St. Johns Magazine May 2023 2

St. johns magazine

Photo by Ozzy Trevino

When you’re expecting, you have questions. We help answer them.

Rest easy knowing that you and your baby are in the right hands. That’s because Baptist Health is the No. 1 health system in Northeast Florida for maternity services and Wolfson Children’s provides the most sophisticated care for infants and children of all ages.

To learn more or find an OB/GYN who delivers at Baptist Health, call 904.202.4HER (4437) or visit baptistjax.com/baby

Moms and babies need special types of care. We deliver both.

MENTON, BALLOU & THARP

WGV Cascades - 1013 Inverness Dr MLS #1219729 - $529,000

Shearwater - 297 Palisades Dr MLS #1220736 - $619,900

UNDER CONTRACT

P PV Shores West - 604 Seagate Ln S MLS #1219871 - $1,350,000

St Johns Golf & CC - 1524 Drury Ct MLS #1221923 - $899,900

Nocatee - 14 Pine Manor MLS #122109 - $799,500

Sawgrass– 72 Fishermans Cove Rd MLS #1213790 - $650,000

Durbin Crossing– 319 Willow Winds Pkwy MLS #1216666 - $679,500

Durbin Crossing– 379 Servia Dr MLS #1215367 - $295,000

CONTRACT

George L. Ballou II

ST.JOHNs

Publisher & Creative Director

Debbie Gaylord debbie@stjohnsmag.com www.stjohnsmag.com

904-687-8538

Photographer/Partner

Ozzy Trevino

Ozzy Trevino Photography

Pets/Partner

Dr. Deckard

Pets R Family

Food Blogger/Partner

Lori Allen @MywanderingFork

To Adverttise

contact: Eric Wolf

eric@stjohnsmag.com

904-567-7401

About Us

St. Johns Magazine is dedicated to covering the topics readers care aboutfrom hometown stories and community spotlighs to food, health & business. St. Johns Magazine is designed to engage readers and inspire them to enjoy the good life in Northern St. Johns!

All rights reserved

©2012-2023

©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. All material is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and published without responsibility for errors and ommissions.

READ OUR Digital Edition @stjohnsmag.com

Good Vibes

Featured Local Business

Mad Bacon Golf Carts

Its the reason we are all here in St. Johns. The dream of the Florida Lifestyle, that idyllic place where the weather is fine all year long, where we sit outside to eat dinner and play, the beach is within reach, and the mood is good. Our featured local business, Mad Bacon Golf Carts gives St. Johns families a novel way to live the Florida dream and enjoy the outdoors by owning a golf cart of their own. Learn more about this family owned business in the May issue.

Photo by Ozzy Trevino Photography

As a therapist, I help clients from all walks of life feel, function, and communicate better; teaching them the skills they need to access their own resiliency and strength, empowering them to be their own best advocates and to mindfully create the lives they desire.

Mad Bacon Golf Carts:

Selling & Living the Dream of the Florida Lifestyle

Golf carts have become a part of the dream of the Florida lifestyle as more and more people in St. Johns are using them to visit friends, go to the pool, or just take a ride through one of the many beautiful neighborhoods. Cruising the neighborhood is a fun experience for the whole family.

Locals Kristy and Craig Riley are experts at making that dream accessible. The couple, who live with their family in St. Johns Golf & Country Club are the founders and co-owners of Mad Bacon Golf Carts where they help people purchase a golf cart, deliver it to them, and provide at-home repair services.

Photos by Ozzy Trevino Photography

Kristy and Craig have always had a simple goal in mind. “To spread happiness on four wheels by offering the joy of the golf cart experience.” As Kristy says, “It is such a fun way to get around!”

In the beginning, back in 2017, Kristy and Craig started selling refurbished golf carts out of their garage. They were talented and they understood how to build relationships with their customers and the business grew. Then, in 2022, the selfdescribed ‘serial entrepreneurs’ jumped at the chance to expand even more. When a retail location became available less than five minutes from their house, they opened a full showroom. Conveniently located less than 1/4 mile west of I-95 on County Road 210, they are located right next to Starbucks.

Both Kristy and Craig are not new at owning a business, having run several successful businesses over the last 20+ years, everything from private label sales on Amazon to a camper rental business to landscaping and of course, selling golf carts.

“One common element in every business we've run is stellar customer service. At the end of the day, the customer is who we report to and we have a solid track record of positive customer experiences.”

At the St. Johns showroom customers can test out Royal EV golf carts. As one of the best golf carts on the market, Royal Electric Vehicles come standard with many upgraded features such as lithium batteries, plush seats, custom rims and tires, extended roofs, headlights, tail lights, turn signals, top speeds of 30mph, and more.

Signature customer service combined with an ideal price point, same-day delivery, and onsite mobile repair in your own driveway, offers a seamless, five-star experience that customers value and rave about.

For Kristy and Craig, Mad Bacon Golf Carts is a family affair, a local mom-and-pop type of golf cart dealership, and their whole family is involved in the business. “If we're not at the shop, you can find us at a ball field most any night of the week! Our kids are very active in multiple sports and play alongside the kids in the St Johns community,” said Craig.

Have you ever wondered where they got their funny name? As Kristy and Craig explain it, when they tell people Mad Bacon is named after their kids, there is usually a pause. “Our kids are named Madeline, Baylor, and Connor AKA Mad Bay-Con,” and then there's an aha! moment. “People love it and it's a name they will always remember. This means we have to be on our A game at all times because if we screw up people will also not forget, haha!” And if you were wondering about those cute dogs in the pictures, they also got cute names. They go by "Motley" and "Crue,” a nod to Craig’s high school days when he looked like a member of a hair band.

Kristy and Craig agree that the best part of their job is doing deliveries. “It is typically a whole event for the customer, the neighbors all come outside and everyone gets excited waiting for our truck to show up! Cart envy is definitely a thing, and frequently neighbors start thinking about trading up when they realize they can get a brand new cart with a 3-year warranty and lithium batteries with prices starting at just under $10K."

Mad Bacon is a one-of-a-kind local business that truly sets itself apart with an amazing product, stellar customer service, and the family-owned vibe that characterizes everything they do. A fun fact about Craig is that he was so popular in high school he had an actual fan club. Meanwhile, Kristy in high school was a band nerd who actually went to band camp! Their popularity disparity has since evened out a bit.

To learn more about Mad Bacon Golf Carts visit the showroom at 1745 County Road 210, St. Johns; or go to www.madbacongolfcarts.com

At the end of the day, the customer is who we report to and we have a solid track record of positive customer experiences.

BEATPAC Performing Arts WE GLOW TOGETHER

St. Johns County's Performing Arts Camp

BeaTPAC is back for its 18th summer! Throughout the nearly two-decade tenure of this performing arts camp it has solidified its spot as the top arts camp in St John’s County. This summer will be no different than usual with non-stop singing, dancing, acting and so much more! This year’s theme is We Glow Together focused on collaboration, lifting each other up, and everything that glows. Camp will be held at Creekside High School for a 10day session June 19-23,26-30. BeaTPAC is open to rising 1st

graders through rising 9th graders. *Special Class for Rising 9th Graders: Preparing for High School Theatre. Pricing (for 2023 summer): The cost for one camper is $405, for two campers it is $ 740 total, for three campers it is $1085 total and for four campers the total cost is $1410. We have a norefund policy. Registration is still open and can be found at www.beatpac.com/2023registration or email contact@ beatpac.com for more information.

VyStar Credit Union

Supports

First Coast YMCA

The next time you’re in the gymnasium at the Brown Family YMCA in Ponte Vedra Beach, you may notice a new addition with a familiar name on it. VyStar Credit Union is generously supporting youth sports and other programs at the Brown Family YMCA with the donation of a new scoreboard and a new gymnasium divider curtain. The Brown Family YMCA serves hundreds of youth sports participants every year. Supporters like VyStar Credit Union help us provide a place to play for all children and teens, regardless of their ability to pay.

VyStar Credit Union is also the Official Military Partner of the First Coast YMCA. As an Armed Services YMCA affiliate, the First Coast YMCA provides designated programs and services for veterans and active-duty service members. With several military bases here in town, our First Coast community has always had a strong relationship to the military. Together with VyStar, the First Coast YMCA is committed to honoring them and equipping them with the resources they need to lead healthy lives.

In honor of May being Military Appreciation Month, the First Coast YMCA wants to say thank you to all the men and women who are serving or have served our country. For more on our offerings for the military community, please visit fcymca.org/military-outreach.

More Than a Name: Why Our Family Continues to Support the First Coast YMCA

by Tyler Brown

Do you remember what you wanted to be when you grew up? For me, starting when I was 10 years old, my dream was to become a professional golfer. A couple of my close friends and I were taking our golf very seriously and we knew if we wanted to play beyond high school, we needed to prioritize our physical fitness. Fortunately, the Ponte Vedra Beach YMCA had the resources we needed to strengthen our bodies and minds, helping us take our game to the next level.

Beyond my career ambitions, our family has always had a strong connection to both Ponte Vedra Beach and the YMCA. We all grew up here and my father was part of the team that brought the branch to fruition in 1999. It’s remarkable to see how it has grown over the past 24 years and we’ll continue to champion the YMCA. Our ongoing commitment is reflected in the branch now being named the Brown Family YMCA.

The reason we believe in the Y so much is because of the impact it has had, not only our family and those in Ponte Vedra, but on the larger First Coast community. We’re incredibly fortunate to have an abundance of resources at more than a dozen branches in the fivecounty area. Most cities don’t have that – they may have only one or two YMCA branches around town. But here, for more than 100 years, the First Coast YMCA has continually met families where they are and provided them with the opportunities they need to lead healthy lives.

That brings me back to the Y here in Ponte Vedra Beach. The changes that are planned here reflect the First Coast Y knowing their community’s needs. The Brown Family YMCA will be the first local Y to have outdoor pickleball courts, which shows how popular that sport is becoming. It will be ready soon. They’re also building an Airnasium to provide more space for

youth sports and outdoor workouts. The wellness floor, pool and locker rooms will also be upgraded. After the renovations are complete, the Brown Family YMCA will be able to serve thousands of additional people every year.

While those equipment and physical updates are important, it’s equally as critical to recognize how the YMCA serves as a haven for the next generation. As kids, my sister, Katie and I participated in many activities at the YMCA and now her children are doing the same. The branch is located right next to Landrum Middle School and across the street from Ocean Palms Elementary School. Kids from both schools have a safe and healthy outlet they can utilize, which is so important in cultivating their development and strengthening our community. The lessons they learn in teamwork, healthy eating, and discipline are character cornerstones they’ll use throughout their lives.

Making sure these resources are available to current and future generations requires the entire community’s support through strategic planning and funding. If you’re going to invest in something, why not do it for a cause that continually invests right back into its members? I can attest from first-hand experience the benefits the Y has brought my family me. If you haven’t had a chance to visit your local branch, please do yourself a favor and check it out. It’s more than just a gym; it’s an invaluable lifeline that helps make our community what it is today.

If you’re interested in joining our family in supporting what the YMCA is doing, please contact District Executive Director Charlie Chacos at cchacos@fcymca. org.

Cardiovascular care, in North St. Johns County

Ascension

In-person and virtual visits available

Don’t delay important care — especially care for your heart. From routine heart care to care for the unexpected or complex heart conditions, count on the specialists at Ascension Medical Group St. Vincent’s Cardiology in St. Johns. Our care teams listen to understand you and deliver the care that’s right for you. And we’re conveniently located at I-95 and CR210. Call us today to discuss a care plan that works for you and ask if a virtual visit is an option.

Amr Barakat, MD Cardiac Electrophysiology

George Dibu, MD Cardiology

Shailee Shah, MD Cardiology

By Diana Brummer MSW, LCSW Good Mental Health LLC

Motherhood is a rewarding experience that comes with a host of responsibilities. As a mother, it is easy to get lost in the tasks of caring for your children, managing your home, and maintaining a career. However, it is important to prioritize self-care in order to ensure that you are able to maintain your mental and physical health. Here are three important points to consider when it comes to motherhood and self-care.

Self-care is not selfish

One of the most common misconceptions about self-care is that it is selfish. As a mother, it is natural to put the needs of your family before your own. However, neglecting your own needs can lead to burnout, stress, and even physical health problems. Taking time for yourself is not only beneficial for you, but it also benefits your family. When you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to handle the challenges of motherhood and provide a positive and nurturing environment for your children.

Self-care looks different for everyone

Self-care is not a one-size-fits-all concept. What works for one mother may not work for another. It is important to identify what activities and practices

bring you joy and help you feel refreshed and recharged. This could be anything from taking a bubble bath, going for a run, reading a book, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in peace. It is important to schedule regular self-care activities into your routine, just as you would any other appointment or commitment.

Self-care requires boundaries

Setting boundaries is an important aspect of self-care. As a mother, it can be easy to feel like you need to be available to your family 24/7. However, it is important to establish boundaries around your time and energy in order to prioritize your own needs. This could mean saying no to social engagements or work commitments that conflict with your self-care routine or setting aside specific times of the day when you focus solely on yourself. By setting clear boundaries, you are able to communicate your needs to your family and ensure that you are able to maintain a healthy balance

between your responsibilities as a mother and your own self-care.

In conclusion, motherhood is a rewarding but challenging experience that requires intentional self-care. By prioritizing your own needs and setting clear boundaries, you are better equipped to handle the demands of motherhood and provide a positive and nurturing environment for your family. Remember, self-care is not selfish, and it looks different for everyone. Take the time to identify what works for you and make self-care a regular part of your routine.

Good Mental Health, LLC is a counseling and coaching practice located in St. Johns, Florida, offering individual, couples, and family counseling to adolescents and adults. With sessions available face-to-face and online, we hope to provide the tools and skills necessary to heal past wounds, grow healthy relationships, and build stronger families. For more information find us online at GoodMentalHealthLLC. com.

May fun things to do

ST

AUGUSTINE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3 AT 10 AM

A showcase of culinary, beverage, and culture that highlights celebrity guest chefs, celebrity winemakers/ proprietors, local chefs, artisans, and local craft spirits/beers. The festival offers a wide variety of events for all tastebuds, from wine dinners and tasting events to master classes and more. Renaissance World Golf Resort, 500 Legacy Trail.

MOTHER’S & SONS

Friday, May 5th to Sunday, May 7th

It's been 20 years since Andre died, and his mother, Katherine, still hasn't recovered from his loss. Her grief is still so heavy that she finds herself on the doorstep of Cal — Andre's former lover — now married to a different man and raising a young son. He's moved on, she's thinking bitterly. Why haven't I? At turns witty and powerful, Mothers and Sons is a story rooted in optimism. Like all engaging modern plays, it weaves funny dialogue with themes that are both provocative and heartfelt. Performances are held on Friday and

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

Friday, May 5th, 5-9

Join Art Galleries of St. Augustine for new exhibits, refreshments, and live music at many participating galleries. Tour maps are available at participating galleries or online. 904-824-2310 www. staaa.org/art-galleries-of-st-augustine

UNIDOS EN LA MUSICA

Saturday, May 6th. 10 am to 10 pm

A Latin America for a day filled with beautiful music, culture, and dance Somos Latinos!! Experience a day filled with Latin Music, Dance, Workshops, Art, Games, Vendor Market Area, Food & Adult Beverages! The event takes place in Francis Field from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission is $10 online or $15 at the gate, $60 for VIP, children 13 and under are free (for general admission only). 25 W. Castillo Dr., St. Augustine www.unidosenlamusica.com

MODERN AESTHETIC CENTERS (MAC) MOTHER DAY GALA

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 4 TO 7 PM

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 3 AT IMAX

Thursday, May 4th to Wednesday, 17th

Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill rallies his team to defend the universe and one of their own - a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 premieres will be showing will be in 3D format! Tickets are $14 adults/$13 seniors- studentsmilitary/ $11 children. World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater, 1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine. www. worldgolfimax.com

Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at The Waterworks, 184 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased at www. aclassictheatre.org

BARTRAM BASH

Saturday, May 6th, 10 am to 2 pm

Fun, fellowship and friends. Celebrate the first American-born Naturalist, William Bartram. Bartram explored the St. Johns River with his father identifying plants, opening a first look into Florida's interior. The festivities take place at Alpine Groves Park from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visitors will enjoy house tours, vendors and live music. 2060 SR 13 N., St. Johns. www.sjcfl.us/recreation

Enjoy roses, swag bags, live demos, food, wine & champagne and local vendors. For more information call 904 -526-7480. 2050 St. Johns Parkway, Suit 106, 32259

MOTHER'S DAY BRUNCH

Sunday, May 14th, 9 AM to 1 PM

St. Johns Golf & Country Club

Treat mom to a delightful brunch with a complimentary welcome cocktail and gift for mom, an elegant buffet featuring assorted salads, made-to-order omelets, a carving station, and more. Complete your experience with a stop by Unhinged for matching zapped mommy and me bracelets or just choose a special one for mom. Reservations available every 15 min between 9 AM-1 PM.

NOCATEE FARMER’S MARKET

Saturday, May 20th

10 am to 1 pm

Enjoy a traditional market with a unique theme. New and unique themes, activities, shows, and demonstrations for the entire family.Fresh locally grown produce and herbs as well as homemade jams, jellies, homebaked goods, hand-stitched quilts, plants, art, and pottery items.Nocatee Station Field, 400 Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra. visit www.facebook.com/ NocateeLiving

AS IF - 90’S FESTIVAL

Saturday, May 20th, 1 pm to 9:30 pm

Get ready to travel back in time because As If! The 90’s Fest is back for its third consecutive year! All things rad will take over Francis Field in downtown St. Augustine. Vanilla Ice will be the headline performer along with American alternative rock band, Spin Doctors. Along with a full line-up of performers, vendors, food trucks, a water slide, ‘fly’ photo booth, and more will be on hand. Admission ranges $5-$200. Francis Field, 25 Castillo Dr., St. Augustine. www. asifthe90sfest.com

MUSIC BY THE SEA CONCERT SERIES

Wednesday, May 24th, 7pm to 9 pm

Starting at 6 p.m., dinner is offered as an option for concertgoers. S A Pier, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. 904-347-8007 www. freebeachconcerts.com May 24 |

Those Guys | Classic & Southern Rock

DOLPHIN WALK AT VILANO BEACH

Thursday, May 25th, 7 pm to 8 pm

Join a St. Johns County Master Naturalist and Marineland

Dolphin Adventure for a guided beach walk to learn about the dolphins in our area. This free walk leaves from the Vilano Beach Pavilion at 7 p.m., reservations required. 2752 Anahma Dr., St. Augustine. 904-209-0752 www.sjcfl.us/ recreation

BALI HA'I DINNER & SHOW SJGCC

Friday, May 26th, 6 PM to 9 PM

Be transported to your own special island for a special dinner event. Each guest will be treated to an island experience from start to finish. Be welcomed with leis, wowed by fire dancers, and entranced by the hula as you listen to the sounds made famous by the Polynesian Islands. Tickets are $90 for members and $100 for nonmembers and include Cocktails & Hors d'Oeurves from 6-6:30 PM, Tax and gratuity added to final ticket cost. For guests 21 and over. www.stjohnsgolf.com

MEMORIAL DAY

MON, MAY 29TH

KEVIN LAO

Helping People Plan their Financial Future In Northern St. Johns

Why did you launch Imagine Financial?

Very simple. Money is personal. Unfortunately, big financial firms are turning to automation and cookie-cutter retirement plans, and it’s leading to a serious gap in how retirees and pre-retirees are getting advice. So, instead of working for wall street or a big bank, launching our own firm allows us to build deeper relationships with our clients and serve them better in retirement.

Why is Imagine Financial unique?

Our ability to help our clients with so much more than just investments. I remember at one of the previous big firms I worked for, I had an email flagged by compliance because I said the word “tax.” Every movement of money has a tax consequence. Wouldn’t it make sense to know what the tax consequences of a money movement are for a client? Well, if I asked 10 retirees or pre-retirees on the street if their advisor has reviewed their two most recent tax returns, how many would say yes? I’ll take a stab in the dark and say maybe one out of ten.

Who do you serve?

We serve everyday retirees and pre-retirees over age 50 who have diligently saved for retirement but have concerns about taxes, inflation, and longevity. Most of the families we serve live right here in Northeast Florida, and they are the classic millionaires next door. What’s top of mind for them is making the transition from earned income to passive income so they can spend more time with their grandkids and travel.

Why did you choose the topic of Saving money on Taxes during retirement for the event in May?

For those who have diligently saved up to this point, taxes are one of the biggest risks to their retirement income plan. The government has printed money at an alarming rate since 2009, and if you couple this with unfunded government liabilities like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, increasing taxes is highly likely. However, we still have a few more years left of low tax brackets, thanks to the TCJA of 2017, so there are planning opportunities you can take advantage of now before it’s too late!

What are some of the other services you provide?

Our core three services are customized investment management, tax planning, and retirement income planning. We also help clients who have goals to leave a financial legacy to children or grandchildren do this in a way that is most tax efficient. Especially for blended families who have a mix of children from current and previous marriages. My wife and I both grew up in a blended family, and I have a strong passion for helping these individuals with their retirement and estate plans.

To learn more about Kevin’s event or register for the event visit imaginefinancialsecurity.com/events OR Call or Text us at (904) 323-2069

One of the nation’s fastest-growing homebuilders, Dream Finders Homes is offering an exciting new vision for 55+ living at its Reverie at TrailMark community in St. Johns County. The gated enclave has just celebrated the opening of The Retreat, the comprehensive amenity complex that showcases the active lifestyle that has already helped produce over 200 home sales since the community’s introduction.

Locally operated Dream Finders Homes, the official homebuilder of the PGA TOUR, is active in eight states and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DFH). Reverie at TrailMark is one of five communities developed under the company’s Active Adult Lifestyle division.

Lakeside amenity complex now open

The Retreat is at the heart of the friends, fitness, and good times at Reverie at TrailMark’s 55+ lifestyle. It is an impressive lakeside complex featuring a rustic clubhouse with fireplace, catering kitchen, freeform tropical pool with lap lanes and spa, and six tournament-style pickleball courts, along with a fire pit, bocce courts and community trails. The 4,600-squarefoot clubhouse is home for event space for celebrations, plus a full calendar of clubs and groups, dances, fitness activities, and more. In addition to their private amenities, residents of Reverie at TrailMark can also take advantage of a variety of outdoor social and recreational facilities offered in the TrailMark community, including more than 24 miles of trails, and a kayak and canoe launch on navigable Sixmile

Creek. In addition, TrailMark is an all-ages community, so Reverie residents could have adult children and grandchildren living close by.

Enviable St. Johns County location

Reverie at TrailMark enjoys an ideal location in St. John’s County. It’s a paradise waiting to be explored – from the Jacksonville Zoo’s awardwinning Jaguar exhibit and St. Augustine’s charming Historic District to championship golf and pristine Atlantic beaches.

The community is convenient to the interstate and international airports, top-rated healthcare facilities and hospitals including the worldrenowned Mayo Clinic. World-class centers for arts and culture, shopping, recreation, entertainment, and continuing education abound. Over 100 area restaurants include inspired cuisine by 19 chefs on America’s Best Chef list. A golf mecca, nearby courses include the PGA World Golf Hall of Fame, King & Bear, and TPC Sawgrass, among others.

Extraordinary new home value

Active adults are invited to tour four decorated model homes at Reverie at TrailMark. A second phase of the community has been recently released with new single-family homes available in 12 floorplans – priced from $359,990.

Each home is designed to feature natural light and elevate outdoor living with all the comforts of home: open home designs, private owner’s suites and attractive entertaining spaces. Front porches and shaded lanais beckon residents to enjoy an afternoon nap or an evening meal with friends.

Complementing the efficient design of the homes is the convenience of a low-maintenance lifestyle including common-area maintenance and landscaping. Along with the peace of mind provided by the gated entry, this facilitates seasonal occupancy and a carefree, lock-andleave lifestyle for active adults on the go.

Reverie at TrailMark is located at 50 Rustic Mill Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32092. For information, call 386.749.3059 or visit ReverieAtTrailMark. com.

pets r family

full-service veterinary care, boarding, & grooming

we’re your other family doctor!

Pets R Family is a full-service 11,000 square foot Veterinary Hospital nestled in a private and serene wildlife preserve. Family-owned and operated right here in St. John’s, we are NOT a corporate veterinary facility — no pre-designed packages or sales tactics here!

We believe in treating all pets with love, care, and compassion. Our large team of doctors, technicians, and customer service members are at your service to provide you with the very best care and experience.

hospital services

kennel services

• Pups N Play social day care

• Pet birthday parties

• Long-term and short-term boarding care

• Hospital boarding for pets with special needs

• Professional grooming and bathing services

• State-of-the-art medical facility

• Experienced team of compassionate doctors and veterinary technicians

• Same-day sick appointments available

• Home visits available by appointment

• Premium veterinary-grade pet food

• Full pharmacy

• Teeth cleanings and dentistry

• Specialty care including ultrasounds, thermal imaging, and K-Laser treatments

BEFORE & AFTER GROOM: CALL

Take advantage of our loyalty program, appointment scheduling, reminders, and more. Download the app to start earning rewards today!

www.petsrfamilyvet.com

A Message From The Vet by

Dr. Deckard, DVM, Pets

R

Family

My Pet has Vomiting and Diarrhea... }

Most of our pets have had an upset stomach manifested as either not eating, vomiting, or diarrhea at one time or another. When it happens, pet parents are left to wonder if they should be concerned. There are many possibilities as to why this is happening and there are some key points to consider when deciding whether to seek medical attention or to try some therapy at home first.

Gastrointestinal signs can be commonly caused by stress, eating a foreign body, garbage ingestion, intestinal parasites, viruses, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, medication side effects, cancer, and less commonly other causes. Looking at your pet’s history can be helpful in trying to figure out the most likely diagnosis. Recent stresses in the pet’s environment, a change in diet of any kind, or paying close attention to signs that become chronic can provide a clue as to the possible causes.

One of the first things to assess is how long the problem has been happening, as well as the frequency of the vomit and/or diarrhea. Pets can become dehydrated quickly if not replacing their losses and their electrolytes can become dramatically affected which can make them more ill. Also, a little bit of blood in diarrhea or vomit is common, but any

Should I be Worried?

more than that should raise concern and you should seek medical attention.

Diarrhea by itself, without a large volume of loss, can be treated conservatively for a day or so without any big concern. Signs along with that such as not eating, vomiting, lethargy or blood in the stool should be addressed with an exam. One of the first things to do is to start feeding a bland diet such as plain chicken and rice or a prescription gastrointestinal diet along with a probiotic. The bland diet may be just enough to get your pet on the road to recovery.

Vomiting more than one time is always something that should be addressed with your veterinarian. If your pet just vomited one time, you could try fasting for 12-24 hours to see if the signs resolve. Once the fast is over, if no further vomiting has occurred, you can try feeding small amounts of a bland diet. Ongoing vomiting prevents giving food or fluids that can help your pet recover which results in faster dehydration. Based on the age of your pet, exam findings, and clinical history, your veterinarian will likely want to run some tests to help determine how to treat.

Recommended tests for a patient with gastrointestinal signs include but

are not limited to abdominal x-rays, a chemistry profile, complete blood count, electrolytes, cPL (pancreatitis test), parvo test, fecal testing, giardia test, abdominal ultrasound, and a barium study. Once a diagnosis is made, or at least ruling out more serious problems that require surgery, treatment may be able to be handled on an outpatient basis or could call for hospitalization. Treatment typically involves intravenous or subcutaneous fluids, anti-nausea medication, acid blockers, pain medications if indicated, +/- antibiotics, and a bland diet.

Patients with chronic problems that haven’t really been bad enough to require testing or treatment, should be evaluated for possible causes. It is very probable that something simple can be done to help your pet long term. Sometimes a simple diet change or a medication to help with gastritis is all that is required to alleviate the signs. If stress seems to be playing a role, anti-anxiety medications may be helpful.

Keeping a journal of your pet’s eating habits and clinical signs can be very helpful for your veterinarian to find the right diagnostic path to follow.