The RESOLUTE Issue by Unleash Jacksonville

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{ believe it, baby }

BLUE “I will walk again!” Page 10

the

issue

RESOLUTE { Adj. } Characterized by firmness in belief and determination

#16

Collect them all! Do it.

2 | We rise by lifting others / Robert Ingersoll

Resolute s | 3

EDITOR’S COLUMN

The RESOLUTE Issue ON OUR COVER Model | Blue

Oodgay yebay, (that’s Pig Latin) GEORGE

BLUE’S MIRACLE.

You’re bored with your newsfeed! We’ve got some great local suggestions for ya...

@ConversationsWithMamaRose Happiness has never looked so grumpy!

@GetAJobLulu Lulu refuses to contribute to the household. She just wants to nap. Well ... now it’s time for this freeloader to get a job.

@hangin_wit_hank Hank the hound got his own insta because he was “outshining” his bros.

@bowie_the_pyrador A 1-year old Great Pyrenees and Lab mix living the dream with his family!

@brewhoundjax Adventure unleashed! Connecting people + their dogs to the great outdoors

@unleashjax Of course you’re already following, so you see all the great pics from dogs out and about around Jacksonville!

Find Momo on Facebook Photo: Andrew Knapp

Welcome to the Resolute Issue! In case you didn’t already know, Smartypants, resolute is an adjective meaning admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering. Does someone in your life come to mind immediately when you hear that definition? Do you know who comes to my mind? Ack, you probably don’t, you’re not a mind reader. Dogs. All dogs. Every dog I’ve ever met comes to mind when I think of crazy determination—I think we’re all born with it, just like we’re born with the ability to find the teeny bit of cookie you dropped in between the cushions three days ago. Dogs face a crappolaload of adversity—some more than others, of course. My pal Finn’s mom works all day and doesn’t get anyone to let him out. Thusly, he has to hold his pee pee ALL DAY and sometimes it really hurts. I tell him, “Finn, buddy, just let ‘er rip. Pick a spot behind a plant and relieve yourself so you feel better.” But he is determined— resolute, if you will—not to disappoint his mom. This other friend—we’ll call her Vivian Petersbrook to protect her identity—is quite an old gal, but still easy on the eyes. She was taken to the shelter not too long ago because her family got a puppy for Christmas (didn’t they read our last issue?!). She got super depressed and scared at the shelter, but still she didn’t give up and she got adopted by a fantastic neighbor of mine! We dogs can’t give up. We just can’t, don’t, won’t! If I wasn’t resolute in the annoyance of my mom, she would never get out of bed in the morning! Let me explain my strategy. First, I get up way before her alarm is supposed to go off. Then, I scritchy-scratch at the door sixteen thousand times with my long black nail—scritch.... scratch... scritch....scratch. I start to do it with more frequency and a little harder. I act like I really have to go to the outdoor bathroom. When she finally gets up to let me out, I casually walk over to my bowl. Because I’m old, this works, like, every day because she wonders if maybe this time I really do have to pee. But no. My admirably purposeful scritch-scratch alarm always pays off and I get breakfast on my terms. That’s resolute. Don’t ever give up, guys. Set your sights on something an scritch-scratch until you get it.

Blue is the living, breathing deﬁnition of resolute. Read about him on page 10 and follow his story on Facebook:

This dog will make you smile every day. Momo is a border collie who plays hide-and-seek! Play along online.

Unleash

JACKSONVILLE

Publisher: Woof Creative, Inc. Atlantic Beach, FL Amy Olivieri amy@unleashjax.com Editor-in-chief: King George I woof@unleashjax.com Assistant of Nothing Barklie Head of Grounds Security Lulu Contributors Morganne Woltner April Arrington Melissa Murphy Tyler Hendricks Madelyn Bliss Lindsay Layendecker Lindsay Slaughter Grey Lindsey Kelley Chris Kemper Advertising If you want to reach Jacksonville dog lovers, raise your hand ... and then contact us. Deb Davis Deb@unleashjax.com Tyler Hendricks tyler@unleashjax.com Amy Olivieri amy@unleashjax.com Unleash Jacksonville is available free at distribution points, thanks to the support of our advertisers. Please support the fantastic dogloving businesses that support us—and let them know you saw them in Unleash! NOTE: Unleash Jacksonville is for entertainment + information purposes only. We do not take responsibility for the content of our contributors, and ask that you always seek professional help when necessary.

Dog Lovers Only! CHECK OUT THE NEW

UNLEASHJAX.COM It goes without saying (we hope) that all Unleash content is property of Woof Creative, Inc. Unauthorized reproduction in part or whole will result in immediate neutering. ©2018woofcreativeinc

RESTAURANTS (PET FRIENDLY) 22 | Sierra Grill

snout scout

WE’RE OUT + ABOUT ASKING...

What does your dog think of the cold Florida winter we’re having? Tuck | 7 months {with Alana + Rose} He’s really enjoying the cold! He’s part husky, so he’ll even sleep on our balcony at nighttime!

Lani | 3.5 + Enzo 4.5 {with Bruce} They’re actually sleeping under the covers. They will stand there and wait for us to pull the covers back for them to crawl under and they’ll sleep between my wife and I ... all night! Piper | 3 {with Jilly + Jamey} He’s a little spoiled, so he stays in as much as possible. When we put him outside to do his doodoo, he freezes in his tracks like a statue and we have to pick him up!

Nala | 1 {with Erik} She doesn’t seem to mind it much! We come to the beach every day because we don’t have a yard, so we just come for a shorter time when it’s cold.

Lola | 12 {with Judi} She spends A LOT of time under the comforters at home ... behind my knee or under my arm ... the hot spots! Trips in the backyard are MUCH shorter, but she still gets excited to take our walks to the beach!

Winston | 1 {with Nan, not pictured} He loves the cold! He loves rain and cold weather. If it’s raining, it’s hard to get him to come inside!

Follow @unleashjax on Instagram to meet more local dogs caught by our Snout Scout! 6 | To a resolute mind, wishing to do is the first step toward doing.” / Robert Southey

{ FEBRUARY | 2018 }

February 24 @ 6 pm - 9 pm DOGGIE-GRAS Bold City Brewery | 2670-7 Rosselle St., Riverside Get in the spirit of Mardi Gras support the animals of Jacksonville. $1.00 from every beer sold donated to FOJA. friendsofjacksonvilleanimals.com

February 24 @ 1 pm - 5 pm HOPS N’ HOUNDS Veterans United Craft Brewery | 8999 Western Way, Jax Join us for a fundraiser and adoption event for The London Sanctuary with demos, vendors, and Chinchilla’s Eats On The Streets food truck! thelondonsanctuary.org

February 25 @ 1 pm - 5 pm PET READINGS & REIKI Sacred Spirit | 8825 Perimeter park #602, Southside Special healing event! Constance the Pet Messenger & Doryan Cawyer of Jade Paws provide a 30-minute session comprised of a psychic reading and Reiki session for your pet. Reservations required. $50 | Call 904-298-5164

February 25 @ 3 pm - 6 pm TEAM PITSTOP 4TH ANNIVERSARY Culhane’s Irish Pub and Restaurant | Atlantic Beach Raffle & Silent Auction. Light Appetizers. Bring a Toy, Treat, Collar, Leash to donate to our Toys For Transport Program and receive an extra Raffle ticket for our Surprise Basket! pspbrt.org

{ MARCH | 2018 }

March 3 @ 9 am - 1 pm MUTT MARCH PET WALK & FESTIVAL

Mar 16 @ 9 AM - Mar 18 @ 4 pm K9 DETECTION CLASS Naval Air Station Cecil Field | Jax For more info call George Vidler 904-509-9619 kassystem.com

March 18 @ 2 pm - 5 pm YAPPY HOUR ST. “PAW”TY’S DAY Jacksonville Landing | Downtown

March 24 @ 9 am - 1 pm PAW PRINTS IN THE SAND 5K Seawalk Pavilion | 75 1st St N, Jax Beach Register: 1stplacesports.com/races/pawprints5k

March 24 @ 6 pm - 10 pm PEARLS & PAWS GALA Hosted by Friends of Jacksonville Animals, Inc. AirSpace Recreational Facility| 218 Riberia Street, St. Aug. Enter on a red carpet for an exciting night of fun. See ad on page 22 for more info! $50 tickets : 904tix.com/events/pearls-and-paws-gala

March 31 @ 11 am - 2 pm 6TH ANNUAL DOGGONE EASTER EGG HUNT FOCCA Fundraiser 2042 Park Ave, Orange Park $15 - One ticket = one dog + one dog parent to hunt eggs Tickets: pawfectionbakery.com/doggone-easter-egg-hunt

{ APRIL | 2018 }

April 15 @ 2 pm - 5 pm YAPPY HOUR SPRING FLING Jacksonville Landing | Downtown

{ MAY | 2018 }

Jacksonville Landing | Downtown jaxhumane.org/muttmarchinfo

May 19 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am BEACH CLEANUP

March 3 @ 11 am - 6 pm 7TH ANNUAL NORTHEAST FLORIDA VEG FEST

Hosted by Sea Shepherd Jacksonville Meet @ Jacksonville Beach Pier | 503 1st St N, Jax Beach Bring a bucket or bag and some gloves. seashepherd.org

Riverside Park | Riverside Info: nfvegfest.org Hey! List your event for free + view more events :

unleashjax.com/events

May 20 @ 2 pm - 5 pm 10TH ANNUAL KING & QUEEN OF YAPPY HOUR Jacksonville Landing | Downtown

8 | RESOLUTE, adj. Obstinate in a course that we approve. / Ambrose Bierce

cover it’s been a real cold one, eh? I was given the official name “Little Boy Blue” by the staff at First Coast Veterinary Emergency in October of last year, when I was brought in by my family. I heard them tell the nurse I’d gotten caught in a fence and could no longer walk. No longer walk is right! I could barely move, I was in so much pain. The sweet nurse asked my family if they’d like to find out what was wrong with me. I saw them hand my family an estimate. Mom and dad put their heads down and shook them back and forth. Not what I wanted to see, I was hoping for more of a nod up and down. They pushed the estimate away and scribbled on another set of papers. I believe that meant I was signed over to the clinic to be ... uh ... euthanized. I watched them leave and I wanted to go with them, but I couldn’t make my body move the way it always had. “Wait! You forgot me!” I screamed in my head. They never heard my headscreams before, so not sure why I thought now would

Blue’s Miracle This dog! Ohmythisdog. He’s the ultimate deﬁnition of resolute, wrapped in a beautiful shiny gray skinpackage and topped with a black gumdrop nose. He is the inspiration for this issue. I’m happy to introduce you all to Blue. Blue, meet … everyone.

All

eyes on me—gosh, I’m a lot nervous … but I’m honored to be featured. This is crazy! I’ve never written anything before. Sure, I did pee a really cool pattern onto the side of an ottoman once—I’m thinking maybe this will be similar in experience to that? I don’t particularly think I’m all that special, but I do have a story for you. Are you comfortable? Can I get you anything? A soft little lick on the hand, perhaps? My name wasn’t always Blue. It really doesn’t matter much what it used to be—I go by Blue now and I like it. Beautiful things are blue, like the sky and the ocean and my foster mom’s feet in the winter—

be different. But I was really freaking out and everything hurt so badly … I was desperate. “Don’t leave me. Don’t leave me. Don’t leave me.” Well, sigh, they left. You probably guessed that. If they hadn’t this would be the end of a super boring story. But it’s not, and it’s about to get better, so stick with me. Back in the treatment area, I lay in a kennel. I didn’t cry, but the pain was un-be-flippin-lievable. The staff was so kind to give me a pill which helped a lot. They would peer in at me and I would look up at them, and I tried as hard as I could to talk to them with my eyes—they were all I had. I wanted the staff to know that other than the fact that I had a broken

10 | Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way. / Abraham Lincoln

back, I was a healthy, happy, sweet 6-month-old pup, and maybe someone could call mom and let her know she forgot to put me back in the car. Or call dad? We were good buddies! I really didn’t understand where my family went. I continued to talk with my eyes. Then it was ... my time. Dr. Tim Holloway was ready to see me. He put his hand on my head and sighed. I could read his mind. He didn’t like this part of his job. (Great! Finally something I could use to my advantage!) I poured on all the sweet I could, as if my life depended on it. Sweet eyes; check. Little soft hand licks; check; little head tilts; check. Cute face; checkcheckcheck. Some of the other staff was vouching for me—I kept hearing them say really nice things about me. (Thank you, thank you—you know who you are!) The next thing I know, I’m back in my kennel and they were all standing around it talking about something called a “McNicholas.” I tried to pay attention, I tried so hard. But all I wanted to do was sleep.

I woke the next day to the face of an angel. My angel. She was, gosh, how do I describe her? Well, okay, so you know how dogs have the ability to see someone’s heart through their chest? When I woke up that day, ALL I could see was a huge heart with red hair pulled back into a cute little clip—classic Anette Nixon. She was cooing to me and petting me softly and making me feel warm inside—loved, I guess is the right word. I fell for her immediately. (I loved her even more when she brought me roasted chicken and helped me eat it out of her hand, but that’s jumping ahead.) Anette told me I had eyes that look directly into a person’s soul … which was really nice to hear, since that was how I liked to communicate at that time. She got me.

I came to find out on that first morning what a McNicholas was—I’m glad I didn’t have to wait too long, it was killing me! Turns out, it wasn’t a thing, it was a person! Haha, what a silly mix up. It turned out Dr. Holloway from the night before thought I was very sweet (way to work it, me) and he wanted the opinion of DOCTOR Tom McNicholas to find out if anything could be done. Apparently, Dr. McNicholas is … well, let’s just say he’s the best, and he knows a lot about fixing what’s broken. Dr. McNicholas reviewed all the charts and graphs and stock reports and digital shiznitz and decided my back was broken. Surgery could possibly be done, but there was no guarantee that I would walk and the surgery would be very very difficult (and expensive). That’s when my angel, Anette, quickly stepped in and said, “Great! Let’s do it! We’ll start a gofundme for Blue. We’ll get the funds.” Anette is very convincing and she gets things done. That’s why I love having her on my side. Surgery was scheduled.

My back was so broken—so crunched to bits— that my first surgery took 5 hours! Think about what you can do in 5 hours. That’s practically a whole work day, for those of you a with job. For those of you without jobs, that’s 5 episodes of Ellen, or 10 episodes of Family Feud! The staff of First Coast Veterinary Specialists was working on my messed-up back for FIVE HOURS. Shew. I owe them a drink. Out of surgery and on to healing up we go! At this time, I didn’t want to eat anything. I was feeling the pain, but still not letting anyone know. (But they knew. And I knew that they knew. And they knew that I knew that they knew.) Nothing smelled good and I was getting skinny. >>> Resolute s | 11

cover So … where am I now? Well, you’d know if you were following my Facebook page, silly. Take a minute and do that now. Blue’s Miracle.

I think I mentioned before that Anette started hand-feeding me roasted chicken and that’s about all I would eat. For her to buy chicken meant she really loved me, because she loves all animals so much that she doesn’t ever eat them. It was during this time that Anette started assembling my “team”. She reached out to Carolyn Edwards of Friends of Jacksonville Animals (FOJA) and they pledged to help with half the cost of my surgery—wuf wuf! (Thank you FOJA!) Anette then called her friend Amy to help start getting the word out about me. Amy called (or more likely texted, she hates talking on the phone) her friend Tyler to help start raising funds to pay for the rest of my surgery and future rehabilitation. I got my very own Facebook page so people could follow my progress and Tyler set a up a gofundme. So many generous people gave money even though they’ve never even met me! A community of love—I felt it all around me. That meant more than anything.

That’s Anette and her special friend, Dennis—he’s super nice, but not as pretty as my Anette.

Anette put out a plea for someone to take me home from the clinic because she thought I was getting sad. Which is true. I’m a people pup. ENFJ. Social. I like cuddles, bro, don’t judge. Anette’s aforementioned friend, Amy, who had come to visit me at the clinic said I could come hang out at her house for the weekend. That was many many many bowls of food ago, so—I’m not great with time, but I’m loving this long weekend! Also! I have wheels! Anette reached out to K9 Carts, which is a great organization, and they sent me a cart just my size. When not in my cart, I still pull myself around with my front two legs really super fast. I’m still working on remembering how to use them pesky back ones. I’m going to rehab at Veterinary Acupuncture and Wellness, which is sometimes fun (and, may I be frank? Sometimes not.) They have a water treadmill, which is pretty cool and I get lots of treats. They have a Dr. Jessie Burgess who is very smart and extremely beautiful—I may have a crush but don’t tell her, I’m working my angles. She does electro acupuncture and laser to help me heal and stimulate nerve function. I love every single staff member at VAW and look forward to going there. A huge thanks to owner, Dr. Jenna, for believing in me. Can I tell you I’ve met the most gorgeous people throughout this experience? Yah, it’s been a real crap deal what happened to me, but the people I’ve met … almost makes it worth it. Constance the Pet Messenger did a psychic reading and she just seemed to know so much about me! Doryan Cawyer from Jade Paws comes to visit me quite often to do stretching, massage, and reiki. I get really excited to see her and always feel so wonderful during and after our sessions. I had a fantastic Christmas with another foster mom—Pam Davis! She was so kind to me while Amy was away. She got me my own stocking and let me play with her Alvin and Bubba. I loved hanging with them!

12 | The truest wisdom is a resolute determination. | NAPOLEON BONAPARTE

So many people have sent me toys and treats and belly bands and my friend Becky even bought me a cozy bed. I also have my own stylist— Custom Dog Bed Creations by Holly! Holly She makes all my sexy collars. Salty Paws Healthy Pet Market has been SO GENEROUS to sponsor my food and CBD oil. They gave my foster mom a ton of samples so that I could pick what I liked.

I didn’t know what I wanted to eat at ﬁrst. Thank you There are just too many Salty Paws for all the smaples!

people to thank—but most importantly, I’d like to thank Dr. Tim Holloway and Dr. Tom McNicholas and all the staff at First Coast Veterinary Emergency for sparing my life. That’s not what normally happens in those situations. Life can be kind of scary sometimes, since I don’t have a rescue backing me. I have my tribe, though, and they really take care of me! Now all I need is my own new family. Someone who believes in me and will let me cuddle with them whenever I want and will love me forever.

This is my life now! I am treated like a celebrity at Veterinary Acupunture and Wellness ... but they still make me do all the hard work.

Thank you for letting me tell my story! I’m not giving up. There’s too much sweetness in life left to discover and too many wonderful people I need to meet! Walk on, my friends.

Much love & many little hand licks,

Blue

Join Blue’s tribe on Facebook @

BLUE’S MIRACLE Cheer

on Blue’s Progress,

donate

toward rehab and care

learn more

about adopting this silly sweet boy!

Adopt Blue

Thank you for this toy, Marie + Ryan!

Every day Blue’s foster mama talks to him about his real family and how they are going to be so happy to have him. “Will anyone want me as I am?” He always asks. Yes, Blue! You are loved by many people already for your heart and your amazing spirit and your funny personality ... and your real family will fall in love with every single part of you. Whether you walk or don’t walk. “Well, I am going to walk,” he always says. Yes! We know you are Blue. We’re all rooting for you. “Thanks mama. I’m sorry I pooped on the rug.” I know you are, Blue. It’s ok. “So ... where is my family? Why don’t they come for me?” Blue, they haven’t seen your amazing face yet. Sometimes the stars need to align in a perfect pattern and then Love happens. “Well (puppysigh) I’ve been waiting a long time ... how about some treats to make me feel better?” Blue would love a family that wants to help him go through rehab. He’s hoping they have lots of love and laughter in their home. He’d love another dog, but would also be happy having all the attention. Blue requests lots of outside time and walks in his cart. He also asked us to put in here that he’d love someone who is liberal in dolling out treats and someone who likes to CUDDLE.

For more info, please private message the Blue’s Miracle Facebook page. Resolute s | 13

resolute

Lucie

MORGANNE WOLTNER

Looking for a onesie to protect Lucie’s

incision from surgery, I found myself strolling around the pet store. I came across a section of full of pet goodies by Ellen Degeneres. A quote

8-week-old Christmas pup home. Right away I gave her food and water, assuming she was famished from her long flight by her lonesome little self. That’s the first time I realized something wasn’t quite right.

One of the things I really believe is that if you’re going to have pets you should treat them like you’d treat yourself. I don’t mean you should treat them to new shoes or a fancy car—I’m talking about the basics; a nice bed, fun toys, and good food. ~ Ellen

Every time Lucie ate, she’d immediately get sick and couldn’t hold her food down. Her stomach was covered in flea bites, and her body was skin and bones. Definitely not the roly-poly puppy I expected—or as “advertised” by the breeder. Alarmed, I brought her to the vet the next morning.

Analyzing her symptoms, her new vet immediately took action. He admitted her into the ICU. Upon further observation, Lucie was transferred to a specialist. The news that followed was absolutely heart breaking. Within hours after receiving my sweet pup, I on the packaging tugged at my heart strings: was informed she had a life threatening birth So ... back to that incision. Lucie, my baby defect—vascular ring anomaly. Her right aorta Dalmatian, got a second chance at life after being born to unethical breeders in Coloardo. I’m was wrapped around her esophagus cutting hoping you’ll read our story and learn from this. off the flow of food to her stomach. She hadn’t had nutrients in her body since being weened off On December 5, 2017, I picked her up at the her mother—four weeks prior to her diagnosis! Jacksonville airport. I was so excited to bring my Little Lucie was starving to death. Unfortunately,

14 | Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough. / Og Mandino

her breeders had “overlooked” her continuous regurgitation, didn’t get her help, and sold her to me anyway. After further testing, I was informed there was a small window of hope to save Lucie’s life. She qualified for immediate surgery. On December 7, her specialist successfully cut her right aorta, freeing her esophagus so food could finally reach her belly. The unexpected huge expense of emergency surgery was worth every penny. My little miracle now knows what it’s like to have a full belly. Our first week together was such an emotional roller coaster. Lucie and I came face to face with this crazy life-or-death situation within

hours of meeting each other. I’m so thankful for the staff at Southeastern Veterinary Hospital and First Coast Veterinary Specialists, and for everyone who has donated to the I Love Lucie Campaign. Campaign This campaign has been started not only to help Lucie, but grow into a campaign that helps others who have received an ill dog from breeders. Through Lucie’s story I hope to expose and put an end to unethical dog breeding. • Editorial note: It’s horrible that Lucie’s story isn’t actually rare. Heartbreak and unexpected costs associated with a sick pup can be avoided by knowing the red flags of an unethical breeder and asking the right questions. If you can, make adoption your first choice. Never buy a puppy from a place you have not actually seen in person—internet photos don’t count.

You can ﬁnd ANY breed through a rescue! Check out unleashjax.com/adopt for more

Akita Rescue Society of FL

Friends of Clay County Animals

New Rattitude (Rat Terrier Rescue)

Ana’s Angels

Friends of Collies & Shelties

petfinder.com/shelters/FL344

petfinder.com/shelters/fl810

N. Florida Animal Rescue

Clay County Humane Society

Florida Keeshond Rescue

Paw Paws Pet Rescue

arsf.org

clayhumane.org

friendsofclaycountyanimals.org

floridakeeshondrescue.com

NewRattitude.org

northfloridaanimalrescue.org pawpawspetrescue.com

Coastal Golden Retriever Rescue FUR Sisters coastalgrr.org

facebook.com/fursisters

Poochie’s Pet Rescue, Inc.

Coastal Poodle Rescue

G.R.E.A.T. (Golden Retrievers)

The London Sanctuary (Hounds + more!)

coastalpoodlerescue.org

D.A.R.E. (Dachshund Rescue) daretorescue.com

Fawn’s Small Dog Rescue FawnsSmallDogRescue.org

Florida Dachshund Rescue fldr.org

greatrescue.org

Great Dane Rescue

poochiespetrescue@gmail.com thelondonsanctuary.org

greatdane.rescueme.org/Florida

The Old Dog House Senior Dog Rescue

Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services (ACPS)

Rescue Junkie

coj.net

Jax Area Greyhound Society 904.923.6629

The Jacksonville Humane Society jaxhumane.org

K-9 Services German Shepherd Rescue

theolddoghouse.org rescuejunkie.org

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Greater Tampa Bay Flwheatenclub.org

Swamp Haven Rescue (Hounds + more!) swamphaven.org

k-9services.net

Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida labradorrescue.net

Resolute s | 15

resolute

  APRIL ARRINGTON

in a cage being used as a test subject for beauty products.

 

Winnie and her siblings were rescued by Beagle Freedom Project (BFP), this little love pot couldn’t contain her excitement for her new found freedom! She was loving everyone and everything. She sprinted around the yard and was the only dog brave enough to hop in the little doggy pool. Up until this happy moment, Winnie had spent her whole life

The world is a scary place for a little beagle who has never seen the grass or sunlight before. Winnie was fostered by a lovely family for a month before we added her to our motley crew. When we adopted Winnie, she didn’t know how to drink water from a bowl, she only ate her food in the dark, and she was petrified of any loud noises. We knew adopting a special needs animal would be difficult, but I didn’t realize how heartbreaking her story truly was. She didn’t trust humans at all and preferred to spend her time in a small fort made of sheets and pillows in our bedroom. She was scared of the television and all noises. We’d often

16 | Courage, sacriﬁce, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That’s what little girls are made of / Bethany Hamilton

find her on our bed just sitting there and listening to all these sounds she’d never heard before, shaking in fear. Winnie confided in me to be her safeguard and was my little shadow, following me around the house wherever I went. She’d sleep under the covers, curled up underneath my chin every night. Slowly but surely, she started to trust more and started coming out of her pillow fort. She started imitating our other dog, Jumbo, and learned how to sleep in a dogbed, hang out on the couch, and go potty outside. She enjoyed going for walks and doing zoomies at the dog park. This little scared beagle started to feel safe and started to explore this big new world of hers. One of her biggest moments (for her and us) was when she finally jumped up on the couch and cuddled with us while we watched a movie. What a great moment! We’ve now had Winnie for 8 months, and this little girl has turned into the crazy beagle she was always meant to be. She spends her time sniffing around the backyard, howling at her brother to play, and trying to eat any and all food

that she sees. She absolutely loves playing couch gymnastics—jumping from couch to couch and seeing how far she can jump off of them. She has blossomed into such a little daredevil, and it’s been amazing to watch her personality unfold. We recently fostered another beagle puppy from Beagle Freedom Project, which has only made Winnie come out of her shell even more. She’s enjoyed playing with him and teaching him how to be a dog! Adopting a special needs animal can be challenging at times, but it has been the most rewarding experience of my life. While Winnie still hasn’t given me a kiss on the cheek, I am patiently waiting for that miraculous day! The best way to help animals like Winnie is to adopt a cruelty-free lifestyle. Switch your products like toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, cleaning products, etc., to brands that don’t test on animals. There’s even an app that makes it very easy to scan a product at the store to find out if it is cruelty free. You can download the BPF Cruelty Cutter app for free! To find our more about animal testing, going cruelty free, or adopting a testing survivor: bfp.org

Resolute s | 17

love

Summer MELISSA MURPHY

PHOTOS | WOOF CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

eleven years ago

I was teaching elementary school in South Florida. A woman I worked with often rescued dogs, and would seek foster families for them. I’d wanted a dog my entire childhood, but my parents didn’t feel we had time. When I saw the flyer in our teacher mailboxes for a black lab mix needing a temporary foster, I jumped at the opportunity! I found out the dog’s name was Summer and she was about two years old. Summer was rescued from a family that had a newborn baby. She had been left outside with no food or water. A neighbor told the family that if they didn’t give the dog up she was going to call the police. The family let her go. The woman from the rescue came over to inspect my apartment and make sure it was fit for a 65-pound dog. It was a small one bedroom, but I assured the woman that I would take her for long walks and to the beach and give her lots of love! I was ecstatic when she told me I was approved to foster her. About a month later the rescue was going to post her adoption ad. I was way too attached to let Summer get adopted by someone else. I went through the process to adopt her. Summer has been by my side ever since. She’s been certified through Therapy Dogs International to do therapy work, she loves to swim, play ball, go to the beach, and on road trips. Everyone that meets Summer says she is the sweetest dog. Summer will be 14 years old on February 12, 2018. I can’t imagine my life without her! She is my world! •

18 | Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination. / Carl von Clausewitz

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partners like a decent husband—or human being for that matter. The VA pumped me full of an endless supply of antidepressants that generally made me more depressed and physically sick. I became very good at pretending to be happy, in an attempt to convince my family and employers that everything was alright. I eventually adapted coping techniques that allowed me to live a somewhat normal life, even though I felt numb and disconnected from the world.

my boy

Bandit TYLER HENDRICKS

When

I was 21, my brother and I joined the United States Coast Guard. We were working as bouncers at an infamous Boston nightclub and had recently lost a good friend and colleague to a work-related stabbing. We decided we needed to make some important life decisions if we wanted to see a brighter future. My time spent in the military was extremely bittersweet. I did some amazing things, met some extraordinary people, and really tested the limits of what I thought I was humanly capable of. I was also secretly battling debilitating depression and anxiety. I spent the majority of my time off-duty self-loathing and selfmedicating; too afraid to get any help due the the stigma involved. l’d make promises to myself not to drink, only to find myself passed out on the sidewalk or on my bathroom floor. Returning to civilian life only left me more depressed, angrier, and lost. I was newly married and incapable of acting

In 2016, my wife and I moved to Jacksonville for a change of scenery and so that I could go back to school. We thought that a dog was a much needed addition to our family, and planned on adopting after we got settled. I didn’t know at that time how adopting a dog would positively transform my life to the extent that it has.

While searching for our dog, we couldn’t help but notice the over abundance of “pitbulls,” or bully breed dogs, that were in the Jacksonville shelters. Being from up north, I had only encountered pitbulls in the movies or from the occasional news report, so needless to say we were extremely hesitant about adopting one. After researching the breed, we decided to go against the advice and constructs of society and adopt a four-month-old American Staffordshire Terrier from Florida Urgent Rescue, We named him Bandit. My bond with Bandit began the moment we met him at his foster home. He was the runt of the litter, unusually calm, and satisfied just being held and falling asleep in my arms—I knew he was my boy. Bandit’s affect on me was almost instantaneous after we finalized his adoption and brought him home. He made me feel more engaged and gave me a reason to get up and start my day. He also enabled me to open up and find common ground with complete strangers, something that I normally would’ve avoided at all cost. Overall, he just made me a better person. His very presence helped to lessen

Bandit getting ready for take off

20 | Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. / Anatole France

Enjoy this Baby Bandit montage

the lives of absolutely everyone he met—including some of the most afflicted. I even witnessed him bring a homeless veteran to tears as he just sat there, patiently letting the burdened man hug and cry on him for several minutes. Bandit has now been with us a little over a year and I believe that adopting him was a defining moment in my life. I’m still far from perfect—there are good days and bad—but Bandit’s unwavering affection keeps me positive and from slipping too far into depression.

the severity of my anxiety and depression, a task that my medications continuously failed at. But what I found to be the most incredible about his amazing dog? How he could instantly transform

For every person or veteran reading this who suffers from depression or anxiety, our city shelters are brimming with amazing dogs just like Bandit who need your help. All they ask for is food and love, and in return, they will transform your life forever. I guarantee—you will save each other. •

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22 | Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to get up every morning with determination if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to go to bed with satisfaction. / George Horace Lorimer

great idea

^ Baxter, pictured with his new mom, Ashley, on adoption day!

Baxter’s StOry

NOcatee

Farmer’s Market 10AM-1PM 245 Nocatee Center Way Ponte Vedra

*Located by the Swim Club Green at Splash Waterpark

Well, we have, too. But, we don’t want you to avoid our Swamp Haven tent because you’re afraid of a hard sell on one of our dogs! So for families who aren’t quite ready, we’re adopting out stuffed animals. Our stuffed Swampies come with a name and a story about where they came from, like Baxter (above)! We’d love for your son or daughter to take their new “pet” home and share with their neighbors and classmates how they adopted a best friend. So when you see our tent at the Nocatee Farmer’s Market (every third Saturday of the month) swing by, we’d love to chat with you and your family about the importance of giving dogs—and stuffed animals!—a second chance. •

Photo by Angélique L’Allier

Baxter ﬁlled his picnic basket to the brim with sandwiches, cookies, and snacks that he had made for all his friends. He went deep into the forest to try to ﬁnd the perfect picnic spot, but he got lost! Now that we’ve found him, he needs a new family that will picnic with him. Baxter loves cooking and relaxing in the sunshine.

Do you occasionally avoid the pet adoption tent on your way to a pet store or at farmer’s markets? You know, when you’re just not in the mood to have the conversation with your child (or partner!) about adding a new pet to the family?

24 | Determination becomes obsession and then it becomes all that matters. / Jeremy Irvine

urry and human). We will ght to you Kim. Peace to or the dogs Kim loved so help Kimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s husband Erik Please make a donation t a time <3 Please like the making a difference one gether to keep pressing on, all make sense. Until t one thing I know for just never make any sense the obstacles. Too young of Jacksonville Animals us to never give up on the s live; they live in the treach in our early days n the here and now. Like ever be remembered. Kim be more like Kim while ouse, that she founded he person most qualified. s she rescued through the dogs over the Rainbow ALL the rest. Her impact We all will eventually get l was like a twinkling ed that many of them ven gained one of those . They probably checked ving and compassionate e who would put their derate, humble, sincere, king for someone who n need of a caretaker. sed over the Rainbow The Old Dog House. All the recent passing of Kim

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community

Come visit the beautiful new

Jacksonville Humane Society Resource Center!

In November of 2017, the

Jacksonville Humane Society celebrated the grand opening of our brand new Adoption, Education and Community Resource Center. This was the culmination of years of hard work, support, and generosity by our JHS team, board members, partners, supporters, donors and friends! The 50,000 square foot facility features state-of-the-art animal housing, including 5 group cat rooms, 2 catios, and 10 dog living room suites. The new building also has dedicated spaces for community education, adoption meet and greets, pet training, pet resource support and group gatherings. JHS is excited to host their annual Mutt March event on their property for the first time ever on Saturday, March 3rd 2018. It’s a prime opportunity for community

members to get an up close and personal view of what they made possible, while supporting the dogs and cats at JHS. Behavior classes, children’s camps and other events will soon be coming to the center, too. Prior to the new building, JHS was unable to host events on site. 2018 will be an exciting year in the new space! On the night of the grand opening, Mayor Lenny Curry declared November 9th “Generosity Breeds Joy Day” in Jacksonville in celebration of JHS’ commitment and service to the community since 1885. Save the date for November 9, 2018 as we celebrate generosity together! • Come check out the new facility! Monday-Friday: 12PM-7PM, Saturday & Sunday 10AM-5PM 8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville • jaxhumane.org

Mutt March 2018 Saturday, March 3, 2018

9 AM Registration & Festival open | 10:30 AM Walk begins Jacksonville Humane Society – 8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville info + register: jaxhumane.org/muttmarch 26 |

kinda awesome

Pawsitive Reading at the Jacksonville Humane Society MADELYN BLISS | (AGE 9) When I first heard about this Pawsitive Reading Program I was really happy and wanted to do it! When I got there, I went to the information session and they told me everything I needed to know. There was also a really nice and helpful staff and mats to sit on to provide lots of cushion. You are allowed to give the dogs a couple of treats. I really loved watching them enjoy those treats. When you read to them they might lay down or even go to sleep! It’s so cute! They provide a free book so you can read or you can bring your own. They have nice little rooms for the dogs and cats. They have nice cozy beds and toys and some dogs are in kennels but they are very happy to be in air conditioning. And in the new building, it’s really nice and clean for the animals but one time when I was reading to a dog it seemed like she was trying to talk to me … her name was Butterfly. Did you know that the Humane Society can provide health and playtime outside to the pets and the cats have an outside patio? When I was reading to a cat she was looking at my book … it was nice. The cat that was looking at my book, her name was Jane and just got her teeth pulled out so I think that me reading to her made Jane feel better. We like to say hi to a lot of the dogs and cats. The people who walk by say “that’s a nice thing she is doing” and that makes me feel really good! I love helping these animals and it makes me and the animals feel good so would you want to volunteer to this great animal program? jaxhumane.org/how-to-help/volunteer/kidswhocare

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rescue

A special family of beagles reunites to partaay! Jessie had to be rushed in for an emergency c-section in order to save the puppies. She was such a fighter and was determined to be the good mom to her pups. Jessie made a full recovery and had such happy, healthy, and loved pups. Poochie’s Pet Rescue, Inc. recently celebrated a special family reunion and one-year birthday of some beagles that had a rough start. Their mom, Jessie, sat at Bradford County Animal Control, a small rural kill shelter in Starke, very near labor with no sign of rescue. That made her (and the puppies’) situation extremely urgent. Poochie’s was able to rescue her and the puppies’ dad, Paxil.

Ranger, Iris, Emma, Daisy, and Luna turned one in December with a party that included their dad Paxil, who met 4 out of 5 of his pups for the first time! It was amazing to see them together, knowing all they’d overcome to be there to celebrate this special day. We celebrated with a special cake for the pups, food, gifts, and bandanas with their names on them. The dogs had a blast running and playing together. It fills our hearts with joy to see how much each of them have changed and grown. They have such wonderful lives with families that adore them! Thank you for adopting: Charlene and Paul Seidel, Zack Usztok and Shannon Blizzard, Geri and Don Haven, Kathy and Jerry Entwistle and Karrie Smith and family! •

28 | At the core of life is a hard purposefulness, a determination to live. / Howard Thurman

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all creatures

13Rats CHRIS KEMPER

Yiiiikes!

Rats?! Yes, rats. It’s fine, I’m used to that reaction after I reveal I am “mom” to 13 rattie kids. People have preconcieved ideas about rats and, sadly, most of it is negative. What I’d like people to know is that rats are very intelligent, cute, clean animals that can be litter trained!

groom or fall asleep in the hide tube. They were used to the dogs and knew they wouldn’t be hurt. People always worry about the rats getting hurt, but there are strict standards for their safety.

In September, the practice barn we went to closed. I wondered how I would prepare for real trials. It turned out I had a building perfectly equipped for barn hunt with heat, air, and great lighting. BINGO! I started buying You’re all ... yah yah yah, but how did you come to have hay every week until I had enough to build the training 13 rats for pets, lady! Explain yourself. Okay, I will! courses (50 bales). I had one problem—I only I also have eight dogs—four Boston had two rats. Word got out about what I Terriers, two miniature schnauzers, was up to and I ended up being gifted five a toy fox terrier, and a cattle dog. girls someone no longer wanted (one I’ve been involved in dog sports was older and passed away not long for many years, mostly agility. after I adopted her). All were very sweet In recent years I’ve developed a and loving. A few weeks later, another few health issues that affect my person wanting to rehome three more balance, so I started looking for a girls contacted me. So I adopted them as well! sport where I wouldn’t have to run (and Cuddling with Alvin Recently, I was blessed with three babies from possibly fall)—that’s when I discovered Chica and my male, Quest. barn hunt! Haven’t heard of it? Well, dogs go into a barn-like setting and must find rats I really enjoy sitting in the evenings with a couple that are hidden in hay/straw in protective PVC tubes. ratties in my lap, giving them snacks and snuggles. All I went to classes in Deland, but it was such a drive get individual mommy time, just like my dogs do. that I decided to acquire my own pet rats—and I welcomed Chica and Tooey to our family. I built PVC Thanks to my dogs’ needing an outlet to “work”, these tubes, and started having the dogs find them hidden wonderful little creatures have come into my life. I love around the house. The dogs really enjoyed playing them all and I’m happy to be able to offer classes and a “find it—it worked their brains and after a session, practice area to the Jacksonville dog community. they’d take long naps! The rat girls would either selfWant to learn more? Check out barnhunt.com

30 | Don’t tell me what you believe in. I’ll observe how you behave and I will make my own determination. / Alex Trebek

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Give w| 31

Check out

unleashjax.com/adopt for links to more great rescues!

Finn

super sweet!

✓ Dogs

✖ Cats

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Boog

Sky

so kind and gentle

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sweet + loving

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din

oar

In B

? Cats

TER FOS ED D NEE

AGE: 2 years BREED: American Bulldog/hound mix ABOUT ME: House broken, crate trained, very playful and energetic ... but LOVES to snuggle too! CONTACT: FUR SISTERS fureverursrescue@gmail.com

Tilly

cuddle bug

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? Cats

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AGE: 3ish BREED: Hound mix ABOUT ME: I love other dogs and would love another dog to play with. Everyone who meets me loves me, and I love people! I ride well in the car, love nature trails, shopping at Home Depot, and I walk well on a leash. I require a 6-foot fence—I’m a good jumper! CONTACT: Pet Rescue North Dionne05@gmail.com

Meet Duke!

AGE: 2-3 years AGE: 3ish BREED: The perfect mix BREED: The perfect mix ABOUT ME: An absolute goofball ABOUT ME: Sky is fully vetted, and such a gentle giant. Would be including utd on vaccinations, rabies, awesome for a family with other microchip. Loves to play with other dogs and kids to play with. dogs her size and very sweet & loving. CONTACT: PIT SISTERS CONTACT: POOCHIE’S PET RESCUE sisters@pitsisters.org poochiespetrescue@gmail.com

Ginger

happy girl

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Allie

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AGE: approx. 10 years BREED: Perfect mix ABOUT ME: I’m very sweet, love car rides. I’m a happy girl! CONTACT: Pit Sisters sisters@pitsisters.org

playful + fun

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AGE: 3-4 years BREED: Lab/Hound mix ABOUT ME: 45 lbs. and healthy! Very playful & fun loving—an active home with kids is ideal! Crate trained, house broken & extremely smart. Prefers to be the only dog in the house. Loves to play fetch, walk on the beach & go for car rides, too! CONTACT: Rescue Junkie Summer@rescuejunkie.org

When you adopt rather than shop, you’re saying NO to puppy mills and saving a life. w

Manny

Baby

very loyal

✓ Dogs

✓ Cats

✓ Kids

joyful

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AGE: 4-5 years BREED: American Staffordshire mix ABOUT ME: Baby lived with a single woman who, before becoming a hospice patient, had fallen in her house. It was 3-4 days before anyone checked on them and Baby stayed by her mom’s side – not leaving to eat and she didn’t have any accidents in the house. We hope Baby’s devotion will be rewarded with a wonderful forever home. CONTACT: PET PEACE OF MIND PROGRAM cwhitney@communityhospice.com

✓ Cats

Tank

former service dog

✓ Dogs

? Cats

sweet + loving

✓ Calm Kids

AGE: 1 year BREED: Hound mix ABOUT ME: Homeless and shivering in the urban core when we found him. High energy, joyful, loves snuggles with humans and dogs, and learns quickly. Neutered, 40 lbs., housetrained. CONTACT: Mary 72032d@gmail.com

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Bonnie

Star ✓ Dogs

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AGE: 1 year BREED: The bulldog mix ABOUT ME: Star loves having a playmate her size to run and play chase with! She is very loving and enjoys cuddling up and giving her human all the love she has to offer. Fully vetted—utd on vaccinations, rabies, spayed, microchipped and heartworm negative. CONTACT: POOCHIE’S PET RESCUE poochiespetrescue@gmail.com

Puja ✓ Dogs

loves love

? Cats

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laid back

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✖ Small Kids

AGE: approx. 5 years BREED: Perfect mix ABOUT ME: Potty trained. Sweet, quiet, very laid back. TAILS graduate (Teaching Animals and Inmates Life Skills) CONTACT: Pit Sisters sisters@pitsisters.org

AGE: 6 years BREED: Black Lab mix ABOUT ME: Tank was a service dog who’s hooman went to hospice. He’s loyal and loving. Awesome with kids. Loves everyone, sweet and cuddly. House trained, loves his crate, can sit, shake, and lay down. He enjoys the water and walks. Neutered UTD on shots and flea/heart medicine. CONTACT: Chirssy 904-955-1236 c_vanorsdale@yahoo.com

AGE: 1 year BREED: Lab mix ABOUT ME: Puja always greets you with a big beautiful smile and wagging tail. She loves attention so much that she’s eager to come every time she’s called. She’s very friendly, l oves petting, and cuddling, and she is housetrained! CONTACT: POOCHIE’S PET RESCUE poochiespetrescue@gmail.com

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34 | I have both English bulldog determination and Bengal tiger strength. / Bikram Choudhury

Smitten | 35

Deliah Morrisseau, 6

36 | We rise by lifting others / Robert Ingersoll