Thepetissue14

The Pet Issue

Independent News | August 7, 2014 | Volume 15 | Number 32 | inweekly.net | Cover Cat: Avalanche

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The Pet Issue

Independent News | August 7, 2014 | Volume 15 | Number 32 | inweekly.net | Cover Dog: Luna

FREE â–ś

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. —Roger A. Caras

PAWS FOR SKYLAR

by Sarah McCartan

Adoption Shelters & Rescue Groups Rescues and Adoptions

Emerald Coast Animal Allies P.O. Box 7062, 780-3223, ecaafl.org Escambia County Animal Shelter 200 S. Fairfield Drive, 595-3075 Humane Society of Pensacola (HSOP) 5 N. Q St., 432-4250, humanesocietyofpensacola.org Hotel For Dogs & Cats 4110 Creighton Road, 857-0222, h4dc.org

Skylar with the Baeckers' family dog (not an assistance dog) / photo by Shawn Farand Photography

JR Humane Society 968-3260, juniorhumanesociety.com

Rescue Groups

Rowe's Orphanage For Cats and Kittens 2191 Bush St., 293-7620, rowesorphanageforcatskittens.weebly.com

“We hope that it will help her in a way that neither we, the doctors, or the medications have been able to.”

SouthBARK southbarkrescue.com

Humane Society of Escambia County The Humane Society of Escambia County in Flomaton, Alabama is closing its doors due to insufficient funding.

HSOP is among several organizations preparing to take as many of these pets as possible. Many of these animals may have to be euthanized if no homes are found by the end of August.

Individuals or organizations wishing to adopt or find homes for these cats and dogs are encouraged to contact HSOP or the Humane Society of Escambia County at hsescambia@gmail.com or 251-2962275.

Jaimie Baecker

The Baecker family / photo by Shawn Farand Photography 88

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I care not for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it. —Abraham Lincoln

COOKING FOR CANINES

by Ashley McLain

Pet-Centric Events 8.16 Humane Society of Pensacola Bathe-In

All you need to bring is a towel—and your pet of course—and the Humane Society of Pensacola (HSOP) staff and volunteers will do the rest. All proceeds go straight to help care for the pets currently housed at HSOP. Bath and dip prices range from $7 – $10 depending on the size of your pet. Nail clipping and grooming services are also available for additional charges.

And don’t worry if you can’t make this one, there are two more bathe-ins this fall throughout Saturday, Sept. 20 and Oct. 18. All bathe-ins are from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and happen at the HSOP—5 N. Q St. For more information, call 432-4250 or visit humanesocietyofpensacola.org.

8.23

3rd Annual Dog Days of Summer

Enjoy dog-friendly events, snap a few photos with a pet photographer, visit with the Santa Rosa County K-9 unit and more at the Dog Days of Summer event at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church in Pace. The event is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. For more information, visit facebook.com/ DogDaysOfSummerFoundation.

9.20

2nd Annual Dog Days of Summer "Pug" Crawl

Support SouthBARK Animal Rescue by

August 7, 2014

bringing your furry friends downtown for a pub —or rather pup crawl. Participating bars are Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen & Taproom, The Tin Cow and O'Riley's Irish Pub Downtown. The crawl begins at 3 p.m.

Special events include a charity dog wash and a doggy talent and fashion show. All proceeds benefit SouthBARK. For more information, visit southbarkrescue.com.

Artel Goes 9.26 to the Dogs

Art and furbabies come together to benefit the Humane Society of Pensacola.

Bid on art and enjoy yummy (human) treats at Artel Gallery, 223 S. Palafox. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Auction begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 for a single ticket, $75 for a couple and $50 at the door.

To purchase tickets, call 791-8070 or visit artelgallery.org.

10.18 ReptiDay

Not into cuddly animals? Mark your calendar for ReptiDay as the Repticon show makes a stop in Navarre. Check out live animals from around the world, purchase pets and learn more about reptiles and exotic animals at live seminars and

demonstrations throughout the day. ReptiDay will be at the Navarre Conference Center, 8700 Navarre Pkwy. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (early entry at 9:30 a.m.) Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and under.

45-minute stroll in East Hill. Dogs must be leashed and well-behaved. Owners should be prepared to pick up after the pet. Meet at the entrance to Bayview Dog Park at 20th Avenue and East Lloyd Street. Call 291-7658 for more information.

10.18 SouthBARK Yappy Hour

Your Dog’s Business

Come to The East Hill Yard from 4-7 p.m. for an evening of live music, food and silent auctions—all benefitting SouthBARK and their rescued pups.

And like always, The Yard is pet friendly, so make sure you bring your pooch. For more information, visit southbarkrescue.com.

10.25 Barktober Fest

One of the HSOP’s biggest events, Barktoberfest is a celebration of dogs complete with games, demonstrations, costume contests, adoptions and more.

Visit humanesocietyofpensacola.org to see how you can be a part of the event.

Regular Events

Strut Your Mutt

Every Tuesday, join fellow dog owners for a

Every third Saturday of the month, head to Your Dog’s Business for an in-store Yappy Hour from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Let your pet indulge in treats such as frozen ice cream cones, smoothies and more. And don’t forget to take advantage of sales and discounted store items. 4771 Bayou Blvd., Unit 15, 466-3057, yourdogsbusiness.net.

In-Store Adoption Events HSOP

HSOP adoption events rotate every Saturday between Petco and Pet Supermarket. Be sure to check out the next adoption events Aug. 10 at Petco, 1670 Airport Blvd. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit humanesocietyofpensacola.org.

Junior Humane Society

The Jr. Humane Society hosts adoption events at PetSmart, 6251 N. Davis Hwy., from noon to 4 p.m. every Saturday. For more information, visit juniorhumanesociety.com.

For more pet friendly events and general fun stuff, make sure you “like” Pet Friendly Pensacola: facebook.com/petfriendlypensacola 9

The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs. —Charles de Gaulle

READER PET PICS

Audrey Jerry Mistretta

Bailey Cameron & Julie Ross

Bean Puggs Chuck Sansom

Belle Tristessa & James OzWirth (left to us by Paul)

Ben Chuck & Jan Irwin

Benjamin Laura & Allan Richards

Boo Boo Kate Trattner

Boo Sena Maddison

Cali Jane Chris & Lindsay Fowler

Casey Ellen & Steven Barry

Charles Deb & Tim Gooden

Chino Phillip & Julie Mayhair

Clouseau Charlotte Gordon

Delilah, Bella and Tank Jessica Patterson

Dexter Jarrod Mclendon, Courtney Rogers & Miller Selland

Doozer Jon & Whitney Pytynia

Farley Deb & Tim Gooden

Frankie Bethany & Carl Wilson

Holly Lillian, Kate & Harper Jane Wiggins

Jackson and Maggie Karen and Tod Sindel

Jaden Marie Adam & Robbie Schrock

Jake Chuck & Jan Irwin

Jarvis Mrs. John T. Chism

Josh Tristessa & James OzWirth (left to us by Paul)

Karis Phillip & Julie Mayhair

Katiana Daniel & Donna Pennington

Kitty Jennifer and Joe Passeretti

Kooper Rick & Suzi Gordon

Lily Collin & Brody Bissett

Loki Shelly Umaguing

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The only escape from the miseries of life are music and cats... —Albert Schweitzer

For the third year in a row, we asked you guys to send us photos of your pets. And boy, did you deliver.

Not only did we get an abundance of cats and dogs, we also got our first ever

ferret and a chicken with the coolest name ever.

Of course, some of you sent us what we can only assume is every picture you’ve ever taken of your beloved pet. While we

can totally relate to that kind of enthusiasm, we had to edit them down. You understand, right?

Also if you sent in a photo and don't see it, it's probably because something

was a little off with the image quality (too small, too dark, too much owner, not enough cat…). So if your pet didn't make the cut, please try again next year (with a better photo of course).

Lucy Mae—Ron & Heather Kilpatrick

Lucy May Adam & Robbie Schrock

Lucy Woody & Emily Speed

Maggie Karen & Tod Sindel

Maizey Riannon & Justin Boven

Mary-Oh Mike & Diane Norris

Max The Autrey Family

Maxine Edward Tisdale & Cory Wilkinson

Mimi Christina Leavenworth

Montana Shawndy Moulton

Morena Shelly Umaguing

Ms. Holly Marianne Sherman

Nola John & Marlene Whyte

Picklisha Ayson Jackson

Pistachio Shelly Umaguing

Professor Longhair Andy & Dahlonega Marlette

Rambo Jackson & Brooks Lurton

Roman Anna Hinesley

Rummy Tricia & Tom Coady

Samson Rich & Jamie Harris

Spiderman Chad Leidner

Sterling "The Dude” Jennifer McGaugh & Jim Vasser

Sunny & Stella Amanda Pope, Noel & Jessica McDowell

Sweet Pea Rick & Suzi Gordon

Theo Joe Russo

Tohru & Haku Phillip & Julie Mayhair

Tuck Woody & Emily Speed

Vegas Darrin Land

Willow Kate Trattner

Yochi Joy Kristin

August 7, 2014

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The average dog is a nicer person than the average person. —Andy Rooney

DON’T BULLY MY BREED

Pet Friendly P'cola Sure, you and your pet might get turned away from Gallery Night and those pesky “no pets allowed” signs are still posted all around Palafox Market on Saturdays. But Pensacola is making strides in the pet friendly city department. When we started doing The Pet Issue three years ago, we rarely saw dogs downtown, but now it’s an everyday occurrence—especially around lunch time and happy hour. And because our staff is almost entirely made up of dog lovers, we couldn’t be happier about this trend.

by Sarah McCartan

Here are some of our favorite pet friendly dining establishments—most of which not only welcome pups, but offer them water bowls:

Al Fresco (501 S. Palafox, eatalfresco.com) Cactus Flower Cafe (3425 N. 12th Ave., cactusflowercafe.net)

City Grocery (2050 N. 12th Ave.)

Emma Cobb with Bastian

Dolce (221 E. Zaragoza St., dolcepensacola.com) The East Hill Yard (1010 N. 12th Ave. Suite 111, easthillyard.com)

End of the Line Cafe (outdoor seating in back) (610 E. Wright St., eotlcafe.com)

Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen and Taproom (10 S. Palafox, hopjacks.com) Hub Stacey’s Downtown (12 E. Government St., hubstaceys.com)

“Nothing will change minds faster than seeing him act the opposite of their assumptions.”

Jaco's Bayfront Bar & Grille (997 S. Palafox, jacosbayfrontbarandgrille.com) The Magnolia (2907 E. Cervantes St., magnoliapensacola.com) Sluggo’s Vegetarian Restaurant (101

S. Jefferson St.)

Emma Cobb

Thai 54 Cuisine (47 Gulf Breeze Pkwy.,thai54cuisine.com) The Tin Cow (102 S. Palafox, thetincow.

com)

And because we go out drinking almost as much as we go out to eat, here are some of our favorite downtown watering holes that are also totally cool with dogs:

Old Hickory Whiskey Bar (123 S. Palafox, oldhickorywhiskeybar.com)

Pensacola Bay Brewery (225 E. Zaragoza St., pbbrew.com)

World of Beer (200 S. Palafox, wobusa. com/Locations/Palafox)

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Hannibal inweekly.net

Never try to out stubborn a cat. —Robert A. Heinlein

MAKE YOUR PET AN INTERNET STAR

by Jennifer Leigh

Soon to be famous @Acatnamedsmudge

@andrewknapp

@mensweardog

If your pet is impossibly cute—of course it is—you could be on your way to Internet stardom.

Pet Issue Sounds

by Joani & Jason

For your listening and pet obsessing pleasure, we’ve put together a very special playlist of our favorite fur-centric songs.

•Dave Dondero "Not Everybody Likes Your Doggie Like You Do" •Beyoncé “Kitty Kat” •Bright Eyes “Stray Dog Freedom” •The Cure “The Love Cats” August 7, 2014

•Iron & Wine “Wolves (Song of The Shepherd’s Dog)” •David Bowie “Cat People (Putting Out Fire)” •Modest Mouse “Wild Pack of Family Dogs” •Rej3ctz “Cat Daddy” •Florence and the Machine “The Dog Days Are Over” •Man Man “Ice Dogs” •The Kinks “Phenomenal Cat” •El Cantador “Summer Dog” •Cursive “The Cat and Mouse”

•Pretty Girls Make Graves "Wildcat" •Iggy & The Stooges "I Wanna be Your Dog" •Minus the Bear "Dog Park" •Amateur Love "Con/A Sewer/Cat" •Josh Ritter "To the Dogs (or Whoever)" •Dan Deacon "The Crystal Cat" •The Head & The Heart "Cats & Dogs" •Wavves "Dog" *Honorable mention: Anything by Dr. Dog (for dog people) and/or Cat Power (for cat people) 13

In times of joy, all of us wished we possessed a tail we could wag. —W.H. Auden

PET TALES:

My First “Baby”

by Samantha

People that tell you being a pet owner is the perfect way to prepare you for having kids are lying. Sure, it has similarities—like it requires a decent level of responsibility and it’s not always easy.

But really it’s like comparing a jog around the block to running a daily marathon.

We stumbled into “parenthood” with our dog, Sake, pretty haphazardly and without a lot of forethought. It started with a stray cat showing up at our house one night, some instant bonding via a can of tuna, and then some crushed dreams when my husband started having allergic sneezing fits. I convinced him it was a sign that we needed to get a dog—immediately. I had my heart set on a Boston terrier, so we went to the shelter with the intention to check out a Boston mix, but instead fell in love with a crazy spotted and striped puppy.

I quickly became an expert dog mom—meaning I bought a book from the Target dollar bin—and taught her this really awesome trick to ring a bell when she had to go pee. I was convinced she was a genius. I seriously considered teaching her to paint (Google it —people actually do that!), researched how to teach dogs to read, and developed an addiction to the Dog Whisperer. I was a bit obsessed.

Luckily that stage wore off, and I became far more relaxed.

Sake pretty much epitomized the term “fur baby” for me, quelling those baby urges a bit before we were truly ready for kids. I held her constantly and also taught her to kiss me on the mouth, which was a terrible idea because she still tries to do it to unsuspecting guests.

Imagine a 40-pound dog leaping up at you for a kiss...yeah. And prior to Sake, I certainly never imagined myself nerding out over the toy aisle at Pet Smart or counting down the days until I could shop for pet Halloween costumes.

Having Sake prior to our kids was a great decision, regardless of how little we actually thought it out at the time. They have a really awesome symbiotic relationship: she lets them pet her and yank on her tail in exchange for scarfing down all the food they drop on the floor. Our family is all the more kickass with her in it. We will always fondly regard her as our first “baby,” but we know it’s not exactly true. For one, pets are way more tolerant and easy going. So I will say, if you can’t deal with being a pet owner, it just might be a slight indicator that you should hold off a bit on the human kind, you know, if that’s something you’re considering.

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CPR FOR ALL

by Jennifer Leigh

“I know personally, I would give my dog a kidney— you know, if our blood types matched up.”

Sherry Blauner

Gili Woodhams instructs how to properly deliver CPR on the canine manikin.

Sherry Blauner

Parks for Pups When you want to treat your pup to a mini adventure without the risk of getting in trouble, look to the local dog parks—and even beaches—for some fun, games and even socializing.

City of Pensacola:

2130 Summit Blvd.

Dog park located between the pool and the tennis center Bayview Park—While the dog park is open, the dog beach is currently closed.

Mallory and 20th Avenue Dog park and beach located on the south/20th Avenue side of the park by the Bayview Recreation Center

In the city, pooches are welcome to explore all city parks when on a leash. Dogs are allowed off leash at dog parks within Bayview Park and Roger Scott Athletic Complex. Dog park hours are dawn until dusk daily. Because of the April storm, there are a couple of closures for updates, call 436-5670.

City of Gulf Breeze:

Roger Scott Athletic Complex—This dog park is currently closed.

Shoreline Park South Located across from the Gulf Breeze Recreation Center, 800

The only sanctioned park for dogs in Gulf Breeze is located not far from the convergence of Pensacola Beach Parkway and Gulf Breeze Parkway. There is an area where dogs can roam free without a leash, but they must be wearing their leash entering and exiting the area.

Shoreline Drive

Escambia County:

The county has several dog parks available for all non-city dwellers. All county dog parks are open from sunrise to sunset.

Bill Dickson Park 3151 Fenceline Road Beulah Regional Park 7820 Mobile Highway Lexington Terrace Dog Park 900 S. Old Corry Field Road

Pensacola Beach/Perdido Key:

After last year’s trial run, dog parks have found a home on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. At the Perdido Key Dog Park, dogs are permitted within the park without a leash during park hours, sunup to sundown, seven days a week. However,

your pooch must remain under your control and supervision at all times. Pay attention to general park rules and posted signs.

On Pensacola Beach, dog park hours are 7 a.m., through sunset during turtle nesting season, which ends Oct. 31. Beginning Nov. 1, dogs can play from sunup to sunset. Unlike Perdido Key, dog parents are required to keep their dogs on a leash. Make use of the doggie bags, disposal bins and hand wipes available at each Pensacola Beach location.

Pensacola Beach Dog Park East Located at the first parking lot past Portofino Pensacola Beach Dog Park West Located at the first parking lot past the last condos on the Gulf Perdido Key River Road Park 14484 River Road

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PET TALES:

I have lived with several Zen masters—all of them cats. —Eckhart Tolle

Loving Chika

by Ed

HOW TO MOURN YOUR PET

If you’ve ever owned a dog, then you probably know the feeling of walking out into the backyard early one morning with a shovel in hand to say farewell to a friend. I’ve done this a few times in life.

The first time was with a cocker spaniel that my dad playfully named “Chika.” She was my childhood dog, and she lived with our family through it all.

Once while living in Long Beach, California, an oil refinery across the street caught fire and our entire neighborhood was forcefully evacuated to a nearby shelter. We had been away the entire afternoon. By the time we returned, the police had already barricaded our street. Once we got settled into the shelter, my sister and I realized that Chika was still in the house, frightened and trapped.

Ironically, we too were alone. As is a sailor’s life, our dad was out to sea. As my sister and I sat there with tears settling on our faces, my mother had a difficult decision to make. Stay here where it’s safe or risk the unknown and dangerous trek back home to rescue our family dog? One look at us and she knew what she had to do. We all piled in and sped toward Navy housing and the burning oil refinery. We reached the police barricade. “Ma’am, you can’t go in there,” the officer politely but confidently explained. “I know, but we just need 10 minutes,” my mom responded. And before the officer could argue, she hit the gas pedal and pulled past the barricade. The car screeched to a stop. “Kids don’t move.” And in less than a minute, she was back with Chika.

I’m sure looking back, there was some risk calculation involved when my mom decided to make a run for it to rescue the family dog. But in that moment, my mom was my hero. She was our protector and nothing was too scary or too dangerous to stop her.

When Chika died 13 years later, my mom waited patiently for me to come home from school before doing anything. She grabbed my hand, walked me out to the garage and told me it was time to say goodbye. I spent the entire night in the garage building a casket for her. I wanted to bury her alone.

As a boy I learned a lot from Chika, like loyalty and how to care for something. But most importantly, she taught me about unconditional love.

As a man, we lose those life lessons from time to time. And that’s why I always try to keep a dog in my life.

by Jennifer Leigh

Spread the love you have to needy animals in your local area.

Grieving When Your Pet is Alive

If your pet is battling an illness or reaching old age, it can be tough to watch. But remember to really cherish what time you have. Comfort your pet, let him or her indulge in their favorite foods, take them to the park, give them long belly rubs.

If your pet is suffering and you’re considering euthanasia, there is the option of saying goodbye in the comfort of your own home. Davis Animal Hospital (davispetvet. com) is a local veterinary office that offers it. It’s a personal decision and there’s no exact way to handle it. Talk to your veterinarian about euthanasia and if an in-home option is available.

Rack of Lamb

Tuesday’s “Burger and Bordeaux” $15 Free Wine Wednesdays Try Our New Chef’s Table

Elegant Southern Cuisine

Type Restaurant by Chef Blake Rushing Inside Duh! 501 N. 9th Ave. Tue-Sat 5:30-10pm

Reservations @ 850-466-5181/ opentable.com + walk-ins welcome

Like us on Facebook and see our ever changing menu August 7, 2014

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