Wellness360 Magazine March/April 2022

March/April 2022 • Volume 6 • Issue 6 wellness360magazine.com

Alachua County's

BEST FRIENDS Meet 10 Local Pets and Their Owners!

TEARS AND TRIUMPHS

WITH OVARIAN CANCER

MINIMIZE SHIN SPLINTS

WITH THIS RUNNING STYLE

3 TIPS TO KEEP ANXIETY AT BAY WHILE AT THE DOCTOR

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The information found in Wellness360 Magazine does not constitute individualized medical advice. You must NOT rely on the information in this magazine as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional health care provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional health care provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information in this publication. Wellness 360 Magazine assumes no responsibility for any circumstances arising out of the use, misuse, interpretation or application of any information supplied within the magazine. Always consult with your doctor for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing and care recommendations. Do not rely on information on in this magazine as a tool for self-diagnosis. You exercise your own judgment when using or purchasing any product highlighted in Wellness360 Magazine. Wellness 360 Magazine assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this publication or other documents that are referenced by or linked to this publication.

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features

20 Local Pets and Their Owners

From rescues to therapy animals, these pet lovers are sharing what makes their relationship with their animals so special!

41 A Tale of Two Lives

Learn about the stories of two local women. One that has survived through ovarian cancer and one that fought a brave battle.

ON THE COVER

This issue we dedicate to all those special pets that we love and complete our lives.

We reached out to the Alachua County community and connected with 9 pet owners and their amazing companions. We got the inside scoop on their friendship and learned what makes their special bond so strong. Make sure to check out some of our additional pet stories, including activity tips and foods to avoid.

Cover photo by Tanya Consaul Photography

CONNECT WITH US /wellness360magazine @wellness360mag @wellness360mag /wellness360mag WELLNESS360 | MARCH/APRIL 2022

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MARCH/APRIL 2022

in every issue HEALTH 14 White Coat Syndrome: What Is It and Do I Have It?

FITNESS 16 Running in Reverse 18 Time to Trash the Tips?

When “What to Do” Isn’t Enough

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NUTRITION 32 An Apple A Day Keeps the Vet Away

34 Don't Let Your Pets Eat This

LIFESTYLE 37 Go With The Flow With Fido: Enjoy These Water Activities With Your Pup!

ASK THE EXPERT 46 Ask the Dog Groomer

MIND MATTERS

Meet Alissa Dragstedt With a life-long love of horses, Alissa currently balances a busy dental practice, family life and time for her equine companions.

She shares with us how horses have helped keep her healthy and happy!

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Death Cleaning

FINANCE 50 Money Mindfulness

COMMUNITY 56 We Tried It! Birdwatching 58 Calendar

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Spotlight 360 photo by Footstone Photography

48 The Power of Swedish

53 SPOTLIGHT360:

SUN COUNTRY

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Editor's Note

Photo by Tanya Consaul Photography

sunny days in gainesville We had another year around the sun with our furry friends.

As the years have gone by, I have noticed them slowing down a bit. They were guesstimated to be about seven when we got them, making them almost 50 in people years. We adopted them after their owner suddenly passed away, so their age wasn’t 100% confirmed. Today that would make them about 77 in people years.

The relationship humans and their pets have is undeniably special. Sometimes, it is hard to tell who rescued who, as the love between them blossoms despite obstacles and challenges. Our 10 featured pets, their people and the unbreakable bond they share is demonstrated in this special 2022 pet issue. The heartwarming, unconditional love between pet and human can brighten the darkest day and shows us what life is all about.

They travel, sleep and lounge in a pair, never too far from one another. They each have distinct personalities and needs, but, when separated too long, they look for each other.

Pacing the house, sniffing around corners and sometimes even with a panicked look in their eyes. My youngest son recently mentioned he was worried about them when one passes. Would the other be sad? Would they need a friend?

Would they be OK? Just like us, our pets need their “person” or their “pet” as in our case. While we won’t be able to take the place of Jack or Jill for the other one, when their time comes to pass, we can only be there to create joy and comfort and continue to be a source of love for them, as they are for us. We have created a special bond through the years that I hope they have felt as much as we have.

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Health

White Coat Syndrome: What Is It and Do I Have It?

BY SARAH SEPE

Sitting in a waiting room for a doctor’s appointment is a nervewracking experience. In fact, it’s so intense, the Cleveland Clinic reports that one of every three Americans avoid going to the doctor – even when they think they need medical attention – due to the intense anxiety felt when there.

What happens when these feelings of anxiety not only affect you mentally, but physically as well?

White coat syndrome, or the white coat effect, is when one’s blood pressure readings are higher when taken in a medical setting than they are when taken in other settings where you’re more comfortable, like at home, according to Healthline.

People who have had negative experiences while at the doctor are more prone to having anxiety while in medical settings.

This anxiety can increase your blood pressure reading.

The way white coat syndrome is viewed in the medical community has slightly shifted as more people have experienced it. The old thinking process was that if, once you left the doctor, your blood pressure dropped back to normal, you were good to go. However, this is no longer the case.

According to an article written by Dr. Sheldon Sheps for Mayo Clinic, a white coat syndrome diagnosis is now seen as a signal that you’re at risk of developing high blood pressure as a long-term condition rather than a fluke at the doctor’s office.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that people diagnosed with white coat syndrome had a higher risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, heart disease and various other heart conditions.

While there are no medical treatments for white coat syndrome, multiple medical websites advise the following precautions (listed on right) to help overcome the anxiety that comes with doctor visits.

1. Watch What You Eat

Eating sodium-laden foods and drinking multiple cups of coffee are two food categories that increase nerves and blood pressure. Try to “eat clean,” meaning whole foods and lots of water, the day of your doctor’s appointment. Knowing you have taken this extra step may ease some of the stress.

2. Practice Meditation

Meditation is a centuries-long practice that has been proven time and time again to reduce stress and anxiety.

The National Institutes of Health says: “Research has confirmed a myriad of health benefits associated with the practice of meditation. These include stress reduction, decreased anxiety, decreased depression … physiological benefits include reduced heart rate, reduced blood pressure.”

With today’s technology, you have access to thousands of instructional videos on this subject if you are new to meditation.

3. Sit Alone in the Waiting Room

This one sounds simple (because it is) but sitting in a crowded waiting area certainly is not the ideal way to lower one’s nerves. Try to find a quiet corner in the room and sit with your thoughts – maybe even put your headphones in and play a meditation clip.

After visiting the doctor, continue checking your blood pressure during different times of the day to make sure that hypertension is not an issue.

According to the National Institute on Aging, Normal blood pressure for most adults is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 and a diastolic pressure of less than 80.

*If you experience white coat syndrome, talk to your doctor about your risks and what you can do to prevent developing high blood pressure.

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Fitness

Running in Reverse

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES, CF-L1

Running - some people love it, some people hate it. But have you ever tried doing it in reverse?

That’s right, backwards running is becoming increasingly popular, with a 50% increase in 2021, according to a study published by PureGym, a U.K. based chain of health clubs.

WHAT IS REVERSE RUNNING?

Also known as backwards running, retro running and running backwards, reverse running is as simple as its name - running in reverse. Quite literally, running backwards.

IS THIS NEW? I’VE NEVER HEARD OF IT.

Reverse running has been around for a long time but is currently gaining popularity as a fitness trend. Europe (especially Italy) along with China and other countries have a healthy community of reverse runners. While there are currently only two backward running race events in the United States, backward race running is much more robust elsewhere.

*Consult your provider before starting any new fitness program to ensure it is appropriate for you.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Reverse running is popular in physical therapy to help rehab patients with hip, groin, joint, knee, hamstring and low back injuries. The reverse running pattern taxes muscles in a different way than forward running and is easier on the knees.

The University of Oregon compiled 25 years worth of data to conclude that standard running is only 80% as difficult as backwards running. They also determined that reverse running helps improve posture, allows the lungs to operate more efficiently and helps the joints absorb the shock better than forward running. What’s more, backwards running helps with shin splints (a common ailment among runners) as well as burning one third more calories than traditional forward running. Reverse running can help build muscle balance by developing the opposing muscles to forward running. This helps prevent injury and the overdevelopment of certain muscle groups.

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HOW DO I INCORPORATE REVERSE RUNNING INTO MY ROUTINE?

While some super athletes like Timothy “Just Call Me Bud” Badyna hold world records for running backwards in the 5K, 10K, 200 yard and marathon distances, adding some shorter distances can still be beneficial.

Runner’s World recommends starting with two to four 30 second intervals to get used to the motion. As you become more comfortable and proficient, you can increase the time, distance or speed. You can incorporate backwards running as you would with speed intervals to switch things up and challenge your body in new ways.

Running provides many benefits such as cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strengthening and stress relief. Reverse running is an interesting spin on traditional running that can provide numerous health benefits as well as a break in a sometimes monotonous running routine.

Start your reverse running routine on a flat, predictable surface (such as a track). Go slowly while you get the hang of it and be aware of your surroundings and any potential obstacles.

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Fitness

Time to Trash the Tips?

When “What to Do” Isn’t Enough

BY TED SPIKER

TED TALKS THE HUMOROUS SIDE OF HEALTH

Ted Spiker (@ProfSpiker) is the chair of the University of Florida Department of Journalism, as well as a health and fitness writer.

He is the author of DOWN SIZE, a book about the science and soul of weight loss and dieting.

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In my role as a health writer, I’ve read, researched, and/or written hundreds—maybe thousands—of wellness tips. Do this. Do that. Don’t do this. Don’t, for the love of guacamole, ever eat 11 mashed avocados in 43 seconds.

Tricks. Strategies. Actions.

Hacks. They’re the steps you can take to improve your health. When they come from well-meaning and wellinformed sources, these tips can lay the foundation for behavior change, give you ideas for small things you can do to alter your biology, and help you control your health destiny. They can and do help.

we all put too much emphasis on the fleeting “what to do” information and inspiration.

Maybe we need to spend more time on the deep-in-the-gut drive (you’ll find it right next to the digested enchiladas) that propels us to make decisions, to engage in healthy behaviors, to inspire us to slam off the 6 a.m. snooze button and slide on the sneakers.

But I need another tip like I need another roll in the throat.

I’ve spent a lot of time researching and writing about health motivation. Research has shown us that people who are intrinsically motivated to engage and continue an activity tend to have these three things—autonomy (they have some sense of control over what they do), competence (they have some success doing it), and relatedness (they can connect with others as some part of the process).

I mean, I feel like I accumulate tips the way I accumulate adipose tissue—it’s been a long life of storage indeed.

And maybe I don’t need any of the other things that come along with those tips, like the Instagrammable mantras or influencer recipes.* Maybe

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Here, I don’t have the space to unpack something as complex and important as the “why” that drives us. I don’t know your “why” and don’t pretend that a fancy app or cool toy can be THE ANSWER! WE’VE BEEN! SEARCHING FOR! I constantly fight a battle between sweat and sweets, and that’s the tension that tortures my “why” even when I know what to do. In the end, I know that one simple idea or instruction can ignite a fire, but the question is and always be: What’s the thing that will keep stoking it? *Strike that—I dig the easy baked-cheese-and-pickle concoction I saw on TikTok.

TWINKLE TOES

QUEEN OF PEACE

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Alachua County's

BEST FRIENDS PHOTOGRAPHY BY TANYA CONSAUL PHOTOGRAPHY AND ANISSA DIMILTA

Whether you are a horse lover, a feline fanatic or a true pup parent, there is nothing quite like the unconditional love of a pet–something these Alachua County residents are more than aware of! From rescues to therapy animals, these pet lovers are sharing what makes their relationship with their animals so special!

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ALACHUA COUNTY'S BEST FRIENDS

Sunny with owner

Nicki Golden Sunny is a retired 3-year-old thoroughbred racehorse, who raced in New Jersey and Florida.

Her last race was in September of 2021 and I adopted her in October.

Her registered Jockey Club name is "Third Time Around" and that will also be her show name with me as well. Since retiring from her racing career, Sunny has had some time to rest and has started training to be a show jumper.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've wanted a horse of my own! I've trained and ridden horses for the majority of my life, but Sunny is the first horse I have owned. I'm so grateful to be able to retrain her for her second career as a show horse.

Racehorses generally retire between the ages of 2-5 years old, but on average horses live to be 30. They have a long life to live after retiring and there are so many that are still looking for their second home!

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CAMP RUN-A-MUTT

CAGE-FREE DOG DAYCARE AND BOARDING PARADISE

D o e s y o u r pCAMP u p n e e dRUN-A-MUTT a vacation from the empty house while you work, a getaway f r o m y o u r e n d l e sSPOTLIGHT s zoom meetings or maybe just a safe, clean and fully super vised place to socialize with tons of FURRiends?

If so, look no further – award-winning Camp Run-A-Mutt is a completely cagefree dog daycare and cage-free boarding paradise where your dog can romp with FURRiends, chill out with buddies on dog-friendly furniture or catch some rays with the gang on our clean cool t u r f ! Yo u r w a t e r- l o v i n g p u p c a n s p l a s h t o h e r h e a r t ’s c o n t e n t i n o u r c u s t o m water feature! The best part of your pup playing at Camp Run-A-Mutt is that you can watch all the fun from your phone or computer on our Muttcams.

All campers are at least 12 weeks old, are fully vaccinated against rabies, b o r d e t e l l a , l e p t o s p i r o s i s , d i s t e m p e r,

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par vovirus and canine influenza virus (H3N2 and H3N8) and have passed a temperament test. The temperament test consists of you watching your pup meet humans and other dogs so that we can ensure that he or she enjoys their time in the yard! Campers older than 7 months must be neutered or spayed. Once dogs spend at least six hours in the play yard, they are eligible to board with us in our living room-style boarding space where they e n j o y a l l n i g h t T V PAW t i e s w i t h o u r excellent trained staff...did we mention that we don’t do cages?

Come join our CRAMily! Call us today at 352-226-8282 for more information or to book a temperament test appointment for your pup – we guarantee that he or she will love you FURever! Mention that you saw us in We l l n e s s 3 6 0 a n d w e ’ l l g i v e y o u r p u p a free first day of play!

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ALACHUA COUNTY'S BEST FRIENDS

Ted Ruxin with owner

David Rountree

I adopted Ted when I needed a friend more than ever. Our relationship truly exemplifies the saying "Who Rescued Who." I adopted Ted from the Humane Society after he was found wandering Gainesville at the age of one or two years (they were unable to determine his actual age). I walked in and we instantly connected.

I wanted a Jack Russell because I always heard stories about how high energy they are. If you knew me back then, that was the perfect match for my personality. But that's not what I got. Now at 10-11 years old, he is what I affectionately call a "cat-dog" as he sits around all day, sleeps wherever he wants, is very reserved until he gets to know you, and chooses when he wants to play. He's legitimately one of my best friends!

He has taught me how to slow down and appreciate life around me. He knows when I just need a friend and will come sit on my lap because deep inside I think he needs it too. Now don't get me wrong, he's a little hunter so lizards, moles and opossums beware! He's literally everything to me, even when our now similar cat personalities want some space. We've learned to coexist and that's why we both rescued each other.

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ALACHUA COUNTY'S BEST FRIENDS

Ned with owner

Coleen Tomlinson

Ned is a 10.5-year-old bull terrier. Ned has a condition called pica, which causes him to eat inappropriate objects.

In spite of constant supervision, inevitably he will ingest something—everything is a tasty morsel to him (roll of Velcro, Hacky Sack ball, bamboo husks, gloves, flip-flops, feminine products, Christmas decorations, shoes, bandages, plastic, plants, buttons, money, belts, his collar, food bowls, massive amounts of grass, wood chips, plastic bags, empty pill bottles, underwear, socks, blankets, towels, stuffed toys, rope, couch, slippers, pieces of balls, e-collar/cone, buckles, books ... the list goes on!) He plans his attack and he is like a little doggie ninja. Nothing is safe! He has had a total of five surgeries — four surgeries to remove a foreign body, with the fourth one resulting in removal of 20% of his intestinal tract and then a surgery—which resulted in removal of another 20% of his intestines due to severe complications and eventual sepsis.

Ned almost died on three separate occasions during December 2015 - January 2016. In fact, during that fifth surgery, the surgeon called me mid-surgery to let me know the complications were extensive and that he probably would not survive. I told them to do everything possible for him—he is a bully after all! When he was in ICU for two weeks, I was allowed to sneak into his cage and lay with him.

Ned has cost thousands of dollars in vet care. Many wonder why and how he is still alive and with me today ... and here is why: he is my dog who I love and fiercely protect. I made a LIFETIME commitment to him, and it is my role to literally protect him from himself! I have never and will never give up on him.

Caring for him includes Ned wearing a muzzle, as he is not a candidate for further surgery. This protects him from eating things he shouldn’t (although recently there have been a few close calls from his ingestion of something through his muzzle).

He wears a muzzle because I would rather see him ALIVE with a muzzle than dead without one. I keep a hefty supply of hydrogen peroxide on hand for those times he manages to successfully sneak and eat something. He does get supervised time without his muzzle, but I have to watch him every minute. His veterinarian (also my bestie) is on speed dial, and Ned pretty much has back-door privileges at his veterinary hospital! It never occurred to me to re-home him or euthanize him because of his unique characteristics ... again, because he is MY dog ... and I am his person ... for life.

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Follow Ned on Instagram!

ALACHUA COUNTY'S BEST FRIENDS

Oliver with owner

Jen Martin

We were so excited to welcome Oliver into the family in 2019. I own Sage Wellness, a mental health counseling office and Andrew owns Comprehensive Dental Care, a dental office. We knew we wanted to provide opportunities for our patients to experience the healing properties of having an animal around.

Being around and petting an animal helps to reduce blood pressure and stress, and we believed this would be a great benefit to our clientele.

When Oliver was born, he was chosen because he has a calm and gentle temperament. As a puppy, he would go to the dental office every day to greet patients in the waiting room and have exposure to a wide variety of noises, people of different ages and equipment. As Oliver has grown up, he has participated in different obedience training programs and is a therapy dog in training.

He participates in some animal-assisted therapy at Sage Wellness. This means he comes into the counseling room with me and the client. The client is encouraged to interact with him and use him as support during the session.

We also can use their experience with Oliver as a correlate to then discuss how they experience trust, vulnerability, comfort in their life with other people and animals. When clients see Oliver, we see a lot of smiles! People are so excited to meet him and share about their own furry loved ones.

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ALACHUA COUNTY'S BEST FRIENDS

Razor with owner

Jenny Bhatia

The Italian greyhound is known for its speed, big personality and extreme playfulness. But owners of the breed will tell you they are star couch potatoes, super affectionate and the epitome of a lap dog. Razor spends his day in a lap or nuzzled up next to a human. He is the center of our family's attention at home and is the king of snuggle. He greets us when we arrive home every day as if we were sent from heaven, even if we've been gone for ten minutes. This behavior is so good for our self-worth as he makes sure we know we are loved unconditionally.

We researched pups that didn't shed much because we have a house full of people with pet allergies. The Italian greyhound kept coming up in our search, over and over, then we found Razor. When I picked Razor up in Brooksville in 2013, he was timid and scared of everything. Once he arrived at his forever home and discovered a lap and a warm blanket, he found peace and confidence. Little did we know that he would become so connected with us and a huge part of our family life.

Razor's big win was when the kids came home during the pandemic. Then, every day, all day, a lap for a snuggle. Nowadays, he is rarely by himself, and now he even travels with us for vacation.

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ALACHUA COUNTY'S BEST FRIENDS

Mini with owner

Norma Berger

Mini was adopted in July 2012 as a kitten when we were camping. The family next to us were looking for homes for two kittens and my partner fell in love with her. We had his sweet old dog with us and the two also seemed to get along, so she came home with us. The little girl made us promise to keep her name, but we changed the spelling to Mini from Minnie. Little did we know how big she would be as an adult cat (13 pounds now)!

She was a little terror as a kitten and he affectionately called her Ragnarok (the cataclysmic destruction of the cosmos and everything in it in Norse mythology).

She grew to be an adventurous, friendly, affectionate cat who owns our corner of the neighborhood (we tried but could not keep her inside). She doesn't like other cats (or dogs, anymore) but she loves humans and will climb onto anyone's lap.

She hates being picked up though, or petted in the wrong way, so watch out if you make a mistake!

Years ago, she would go on long adventures that had me very worried about her, so I put a GPS tracker on her that saved her a couple of times from being missing for long. She kept losing them though, and now seems happy to stick closer to home. She really enjoys potlucks and playing with laser beams, and just recently has taken a liking to catnip in her older age.

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ALACHUA COUNTY'S BEST FRIENDS

Kenzie with owner

Melissa Johnson

I never had a pet before I adopted Kenzie, and she has completely rocked my world. Kenzie (racing name "Can't Stop Desire") retired from racing in Sanford in late 2016. We met at a local greyhound meet-and-greet in January 2017.

She was the last of her crew to get adopted (she was a bit smaller and had a bad muzzle scar on her snoot). It was a scary start. I live in a second floor apartment, and like many retired greyhounds, she had never seen stairs before.

Carrying her 60 pounds up and down stairs for two weeks before she'd get comfortable using them was a trial! (also, my back—yowza!!)

Fast forward to now, and she's my partner in almost everything. She travels with me almost everywhere within driving distance. She loves hotels and exploring new places. She thinks she's human–she has no idea she's a dog. She doesn't care about toys or other animals, not even squirrels or rabbits. She's obsessed with ice cream and chicken nuggets (Chick-fil-A or Publix popcorn chicken, please), car rides, naps in awkward positions and strutting on the beach.

Kenzie and I have gotten involved in two really important programs together: therapy work through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and the Canine Blood Donor Program at UF Vet Med. As a therapy dog team (pre-COVID), we volunteered at local hospitals and retirement homes, but her favorite place by far is at UF. Kenzie has changed my life so much in the five years we've been together, and I'm also so happy that we've been able to impact others through our therapy work and the blood donor program. She has volunteered at the UF Libraries– especially during stressful periods like exam weeks–and held regular office hours for my students in the UF Honors Program. In fact, she even has her own staff bio and official nametag: http://www.honors.ufl.edu/about/honors-staff/ therapy-dogs/. We are really hoping to resume therapy work on campus soon, once it feels safer as she tends to draw a large crowd.

The Canine Blood Donor Program is also amazing. Kenzie has been a part of that for over three years, and we've received several notes about the direct impact of Kenzie's donations to help other dogs at the UF Small Animal Hospital. Kenzie loves getting spoiled by the Vet Med staff, as well as by me, after she has donated!

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Dexter

+ L ylah

ALACHUA COUNTY'S BEST FRIENDS

with owners

Brittany Kalbaugh and Jim Asp

Lylah came into my (Brittany) life when I was a sophomore in college as a gift from my grandmother! Lylah is a very sweet and loving 9-year-old Great Dane who loves cuddling in bed and burying her head in your lap. Lylah is also a very sensitive soul and is one of the easiest going dogs I have ever owned. Although she has a sweet disposition, she has no issue putting her brother in place when he decides to test her limits!

Dexter is a HURRICANE. He is the complete opposite of Lylah in regard to energy and listening skills! Dexter is a very sweet and needy boy who can't stand when he is not getting attention. Although he is a bit crazy, he has managed to bring out Lylah's youth and they love to romp around our yard together.

LYLAH

DEXTER

WELLNESS360 | MARCH/APRIL 2022

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Zoey

ALACHUA COUNTY'S BEST FRIENDS

with owners

Nicole and Julia Sands

Zoey was rescued from a hoarding house. By the time rescuers got into the house, she was one of only a few cats left alive. She was severely malnourished and had ear and eye infections. She was taken to the ACAS where she stayed for a month but was not adopted. A rescue operation spayed her, clipped her ear and took her back near the house where she was rescued with the intent that she would be a feral cat, but she’d never lived outside. My friend who lived across from the hoarding house found her there, frozen with fear.

She took her in and posted a picture of her on Facebook. It was love at first sight for me.

I wasn’t sure if I could keep her because I already had another cat and wasn’t sure they’d get along. I took her home as a trial and took her to the vet. They told me she is a special needs cat with chronic health issues from her first year of neglect. I wept for her, for all she’d been through and with not knowing if I could keep her, who would? Luckily my cat came around, I knew I would keep her and I’d never let anything happen to her again.

After a few months I learned she would need to have all of her teeth removed. The vet warned me that if she didn't learn how to eat soon after, she would need a feeding tube.

Within 20 minutes of coming home after her surgery, Zoey was at her food bowl eating. That's who Zoey is. With every challenge, and every excuse to be miserable, she always chooses joy.

She is now fat and happy and a joyful companion. I’m the luckiest person to have her in my life.

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Pet Wellness Starts with Routine Care Now more than ever, we realize what a gift our fur family truly is. There is so much to gain from being a pet parent — including powerful health benefits.

Studies show that dogs reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and improve your all-around health.

But all that awesomeness comes with huge responsibility. A healthy diet, timely vet visits, tons of exercise, and plenty of love are only part of the job. Many pup parents don’t know about the regular maintenance their dog needs to stay clean and healthy. Basic hygiene and routine grooming are critical to the comfort and well-being of every dog and are an essential part of maintaining their overall health.

Scenthound offers an easy and affordable way for dog parents to get the preventive care their pups need to stay clean, comfortable, and healthy. We believe you should only pay for what you need, so we divide our services into three parts (bath, haircut, and blow-dry) allowing you to pick what's best for your pup — and your wallet. Our monthly memberships get your dog

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No matter which you choose, the Basic Hygiene package is the foundation of all Care Club memberships and includes a bath, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and teeth brushing — the routine care all dogs need. We also offer blow-drying, haircuts, and services like gland expression, shedding, plaque reduction, and flea/tick treatments.

Differentiated from traditional dog grooming that focuses on breed-specific styling, Scenthound provides a unique approach with a focus on routine care in five core areas: Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails, and Teeth (SCENT). We're about health, not just haircuts, so we do a 6-point wellness check at every visit to help you stay educated and empowered when it comes to your dog's health.

Scenthound provides the basic hygiene and routine care that every dog needs, so you can love a clean, healthy dog. Stop by or call Scenthound Gainesville SW in the Haile Publix Market Square to learn more!

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Nutrition

An Apple A Day Keeps The Vet Away!

BY JULIA BAUER

We’re sure you’ve heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Whether you prefer Gala, Granny Smith or Golden Delicious, they’re full of fiber and vitamin C. Not only is this nutritious fruit good for us, but it’s good for our canine companions, too!

In addition to vitamin C, apples provide vitamin A, potassium and antioxidants, according to the American Kennel Club.

As a source of fiber, they can regulate you and your pet’s digestion. This sweet snack is the perfect treat for your dog.

Depending on the size of your pet, anything from a small cube to a slice or two will suffice. Too much apple can cause discomfort or diarrhea.

Feeding your pet apples can also help maintain their dental health. As they chew away at this crisp fruit, they’ll clean their pearly whites without knowing. However, apples are not a replacement for your pet’s necessary dental care. Apple peels can potentially get stuck in your pup’s teeth – and flossing them may be a challenge! You can remove the peel to make it easier for them to enjoy.

Always wash apples before sharing with your pet. This eliminates bacteria and pesticides. Also, be sure to avoid feeding them the seeds. There is a small amount of cyanide in apple seeds, which is toxic to us and our furry friends.

If you or your pet prefer a less crunchy texture, unsweetened applesauce is an alternative your dog can occasionally indulge in.

Next time you reach for your daily apple, consider giving a slice to your playful pooch.

Always check with your veterinarian before adding any foods to your pet’s diet.

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Gainesville photographer capturing images of families, kids, pets, commercial, events and much more! tconsaul@gmail.com • 585.749.8261 • tconsaul.com Be social and join me online!

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Nutrition

Don’t Let Your Pet Eat This!

BY DIANE HERNANDEZ

Live Animals

Pets love food. There is no denying it.

They’ll whine, cry, plead and beg for anything you carry around your kitchen, including something as toxic as a chocolate bar. But, as humans, we know better than that. Chocolate – and many other foods – are a no-no.

If you’ve watched a snake on television, you’ll notice that they eat live animals.

This is actually a horrible idea.

Don’t feed your reptile live animals – rodents carry live bacteria and could attack your pet, leading to illness. Instead, feed your pet frozen pre-killed food.

Chances are your pets don’t know what to stay away from.

With their huge appetites and never-ending stomachs, they’d eat anything you left lying around.

Here are a few foods to watch out for that are toxic to your fur (or scaly) baby.

Onions and Garlic

Avocado

People eat avocados because they taste good with salads and even better as guacamole. Most pets beg to differ.

The green fruit carries a fungicidal toxin called persin, which causes dogs and cats to vomit. Birds and rabbits also suffer and end up with damaged cardiovascular systems.

Symptoms in birds include trouble perching, difficulty breathing and sudden death.

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Grapes and Raisins

Other plants in the allium family, including chives and leeks, cause gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, too.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include an abnormal heartbeat, tremors, seizures and death.

Coffee

Grapes and raisins contain a compound called tartaric acid, which can be toxic to pets.

Most pets should stay far from Starbucks – caffeine is extremely toxic!

Small amounts of grape juice, a few raisins and a sip of wine can all lead to kidney failure, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and other painful symptoms.

It carries theobromine, which is poisonous to animals. If a pet comes into contact with it, they’ll experience unpleasant symptoms including hyperactivity, restlessness, seizures and an elevated heart rate.

While onions and garlic add flavor to recipes, dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs should stay away from them and other allium family members.

These foods carry a compound known as thiosulfate, which damages red blood cells and leads to anemia. After an animal ingests large amounts, they’ll develop symptoms including lethargy, pale gums, weakness and collapsing.

Chocolate

Chocolate is toxic to cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs. The sweet snack carries a toxic agent known as theobromine, which poisons pets. Usually, the darker the chocolate is, the more concentrated the theobromine is.

Yucca

Yucca is commonly used in Latin American dishes and eaten with a side of beans and rice.

However, it contains steroidal saponins that affect dogs, horses, rabbits and cats when ingested. Symptoms include vomiting, weakness, drooling and diarrhea.

Because pets are smaller and hungrier than us, they are susceptible to foods that we eat every day. As pet parents, ensure their safety through keeping dangerous items hidden!

Call your vet immediately if you suspect they have ingested any of the foods listed above. You can also call the Pet Poison Hotline at 855-764-7661.

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Lifestyle

Go With The Flow With Fido: Enjoy These Water Activities With Your Pup!

BY AMANDA ROLAND

The weather is heating up, the sun is shining brighter and it’s time to enjoy some water activities – with your dog!

That’s right, with a little training and perseverance, you can have your furry best friend join you for all the fun this summer.

Kayaking and Canoeing

A two-person kayak or canoe can be the perfect size for you and your dog! Giving your dog plenty of room in the boat will ensure that they stay comfortable and can move around a little if needed. The most important thing to consider is if your dog is trained enough to handle being on the water. Do they listen to your commands? Are they easily frightened? Are they hard to control if they see various wildlife? These are all great things to consider, and without the proper training, your dog could create a dangerous situation for both of you.

Surfing

Some skilled surfers are adventurous enough to let man’s best friend hop on the board with them to catch some waves! If you want to try this feat, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Of course, you should not only make sure your dog is a good swimmer but also make sure they have experience swimming in the ocean. If you and your dog miss a wave and end up off your board, both of you need to make sure you can tread water or easily find your way back to shore.

Pay attention to how much salt water your dog is ingesting.

If you suspect that your pup has drunk too much salt water, contact your pet’s veterinarian for help.

Of course, it is also important to know that your dog is a good swimmer in case you and your dog need to go into the water at any point. According to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, if you are taking your pup out on the water, is it important to learn pet CPR in the event of an emergency. Also, investing in a life vest for your dog can help keep them stay afloat if they aren’t strong swimmers. Treat your dog just as you would a small child in the water.

Providing plenty of shade and water for your dog is also important. Just like humans, dogs can be affected by too much time spent in the sun, especially on a hot day in Florida. Having a water bowl handy at all times and taking shady breaks will keep you happy and healthy during your day on the water. Oh yeah, and don’t forget about bathroom breaks!

Because surfing is hard enough on its own, it might take a few tries for you and your dog to figure out how to hang-10 together. The key is to not give up if a wave knocks you down and take plenty of breaks to give your dog rest, shade and fresh water!

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Lifestyle No matter what water activity you are enjoying with your dog, avoid any ruff moments by keeping these tips in mind: • Always have a dogappropriate life vest available for your pup • Practice every activity on land first before you go into the water

Boating on the Ocean

Just like boating on fresh water, all the same safety standards apply to saltwater boating.

Make sure you have a life vest, water and shade available so that your dog can stay comfortable. Make sure that the perimeter of the boat you are on has an area accessible to your dog if they decide to jump out and take a spontaneous swim – dogs will be dogs!

Having an easy way to help them back onto the boat will make your life easy and keep your dog safe.

If your dog does have access to the water while on the ocean, be aware that ingesting too much salt water can become a health issue for your pet. Have fresh water available on the boat for your pup to drink throughout your adventure.

And lastly, think about how you are going to let your dog use the bathroom out on the water. When duty calls, you need to be prepared. Bring poop bags, paper towels and some bleach just to cover all your bases … you can thank me later!

Paddleboarding

This water sport can be done in fresh water or salt water, and just like surfing, it requires a lot of balance and skill. While adding a dog onto your paddleboard might not be the easiest thing, it is doable if you are up for the challenge!

Paddleboarding will require a lot of training for your dog to be able to stay still on the board. Small imbalanced movements could send you – and your pup – straight into the water! Practice training on your paddleboard on land first before you tackle the water. Let your dog get used to the feel of the board, and go over some basic commands with them while they are on the board. Try to get them as familiar as possible with being still on the board before you try it in the water.

Now, when it comes to getting on the paddleboard in the water, this is where things get tricky! You can get in the water first, get on the board and then invite your dog to swim up to the board and get on, or they could step onto the board if you have access to a dock. This will most likely be a trial and error process, but that is just part of the fun!

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• Go over commands and training with your dog before engaging in the activity • Keep fresh water on hand at all times for your dog (and for yourself) • Plan for spontaneous bathroom breaks and be prepared with poop bags for clean up • Scope out shaded areas for resting

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S P E C I A L

A Tale of Two Lives

Surviving, fighting and educating through ovarian cancer

F E A T U R E

Known as one of the “silent killers,” ovarian cancer claims approximately 14,000 lives a year in the U.S., sparing no one … even children as young as two have crossed its path. With symptoms as benign as itching, back pain and lethargy, the beginning stages are often brushed aside, giving way to a heartbreaking late-stage diagnosis. With that diagnosis comes a will to fight … a will to live … and a will to conquer the disease.

Linda Bennett and Dr. Samantha Bacchus fought a late-stage ovarian cancer diagnosis. Their enemy: the cancer. Their weapons: chemotherapy, surgery, love and the strength of a 100-man army.

Their lives, and the lives of their families, were forever changed by this disease. In the wake of the fight, there is hope that their journey will bring attention and awareness to this disease.

These are their stories.

BY NICOLE IRVING

Dr. Samantha Bacchus “Going through chemo was difficult ... but telling my mom that something could end my life in a short time was hard … she is my hero.”

Photo by Anissa Dimilta

On June 13th, 2014, at 48 years old, retired pediatrician Dr. Samantha Bacchus had to tell her mother and family that she had been diagnosed with stage 4 High Grade Serous Adenocarcinoma, one of 30 known subtypes of ovarian cancer.

“I was under medical care for endometriosis and in April of 2014, I started itching around my belly button … within a month, I was itching everywhere except my face. I went to a specialist who dealt with itching and a dermatologist.”

After taking every known allergy medicine under the sun and steroids, the itching persisted. Bacchus was exhibiting paraneoplastic symptoms, which are thought to happen when cancer-fighting antibodies or white blood cells (known as T cells) mistakenly attack normal cells in the nervous system, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Soon, blood work was done to rule out blood issues and then an ultrasound was ordered of her uterus and ovaries. During this ultrasound, an ovarian cyst was found, but doctors told her it was not cancer.

“In June, while my husband was in Gainesville, FL for work, I developed a cough after anesthesia for a biopsy that worsened. Chest X-ray confirmed a pleural effusion, which brought me to the ER. There I was diagnosed with cancer and would learn a week later after hysterectomy that I have stage 4a ovarian cancer.”

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With no known family history of any cancer or disease and living a healthy lifestyle, the diagnosis came as a shock.

However, while there were no cases of cancer in her family tree, she did learn that she in fact had risk factors. “I had a history of endometriosis and ovarian cysts, which are both risk factors, in addition to not having children.” It was also later determined that she is BRCA1 positive, increasing the risk of developing both ovarian and breast cancer.

She ultimately decided to have a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy to minimize the risk of later developing breast cancer.

Bacchus had a 1 in 3 chance of living 5 years with stage 4 cancer. Today, she is seven years from her first diagnosis.

While she did have a recurrence in 2016, she is now celebrating five years post-chemo.

“My outlook on life has been very different since chemo.

I don’t worry about little things, I don’t put things off anymore. If I want to do things, I do it. Life is short. I learned that from my brother and sister. Life is unpredictable and can change instantaneously.” During her own battle with cancer, her brother and sister also had to fight their own medical battles. Sadly, in 2015, at the age of 54, her sister passed from lung disease and in 2018, at the age of 48, her brother died of heart disease.

Bacchus, who now lives in Newberry with her husband of 27 years, William Hensler, a retired biochemical engineer, and her mother Nesha Baksh, has turned her cancer diagnosis into an opportunity to educate others and live a full and

bountiful life. “My diagnosis affirmed that we need to be together and closer, and do more together … not big things, even the little things, the day-to-day things that we weren’t doing because my husband was traveling with work.”

For the last three years, Bacchus has gone to Washington, D.C. where she has been involved with the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance as an Advocate Leader to lobby for funds for research and awareness and with Survivors Teaching Students® (STS). According to their website, STS “brings ovarian cancer survivors and caregivers into medical education programs to educate future healthcare providers about ovarian cancer by sharing their diagnosis, treatment and survivorship … in a classroom setting.”

But sharing her journey with ovarian cancer has only begun.

“My goal is to bring awareness of ovarian cancer to Alachua County and support survivors and their caregivers. I also hope to bring the STS program here for the new generation of health care workers.”

This March, Bacchus will hold the first Sandy Sprint 5K walk at Prancing Horse Farm in Newberry with a goal to raise over $40,000 to put back into the community to educate men and women about ovarian cancer.

While her cancer is at bay today, Bacchus is aware of the statistics. Ovarian cancer has around a 70% recurrence rate.

“That is why I am passionate about bringing awareness.

There are no diagnostic tools, no screening test. It is a miracle that I am still here.”

Linda Bennett

In many cases, the symptoms of ovarian cancer are non-specific, showcasing themselves as weight loss, fatigue, stomach pains or even constipation. In the days, months and possibly years leading up to a diagnosis, the cancer can hide itself among an array of “symptoms” all the while growing, leading to a latestage diagnosis. Over the course of 3 months, Linda would be tested and

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Photo by Stacey Steinberg Photography

Seven weeks after her passing, the loss of her presence can still be felt deeply by her family. At just 70 years old, and only 21 months after her diagnosis, Linda Bennett lost her courageous and hard-fought battle with ovarian cancer on December 21, 2021.

S P E C I A L

F E A T U R E

treated for various illnesses before her cancer was officially diagnosed.

“The first time I remember her complaining of having problems was back in November of 2019 and it was while visiting friends in New Orleans for a few days. She was complaining of stomach and abdominal pains, they were just unusual,” recounts Phil Bennett, Linda’s husband of 49 years and co-owner of Sun Country Sports Center.

“She said it a couple of times while we were there. I didn’t know the extent of it.”

Once home, Linda went to her doctor where she was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. “Then she was treated with antibiotics, they helped temporarily. It could have been just psychological that it was working. It came back pretty quickly.

They gave her some more, they thought she needed stronger ones and then put her on them for a month,” said Phil.

Photo by Stacey Steinberg Photography

That was the beginning of a very long journey of testing, scans, painful procedures and illnesses until her official diagnosis of ovarian cancer on March 3, 2020 by her gynecological oncologist.

“I remember she [the gynecological oncologist] was telling us all this stuff and all of a sudden one of us said ‘does she have cancer’ because she never actually said she has cancer … and we were like ‘does she definitely have cancer’ and the doctor said .… ‘she definitely has cancer,’” said Jodi Hunt, Linda’s daughter and co-owner of Sun Country Sports Center.

“I remember asking, ‘what stage is it’ because I didn't think she was going to tell us, and she said it was stage 4.”

According to the Moffitt Cancer Center website, a stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnosis means that the cancer has spread away from the pelvic region to distant organs.

Treatments for ovarian cancer will vary from person to person, but may be any combination of various options, which can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy.

The Bennett and Hunt family: Phil Bennett, Linda Bennett, Brian Hunt, Jodi Hunt, Bennett Hunt and Truman Hunt

In Linda’s case, her treatments consisted of chemotherapy, a full hysterectomy and inclusion in a Phase 1 clinical trial at the University of Florida.

Two days after Linda’s official diagnosis, she had her port put in to prepare for chemo. A week later, she would begin her chemotherapy and it couldn’t start soon enough.

Phil recalls Linda’s fighting spirit from day one. “When we were in the doctor's office and she was given her diagnosis, Linda goes … ‘alright, start putting the chemo in. Start pumping it into my veins right now!’“ According to Phil and Jodi, Linda completed five full rounds of chemotherapy.

On August 19, 2020, Linda underwent a robotic hysterectomy where her fallopian tubes, cervix, uterus and ovaries were removed. They recall Linda’s doctor saying, “I've gotten everything and I saw it and there are no visible signs of cancer left.”

Linda went home later that day.

Six to eight weeks after the removal of the “host,” Linda went through a second series of chemotherapy treatments to remove any leftover “microscopic cells” that couldn’t be seen in surgery. That cycle ended in December 2020. Linda would now need to go on an oral chemotherapy treatment.

In January 2021, Linda’s follow-up scan revealed that there was no evidence of disease (NED). According to Phil, if chemo and surgery were a success, Linda would be seen by her gynecological oncologist every three months for the rest of her life.

However, the rest of her life was later, and Linda wanted to say she was cancerfree now! “In her email update to close friends and relatives, she wanted to be able to say that she was in remission,” said Phil. But her oncologist wouldn’t be able to commit to that.

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Jodi recalls a conversation with one of her mother’s nurses right after her diagnosis. “She told me ‘Ovarian cancer is like heart disease … and it is something she will live with as long as she lives. And some people can live with it and some people cannot. It is not a good diagnosis … but we will do everything we can to let her live with this.’”

Six weeks into her oral chemotherapy, Linda began to exhibit the same familiar set of symptoms she did before her diagnosis. On March 3, 2021, Linda’s cancer was back, and she needed to start chemotherapy right away.

SYMPTOMS • Vaginal bleeding (particularly past menopause) • Abnormal discharge • Pain or pressure in the pelvic area • Abdominal or back pain • Bloating • Feeling full too quickly, difficulty eating • A change in bathroom habits such as more frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation *Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

RISK FACTORS • Middle-aged or older • Have close family members (mother, sister, aunt, grandmother) who have had ovarian cancer • Have a genetic mutation called BRCA1 or BRCA2, or one associated with Lynch syndrome • Have had breast, colorectal or uterine cancer • Have an Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish background • Have endometriosis • Have never given birth or have had trouble getting pregnant • Some studies suggest women who have taken estrogen by itself for 10 or more years may have an increased risk *Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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However, this time Linda’s body didn’t handle the harsh chemotherapy sessions. According to Phil, Linda’s doctor said, “’This is one of the most difficult things that I have to tell my patients and that is we have almost run out of treatment options.” And Linda looked at him and said ‘are you giving up on me … because I am not!’”

Although the chemotherapy was not working, Linda was approved and entered a Phase 1 clinical trial of a monoclonal antibody treatment at the University of Florida. There were two possible outcomes: the treatment could attack just the bad cancer cells, or it could do nothing.

During this time, Linda's symptoms were worsening, and she couldn’t keep food down.

She became constipated and there were numerous hospital stays, where they would complete a scan of her body. At this time, Linda was still active in the clinical trial and one of the stipulations of being enrolled in the trial was that you had to walk yourself in and out of the treatments and be able to take care of yourself.

On one of her last visits, it took Linda 30 minutes to walk from the door to the counter.

She would not give up. However, on her last visit, she would need the assistance of a wheelchair and it was determined, upon reading the scan from her most recent ER visit, that the cancer was progressing.

The clinical trial was not working.

Never one to walk away from a challenge, Jodi found an alternative care treatment center in Arizona. The cost was $40,000 cash for 6 weeks of treatment. However, Linda's doctors noted, “If this worked, we would be doing it here.”

Linda said, “I am done.”

It was determined the next course of action was palliative care for comfort and to give a quality of life that Linda would want. Still full of life and vigor, Linda continued to work and be a part of team meetings at Sun Country Sports Center.

However, around September of 2021, she phased herself out, handing the reins full-time to Jodi and Phil. A born leader, Linda never let them see her down. “She told everyone she was just going through a rough time,” recalled Jodi.

She told Jodi that she hoped everyone thought she was fair … that was all she ever wanted to be … was fair. She kept a journal of her medicines until she could no longer write. She

S P E C I A L

hugged her grandchildren until her arms would no longer squeeze. She had humor and grit until she could no longer speak. She fought until her body could no longer keep up.

Today, her family carries on her legacy with her website rememberinglinda.com. Her spirit will live on through the countless families and friends she has mentored and loved during her reign at Sun Country Sports Center and within the Gainesville community.

About half of women diagnosed are

In 2022, about 19,880 women will receive a new diagnosis and about 12,810 women will die from ovarian cancer

Linda didn’t have a history of ovarian cancer. She lived a healthy lifestyle and had two children. They say some people can carry a gene that may cause it … she didn’t have it.

On December 21, 2021, surrounded by her loving family, Linda passed away peacefully from ovarian cancer.

F E A T U R E

63 years or older

Ovarian cancer is fifth in cancer deaths among women

1 in 78 women are at risk of developing ovarian cancer

1 in 108 women are at risk of dying from ovarian cancer

*American Cancer Society

Ovarian cancer can and does affect women of all ages, some as young as two.

Early detection is crucial, but, with non-specific symptoms, early diagnosis is almost impossible. With continued research and educational programs like STS and organizations like the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation, ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment can be done earlier, giving those affected a long

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45

Ask the Expert

Ask the Dog Groomer

BY ASHLEY MCGINNIS

What are some of the top reasons people bring their pets to see you?

Most pets are like children or members of the family so their owners want to keep them clean and presentable.

This makes cuddling with them more enjoyable and that company is not put off if they are dirty or smell. Grooming and bathing are important components to the health of a pet as well. Long hair can mat and be uncomfortable for any animal (not to mention increased risk of offensive odors), untrimmed nails can work into the pet pads and/or cause issues with walking, and unwanted skin conditions from poor hygiene can cause issues with itching and chronic licking behaviors (a problem for the pet and annoyance for an owner).

Is grooming for dogs only or can other pets receive services?

The most frequent animal I groom is dogs, but I also groom cats. I have groomed a very sweet lavender skunk as well.

Not in-house, but horses can also be groomed regularly.

What are the benefits of regular grooming?

In addition to clean coats, getting mats out and keeping nails trimmed, the ears of most animals I groom need to be plucked and cleaned regularly and anal glands need to be expressed regularly. If you have ever had a pet dog with full anal glands, you will never forget the fishy metallic smell that results! Doing a “sani,” which means keeping the hair around a pet's genitals short or shaved, can help

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WELLNESS360 | MARCH/APRIL 2022

prevent urinary and skin infections as well. Groomers get to know their regular clients well so that new skin growths or behaviors during grooming that the pet didn’t display in the past can be picked up. I always relay these things to the owners as they may not be seeing the pet’s body in the up close and personal way I am.

How often should I take my dog to the groomer?

It depends on the type of pet and owner preference/lifestyle.

However, as a rule of thumb, every 4-8 weeks.

My dog doesn’t like taking a bath at home. What are some tips for making them calmer?

Not surprisingly, animals can sense when their owner is upset. If a pet owner becomes overwhelmed or dreads bath time, the animal can feel this. Firm, calm, soothing tones (same as when a child is upset) will often calm your animal. Whether you have a nice singing voice or not, I’ve also found singing softly or humming can be helpful.

Trying to make bath time a normal experience and just part of the routine can also make an animal more accepting with time. Start bathing early in a pet’s life if possible (especially for cats) as this can also make bathing easy, enjoyable and a “normal routine.” As we all can attest, clean skin feels good, and you will often find a pet racing around and playing after a bath.

Photo courtesy of Ashley McGinnis

Ashley McGinnis has been grooming pets since 2007. She has always loved animals from showing goats at Future Farmers of America in high school to working at vet clinics. She did an apprenticeship under Lisa Jordan, owner of Nature's Pet Day Spa in Gainesville. She is adventurous as a groomer and will try to groom any animal, be it a skunk or a prairie dog. She frequently comes across animals in need of fostering, and while trying to find them a new home, quite often falls in love with them. As a result, she has seven dogs (Penelope, Oliver, Sheldon, Dreamer, Bean, LL and Twinkle), four cats (Maestro, Bug, LuLu and Norman) and Boodles, the squirrel. She is also a photographer (both people and animals) and loves doing holiday pet photos (Christmas, Valentines Day and Easter usually).

How can I keep my dog’s white fur sparkling clean and radiant?

As this is not usually feasible, extra baths will help. Regular cleaning of light fur or hair keeps dirt and staining mostly at bay. There are some products that can help brighten a white coat like purple-based shampoos, which we use and sell at the shop on certain dogs. Wiping of eyes regularly on small dogs can help the stains around eyes also. Obviously indoor pets tend to be less dirt-tinged than outdoor ones.

My dog doesn’t like having his nails trimmed. How can I safely clip them at home?

There is a tool you can get online called a nail Dremel tool.

It allows for slow trimming almost like motorized filing and will reduce the chance of cutting the nail too short. I’ve also found giving the dog pet safe peanut butter will distract him/her long enough to get the job done.

What kind of brush do you recommend for short-haired dogs? Long-haired dogs?

A ZoomGroom for short-haired dogs and Paw Brothers Slicker Brush with pins for longer hair.

What’s the best method for brushing my pet’s teeth? Does this need to be done daily?

ALTSCHULER

If anyone has ever attempted it, brushing a pet’s teeth can be difficult. It is recommended daily and is a good habit to start young. However, there are other things that may be easier as the goal is to reduce plaque and build-up that causes tooth decay and gum issues. One of these is a product called PlaqClnz, a gel that is activated by the saliva that helps with bad breath and helps prevent plaque buildup. There are also tinctures that can go in a pet’s water, but I have not found those to be as useful.

Tell me about a doggy spa day.

What does this include and how can my pet benefit?

A groomer can provide an array of services, including haircuts and coat styling (a gel spiked mohawk can make that timid dog feel like strutting his stuff), nail trimming (not necessarily a pet or a pet owner’s favorite activity), hydrotherapy bath - like a jacuzzi bath for pets that allows for the ultimate relaxing spa experience, lavender aromatherapy baths to help with nervous pets and create a long-lasting scent and even pet massages (rubbing the paws and ears is something most animals love). The most common spa day is a bath, groom/haircut and style, pawdicures, ear cleaning and anal gland expression.

WELLNESS360 | MARCH/APRIL 2022

47

Mind Matters

The Power of Swedish Death Cleaning

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES, CF-L1

If you’ve ever cleaned out the home of a deceased loved one (or someone who has moved to another type of residence such as assisted living), you know the task can be overwhelming. Sorting through someone else’s belongings, trying to determine what is trash and what is treasure, can be emotionally and physically draining.

Besides the obvious perk of having less “junk,” they cite benefits such as saving money. That’s right - if you buy less, you spend less! By cutting back on how much you purchase, you can also have more money to buy nicer quality items. The absence of excess items produces a more calming environment that may help you better focus on the tasks and people that are most important to you. With less belongings, you will also spend less time cleaning and tidying (and that’s a definite bonus). You may even be able to downsize your home (again, less cleaning!) and potentially live in a nicer, smaller place. Minimalism is also eco-friendly - the less we consume, the less trash we create.

Whether you call it döstädning, Swedish death cleaning, minimalism, voluntary simplicity or something else, taking some time to simplify belongings and surroundings can be therapeutic. Not only will it possibly improve your current quality of life, but it will also ease the burden of loved ones doing cleanout in the future.

Enter Swedish death cleaning.

As morbid as the name sounds, this practice is more of a gift than a loss.

The term döstädning in Swedish means literally “death” (dö) and “cleaning” (städning). In a 2018 New York Times Bestseller by Margareta Magnusson titled “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning,” she explains her theory on minimalism and how it can work for anyone. The premise of Swedish death cleaning is to clean out your belongings and strip down to the bare minimum while you’re still living so friends or family don’t have to go through it after you’re gone.

Döstädning can be done at any point in life but will become particularly important as one enters middle age and beyond. Magnusson explains how to rid yourself of the excess clutter (and many of us have a lot!), starting with items that are easily discarded such as unworn clothes, excess kitchenware and more.

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Swedish death cleaning can also spark important conversations among family members. While loved ones may be initially alarmed and concerned that there’s imminent danger of losing you, discuss with them that you are trying to make it simpler for them when your time comes.

Scaling down material items can make you happier. A meta-analysis of research studies published in the Journal of Positive Psychology shows that there is a positive correlation between minimalism (also known as voluntary simplicity) and happiness.

Minimalists tend to have better control over the compulsion to consume as well as have more time to develop psychological needs such as competence and autonomy.

According to Becoming Minimalist, an Arizona-based website devoted to educating people about the benefits of simplifying their belongings, there are many benefits to reducing our “stuff.”

DID YOU KNOW

23% of Baby Boomers downsized their homes after their kids moved out.

HousingWire There are approximately 300,000 items in the average American home.

LA Times The average American throws away approximately 65 pounds of clothing per year. Huffington Post 12% of the world’s population resides in Western Europe and North America and accounts for 60% of private consumption spending.

Worldwatch Institute Americans spend $1.2 trillion per year on nonessential goods. The Wall Street Journal

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49

Finance

Money Mindfulness

BY KENDRA MILLER

Money is a constant presence in our lives. Almost every major decision we make can be tied to a financial impact. Because of this, it can be a major stressor that is made worse when we don’t have an understanding of our habits. This is where mindfulness comes in. When people think about mindfulness they often think about meditation, breathing techniques and quiet alone time, but did you know you can also practice mindfulness about money?

According to Spencer Sherman, a financial advisor and author with a mindfulness-based financial practice, when we are worried or confused about money, we are physically ungrounded. By making space for thoughts and feelings surrounding money, we confront them instead of avoiding them and ultimately change our relationship with money.

Sherman has created a simple money mindfulness practice consisting of three steps:

1. When you have a money thought, notice the associated feeling that resides

in your body. Where is it? What is the feeling? Get clear and intimate and really pay attention.

2. Allow any feelings that arise simply to be and welcome those feelings through your entire body. What are these feelings trying to communicate to you?

3. After listening to those feelings, say some phrases of loving-kindness to

yourself. For example, you might say: I love you, you’re going to get through this, you’re bigger than your money.

The practice is simple, but it’s not always easy. There are many topics we consider when thinking about our financial well-being and each brings its own emotions and obstacles.

TOPICS TO CONSIDER: Debt

Debt can be a source of stress and shame and often triggers a negative connotation. When we acknowledge how we feel about debt, we can start to change our beliefs and our practices. A simple way to do this is to accompany paying down debt with giving to those in need and saving for yourself. This can be a small amount but the practice allows you to see yourself as more than a debtor.

Earning

Be aware of the hard work you are putting in to receive your paycheck.

You provide value to your employer and your coworkers. Evaluate how you feel about the level of appreciation from your employer. Maybe you don’t feel appreciated at your job or you don’t feel like you are fairly compensated. By paying attention to your compensation and your feelings about your work, you may be prompted to make some decisions about your employment and how you are earning money.

Spending

Think about the purchases you have made in the past year and how you feel about those decisions. Are you satisfied, remorseful or indifferent?

Are you spending money in search of happiness or to ignore some deeper feelings? Ask yourself if how you are spending money brings you joy and try practicing gratitude for the things you already have.

Money underscores most of what we do in life.

However, by engaging in mindfulness and focusing on the feelings associated with money, we gain freedom from the stressor and make changes that positively impact our daily lives.

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The Perfect Getaway for Your Furry Friend

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Spotlight 360

Health Through Horses Meet Alissa Dragstedt Dr. Alissa Dragstedt, DMD was born and raised in Germany. Her parents, both teachers for the Department of Defense, instilled in her a love for travel and adventure at a young age. After completing her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, she enrolled in the College of Dentistry and discovered her passion for pediatric care. She subsequently completed a 2-year residency in pediatric dentistry at UF. She has been the owner of Grins and Giggles Pediatric Dentistry in Jonesville since 2014. She serves as a mock Board examiner for the University of Florida and is active in the Alachua County Dental Society. She lives with her husband and two children in Newberry.

How did you get into horseback riding and how long have you been doing it?

I began horseback riding at the age of 10. Growing up in Germany, there were many local riding clubs, so I started in my town’s riding club with my sister. I have now been riding for over 30 years!

Do you ride English or Western? What is the difference?

Photo by Susan Stickle

I ride English, specifically in a discipline called dressage. The basis of all English riding is dressage, which is all about the fusion of the human mind with the horse’s body and abilities. The synergy between the rider’s intentions and the horse’s responses and submission are paramount in this type of discipline.

Dressage dates back to the days of the cavalry, when soldiers’ lives depended on highly trained horses in battle.

Such horses required the agility to turn on a dime, take off at top speed from a standstill, and be very maneuverable while the soldier was in battle. A horse may also have to jump over an obstacle to get away in battle.

All English disciplines stem from these general concepts.

Western riding traces its basis back to the American experience of cowboys riding on the range.

These horses also required agility and rideability, performing such functions as herding cattle, roping calves, and assisting the cowboy in many different tasks around the farm and on the range. It’s fascinating that today’s modern English and Western competitions are derived from the historical roles in which horses have served for centuries!

WELLNESS360 | MARCH/APRIL 2022

53

Spotlight 360

What advice would you give others who want to try horseback riding?

I would say go for it! I would advise anyone interested to understand a few key things before embarking on this sport: 1

2

3

4

Tell us about your horses. What breed are they? Do any of them have interesting stories or backgrounds?

I have several fabulous horses! My main competition horse, Donner, is a 20-year-old Hannoverian warmblood.

I bought him as a foal and we have been together ever since.

He has been my primary ride during dental school, as I became a mother, during my residency, and throughout my career. He has been a constant in my life who is loyal, kind and consistent.

How often do you get to ride your horses? Where do you ride?

I ride around 4-5 days per week at a farm in Ocala where my horses are currently boarded.

What does your horse caretaking schedule look like? How do you balance this with the demands of work and family?

My horse caretaking schedule consists of 20 minutes of thorough grooming and hoof-picking prior to my ride. A training ride is about 40 minutes per horse. After the ride, they are cooled down and rinsed off. The feeding and turnout is taken care of by the management of the barn where they are boarded.

I have always balanced my life in an order of hierarchy: 1 2 3

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Family Career Horseback Riding

WELLNESS360 | MARCH/APRIL 2022

Horses are wonderful, kind, hard-working creatures.

Understand that horses are flight animals and can be dangerous. It is our responsibility to learn how to communicate with horses in a kind and harmonious way.

It is imperative to find a good trainer. A trainer who is knowledgeable and kind can make this sport a very rewarding activity.

Horseback riding is for you if you like the outdoors, you are a lover of animals, you enjoy learning new things (it’s like learning a foreign language!), you are patient, and you are kind.

The sport takes time and practice, and the more you put into your passion for the sport, the more potential benefits you can achieve.

I’ve enjoyed horseback riding as a lifelong sport. It gets me outdoors, it is key to having a good posture and balance, it gives me camaraderie with horses and fellow horseback riders, and it increases my overall fitness.

What other types of leisure activities do you enjoy?

I supplement my horseback riding with yoga, jogging and an occasional workout. Being in the dental field places me in less-than-ideal postures throughout the entire day. Horseback riding and yoga both have been very good for strengthening my core muscles which give me a healthy posture and improve my overall level of fitness. When time permits, I also enjoy traveling and cooking.

How do you live a wellness360 life (balanced/well rounded/happy)?

I am incredibly grateful for my life. I believe that for me living a balanced, well-rounded and happy life starts first and foremost with my family. My husband and I strive very hard to raise hard-working, compassionate and independent children. I have a very professionally rewarding career with a wonderful dental partner and the best support team with whom I have ever had the honor of working. They are all talented and dedicated, which makes my career and life balance very easy. Lastly, for myself, I try to live a fit and healthy life with gratitude. I do my best to make healthy food choices while incorporating horseback riding and yoga into my daily routine, and I have never been more fit and balanced as I am today!

Photo by Footstone Photography

My secret to success would be to give credit to all of the wonderful people that support me and help me with this work/life balance, with the greatest gratitude going to my wonderful husband.

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55

Community

We Tried It!

This issue is all about pets but we wanted to explore the wild side of animals too! We ventured into the great outdoors for an afternoon of birdwatching and the opportunity to observe birds (and other wildlife) in their natural habitat. Here’s how it went!

BIRDWATCHING We used this awesome Amazon find to help us identify the birds we saw!

Sandhill Cranes

NICOLE

ANIBAL

Bald Eagle

Blue Jay

I’ll admit, I have always loved watching birds in their natural habitats. After watching the movie “The Big Year,” I was ready to start my big year of birding, so when we had a chance to go on this adventure, I was giddy with excitement.

While we didn’t see too many birds, we did see a nesting bald eagle, a pair of sandhill cranes and a gorgeous blue jay. I am excited to continue birding on the regular through travels and daily outdoor adventures! 10 out of 10!

I will be the first to admit I am more of a city person. However, after trying it with the rest of the office staff, I have to confess I loved the experience and I highly recommend it! We had so much fun! It forced me to disconnect – to stop, listen and enjoy the moment. I found it both enjoyable and educational being able to share that moment with my colleagues as we learn a little bit more about our fascinating local wildlife.

LINDSEY

SHANE

MEGAN

Being outdoors is my go-to stress reliever so I knew I would enjoy this experience! Seeing the bald eagle guard her nest was the highlight for me! I would recommend having a field guide book, a quality pair of binoculars, bug spray and an open mind to what you can discover during this relaxing activity!

I was really excited to be able to get out into the woods and leave the busy city for the noises of nature. We saw so many birds but nothing tops the majestic bald eagle that we caught soaring through the sky. We followed her until she landed atop a massive nest (with several chirping babies) and watched her for about 45 minutes. I’d recommend a powerful set of binoculars - these helped us see her clearly, even though she was 50 feet up in the air.

My first thought about birding was that it would be boring and I’m not the biggest fan of birds.

However, once we went out to the prairie, it was incredibly peaceful and therapeutic. After a few minutes it became like a scavenger hunt to see how many animals we could spot. We also got incredibly lucky and spotted a nest of bald eagles! 10/10 highly recommend trying!

In a nutshell: While some of us had doubts about this activity, in the end, we all enjoyed the opportunity to disconnect and observe wildlife. We were able to notice animals, sounds, tracks and other natural phenomena as we took a break from the digital age. We would all recommend giving it a try.

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WELLNESS360 | MARCH/APRIL 2022

Group photos by Anissa Dimilta and bird photos by Megan Sapelak

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57

Community Event information may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

Please check with event organizers to confirm the status of events.

RECURRING EVENTS NOW THROUGH THE END OF MAY

Sweetwater Wetlands Park Wednesday Bird Walks

8:30 a.m.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park alachuaaudubon.org This event repeats every Wednesday.

Haile Farmers Market

Saturday, March 5 - Sunday, March 6 Florida Springs Fest 2022 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Silver Springs State Park facebook.com/floridaspringsfest

Sunday, March 6 Fat Tuscan Cafe Brunch and Crepes 11 a.m.

Fat Tuscan Cafe fattuscan.com

8:30 a.m. - Noon Haile Plantation hailefarmersmarket.com This event repeats every Saturday.

Friday, March 4 - Sunday, March 6 Gnv Film Fest 7 - 11 p.m.

Downtown Gainesville gnvfilmfest.com

Saturday, March 5 2022 Race the Tortoise 5K Run/Walk 8 a.m. | O’Leno State Park and River Rise Preserve friendsofoleno.org/events/race-thetortoise-5k/5k-registration

Saturday, March 12 LGAA 5K Charity Team Challenge

5 p.m.

Ironwood Golf Course runsignup.com/Race/FL/Gainesville/ LGAA5KCharityTeamChallenge

Saturday, March 12 Dance Alive Presents Champagne Gala

6 - 10 p.m.

Legacy Park Multipurpose Center champagnegala.org

Wednesday, March 16 Blue Man Group

7:30 p.m.

Phillips Center performingarts.ufl.edu

Tuesday, March 8 Wednesday, March 9 Inspiring Women Leaders Conference

Thursday, March 17

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

UF Hilton iwl.aa.ufl.edu Saturday, March 19 The Inspiring Women Leaders (IWL) Artwalk Downtown High Springs Conference is a dynamic event where 12 - 5 p.m. attendees will find exceptional ideas to help Main Street, High Springs navigate the business landscape, leverage their talents, and step into roles of greater highsprings.us influence, allowing them to have a bigger Y O U career R S and U Phome.

PORT HELPS TO FIND A CURE impact on their community,

FIGHT OVARIAN CANCER Gainesville Raceway Thursday, March 10 Sunday, March 13 NHRA Gatornationals

Saturday, March 5 Sister Hazel’s Lyrics for Life: An Evening of Making Music Matter

8 p.m | Phillips Center performingarts.ufl.edu “Lyrics For Life” started after Sister Hazel front man Ken Block lost his younger brother Jeffrey to cancer. The charity brings musicians and other celebrities together for a concert, auction and other fundraising events. The goal is to donate money to organizations searching for a cure and to help the lives of patients.

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WELLNESS360 | MARCH/APRIL 2022

nhra.com

5K WALK

Saturday, March 26

100% OF THE PROCEEDS HELP Fight Ovarian Cancer 5K Walk OUR12 LOCAL COMMUNITY Saturday, March 9:30 a.m.

Clean Creek Fest March 26, 2022Prancing Horse Farm 12 p.m.

Prancing Horse secure.qgiv.com/event/ Farm First Magnitude Brewery 28515 NW 46th Avenue, Newberry, FL 32669 sandysprintprancinghorsefarm/ bit.ly/CLEANCREEK2022 fight •ovarian Registration and check-inHelp at 7:30am Race timecancer 9:30amwith this 5K walk at Prancing Horse Farm. Proceeds benefit the To register, visit: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/sandysprintprancinghorsefarm/ Saturday, March 12 Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation.

Be part of the cure.

Farm to Table Dinner #6 - Ocean 3 - 7 p.m.

Swallowtail Farm swallowtailcsa.com

Community

Sunday, March 27 Gainesville Seafood Festival 11 a.m.

Alachua County Fairgrounds gopartyent.com

Sunday, March 27 UF Carillon Recital

1:55 p.m. | Century Tower Carillon arts.ufl.edu

Saturday, April 2 Pancakes on the Prairie

9 - 11:30 a.m. | Tuscawilla Cabin alachuaconservationtrust.org

Saturday, April 2 Farm to Table Dinner #7 The Living Earth

Saturday, April 9 Gainesville Clot Trot

8 a.m.

Veterans Memorial Park secure.qgiv.com

Saturday, April 16 Orange and Blue Game

1 p.m.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium floridagators.com/sports/football/ schedule/2022

Sunday, April 17

EASTER

Saturday, April 23 Tyler’s Hope for a Dystonia Cure Crawfish Boil 2 - 9 p.m.

Fox Run tylershope.org

Saturday, April 23 WestFest

4 - 10 p.m.

Lois Forte Park facebook.com/WestFestFl

Sunday, April 24 Spring GLAM Craft Show 2022 12 - 5 p.m.

Cypress & Grove Brewing Co. facebook.com/events

3 - 7 p.m. | Swallowtail Farm swallowtailcsa.com

Holden, Roscow & Caedington, PL Real Estate • Business Law • Estate Planning • Probate

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Jesse Caedington is a triple Gator, with his undergraduate, J.D., and LL.M. (Master of Laws) in taxation & CAEDINGTON HOLDEN, ROSCOW AND CAEDINGTONfrom the University of Florida. Jesse specializes in estate and business planning, including wills, trusts, advance directives, probate, trust administration, real estate, business transactions, and taxation.

(352) 373-7788 | GNV-LAW.COM 5608 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32653

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