolve our current challenges and come out on the other side stronger and better.

I still love this country and believe in the principals of justice, equality and self-determination that are the cornerstones of the United States constitution. The truth is most Americans are good people and right now we need to believe in our fellow neighbors.

With this in mind, our BEST OF issue is dedicated to the amazing local heroes who make the world a better place through charitable giving, showing their personal best and paying it forward.

Please enjoy this issue of St. Johns Magazine! I hope it brings you joy!

Happy 4th of July!

Debbie Gaylord

St. Johns Magazine is dedicated to covering the topics readers care about - from hometown stories and community spotlighs to food, health & business.

Published twelve times a year, St. Johns Magazine is designed to engage readers adn inspire them to enjoy the good life Northern St. Johns has to offer!

Owner and Publisher

Pet Photo Contest Winners!

Judge's Choice & Voter Choice!

All rights reserved Š2012-2020  St. Johns Magazine LLC.

St. Johns Magazine is published monthly and distributed by US postal Service to select homes in Northern St. Johns. It is free of charge to consumers receiving it in the mail. It is also availalble at many drop points in Northern St. Johns and by subscription. All material is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and published without responsibility for errors and ommissions.

Rollo

Congratulations to our adorable Pet Photo Contest winners, Rollo, Molly & Murphy! Thank you to Pets R Family for the prize!

Voter's Choice Runner Up!

Molly & Murphy

Printed by The Hartley Press, Jacksonville, FL

Locally Owned & Designed with

LOVE!

www.stjohnsmag.com 4

Thank you to Mindy Kerr of Nature's Child Photography for making the difficult choice and to all who participated!!! visit our Facebook to see all the cuties!

www.stjohnsmag.com

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BEST OF ST. JOHNS

Beaches

Guana Reserve

(with 3 access points) If you want to get away from the crowds drive a little further down A1A past Mickler and you’ll find a slice of north Florida paradise with $3 parking (was waived during quarantine) and a walkover/across. Once you have settled in, feast your eyes on fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and birds of all sizes. We even thought we saw a manatee once.The beach is a bit narrow but if privacy is what you crave this one’s for you.

Mickler

A good old standby beach, usually crowded but an easy twenty-minute drive from northern St. Johns. Bathrooms and water to rinse your feet give this beach a bonus, and if you walk down far enough you can still find peace and privacy. Although all our beaches are a shark tooth hunters paradise, Mickler might be the king. Showers. Lifeguards staffed seasonally.

Crescent

Wide open magnificent beaches here close to downtown but still far far away. Bring the kids and set up your place in the sun. Showers. Pavilion. Picnic tables. Lifeguards staffed seasonally.

Mickler

Northern St. Johns

Guana

Vilano

A-Street Butler Crescent Matanzas

A-Street

Down this sunny little street past lots of great food spots, bike rentals and human activity is this stunning beach with views of the pier in the distance. Great for people watching but still not too crowded. Lifeguards staffed seasonally.

Matanzas

On one side is the ocean, craggy rocks & tide pools, spectacular views! A wild no-man’s land where it's fun to watch surfers ride the waves and explore the natural beauty. On the other side are the peaceful waters of the inlet, usually a bit crowded with paddle boarders, boaters, & picnickers. Matanzas never ever disappoints.

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Vilano

A couple of access points plus the ability to drive on the beach in some places make this a fun way to spend the day, catch some rays and swim with the porpoises. When your done, head to one of the many awesome restaurants along A1A or in the town of Vilano. Showers. Pavilion.

Picnic tables. Lifeguards staffed seasonally.

Butler

Rarely crowded, yet another wide open beach for dropping your beach chairs and umbrella or bringing a surfboard.

Spend the day soaking in those good vibes and moving back from the tide as it rolls in.

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Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Toys help patients feel like kids again.

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© Baptist Health 2020

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FUNERAL HOME •CREMATORY• MEMORIAL PARK

Now in their fourth generation of St. Augustine family ownership, Craig Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Park has been in business for more than a hundred years

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SUMMER BEACH READS

by Debbie Gaylord

Obviously I prefer a good mystery for my Summer entertainment.

With the exception of one book, all of these recommendations are really good, well written mysteries. I threw in one very fun, enjoyable and strictly beachy read to lighten things up and I hope you enjoy them all as much as I did!

The Guest List

The Turn of the Key

Someone turns up dead at a lavish wedding on a remote island off the Irish coast. A gothic style mystery with a modern flare combines to create the best kind of escapism.

Rowan takes a position as a Nanny at Heatherbrae House in the remote Scottish highlands and unknowingly steps into a nightmare. A slow burn mystery draws you in from page one and keeps you guessing.

by Lucy Foley

Pretty Things

by Jannelle Brown

Plans go awry for Nina when she devises a scheme against an enemy from the past. Two brilliant women, class divides, and social media intrigue create a twisty mystery that will have you turning pages.

28 Summers

by Elin Hilderbrand A fun read by Queen of the Beach Reads does not disappoint with all the Nantucket charm you desire. The best part is as you explore Mallory's past, you remember your own with all the great American cultural details from the last 28 years!

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by Ruth Ware

Where the Crawdads Sing

by Delia Owens

Immerse yourself in the coastal beauty of North Carolina in this poignant novel about the marsh girl who grows up wild but evolves into someone extraordinary, despite the odds. A beautifully written, highly descriptive mystery.

The Red Lotus

by Chris Bohjalin

If you are tired of hearing about pandemics this may not be for you. Its a mystery centered around a modern plague originating in Vietnam and coming over to NY. A young doctor unravals clues to find what is really going on. A little too close to the current reality, you say?

Still, its a great read.

The Best & the Brightest of St. Johns!

US Presidential Scholar Lauren Phillip U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the selection of Lauren Philip of Saint Johns, Florida, who attends Creekside High School in Saint Johns, as a 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholar.

Philip is one of 161 outstanding American high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community. Philip is one of six students selected from Florida.

Lauren Phillip

, class of 2020 comes from St. Johns, Florida and graduated from Creekside High School. As an avid learner for all things engineering, she was president of Creekside’s Engineering Club and Science National Honor Society her senior year, in which she displayed organizational and communicative skills for volunteer projects and science fairs.

Philip’s membership in Creekside’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) has provided her the chance to impart the experience of her internship at Ultratech International, Inc. to other young women. Furthermore, her involvement of the school’s engineering academy and Northeast Florida ACE Mentorship program means she holds certifications in several industry markers (i.e. OSHA, MSSC), and CAD software. In addition to engineering, Philip is deeply rooted in music, which has led to her position as section leader in her marching band. She will attend Florida Gulf Coast University in Fall ’20, pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering.

www.stjohnsmag.com

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BEST OF ST. JOHNS PEOPLE

Community MasterCraft Spirit Why Builder Group

by Chris Shee

I

Gives Back

’ve always enjoyed giving back to the community and have been involved in community outreach activities since high school.

Brad and Chris Shee However, it wasn’t until the planning of our first sporting clay Co-Founders MasterCraft tournament, Clays For A Cause, that I started becoming more Builder Group photo by Dede Smith Photography aware of our local needs and the organizations that help those needs. Once I started getting more intimately involved with some the real world of paying bills, cooking meals, doing laundry, and all of the of these organizations, especially the orphanages, I knew that helping the other tasks they’re now required to do on their own. The apartments will community was to become a life long mission of mine. be subsidized in order to make them affordable. I’ve been wanting to do

Several years ago I wanted to define who MasterCraft Builder this for many years and am really excited that we’re now working to make Group was in a summarized form. With the help of our marketing this a reality. company, we developed what are now the pillars of MasterCraft known

Lastly, MasterCraft Builder Group will be building the “Home as the 4-C’s: Craftsmanship, Choice, Customer Service, and Community.

For The Heart” this year which benefits Builders Care—the charitable Community involves helping and giving back to our LOCAL needs and arm of The Northeast Florida Builders Association. We are building a it’s built into the DNA of this company as well as the other companies I home in one of our newest communities, SilverLeaf, and will be donating now own—something I’m most proud of. all profits from this home to Builders Care when it sells. In order to make

My charity plans for 2020 had a big wrench thrown in them the contribution even larger, we’ve asked our trade partners and suppliers due to COVID. One of the bigger endeavors I was planning was called to discount or donate any labor and/or materials they’re able to and we’ll Concerts For A Cause. I own a large wedding venue in South St. pass the saving along to the Builders Care donation. Our trades and Augustine that has a capacity of 300. My plan was (and still is) to bring suppliers have been unbelievably supportive as they always are with our in big name musicians and have a more intimate, almost un-plugged, charitable endeavors. We’ll hopefully reach a 6 figure donation with this concert where we serve dinner and drinks, enjoy a large camp fire, effort. etc. and enjoy a night of music and fellowship. Part of the appeal will

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in life so far is that the be attending a concert with a big name headliner and only having 300 more I give, the wealthier I become. Material things aren’t as important people in attendance. The other appealing part is that all profits from to me as they once were and that’s been very relieving. Instead, being these concerts will go to a “cause” which will change with each concert. known as a good steward to my community and a good person overall It’s a fun way to generate $25,000 - 50,000+ per event for a local causes. I is way more important to me. I hope my two boys, Brandon and Tyler, am determined to make this happen and can’t wait until it does! will continue to be influenced by my actions so that they too will be local

Aside from Concerts For A Cause, we will be hosting the 8th philanthropists one day. There’s hardly anything else that would make Annual Clays For A Cause this year at Saltwater’s Shooting Club. The me more proud. tournament will benefit Seamark Ranch and St. Augustine Youth Services again—the two orphanages with whom we are closest. Last year we raised $168,000 during this one day event which is just mind blowing.

My commitment to the event remains in that I’ll pay for everything including shooting, food, drinks, golf cart rentals, etc. so that every dollar donated by the participants actually goes to the charities and not towards paying for the event. It’s become a wildly successful fundraising event and I feel so privileged to host it.

I have also started working on a new independent living facility for St. Augusine Youth Services (SAYS) in hopes to break ground later this year or early next. Since SAYS receives public assistance, they’re required to move kids out when they turn 18—regardless of where they are in school, their mental or physical health, ability to live independently, etc.

It’s a real problem for which many folks aren’t aware and it’s just wrong.

MasterCraft Builder Group presenting checks to Kids The purpose of the independent living facility is to provide apartmentSafe Zone, SA Youth Services & Seamark Ranch! style living to these new “adults" for 2-3 years while they acclimate into

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Coastal Wine Market & Tasting Room Donates $10,000 to the American Red Cross!

“Shaun Lourie, CWM Co-Owner, McKenna O’Neill, Donor Development Officer at American Red Cross, and Steve Lourie, CWM Co-Owner, proudly present a $10,000 donation to the Northeast Florida American Red Cross to help support the local community in this time of need.”

Shaun and Steve Lourie The Co-Owners of Coastal

photo by Nature's Child Photography

Wine Market and Tasting Room

CLASS OF 2020 PARENTS

in Nocatee did something amazing. In the midst of the pandemic, as their customers

Is your baby graduating high school this year?

continued to support them, they decided to pay it forward by donating $10,000 to the American Red Cross! The unprecedented move reflects the spirit of community and the best of the people of St. Johns.

“Coastal Wine Market & tasting room, Nocatee, is proud to be able to Book a custom senior session with me and experience everything a senior session SHOULD be.

donate $10,000 to our local chapter of the American Red Cross (ARC) through the support of our guests who purchased gift cards and took part in our no-contact delivery and pickup during these challenging few months." Steve remarks, “This is the best way to celebrate CWM’s 4th-Year Anniversary #payitforward #giveback #supportlocal”.

CWM has re-opened for business following CDC Guidelines and welcomes guests to visit. Please refer to their website at www.coastalwinemarket.com and www.facebook.com/coastalwinemarket for live updates and current happenings.”

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J U D G E B R YA N R E N D Z IO

B

ryan Rendzio was appointed Circuit Judge by the Governor in 2019. He presides over Unified Family

Court with a docket that includes dissolution and paternity matters; juvenile delinquency; dependency; truancy; adoptions; Baker Act hearings; Marchman Act hearings; injunctions; and Risk Protection Orders.

Now, he is running for election (on August 18) to remain in service as our Circuit Court Judge.

Before his appointment, Judge Rendzio was a highly accomplished attorney, arbitrator and mediator. He earned Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer-review rating (AV Preeminent®). Judge Rendzio is board certified by the Florida Bar in the area of construction law. His honors and recognition include leadership positions on the Florida Bar’s Construction Law Certification Review Course Committee and the Construction Law Institute Committee. He is a recipient of the Construction Law Committee’s “Rising Star” Award, an award bestowed upon only one individual each year.

Judge Rendzio is a dedicated family man and an active community volunteer. He credits his wife Stacy and their two sons with providing him a solid foundation for his demanding career. He enjoys coaching his sons’ baseball teams. He is a volunteer on task forces dealing with the opioid crisis, domestic violence, and unaccompanied/ homeless youth in the Seventh Circuit.

www.stjohnsmag.com

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The

Local Foodie

by Lori Allen SJM Official Local Foodie

Holy Stromboli!

Zulo's Pizza Stromboli is made up of dough shaped into an elongated rectangle, then rolled to create a long skinny and cylindrical shape. It is typically made with low moisture mozzarella cheese which helps the interior dough to cook fully and you can add in any of your favorite meats and veggies or just cheese works as well. The difference between a calzone and Stromboli is that a calzone is generally a single serving, half circle shape and it contains ricotta whereas a Stromboli does not. The Stromboli was named after the Italian isle of Stromboli and on that island there is a giant volcano called Mt. Stromboli.

At Zulos their Stromboli is ginormous and comes out all ooey gooey! It is baked in a handmade customized brick oven (gas vs flame) which makes it crusty on the outside and soft and fluffy on the in. Along with this masterpiece you get a side of their homemade sauce (gravy as the Italians call it) which is made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, spices and other fresh ingredients that gives it a rich robust tomato flavor. Tear off a piece of the baked cheese dough and dip it into the “gravy” and you will have a true Italian experience!

I love meatballs and it is difficult for me to find ones that come close to my Italian roots.

At Zulos I found that they were made with just the right meat combination and enough garlic to satisfy even my tastes. The key I think is that they use their custom oven to cook them in. This gave them a nice sear so they are firm on the outside and tender on the in. Mama Mia! So good.

Sicilian style pizza is also on the menu. This type of pizza is vastly different than regular pizza. The dough is made with more oil and looks fluffy and heavy like brick. The bottom technically gets fried. I found it to be light and airy on the inside and crispy on the out.

If you like thick pizza you need to give this a try!

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in Julington Creek!

Speaking about dough, Zeppolos is what I like to call the Italian version of the New Orleans beignet. They are hand rolled made to order deep fried dough. Powdered sugar is then sprinkled gingerly adding just the right amount of sweetness to the dough. I rarely find these down south so I was delighted to try them. You can have them as an appetizer or as desert. I decided to have them to start and take the remaining ones home to my family. They came out piping hot and smelled sooooo good. I waited just a few seconds for them to cool then popped one in my mouth..the next thing I knew a second one found its way into my belly as well. I had to stop so that I didn’t eat them all before I got them home!

As everyone knows Nutella is as Italian as it gets for that rich dark creamy chocolaty hazel nutty snack. Have you ever tried Nutella Gelato? This is the best of both worlds, you have the coolness of the gelato and creaminess of the Nutella all scooped into one. And as an added bonus it's less calories than ice cream so go ahead and finish your meal with a scoop. You won’t be disappointed!

Tony and Madeline Mazulos i.e. Zulos are the real gems of this restaurant. They greet you with such genuine warmth and smiles that you instantly feel like famiglia! *Outdoor seating is available as well as live music on Wednesdays and during the weekends.

INFO 12795 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223 (904) 329 - 2250 Visit www. zulospizzamenu.com

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We are open again for inside and patio dining. Offering full lunch menu plus brunch specials on both Saturday and Sunday.

Visit our Facebook for menu.

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BEST OF ST. JOHNS

Riverwood Women’s Club Helping the Local Community During the Coronavirus Pandemic

S t. Jo h n s C o u n ty C o m m issio n e r Je re m ia h B lo c ke r a n d B re tt S im o n , P re sid e n t o f K 9s fo r Wa rrio rs, re ce ive a d o n a tio n fro m K a th i R e a g in , R W C P re sid e n t, a s L in co ln lo o k s o n !

Engage – Enjoy – Enhance – Encourage. is the Riverwood Women’s Club Mission Statement. The Riverwood Women’s Club (RWC) is part of the Del Webb Ponte Vedra (DWPV ) community in Nocatee. Our fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30. With the onset of Covid-19, the RWC has had to find creative ways to continue supporting our local community.

The RWC Outreach Committee’s focus non-profit is the Alpha Omega Miracle Home (AOMH), based in St. Augustine. AOMH provides supportive programs and housing to single mothers, their children, and senior women in St. Johns County. Recently, members of the DWPV Foxtail neighborhood, in conjunction with the RWC Board, sponsored an immensely successful Drive-by Donation within Del Webb Ponte Vedra to benefit AOMH during the current Coronavirus crisis.

RWC’s major fundraiser this past November, pre-pandemic, was an extremely popular “Sharing Our Bounty” event.

Over 90 beautiful gift baskets were raffled!

These events, along with “Split the Pot” raffles and several Club donations, allowed RWC to contribute a total of $16,038 to AOMH since October 2019. AOMH was able to purchase much needed food and living supplies, complete apartment renovations, and help to fund critical, unprecedented Covid-19 related expenses.

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19

Meet Dr.Erick Aguilar running for congress in 2020

Dr. Erick Aguilar, a retired 20-year U.S Navy Chief, Veteran, and a college professor qualified to be on the ballot for the District Four Congressional seat for the upcoming primary election on August 18, 2020. Aguilar is a devoted family man with a wife and five children who resides in District Four. After returning home after serving in the Navy for over twenty years, Erick was surprised about how many threats to liberty and freedom existed here back home in the USA. Erick is a candidate who wants to work for the future of our families and for the soul of American Republic. If you want to learn about Dr. Aguilar and how he wants to be about bringing the voice back to the people and protecting their Constitutional rights while moving forward to more independence and less government manipulation, then check out his Facebook pages, his website (erickforcongress.com), his podcasts, and interviews. He is stepping up to the front lines to work together with you! Make sure you are registered to vote and that you study all the candidates before you Cast your vote

by August 18th! Elections matter and Who represents us in Congress counts!

Safeguarding our Constitution matters more than ever.

If you care about protecting freedom, liberty and the United States Constitution, due process, and equal protection under the law, the future of the American dream, and the economy, listen and share Dr. Erick Aguilar’s podcast on more information on Opening America Now! DUE PROCESS MATTERS! No American should be coerced, and when it happens, we all should speak up for our rights. Happens to one, can happen to all! Government is to protect rights, not remove them. Unfortunately, countless bad players continue to abuse their power, with no consequences! Opening America’s Economy matters! Collateral damage on different fronts occurred from COVID-19, where do we go from here? Rights? Economy? Independence? Think for ourselves? Education?

Graduations? Communities? America? Listen and share Erick’s podcast on more information to Keep Opening America! We will ensure our own safety!

Protecting the American Dream for our children.

Encourage your friends and family to study and learn about the candidates, vote and to participate in the election process. Those who serve us in Congress, in the county, on the city and town councils, as well as, the local school boards impact our lives more than many people realize. So, take time to study the candidates. So, register to vote and cast your ballot in this important Primary on August 18th. It is time for action and no excuses. Freedom and the spirit of America are at risk. Your vote counts. So, exercise your right to vote as an American Citizen and Vote for Dr. Erick Aguilar, “For America’s Future”!

20

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We will get you started on an effective treatment plan that allows you to control your symptoms and • We focus on our patients’ needs first • Same day appointments • On-site Physician for personal attention • Dedicated shot clinic with nurse *open during lunch hours • Asthma Educators on staff

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Raquel Suzanne Watkins, MD & Board Certified Allergist & Immunologist

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A Message From The Vet

Thunderstorm Anxiety

by Dr. Deckard, DVM, Pets R Family

IN DOGS

We all know that summertime in Florida is hot, muggy, and can be uncomfortable. While we do our best to keep ourselves and our pets cool and comfortable during those months, there is one thing that we cannot control: the almost daily evening thunderstorms, and the crippling anxiety some dogs experience that comes with it.

Thunderstorm anxiety can be brought on by several factors; thunder, lightning, wind, rain, and even a change in barometric pressure. For some dogs, shaking, hiding, whining, pacing and panting are the common symptoms that we see, and these can range from mild to severe. For some other dogs, their response is extreme, causing destructive behaviors like chewing door handles and moldings, deep scratching on doors and walls, and even jumping through windows in an effort to escape. It can be very serious, and according to veterinary behavior experts, it is a true panic disorder that results in a complete flight response. Many dogs who are afraid of thunderstorms also show signs of noise phobia for fireworks, jackhammers, lawn mowers, and other loud sounds. It is not exactly known why some dogs show fear of noises and storms. It’s thought that genetics, traumatic experiences, or poor socialization and acclimation to loud sounds as a puppy, can be contributing factors.

There are quite a few ways to help manage thunderstorm and noise phobia, and most owners find that combining several of the different methods of treatment, works more effectively than just trying a single method.

First, minimize stimuli by limiting your dog’s exposure to it. Close the blinds and doors so lightning isn’t seen. Try playing white noise, Television or music, so the thunder and rain is muffled. If your pet wants to hide, offer them a safe space such as an interior room where there are no windows. Provide a crate with a blanket covering it, or utilize an open closet. You can sit with them and offer them comfort during the storm, but make sure that your energy is calm, because if you are anxious, they will pick up your emotions and may become more anxious and fearful because of it.

Many pets get a safe feeling from being hugged or held tightly during a fearful event like a storm. And there are a variety of body wraps and capes that are made specifically for these pets, that work very well. Your local pet store or amazon

will have many to choose from.

Pheromones are another option that can help as well. These are products that supply comforting messages to the pet that help make the dog feel calm and relaxed.

Pheromone products such as Adaptil come in sprays, room diffusers, and collars and have been a great help for many dogs with noise phobias and other anxieties. Natural extracts such as Zylkene Capsules are derived from milk proteins that mimic mother’s milk and can also have a calming effect.

Lastly, your veterinarian can prescribe medications to help calm your pet. Fast-acting benzodiazepines like alprazolam and diazepam can be prescribed, as can serotonin antagonist reuptake inhibitors, like trazodone. Sileo Gel is the first and only FDA-approved medication indicated for the treatment of canine noise aversion. Anti-depressants like Prozac can be prescribed but are meant for long-term daily use for patients who are not helped by the situational medications.

Keep in mind that all medications can have some side-effects, so be sure to discuss these with your veterinarian so the best choice can be made for your pet.

One of the best things you can do for your pet is to desensitize and condition them to not be afraid when a storm hits. Thunderstorm CDs can be used in short sessions to get the dog used to the sounds and then rewarding them with treats or a favorite toy to teach them that when they hear these sounds, it’s not always a bad thing.

Always keep in mind that an involved and loving pet owner, is the very best friend a pet can have. Your ongoing care and involvement in their everyday life quality is the best medicine for a healthy and happy pet. Your preparation and effort in preventing anxiety in your pets will be a great investment to the ultimate happiness they enjoy.

www.stjohnsmag.com

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