THE PET ISSUE
2020
Independent News | July 30, 2020 | Volume 21 | Number 31 | Cover Model: Isabel | Owners: Tasha Bronson & Nick Fury
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BUDGETING FOR YOUR BUDDY By Stephanie Sharp
Part of responsible pet ownership is making sure that your companion is considered in your budget. While it can be easier to plan for checkups, vaccinations, routine procedures and pet supplies, what is a pet parent to do when faced with the financial burden of a chronic illness or life-saving emergency treatment that blows your established budget out of the water? Luckily, even in these economically uncertain times, there are a variety of options to make sure you can care for your pet and stay financially solvent through their recovery. Knowing your options before an emergency occurs will help you get clarification from your vet on which options are accepted at their office and how you can work out a payment plan that secures care for your pet without undue financial hardship for you. Your best first step is to discuss payment options when establishing care with a vet clinic.
INSTANT LENDING
If you've been shopping online recently—and honestly, who hasn't?—you may have seen the new trend of instant lenders popping up on your favorite retailers' online shops. This type of instant lending service breaks up a bigger purchase into a set number of payments for a predetermined period while you still receive your goods as if you had paid in full that day.
There's a new player in this space specific to the care of your pet. Scratchpay doesn't affect your credit score or judge your creditworthiness with the same scrutiny of a traditional line of credit or credit card. The difference is that you work with a vet who is registered with Scratchpay to cover the cost of a specific vet bill, like a hospital stay. Once you get approved—a quicker and more accessible process than traditional credit options—you'll choose your repayment plan and rest easy because Scratchpay has no hidden fees, repayment penalties or deferred interest. Simply budget for your monthly or biweekly payments and get your buddy the care they need. Learn more at scratchpay.com.
CREDIT CARD
A more traditional credit-based option is a healthcare-specific card, such as CareCredit. These options are designed for both human and animal care costs that most would struggle to cover upfront. As with most credit card options, it's a good option to plan for how you will responsibly cover the payments in the timeframe set by the card company. Luckily, most care-focused credit cards don't charge interest during a set repayment window, making it a smarter financial choice than a traditional credit card when covering vet bills. Be sure your vet accepts whichever credit card you decide to use for your pet's care. Learn more at carecredit.com.
PET INSURANCE
While pet insurance can be pricey, it's a tried and true way to make sure your pet is accounted for financially. As recently as 2019, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) updated their pet insurance statement to explicitly encourage vets to educate and empower pet owners to use pet
insurance so that vets can continue to provide increasing high levels of veterinary care. Here's what the AVMA says to consider when shopping for a pet insurance policy: •Require a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. •Allow policyholders to choose their veterinarians, including specialists and emergency and critical care facilities. •Never interfere with the veterinarian's fee structures. •Be approved by the state insurance regulatory agency where the policy is sold. •Be consistent with the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics and the pet health insurance industry ethical standards. If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that you don't always know what's coming. If you find yourself in an emergency financially with your pet and can't handle it on your own, don't forget about the power of fundraising online.
CROWDFUNDING
Crowdfunding allows people to come together to cover needs that often fall in the gap of institutional security through services like insurance or credit and the needs-based services of nonprofits or charitable organizations. Sites like GoFundMe or even just a call for sharing through CashApp or Venmo can help you leverage your larger social network when a catastrophic vet bill befalls your pet. The internet loves pets—that much is evident from the content we all consume on the regular. Using social media as a tool to tell your pet's story and giving others the chance to share their "tail" can make all the difference in raising funds quickly to get your pal the care they need. Call on your friends to help you make engaging content, put together a
•Use licensed veterinarians to assist in claims adjudication. •Be clear about policy limits, pricing structures and optional coverage (e.g., coverage for annual wellness visits) that might be available to policyholders. •Be transparent about how the terms and conditions of plans will impact coverage and costs, including the financial obligations of policyholders such as co-pays, deductibles and exclusions. •Communicate clearly about the fee reimbursement process (i.e., how reimbursements are determined and how quickly reimbursements are provided to policyholders). Learn more at avma.org. social media giveaway or even start an old-fashioned phone tree-style outreach in your circle's DMs. Asking for a small contribution from a lot of people helps spread the burden across many pet lovers with a contribution as easy as buying you a coffee or a drink at the bar. (Back when we used to go to coffee shops and bars, that is.) Learn more at gofundme.com/c/blog/petfundraising-guide.
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
While not ideal for emergencies, if you find out your pet is facing a chronic or even terminal non-urgent medical crisis, there are many pet care charitable organizations, like The Pet Fund, that can help you cover the cost of making sure your buddy lives comfortably with their condition. These organizations often require an application process and have strict guidelines about the type of vet bills they are able to contribute to, so be mindful of requirements if you plan to seek assistance from these types of organizations. Learn more at thepetfund.com.
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READER PET PHOTOS Ask and you shall receive. This old adage might not apply to everything, but it certainly does with The Pet Issue. Every year, we ask you guys to send us photos of your pets, and every year, you deliver. In addition to a slew of pups and
cats, we also got a few lizards and chickens this time around. Of course, we can't print every photo we get—we have limited space and image quality standards. So if you sent in a photo and don't see it, it's probably because something was a little off with the photo (too small,
too dark, too blurry...). If your pet didn't make the cut, please try again next year—with a different photo. Thank you for making The Pet Issue special, year after year. We promise to keep publishing submissions as long as you keep sending them, deal?
Agi Paula & Greg Fabbro
Amo Paula & Greg Fabbro
Aspree Justine Gudmundson-McCain
Avi Jimmy O’Donovan
Bear Hannah & Ben Smith
Bentley Wendy Warren
Big Al Debbie & Jeff King
Bigsby Nathan & Jennifer Dillaha
Bomber Quinton Williams
Bosco Tony Prettyman
Brisket Randy Russell
Bruce Rachel Wilbourn
Charlie Carol & Bryan Rice
Charlie Vito & Melissa Hite
Charlie Susan Ford & Pat Meusel
Chester Michelle & Tom Warren
Clementine Luna Zepp & Evan Butts
Coco Regina Thomas
Comet Margret Hildreth
Cooper & Penny Annie Reilly
Cooper Nicole Sigman
Copper Brandon & Karla Varley
Corn Bread Michelle & Tom Warren
Daisy Stone Hewitt & Emily Mixson
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Dante Haley von Haven
Ellie Brittany Carroll and Matt Hampton
Ernie Sam & Dan Eckiss
Esmerelda Brandon & Karla Varley
Ethel Bean Chelsey Domschke & Travis Swann
Ferguson Rachel Wilbourn
Finn Kristen & Chad Harrison
Gabrielle Kathleen Jones
Gracie Kathleen Jones
Grey Poupon Daniel Freeman
Gus Missi & Adam Bates
Hank Carl Osley & Kate Peterson
Harper Carl Osley & Kate Peterson
Hasselhoff John Hodgdon
Hugo Darlyne & TJ Zoltak
Indiana Rose The Mixson Family
Isabelle Carol & Bryan Rice
Izzy Bear Samantha Burke
Juno Jenny Diamond
Koda Hale Leal
Lana Jaime Shevat
Landry Charlie G.
Layne Whitney & Adam Fike
Loki Chuck Mathews
Louie Maria & Jon Green
Lucy Jenny Diamond
Lulu & Mitt Emmalee Barr
Macee Karrie Galvano
Mando Thomas Leemon
Marbles Stone Hewitt & Emily Mixson
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Mia Crystal Hyatt
Mr. Lizard Regina Thomas
Murphy Chris Oderfer & Tessa Winfrey
Naiya Ryan & Jen A.
Neely Peyton Banfell
Nola Alden & Hylene Garcia
Oliver Summer Lee & Jeremy "Sunshine" Gilmore
Paco Sydney Robinson & Joshua Broxson
Paisley Midian Cosson
Pink Cassie Kohler
Porter Midian Cosson
Reginald Jenn & Ryan Eaton
Rosie Kaycee Lagarde
Ruger Kyle & Lauren Lay
Saban Debbie & Jeff King
Sassy Ellie Edmonds
Scooby Tori & Jackson Tharpe
Sebastian Katelyn Mann
Skittles Merida Shea
Spyro Students of Gulf Breeze High School ESE Dept. / Mr. Alt & Mrs. Millican
Sullivan Stephanie Sharp
Sunny Tahnee, Alyx, Sophia & Mollee
Tagg & Gemma Ron & Leslie Herrington & Paige Herrington
Theo Carol & Bryan Rice
Tyler Kim Fletcher
Wilco Jason Leger
Willie Ray Tom & Mary Anne Staples
Willow Drew Buchanan
Yogi Savannah & Vanessa Johnson
Zeppelin Skye Chamberlain
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"PETS ARE FAMILY, TOO" By Jennifer Leigh
Pensacola Humane Society's Executive Director Jennifer Bitner is not just an advocate for local pets but also pets across the state. Bitner is a board member for the Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organization (FAAWO) where she serves on the legislative committee to push for bills that support the well-being of animals. Thanks to efforts from FAAWO, the Florida House passed CS/SB 1082, which ensures pets can be included in orders of protection from domestic violence. The bill had bipartisan support from Sen. Ben Albritton (R-Bartow), and Reps. Sam Killebrew (R-Winter Haven) and David Silvers (D-West Palm Beach). It went into effect July 1. It's a "basic" protection that makes a big difference for victims and the pets in their lives, said Bitner.
"Pets are frequently used as leverage," she added. "Victims may stay in that relationship to protect them because pets are family, too. And now, victims don't have to be afraid." According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), research shows that 89% of pet-owning women who enter domestic violence shelters report that their abuser threatened, harmed or killed a family pet. Additionally, 48% of domestic violence survivors with pets delay seeking safety for fear of leaving their pet. During the stay-at-home orders at the beginning of the pandemic, child welfare experts reported a rise in child abuse cases. That same concern extended to those who work in animal welfare, said Bitner. In June, the United Nations reported a 20% increase of domestic violence cases worldwide. Pensacola Humane Society has a specific
foster program for animals who may need temporary housing while victims seek help. The program is specific to the rescue organization. "Information is kept completely safe, and we use separate software to keep identities private," said Bitner. "We have someone on our staff who worked with domestic violence victims, and they act as a conduit to local organizations to connect victims with help." Becoming a foster with Pensacola Humane Society is one way to help support those victims and their families. Anyone interested in fostering can apply on the Pensacola Humane Society website and the foster coordinator will be in contact to schedule an orientation. "We want to work immediately to get pets in a protective home," said Bitner. The law authorizes a court to take actions regarding the "care, possession or control of an animal" in domestic violence
injunctions. This not only helps pets but also gives victims peace of mind when fleeing an abusive situation. Representing FAAWO, Bitner said she made it a point to get the bill in front of as many lawmakers as she could, even if that meant jumping in the car and driving to Tallahassee at a moment's notice. The effort was well worth it. "I love the work we do locally, but I was really proud that we could make that kind of difference for all animals in Florida," she said.
BECOME A FOSTER WITH PENSACOLA HUMANE SOCIETY Visit pensacolahumane.org to fill out an application.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800799-7233 or FavorHouse of Northwest Florida at 434-1177.
GET OUT Shoreline Bark Park
Pensacola Beach Dog Park East
More information: cityofgulfbreeze.us/ parks-and-recreation-department
Pensacola Beach Dog Park West
Shoreline Drive (near Colley Cove Drive)
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
The county maintains the following designated dog parks, open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park 10370 Ashton Brosnaham Drive
Beulah Regional Park 7820 Mobile Highway
Bill Dickson Park
3151 Fenceline Road
Lexington Terrace Community Center
700 S. Old Corry Field Road
Regency Park
8245 Fathom Road
River Road Park 1 If you're looking to get out while still avoiding crowds and want to bring your pet along for the ride, here's a round-up of area dog parks, beaches and pet-friendly walking trails. Just remember to be smart if you decide to visit any of these spots—wear your mask around others, and make sure you and your pup don't get overheated. Also, remember that bathrooms are closed and most water fountains have been turned off at public parks, so plan accordingly.
CITY OF PENSACOLA
Within the city of Pensacola, dogs are welcome to explore all city parks while on a leash. Dogs are allowed off-leash within the 616 1
designated dog parks at Bayview Park and Roger Scott Athletic Complex. Both parks are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Bayview Park Dog Park & Dog Beach 2001 E. Lloyd St. (on the south/20th Avenue side of the park)
Roger Scott Athletic Complex
2130 Summit Blvd. (between the pool and the tennis center) More information: playpensacola.com
CITY OF GULF BREEZE
The City of Gulf Breeze also offers and operates a designated dog park for offleash play.
14484 River Road, Perdido Key (dog beach behind Lost Key Golf Club) More information: myescambia.com/ourservices/parks-and-recreation/parks-andcommunity-centers
PENSACOLA BEACH
Pensacola Beach is home to two dog beach areas where owners are invited to enjoy the beach alongside their pup. Though referred to as "dog parks," the one catch is dogs must remain on-leash while at the beach at all times. Signs are posted to clearly designate the boundaries of these dog-friendly areas. Current beach dog park hours are 7 a.m. to sunset through October.
Located at the first parking lot past Portofino, Beach Walkover 28B Located at the first parking lot past the last condos on the Gulf, Beach Walkover 21E More information: visitpensacolabeach. com/things-to-do-dog-beach
HIKING WITH YOUR PUP
If you're feeling up for a nice, long walk with your pup, consider the following local trails.
Jones Swamp Wetland Preserve and Nature Trail
1131 or 198 Patton Drive; 700 S. Old Corry Field Road Jones Swamp offers a greenway trail with several trailheads and parking available. The trail culminates on the east at Lexington Terrace Dog Park.
More information: myescambia.com/ourservices/parks-and-recreation/parks-andcommunity-centers
Bay Bluffs Preserve
3400 Scenic Highway This 42-acre nature preserve along Scenic Highway features trees, walking paths, boardwalks and Bay beach access.
Edward Ball Nature Trail
11000 University Parkway, UWF Main Campus, trail access behind Building 10 Explore this leisurely half-mile boardwalk through Thompson's Bayou, hardwood swamp. More information: uwf.edu inweekly.net
ANIMAL PLANET, BY WAY OF TIKTOK By Sydney Robinson
Wow, 2020 just keeps on coming. You wanna go look at some videos of animals instead of doom scrolling? OK, let's go to TikTok and escape for a while. Thanks to the algorithm, the more animal and pet videos you "like," the more you will be shown. With a bit of focus, you can have a feed full of nothing but dogs, kittens, lizards, elephants and bugs in no time. Here are just a few animal-focused accounts to get you started: •Self-described "Gay space cowboy" @MAXJCOOKIE treats his 187.6k followers to videos of his cows enjoying life on the farm. One of his most popular videos showcases the cows nearly trampling him as they frolic through tall grass. Ah, to be a cow in tall grass.
Juniper / Courtesy Photo
•@TINATHECHI is the classic Chihuahua stereotype, but that doesn't make her schtick any less hilarious or
adorable. Join her as she growls and grunts her way through life's little inconveniences. •Ants? Yes, ants. @WRENNX has 1.1 million TikTok followers in part due to her growing ant colony. Check out her 16-video series on her colony. And yes, she has names for all of her insect friends. •Are you fond of foxes? Want to meet up with a marsupial or chill with a chinchilla? Animal rescue account @JUNIPERFOXX can be found on both Instagram and TikTok showcasing wild animals like Juniper the fox and Mushroom the opossum. •Another rescue-based account, @OSTRICHPLUG is located in Austin, Texas, and features a host of rescued farm animals, including pigs, ostriches, chickens and kangaroos. •Feeling down and needing the sage advice of a Shiba Inu? TikTok has got you covered with @ITSTOFUPUPPER . This smiley-
YOU BAKE NOW, RIGHT?
By this point of the pandemic, you've either become a sourdough master or thrown your starter away because the smell got real, real weird. And even if you didn't get in on the bread hype, staying at home has definitely made most of us cook way more than we used to. If panic baking has become your coping mechanism of choice, we've got a treat for you and your pup—Bluejay's Bakery pup cake recipe courtesy of owner, baker extraordinaire and devoted dog mom Justine Gudmundson-McCain.
BLUEJAY'S BAKERY PUP CAKES INGREDIENTS
2 cups almond flour 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave 3 eggs 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1/2 cup pumpkin puree 1/2 cup shredded carrots 1 teaspoon baking soda
PREPARATION
•Preheat oven to 350 degrees. •Mix all ingredients together with paddle attachment on mixer or until well combined with spatula. •Line cupcake pan with paper liners and fill with 1/4 cup of batter. •Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tops are slightly browned. •Top with almond butter or whipped cream (and a doggie treat for decoration). •Enjoy within two days. If baking still isn't your thing, you can always order these pup cakes (plus people cakes and treats) from Bluejay's. Visit bluejaysbakery.com for the menu. July 30, 2020
faced dog sings songs and offers simple advice like, "Treat yourself like a flower and like my garden, you will grow!" •Rescue pup @HI.THIS.IS.TATUM took the TikTok world by storm in pre-COVID 2020. Rescuer Charles Lever voices the innermost thoughts of Tatum, who frequently complains and cajoles his owners into hilarious situations. It's corny—but damn cute. • @TUTIANDYUKI are a cat duo who are sure to get the serotonin flowing. With just under a half-million followers, these fluffy cats chirp softly and offer gentle encouragement. Aw! •A wonderful way to market an animalfocused business, TikTok has attracted many aquariums and zoos. One of these is @AQUARIUMPACIFIC , which posts frequently about all of the exotic animals they house in Long Beach, Calif., from baby sharks to newts to sea lions.
GIMME SHELTER Here at Inweekly we always encourage adopting pets and supporting local shelters any way we can. But it’s especially important this year since the pandemic has forced most groups to hit pause on typical fundraising efforts and public adoption events. So whether you’re in the market for a new pet or just looking to help by donating, here’s a roundup of local and regional shelters, rescue groups and nonprofits worth looking into.
JUNIOR HUMANE SOCIETY juniorhumanesociety.com
A HOPE 5755 Washington St., Milton ahope4src.com
PENSACOLA HUMANE SOCIETY 5 N. Q St. pensacolahumane.org
ALAQUA ANIMAL REFUGE 914 Whitfield Road, Freeport, Fla. alaquaanimalrefuge.org
PHOENIX RISING RESCUE 40 W. Nine Mile Road phoenixrisingrescue.com
ANIMAL ALLIES FLORIDA aaflorida.org ESCAMBIA COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 200 W. Fairfield Drive myescambia.com/community/adoptable-animals FELINE FRIENDS OF DESTIN felinefriendsofdestin.org FRIENDS OF THE ESCAMBIA COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER ecasfriends.com HOTEL FOR DOGS & CATS 4110 Creighton Road h4dc.org
NORTHWEST FLORIDA GREAT DANE RESCUE nwflgdr.com PAWS (PANHANDLE ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY) 752 Lovejoy Road, Fort Walton Beach paws-shelter.com
REDFOX’S ANIMAL RESCUE redfoxsrescue.rescueme.org SANTA ROSA COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 4451 Pine Forest Road, Milton santarosa.fl.gov/animals SAVE UNDERDOGS RESCUE, PERDIDO KEY saveunderdogs.com SOCKS (SAVE OUR CATS & KITTENS) 498 Carmel Drive, Fort Walton Beach saveourcatsandkittens.com SOUTHBARK southbarkanimalrescue.org 17