The FloridaPets.net Blog

Animals should not die in swimming pools

2011-03-10T16:25:00.005-05:00

I am so distressed right now. I just read an article about four dogs and a raccoon drowning in a Jacksonville swimming pool.

Seems the pool had been neglected so badly and the water was so murky, the poor animals couldn't tell it was water they were stepping onto.

Stuff like this just makes me crazy. I mean, we have a lovely inground swimming pool in our backyard for which we are extremely thankful. It provides us with many hours of fun and exercise. Right from the beginning we spent a lot of effort to make it safe for people and animals.

The first step we took to protect everyone was to have the screen enclosure people out the very next day after the pool was installed. They erected a screen room over the entire pool and deck area, one with 2 doors with handles and key holes so high only adults are able to reach it.

Next, we never, ever, did I say, never, walk away from the pool without making sure those doors are locked and we have the key in hand. We never leave the key in either door, even if we intend on returning to the pool in a few minutes. Frankly, we just assume all children in the neighborhood are 7 feet tall and waiting to get the slip on us so they can take over our pool.

Also, much to the amusement of my father, we purchased something called a Frog Log a few years back. It looks like a little sliding board made of Styrofoam. The Frog Log provides a place for small animals - including raccoons, frogs, squirrels, etc., to climb up out of the pool in case they chew through the screen and fall in. These little devices are affordable, easy to use, and they work.

The last thing we do to keep our pool safe for all is to keep it pristine. Please, all you pool owners out there, take precautions and always keep your pool clean. If you don't know how, contact your nearby pool supplies store and ask them to show you, step by step, what to do.

In the tragedy mentioned above, the city has stepped in and will send someone in to "secure" the pool. I hope the property owner will be held responsible for the deaths and the materials required to do what he should have done from day one of his pool ownership.

There are many awful things that should never happen in this world and allowing animals or children to lose their lives in unsupervised, non-maintained swimming pools is certainly one of them!

Feral cats finally catch a break in Duval County

2011-02-06T15:09:00.007-05:00

Until recently, colonies of feral cats in Duval County had been well cared for by a group of dedicated volunteers, but in a shadowy world, without any legal protection.

Then in December, 2010, Duval County’s Animal Control Ordinance 2010-527 passed. The ordinance contains a couple of provisions that will prove helpful to animals, including the Feral Freedom pilot project, funded by Best Friends Animal Society.

The feral project has been active in the area for a couple of years, but is now incorporated into Duval County’s Ordinances. Getting to this point has been a collaboration between the City of Jacksonville, Best Friends Animal Society, First Coast No More Homeless Pets, and the Jacksonville Humane Society.

Short story: Feral cats, or “community cats,” as animal advocates refer to them, will no longer be rounded up and killed in Duval County. It will now be legal to care for them.

The Feral Freedom pilot project uses the TNR (trap, neuter/return) formula to keep community cats out of humane societies and rescue groups where they don’t usually thrive. Another benefit to the project is that spaces not taken by feral animals will be available for more adoptable animals which should help increase adoptions rates across the county.

Under the new ordinance, community cats will be exempt from rules that apply to pet cats, such as licensing fees - if those caring for them have followed TNR procedures and have also vaccinated the cats. Ear tips will be placed on the community cats for identification purposes. Many involved in the project said the tips will eventually be considered to be licenses.

Note from Patricia: First, a rhetorical question, to no one in particular: “Why do laws have to be passed to allow people to be humane?”

OK, I’ve got some feelers out to learn how many cities and counties throughout Florida have hooked up with the Feral Freedom pilot project. Once I learn of more, I will write about them here. Meanwhile, if your area has such a program, please post the info in the comments section below.

Focus on pet travel safety

2011-01-04T03:53:00.004-05:00

I just found about something called, "Pet Travel Safety Day." The first annual celebration was January 2, so I'm a couple of days late to the discussion. But it's a topic I feel deserves some attention, especially because so many people in Florida travel with their pets.

Pet Travel Safety Day was designed to focus people's attention on the risks pets face when traveling with their human companions via automobiles and airplanes, as well as the dangers that lurk for them in hotels and recreational facilities.

We like the website because their philosophy echoes ours. FloridaPets.net's logo is, "They're part of the family, so take them along." And the Pet Travel Safety people remind us to also, "Protect your pets as you would yourself and your children."

The Pet Travel Safety group was started by a former paramedic who too often saw the results of unrestrained animals in vehicles. The site offers tips for keeping a beloved travel buddy safe, such as: How to properly install pet car seats or restraints, and more.

For more information on this topic, visit National Pet Travel Safety Day.

Seniors for Seniors

2011-01-01T19:34:00.003-05:00

What is a new year? It's 365 brand new days, filled with fresh opportunities and retooling. Humans and animals alike deserve second chances.

Safe Animal Shelter (SAFE) in Middleburg is working to help older cats in Florida get their do-overs. They've developed "Seniors for Seniors" as a way to match up older felines with older people in an effort to give both groups some special love.

A Snuggle Session is scheduled every Tuesday at the Safe Animal Shelter to give some awesome folks an opportunity to hang out with some cool cats. There's lots of petting and purring going on, but this action isn't rated R. Like humans, animals understand touch, voice, and attention. Also like humans, they downright thrive on all of it.

If you don't yet have any new year's resolutions, here's an easy one to keep: visit SAFE on a Tuesday and find a furry buddy with whom to enjoy every day in 2011 - and beyond.

Should you fall in love with one of the cats you meet at a Snuggle Session, SAFE will make him or her available to you as a no-cost adoption after the application process. If adoption isn't the best arrangement for you at this time, you could consider a long-term foster plan (whether you are a senior or not.)

For more information about "Seniors for Seniors", visit Safe Animal Shelter.

Get a dog, not a facelift

2010-12-18T06:11:00.006-05:00

I just read a terrific article about the benefits of getting a dog vs. having plastic surgery. I've referenced the entire piece below, which includes some terrific photos, but for this blog's purpose, I am listing the pros to getting a dog here:

* They offer a lifetime of love.

* They are cheaper - facelifts can set you back a good $10,000.

* They make you happier.

* often have better breath.

* They can be your hang-out buddy.

* They won't cause talking behind your back.

* They fetch.

* They cuddle.

* They aren't nearly as risky.

* They care.

Enough said.

Source

Are our topical meds making our pets sick?

2010-12-08T00:03:00.006-05:00

Be very careful if you have a companion animal and use any kind of medicinal body cream, spray or gel, i.e., hormones, analgesics, treatments for psoriasis, etc.

We know how pets are prone to licking everything and that includes their human's hands, legs, or arms. Unfortunately, they can wind up absorbing these medications orally and becoming really sick.

Veterinarians from various parts of the country are reporting seeing dogs and cats with enlarged breast tissue, occasional vaginal bleeding, and confusing blood test results. Some cases are extreme, such as animals who appear pregnant, despite having been spayed months or years before.

Simply wiping your hands after using a cream, gel, or spray medication isn't enough to prevent your pet from absorbing the medication, experts say.

Here are some recommended precautions to take if you are currently using topical medications:

1. Creams, gels, and sprays can be effective if used on areas other than hands, arms, and legs. Try your backs and shoulders, or other places less accessible to your pet.

2. If you do have to place topical medications on your hands, arms, or legs, such as hormones, cover any affected skin left exposed.

3. If you must be with an animal while using topical medications, try to avoid close contact until the preparation has completely dried.

4. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water after using any medications.

5. To be extra cautious, wear disposable gloves when handling topical products, but be sure to properly dispose of the gloves when finished.

Oh, before I forget, here are some great little stocking stuffers for your fur child:

Greenies Dental Chews!
Click on the Greenies and Stock Up Now

The Vick is Back

2010-12-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

Have you heard? Michael Vick is starting to get his swagger back. At least that's what sports writers are saying about him.

Successfully prosecuted for torturing and killing several dogs involved in his very own dog fighting enterprise, Vick spent 17 months in prison. Most animal lovers, including the author, would like to have seen him locked up for 17 years.

But, as is the case with much in life, if there is money to be made by a public figure, an amazing amount of sins, transgressions, even criminalities, take a back seat. In Vick's case, his former employer, the NFL, opened their arms and took him back in to the multi-million dollar a year fold. The Philadelphia Eagles tapped him as their backup quarterback and when their usual quarterback was injured, Vick stepped right back in to the spotlight.

When the NFL Eagles hired Vick fresh from the penitentiary, a collective amnesia began. Vick's victims, the beautiful dogs subjected to unreal atrocities, many directly by Vick's hand, were all but forgotten. After all, Vick has thrown 15 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions since he stepped in to the position. There is money to be made!

These days we are subjected to articles from star- struck sports writers with titles such as, "Vick has become a true leader for young Eagles." There's a lot of talk about what an inspiration Vick is, what a born leader and decent man he is. Yes, the amnesia is just about complete.

“I have all the belief in the world of those guys," Vick is quoted as saying, referring to his Eagle team mates, "and I think the world of them and I’d go to battle with them any day."

Too bad you didn't give your dogs that kind of love and loyalty, Michael Vick. But then, you only murdered the ones who didn't make money for you and the green stuff is really the bottom line, isn't it?

I find it ironic that Vick is now the money maker - again. He received a second chance, something his dogs did not. And if he stops performing well and bringing in the bucks on game days, he'll receive something else he never gave those dogs - mercy.

Meanwhile, check out these Michael Vick Chew Toys - a perfect way to put Vick exactly where he belongs.

More than food and water

2010-10-16T13:25:00.020-05:00

We consider ourselves to be very responsible pet guardians and we doubt our dogs lack much, if anything, in terms of health and welfare. But an article I read recently provided a list expanding the definition of "welfare" and we were surprised to find ourselves lacking in a couple of areas.

For instance, we perform weekly physical checks on our dogs, including brushings, nail trims, palpations for lumps and ticks, and ear cleanings. But we don't do "vibe scans." You can do these scans by having your dog lay or stand comfortably in front of you while you hold your hands a few inches above him, high enough to "feel his vibe."

Staying in this "vibe" space, also known as the "energy space," slowly move your hand over your dog's head, down his face, up and down each leg, across his chest and around to the tummy and private areas, under and over the tail, then up and across the back, ending where you started - your dog's head.

The idea behind a "vibe scan" is to look for sensations of pain with your hands and intuition. Note: this won't work on a stranger's dog. You must already know your pet pretty well. Otherwise, the dog could actually block his "energy vibe" if he is not comfortable with you.

If you and your dog have been partners for several years, you can probably do this scan with your eyes closed and still learn what you need to know about his inner welfare. But most people will need to keep their eyes open so they can watch their dog's eyes and demeanor for pain signals rather than relying on intuition and vibe alone.

Either way, these "vibe scans" can be invaluable to checking in with your pet once a week. I'm sure these can be used with most any kind of animal. And they may be inner-species as well because I've actually seen cats perform these scans on their humans!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Click below for a delightful, fashionable way to keep your pet stuff organized

Review: Paw Pads™

2010-10-09T11:26:00.005-05:00

Reviewing pet products is always fun and often I find a real gem. I consider our family of 6 canines to be good test subjects. Ranging in ages from 2 to 16-1/2, we have a dog for just about any product's purpose out there.

This week I will review Paw-Pads™ Self-Adhesive Traction Pads. These are little stickers shaped like dog paw prints that, once attached to a pet's paw, are supposed to provide the animal with traction on any kind of slippery surface.

The Subject: Sassy, our 15-1/2 year old Border collie, who suffers from mild dementia and a left rear trick knee. We lovingly joke and call her "Aunt Clara," a character from the old show, "Bewitched." Things appear closer than they really are to Sassy and her right leg often goes to the left as her left leg also goes to the left. This sort of activity leaves her unsteady most of the time and flat on her butt on her bad days.

The Preparation: It was amazingly easy to fit Sassy with the Paw-Pads™ . We waited until she was lying down, placed them on her rear paws, pressed on them for a few seconds, and then let her stand. One pad needed redone, but then she was off, walking, walking, which in itself helped attach themselves to her paws.

The results: Sassy didn't seem to mind these as much as the boots we had tried last year. She got around fairly well for a time, but later, while laying down again, she let us check the bottoms of her paws and we found all the pads had fallen off. A set of 8 large full pads is priced at $13. Subsequent sets stayed on less than 1 hour and at that rate, this option could get expensive.

My rating: I'd give the concept of Paw-Pads™ 4 out of 5 stars, but I'd have to lower that to 2 out of 5 stars for practical performance.

Pets welcome - bad humans NOT

2010-10-02T22:02:00.001-05:00

The #1 question I get asked as owner of FloridaPets.net: "Is Florida becoming less pet friendly?" My answer: "Yes, I think our lovely state is becoming less pet-friendly, but I don't think it's because people are annoyed with the pets. I think it's because they're annoyed with the humans the animals have to drag along when they go out and about."

Throughout the 9 years I've had FloridaPets.net online, I've gotten several emails saying things like, "This dog park is filled with dog waste!" Or "This beach no longer allows dogs." Or "This dog park has closed." The reason for these situations has hardly ever been due to lack of money. Most often, it's irresponsible humans causing bad blood among the non-pet crowd.

In Rennes, the capital of the Brittany region in France, officials have installed dog toilets and special dog walk areas - right in the downtown area. They consider this to be an important part of what they call "initiatives to improve the integration of animals into the city and outskirts." Similar projects are sprouting throughout the UK, with great names like "Good Dog Campaigns" and "Poop Scoop Schemes."

A town in Brazil has built toilets for dogs to help stop humans from allowing their pets to use the beach sand as their personal bathroom.

Supposedly, Tallahassee has started a "Responsible Pet Ownership Neighborhood Scheme." I say "supposedly" because I've not been able to find any information about it. That tells me that "scheme" may not be coming along very well.

Why does it seem other countries put these things together better than Americans? I worry that we don't place value on providing public access for people and their pets. I worry about it because, if we don't start taking such initiatives seriously, we might just become one of the least pet-friendly states. And I can tell you, that would be very bad, not only for people and their pets, but for business communities all around the sunshine state.

Carry pet stuff and stay fashionable

2010-09-27T09:47:00.015-05:00

"Pursekets" are all the rage, fellow pet peeps. These cute little wrap ups come in various sizes and prints. When getting ready for the dog park, you could just grab a roll up and stuff the pockets with your keys, your cell phone, your pet's ID info, treats, portable water and food containers and more, depending on the size of your bag or tote.

You could get a second roll up and preload it with your own items, including cosmetics, a mirror, appointment book, checkbook, and more and with a switch of a rollup, be ready to dash out the door for work or a night out. Click below for all the information.

Bad businesses

2010-09-23T12:33:00.007-05:00

It's unusual for something that hits me the wrong way to pop up twice in one day, but it happened yesterday.

First, a friend of mine forwarded an email sent to her from someone claiming to be huge pet lovers, especially for those poor little rescue doggies, doncha know. They were asking pet people like her, and pet businesses like mine, to help them promote their free pet-related eBook. They even included a copy of the eBook, although it will also be available as a download on their web site. And since they're mailing this out to pet lovers, they figured easy marks like me would love the eBook and would help market it through our web sites and our newsletters.

And normally, I would have. Except...they have a business and sell items which I am morally against; specifically, electronic dog training and containment products, like electronic fencing. In light of that, I consider theirs to be an anti-pet business.

If you don't think animals feel pain having electronic products used on them, try hooking yourself up to them sometime. I've done this - a company wanted to prove my concerns about electronic fencing to be silly - and the shock brought tears to my eyes and my finger they wrapped the connector around hurt the rest of the day!

Even though they aren't charging for the eBook, the URL of this business's web site was given on at least two pages of the eBook. To me, that is a very sneaky way to promote one's business, sort of a bait and switch. They basically said, "We have a business that sells products that are controversial to the health and safety of animals, so we'll write up this sappy little eBook about animals that get rescued, and get pet-related businesses like yours to help us promote it, giving us some validity and making it seem like you agree with our product and its uses."

Later, I found an article online about a company that is volunteering to adopt a dog park in southern Florida. The company is going to get its engineers and architects involved to develop and build improvements to the dog park and even sponsor community activities for pets and their people at the park. Wow, what a wonderful corporate neighbor.

Sounds all nicey-nicey until one does a bit of Googling and learns the company sells "cutting edge dog training products." A quick visit to their web site to learn the specifics about these products reveals, yup, you guessed it, electronic fences, remote trainers and bark control devices.

Both these situations personify a very dishonest way to promote a business. That's why I am writing about it in this blog. Pet people need to be forewarned - people who could care less about pets, indeed, who are actually promoting or selling products that harm them - are out there, trying to get our sympathies, our admiration, but most of all, our business. It's a new trend we can do without.

No more excuses

2010-09-13T19:54:00.016-05:00

I learned something today. I learned there are no more excuses to not have a dog park in every city or town in Florida.

Panama City just got their second off-leash dog park. (The first was Zollie Young Park on 43rd Street.) It doesn't have a name yet, at least none I could find, so I'll just call it Everitt Dog Park for now since it's located at 1137 Everitt Avenue.

With about two acres of land, some tables, water fountains and restrooms, Everitt Dog Park isn't anything real fancy at this point. But there are plans to add amenities and people and their pooches are lining up to use it.

The park is operated by Bay County and guess what? It's not costing tax payers one red cent. That's always been a big fat excuse used by some cities or counties not to organize and build a dog park for its residents. And if there ever is some interest expressed in some municipalities, the letters to the editor start from poor, non-pet-loving residents convinced they'll have to pay for something they will never use. (Forget about the childless couples, or men and women age 50 or over without kids, who still have to pay ever-increasing school taxes.)

Bay County Commissioner Jerry Girvin said the dog park cost about $16,000, but it was paid for with something called "recreational impact fees. That means there was actually no balance left to be paid with taxes.

If you're interested in helping to form a dog park in your area and want to know how Bay County Commissioners managed it without shredding their clothes and gnashing their teeth, you can contact Commissioner Girvin by writing to him at: jgirvin@baycountyfl.gov

If you'd like to see a pretty decent listing of dog parks throughout Florida, check out our Places to Play.

Protecting our pets when we're not home

2010-09-10T23:28:00.002-05:00

Lately there have been so many news reports about humans and pets losing their lives in house fires. The value of structures and personal belongings involved can be calculated and reimbursed through insurance companies, but the people and their animal companions are priceless and irreplaceable.

Fortunately, there are simple ways we can all get proactive about safety and minimize the chance of such a terrible tragedy happening to our family.

We should start by picking up some of those colorful decals to press onto our storm doors and windows that alert emergency responders to the presence of animals inside our home. There are spaces on the decals to list the number of dogs, cats, and other species of animals living in the house. We need to make sure we keep those numbers up to date. If we now only have 3 animals, we don't want firefighters risking their lives searching and searching for animal number 4 who passed on to Rainbow Bridge last year. While most online pet supplies sell these decals, we can get some free at ASPCA or print off one at home from ARF, and buy the materials to make clinging decals from our local office supply store.

A second must-have decal is the "Animal Alert Card." It is also available as a download from ARF. This card will alert emergency or medical workers there are animals relying on us to return and care for their needs and provides a name and number of someone to notify in case we are unable to do so.

Another way to make sure we and our pets stay safe and sound in case of fire or other emergency is to sign up with a monitoring service. For years, my husband and I laughed off the idea of needing a security service since we had multiple dogs and figured their collective bark was deterrent enough. That is until a friend asked us what the plan was for our pets if the house caught fire, or if there was a dog-hating intruder, and we weren't home. We researched several companies, asked lots of questions, and then decided on BroadCom Security (I think they've recently merged with ADT.) For more choices, just do a quick Google search for "home security systems."

I want to encourage everyone reading this to at least get the decals mentioned. I cannot tell you how much more prepared and secure we personally feel since taking the above steps. The bottom line for all pet guardians is to do what we can to protect all the members of our packs.

What is going on at Winter Park?

2010-08-01T12:02:00.002-05:00

The Mayor is asking lawmakers to "let a sleeping dog lie." But some City Commissioners want to wake it back up. It’s been going back and forth for two years. What could be worthy of so much attention? Property taxes? Impact studies? Rooting out corruption from within?

Nope. The kerfuffle seems to be over allowing dogs in the parks of Winter Park. Last week, the Commissioners voted down an ordinance 3-2 that would have banned canines from Mead Garden, Kraft Azalea Garden and Dinky Dock Park.

Issue resolved? Nope. A few of the same Commissioners turned right around and agreed to discuss the issue again at their next meeting August 9.

Why? Allegedly concerned with "environmental protection," the city’s Parks and Recreation commission had originally recommended the ban include all city parks and some officials think the matter has just...not been...talked about...enough.

Despite the rejection this week of the ban, a couple of commissioners want to keep animals "from streets next to Central Park when they are closed as part of special park events." But Winter Park’s current ordinance already bans dogs on "streets, rights of way, or sidewalks next to Central Park that are closed to vehicles during special events." Do environmental concerns just apply to times the city is making money from people?

This leaves us confused. It really seems the interests of businesses rather than residents are behind this, and the whole thing borders on harassment of specific law-abiding, tax-paying, dog-accompanying residents. We agree with the one city commissioner who piped up this past week and asked, "At what point do we give this up and talk about something else?"

Politicians should do what’s right

2010-06-25T13:55:00.006-05:00

My blogs are usually cool, calm and collected, conveying to those who read them what I hope to be helpful information about pets and issues that affect them.

But today’s blog is anything but calm. I am angry. I just learned that city officials of Brooksville, which is in Hernando County, are threatening to close down the county’s only dog park, the Rotary Centennial Dog Park, located in Spring Hill.

We’ve had this park listed on FloridaPets.net since it opened in January, 2009. You can read about it here. As you can see, yes, the county contributed financially, but that’s only part of the story. A lot of good, regular dog people made contributions toward the construction of this dog park and it took quite a while to make it all a reality. Now, rather than simply instituting a small fee-for-use of the dog park, which most park-goers would probably be happy to pay, these officials seem to think the answer to lack of financial resources is to block access to something those tax payers actually partially own.

The Hernando County Commissioners are also threatening to “leave dead animals on the road” by cutting operating funding for county animal control. Yes, you read right. Such action would also impact any kind of stray animal rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming efforts in jeopardy.

So, yes, I am upset. At typical political short-sightedness. At lack of caring for all of God’s creatures. At too much worry about getting re-elected and not enough doing the right thing unless there’s a camera around.

What can we do? I’m a big believer in speaking up for those who have no voice, including children, animals, or the very elderly. In this case, there are animals that need us; they need our voice. I hope you will join with me and write, email, fax, or call the Board of Hernando County Commissioners and tell them you are a voter with a pet and politely ask them to do the right thing, not just for themselves, but for those who elected them, and for all the animals those voters love and donate money to care for.

Why do this if you don’t live in Hernando County? Because counties follow the actions of other counties and if one does something, even a bone-headed something, others may follow and one of them could be the county where you are your family resides.

So, contact the Hernando officials and ask them to come up with a Plan B for the dog park. And ask them to not cut funding for a department that helps the most innocent among us. Hernando county contact info can be found here. And contact information for the rest of Florida’s counties can be found here.

Companion Therapy Laser brings hope

2010-06-23T11:16:00.002-05:00

A few years ago, I injured my back teaching my youngest border collie to catch a Frisbee. (I know, I know, shouldn't she have been teaching ME?) Due to that injury, two herniated disks, nerve involvement, and lots of arthritis, pain has become a constant and unwelcomed addition to my life.

Therefore, I have been constantly on the look out for new non-invasive, non-drug treatments that will decrease my pain, not just the money in my pocketbook.

Recently, during my weekly online research, I came across an article about laser therapy for dogs. It's called Companion Therapy Laser. Although also used for human members of sports teams, it does not appear to be something that will help me - at least not at this time. Nonetheless, I wanted to share it with readers with pets who might benefit from the information.

Here's how it works: The veterinarian directs a concentrated beam of light that stimulates cell growth and promotes blood flow into the injured part of the dog's body. Experts with the Newark-based LiteCure company, where the laser is produced, say it treats muscle and joint soreness and can be used as part of a surgery recovery program. A treatment only takes one to five minutes and can cost about $20 for a one-time post-surgical procedure or up to around $240 for a full therapeutic regimen.

For more information about this treatment, visit Companion Therapy Laser.

What do I think?

2010-05-11T19:31:00.009-05:00

I was telling someone the other day what I did for a living and when I mentioned owning FloridaPets.net, the person asked if I found Florida to be pretty pet-friendly - overall.

I thought about it for a minute or two before replying and decided to use what I had to say as a blog entry. After all, some of you may like to know if I think Florida is generally pet-friendly and if not, what could be improved.

I placed FloridaPets.net online in October, 2001, so one could say I've been in the midst of all things pet-friendly for about a decade. So my answer is that I find Florida to be a bit less pet-friendly than it was nine years ago. There are some areas of the state more OK with dogs in public than others. But I'm noticing more and more public places, such as beaches and parks, closing their doors to the pooches.

Why is that?

The way I see it, the problem doesn't usually involve just the dogs; dogs are too pure and loving to be a problem all by themselves. The main reason places are becoming less pet-friendly is all the dog poop left by humans who don't bother to clean it up.

I have a pretty strong belief that if it were just up to the dogs, most would clean up after themselves and would only be seen in public with well-behaved humans.

So, that's what I think. What do you think?

By the way, we've been using the cool purple biodegradable poop bags shown above and just love them. Check them out!

Another pet food distribution location

2010-02-20T02:54:00.006-05:00

WHAT: Pet food bank distribution

WHEN: Saturday, March 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Joseph A. Strasser Animal Health and Welfare Building, 6817 Norwood Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida

DETAILS: Administered by First Coast No More Homeless Pets, the food bank is for people struggling to care for their pets due to financial issues. Each pet will receive a month's supply of food, for up to four dogs and five cats per household. While you do not have to be a Duval County resident to receive food, you must present a valid photo ID, proof of income, and proof of pet's sterilization. If your pet is not spayed or neutered, that service will be provided at no charge if you qualify. Please leave your pets at home for the actual food distribution.

MORE INFO: To find out how to qualify - or to donate food for the cause - please call (904) 520-7903 or visit Jacksonville Pet Food Bank.

Fight the blahs - attend a pet friendly event

2010-02-15T01:23:00.005-05:00

In case you didn't know, FloridaPets.net keeps a pretty decent Calendar of Events filled with activities that are pet friendly, beneficial to a pet group, or both. One of my dreams when hubby retires is to hit the road with him and our pups for an entire year, attending every single pet event in the state of Florida and meeting as many pet people as possible. It would be awesome to do a special live pod cast sort of thing from each event to entice everyone to stop by and say hi and help out the animals through supporting the event.

Anyway, if you get bored with the month of February like I do (I mean, after the beautiful Valentine's Day card from hubby and the chocolate!) stop by our Calendar and review the events during what's left of February and what we've already got posted for March. We're currently working on adding more, so keep coming back. If you do attend an event, please drop me a note and let me know how it was. Many of these are yearly fundraisers and the more people who attend, the more benefits the animals will enjoy.

Also, if you are a member of an animal-related group and would like to get the word out about your group's activities, feel free to post all your events on our Calendar. It's free and no password is required. Drop me a note if you have any problems with the posting and I'll gladly help!

People with Pets Vote

2010-02-13T07:07:00.003-05:00

During the last Presidential campaign, we all heard about one of the candidates who had "allegedly" once strapped the family dog to the top of the family station wagon before heading across country for a family vacation. You know which guy I mean - the family man, of course!

Not only did I find the idea horrifying, I also knew I could never vote someone like that into public office. A man - or woman - with such total disregard for the comfort and safety of an animal under their care would not be able to gain my confidence for doing anything more than changing a roll of toilet paper while behind bars.

The whole thing got me wondering about which politicians were pet friendly and which ones were not. I mean, anyone can borrow a dog for an afternoon's photo shoot to make themselves look like a best friend to companion animals, great and small. But which ones have actually shared their lives with an animal or two for multiple years? Which ones are good, responsible pet parents? Which ones even use the advantage of their office to start some good pro-animal legislation that ends up making the lives of all animals just a little bit easier?

These were the things I wanted to know and so, I started digging and I asked some friends to do some digging too. The results of this research are detailed at Pet Friendly Florida Politicians. There's a lot of information here, gathered from several people's efforts, but if you know something none of us found out, please, please, send it on to me and I'll add it to our list.

Yeast Bread Dough Latest No-No for Pets

2009-12-23T23:36:00.002-05:00

Well, it makes sense. Let your dog gobble down a bunch of bread dough - or maybe you don't let him, he just does it - and he can get quite sick.

I knew this on some level; I just didn't know why. Seems once the dough has been eaten, it can rise to the point of causing an intestinal obstruction. Yikes!

The yeast creates another problem, in that it can ferment sugars and that's a whole separate mess because it can cause ethanol (yes, alcohol!) poisoning in an animal.

Seems what's not good for humans isn't good for animals either.

Need help keeping your pet?

2009-12-11T14:32:00.002-05:00

If the economy has made you feel like a rubber band and you're currently stretched to the max, please don't think that getting rid of the family pet is the best way to save money. It's during times like this, when you're stressed, even lonely, that having the kind of unconditional love a pet provides is helpful, even downright necessary.

FloridaPets.net has put together a resource page called "Aid for Pets - and Their Pepole." If you need help caring for your pet, we've got some great resources for free or low cost assistance that can help you keep your pet healthy and yourself sane. Here are some of the highlights:

*** Regular and emergency veterinarian care.
*** Low cost or free spaying and/or neutering.
*** Solutions to housing issues.
*** Prescription drugs for pets.
*** Pet food.
*** Dog coats for pets of homeless people.
*** Prescription and dental care for the humans.
*** And much more - for both pets and people.

Happy Holidays!

Paw Patch Shoppe is back!

2009-09-19T04:15:00.002-05:00

FloridaPets.net's Paw Patch Shoppe is back with lots of supplies, aids, goodies and more for dogs, cats, birds, and other companion animals. Check it out at Paw Patch Shoppe.

Write your own animal law

2009-09-07T04:35:00.002-05:00

The Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF) is sponsoring a contest for readers to come up with a federal law that would help animals. It's called “There Oughta Be a Law” and I just submitted my entry.

If you'd like to enter, you have until October 5, 2009 to go here and give your idea and why it's important to you.

For those of you who are interested, here is my entry:

My idea for a federal law...

I would propose a federal law that would elevate the legal status of companion animals, from common property like chairs or cars, to sentient beings, with certain rights and protections not offered for inanimate objects.

Why it's important to me...

I believe until our society recognizes the need to care for all God's creatures, there is no growth in our humanity. Giving our loyal companion animals status above inanimate objects will offer more protection for the animals and require greater responsibility from humans.

That's it. The winner will be announced October 25, 2009. The prize will be a trip to Washington D.C. to meet with HSLF officials to lobby on Capitol Hill for their proposed bill.

A dream come true: Tax deduction for Fido or Fluffy

2009-08-30T20:50:00.010-05:00

My husband and I joke all the time about how cool it would be if we could claim our canine crew on our income taxes as "children with fur coats." No, we haven't tried it, but now it seems this is an idea whose time may just come - and soon.

Yes, you heard right. Someone in our government wants to give tax deductions to people with companion animals. It's called, "H.R.3501 - Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (Happy) Act." It's purpose is to "amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax deduction, up to $3,500 per year, for pet care expenses (including veterinary care)."

The Happy Act was introduced July 30, 2009, by Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-MI. I've never heard of this man, but I have quickly become a fan.

H.R. 3501 is now in the House Committee on Ways and Means, awaiting further review.

I will be closely following the progress of the Happy Act and so can you. Just go to the following site, register, and opt to track the bill at:
OpenCongress.org.

Note: Please pass the word about H.R. 3501 and write to your lawmakers and ask them to support the bill. Since over 60% of Americans have pets, chances are they have one or more themselves. And perhaps this would entice more people to adopt a pet in need and wouldn't that be beautiful?

What to do about pit bulls?

2009-08-22T13:56:00.005-05:00

It's happened again. A pit bull has attacked someone. I can't say I'm surprised. Here in Florida, we hear of a least one or two attacks by a pit bull every week, sometimes even more.

I have always been a dog lover. I have a pet-relate online business. I love dogs, all dogs, except the dangerous ones. I don't believe pit bulls are inherently dangerous, but I do think many of the people that have them want them to be dangerous. And that's what makes them dangerous. The breed is routinely mistreated in a quest to turn it into a snarling watch dog. And they are frequently physically and emotionally abused when pressed into illegal service as fighting machines. Such horrific experiences would turn most any breed dangerous.

Do I think pit bulls are so dangerous they should be banned? People ask me this a lot. Some municipalities, such as Miami-Dade County, have enacted such legislation. Officials say the jury is still out on whether it's helping. I've heard the plea to, "punish the deed, not the breed." I agree with that. In theory. I don't want to see families have to give up their pets, regardless of the breed, but I do know we've got to start doing something about all these attacks that are leaving other dogs, adults and children maimed or dead.

This week's report was of an attack on a 10-year-old St. Johns County boy. The pit bull bit him in the face, neck and arms and his injuries were so life threatening he had to be airlifted to the nearest trauma hospital. Doctors say he will need extensive reconstructive surgery on his little face. The dog attacked without provocation, according to witnesses. Police officers said the dog "bit through the youngster's mouth, punctured his neck, just missing his jugular, and tore into his
right bicep." They said the dog finally stopped attacking "once the boy was able to fight his fear and just lie still."

Earlier in the day, in another part of the same county, a woman was walking her small dog when another dog - yes, another pit bull - broke its leash and began to attack her dog. While trying to protect her dog, the woman was bitten by the pit bull.

It's hard to not demonize any breed of dog that routinely inflicts such horror on people's lives.

Animal control now has both dogs and news reports say the county is trying to decide "whether or not to return the dogs to their owners." Destroying the dogs involved will prevent future attacks - by those two dogs. But how do they punish the "deeds"? Do they fine the owners? Or do they outlaw the breed?

Perhaps pit bull owners should be required to register their dogs, much like a gun owner must register his weapon. After all, the pit bulls involved in the above attacks were someone's pets, not dogs like Michael Vick trained for his profit. I'm told most of the pits in Florida breed with other pit bulls in Florida; the genes are merely passed along. If that's the case, the aggressive genes are going to be inherent and the dogs are merely time bombs waiting to explode. There needs to be some extra effort required when someone chooses to have dogs with such potential.

We can't ignore these attacks. We can't "fight the fear and just lie still." Lives depend on taking action - now, before the next attack.

Win tickets to Pet Expo in Orlando

2009-07-20T09:08:00.009-05:00

NOTE: To enter the contest to win a pair of tickets to the Pet Expo, all you need to do is write me at WebMistress@FloridaPets.net with your name and email address, no later than 5 p.m., Saturday, July 25, 2009. A winner will be chosen at random and will be announced here Monday, July 27, in another blog entry.

The most unique dog, cat and exotic pet event in Central Florida - the annual Pampered Pet Expo brings together adoption (partnering with PetFinder), local AND national vendors and, most importantly, education in order to help "pet parents" nationwide care for that special member of their family. The Expo takes place Aug. 7-9 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Pet Expo attendees can shop for pet food, toys, treats, supplies, housing, clothes, costumes, furniture, services and enjoy entertainment and education session.

Unfortunately, Convention center policies do not allow pets in the building. For more information, please check out Orlando Pampered Pet Expo.

For some, it's NOT all about the money

2009-07-10T19:01:00.005-05:00

Anne Scholl-Mealey, D.V.M. of Orlando has been taking care of the pets of homeless people for 5 years. She does this in addition to serving the needs of other animals via her vet practice. SHE IS MY HERO. Go here to learn more about this woman. If you read above about the disappointing experience we recently had with our vet, who is now our former vet, you know Dr. Scholl-Mealey would get all our business if we lived in Orlando.

For those who do live in the Orlando area, here's the link to where Dr. Scholl-Mealey can be found, her own practice at Chickasaw Trail Animal Hospital.

Is it just about the money these days?

2009-06-18T20:13:00.008-05:00

Note: This entry is rather long. But it details something that happened yesterday that was so upsetting, I need to blog about it today. Since it involves our pets, I thought it might be helpful to other readers with pets and their corresponding relationships with veterinarians.

Between our 6 dogs - 7 before losing our little Shortcake in February - we have willingly spent hundreds of dollars at our veterinarian's office. In Jaime L. Dunn, D.V.M., owner of Lofton Creek Animal Clinic in Yulee, Florida, we felt we had finally found an animal health care practitioner in Nassau County who cared as much about animals as about money. We were clients of this particular clinic with its previous owner before he sold it and have entrusted our wee ones to Dr. Dunn’s care for the past two years or so since she bought the practice.

My poodle, Pepper, had to have surgery yesterday, June 17, 2009. The bill for a dental cleaning and excision of a fatty tumor was high - nearly $500 - and we asked if we could pay half yesterday and the other half next Friday when my husband got his pay check. We had the full amount in our checking account yesterday, but wanted to hold some of it back for any emergencies that might pop up before next week. I told them I would bring it in to them or mail a check to them the following Friday and suggested to Dawn, the office clerk, that she make note of that in our file, as I wanted everything on the up and up.

It's important to note here that we have NEVER carried a balance with this vet, never asked to delay a payment. Whether our bill has been $10 or $400, we've always, for the past 2 plus years, paid in full as services were rendered. Always, always, always.

Yesterday's bill for our poodle's dental cleaning and fatty tumor removal was higher than we anticipated since they performed a couple of procedures without telling us beforehand: a biopsy was taken of the tumor, and heartworm testing was done that wasn't due until next month. (Now, we're cool about the biopsy, but more about that in a minute.)

So they conducted the payment transaction for half the bill, we signed the slip and we were waiting for them to bring out Pepper. Barbara, one of the vet techs was giving us tips about canine dental care; all was well. (As a point of interest here, there's a note on the bottom of the invoice that any balance carried forward after 30 days will be charged a 2% fee, or $3.00, whichever is greater. This has never pertained to us because, as I said, we always pay our bills in full. It's just interesting to note that evidently, some of their clients do carry balances.)

Suddenly... Heidi, the other vet tech, shoved a typewritten note under my nose which said, in essence, that I would promise to pay the remaining balance by the day and time (time?) I stated, “or legal action might be taken” against me! Legal action - were they serious?

I'm standing there, speechless. There are other people in line behind me, watching, listening as we, reliable clients that we thought we were, are suddenly being treated like dead beats. I'm trying to absorb this when Heidi whispers to me, "And she said she'd just hold the biopsy until the balance is paid." I said, "You mean the results?" She replied, "No, she said we won't send the biopsy in until you pay the balance on your account."

Now, we had been told the tumor was probably a fatty tumor, nothing to worry about, etc., but they had said the biopsy was necessary and now they were willing to delay sending in the tissue that had been suspicious enough for the vet to take a biopsy to be examined for cancer to begin with. If my dog did indeed have a cancerous tumor removed and we waited another week or two, what kind of consequences would that have for his health? Feeling strong-armed and downright blackmailed, I took my pen, drew a big X across the form and said, "No. This is insulting." I took out the debit card again and told the vet tech, "If that's how it's going to be, then take it all. And send in the biopsy today!" (I kept the form, just to show people who might not believe this story.)

She ran the second transaction and we left. I was stunned. I felt confused, hurt, angry, frustrated and shamed. And in all the weirdness with what had just happened, they neglected to give us our poodle's follow up instructions, his antibiotics and pain medication. And I was so stunned, I forgot to ask!

We called the office when we got home, but everyone had left for the day. My husband left a message about the medications. He too, was beside himself and he told them we hadn't appreciate being treated so poorly and would have to find another vet. At least Pepper had already had his 12-hour antibiotic and pain meds for the day, so I knew if we got them today, he would be OK.

Ladora, or Ledora (I’m not sure about the spelling of her name), the office manager, returned my husband’s call this morning and said she would take “some of the blame” over what happened yesterday and was sorry we had gotten “caught in it.” She claims to work for the representative of Dr. Dunn's partner, which is interesting since the business cards say Dr. Dunn is the owner of the clinic, not the co-owner.

She said things like "Oh, so sorry, it's just policy and nothing personal." I disagree. It's quite personal. When you have pets, they are like your children. You need a professional you can trust to care for them. In return, you pay the professional for their services. Ladora said they just didn't "do payment plans" which we weren't asking for anyway. She said they'd have the medication at the front desk for our pick up today and would be happy to copy our records for us to take with us. In other words, "Good riddance!"

You know, the note and threat of legal action against a good client is one thing. But for Lofton Creek Animal Clinic to threaten to withhold a medical diagnostic test – in this case, a biopsy - until they could scoop up the remaining $245 is really quite low.

While I am still hurt today, and even more incredulous at Ladora's ho hum attitude about insulting, then losing our business for her boss, I am mostly just sad. Sad that we have lost a good vet. Somewhere in the back room, away from this mess, is a young lady who worked hard to get through veterinary school, who cried as she helped us let Shortcake go to Rainbow Bridge. She even sent us flowers after our little dachshund's passing. She seemed to appreciate our business, respect us and always tried to do the right thing by our animals. In turn, we gave her our respect and did the right thing by her, including referring customers to her and always always paying our bills in full as services were rendered - the right things to do.

We feel Ladora - and maybe Dr. Dunn too, we're not sure about the degree of her involvement here - did the wrong things by us. While everyone needs to be paid for their work, an occasional, very short-term arrangement that detours from "policy" can be made and should be accommodated on a case by case basis, using common sense and some degree of understanding. I've done it my entire personal and business life - it's called helping others.

Ladora cites policy, but where’s the human factor here? She has ripped 6 sources of income away from her boss. She has lost a lot of money for her boss. She has insulted two very good, caring human beings. I’m surprised Dr. Dunn is OK with any of that. But again, we’re not even sure what the vet knows. We’re following up with a note to her, just in case she is unaware of what transpired.

Editor's Note: I would be interested in hearing from pet guardians and veterinarians alike on this topic. How could the staff at Lofton Creek Animal Clinic have handled this better? How could we as clients have handled this better? Should clients never be allowed alternative payment arrangements, not even once in a while, not even the good, loyal, honest customers? Should vets be more involved and watchful of what their business managers or office managers and clerical staff are up to with the clients in the front office? Please post a reply here on the blog or write to me at WebMistress@FloridaPets.net.

By the way...if there is a competent veterinarian in Northeast Florida with a clean office and professional staff members who would like a half dozen spayed/neutered canine clients with responsible pet guardians who pay their bills, please drop me a note at WebMistress@FloridaPets.net.

Those running on empty need your help

2009-06-07T11:39:00.007-05:00

An emergency situation concerning humans and animals has arisen and the readers of this blog are the very people who can help.

There is a homeless camp in the southeast area of Gainesville, Florida, called "Tent City." There are humans, cats, and dogs living here - all God's creatures without homes, banded together to survive on very little.

People in this situation are the most vulnerable among us and need to be provided with a safe space to rest, to sleep, especially children. Unfortunately, these "tent cities" do not enjoy zealous protection from the dangerous elements of society and security is not assured.

There were two stabbings at the Gainesville "Tent City" this past week and now the property owners are asking the police to "enforce the trespass laws" and evict the tenants by Thursday, June 11. (It's important to note the perpetrator was not a usual visitor to the "city." He had twice been convicted of homicide, yet amazingly recently released from prison.)

The people whose lives had no roots before will be uprooted once again and their next step in life unknown. Some of the homeless people will attempt to keep a pet with them - yes, homeless people often have pets too! But most of the animals will be left behind and will face disease, abuse, starvation or death.

If you can help the people, please contact Saint Francis House Homeless Shelter & Soup Kitchen at 352-378-9079. Donations of time and/or money would be appreciated.

You can help the animals by donating money to area animal groups who are actively engaged in helping these animals, by fostering and/or adopting one of the animals soon to be in need of a good home, by providing transportation to help with the round up of abandoned pets, pet carriers, pet food, leashes, collars and other pet supplies, please contact Elizabeth Howard, coordinator of the Home Van Pet Care Project at holisticliz@hotmail.com.

Hell is for animals too

2009-05-31T13:33:00.005-05:00

One of the most poignant songs I've ever heard is, "Hell is for Children", sung by Pat Benatar. Pat was, of course, referring to child abuse and one line in the song was especially powerful, "...you shouldn't have to pay for your love with your bones and your flesh."

Nor should animals. I hate to report this, but according to Pet-Abuse.com, Florida is #1 in the nation when it comes to cruelty to animals. When I read that, it hurt my heart. There are so many wonderful, loving people in this state, many who, with limited financial and physical resources, devote their lives to the well-being of all kinds of animals.

Given that, I have reason to believe the trend can be reversed.

One area where change is starting to manifest itself is the way in which domestic violence shelters deal with their clients who have left pets in the very homes they fled. Many had little choice at the time. Most domestic violence shelters don't have accommodations for pets. I used to work at such a facility years ago and I once mentioned this very topic to our director. While she was a sympathetic cat person, her reply was a bit out of touch, "Well, the men won't hurt the pets."

Well, yes, they do. Unfortunately, we've learned that when a woman leaves, the chance for harm to come to the remaining "family" pet nearly quadruples. The anger, the violence, hasn't left the house and a dog, cat, rabbit, or other smaller animal makes a handy and helpless target.

Harbor House of Central Florida and the Central Florida Humane Society’s PAWS program have joined forces to create an on-site kennel for about 15 pets. Now women who have fled a violent life with their companion animal can be assured of the pets protection as well. The project will be complete in early 2010.

You can help! To donate or support the program, please contact Carol Wick at Harbor House at 407-886-2244.

For those needing such services, Harbor House has a 24-Hour Crisis Hotline which can be reached by calling 800-500-1119.

Found: Canine Octo Mom

2009-05-21T22:39:00.005-05:00

The headline reads, "Florida couple's pit bull gives birth to 20 puppies". The mom, a pit bull, is barely 1-1/2 years old. The couple's 13-month-old male pit is the father. There are 10 males puppies and 10 females.

The couple said they would like to keep all 20 puppies, but can't, so in lieu of that, they said they just "want them all to go to good homes."

Oh, really? Well, if that happens, they will go to homes where their human guardians will have them spayed and/or neutered as soon as they are old enough so they will never have to go through what their parents just did!

The couple didn't say if they'd be placing a "FREE PUPPIES" ad to find those great homes for all those puppies, but if they do, these precious darlings will more than likely be relegated to a life in the dog fighting industry. But if they get that "good home" the couple fantasizes about - and we pray that they will - they will not be used as a "feeder" pup or one of the dogs trained to fight another to the death.

If indeed however, 20 loving, humane families are found for the puppies, they will get quality veterinarian care, timely immunizations, regular heartworm testing and weekly or monthly heartworm and flea/tick preventatives. They will be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They will not live outside, will not be tied to anything, but when outside to do their business and to romp and play, they will be protected by a fenced yard and a watchful guardian. They will not be allowed to roam the neighborhood and will be properly leashed and supervised when in public. They will be humanely trained to earn the distinction of "good dog!"

It would be nice if the puppies' parents could have that kind of life too.

Florida Legislation to help animals

2009-04-29T17:16:00.004-05:00

THIS WAS SENT TO US FROM THE ANIMAL RIGHTS FOUNDATION OF FLORIDA:

Last week of legislative session - Animals need your help!

Friday is the scheduled end of the 2009 Florida legislative session (the session may be extended one-week). Two important bills that would impact animals in Florida remain undecided.

RE: Sexual Activities Involving Animals
Yesterday, the Florida Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 448 (introduced by Sen. Nan Rich), which would prohibit sexual contact with animals. But the companion bill, HB 273 (introduced by Rep. William D. Snyder), has yet to be scheduled for a vote in the Florida House.

Please contact Rep. Bill Galvano, Chair of the Rules & Calendar Council, and urge him to bring HB 273, "Sexual Activities Involving Animals", to the floor of the Florida House of Representatives for a vote.

Contact:

Rep. Bill Galvano
Chair, Rules & Calendar Council
Go here to send email to Rep. Galvano
Phone: (850) 488-4086

RE: Greyhound racing
The Florida House and Senate remain divided about whether or not to expand gambling in Florida. One proposal under consideration is to allow greyhound and horse tracks to add "Historic racing" games, computerized machines that replay previously run, but unidentifiable, races that viewers can bet on. These games have been called "slot machines in disguise." If approved, the profits from these games will prop-up dog tracks, ensuring that the cruelty of dog racing will continue for years to come.

The following legislators are members of a committee tasked with creating a compromise gambling bill. Please contact each member and urge them to oppose the addition of "historic racing" games or slot machines at dog tracks and other pari-mutual facilities in Florida.

Contact:

Representative Sandy Adams
Send an e-mail here
Phone: (850) 488-0468

Senator Ken Pruitt
E-mail: pruitt.ken.web@flsenate.gov
Phone: (850) 487-5088

Representative D. Alan Hays
Send an e-mail here
Phone: (850) 488-0348

Representative Joseph Abruzzo
Send an e-mail here
Phone: (850) 488-4791

Representative Joe Gibbons
Send an e-mail here
Phone: (850) 488-0145

Senator Dennis Jones
E-mail: jones.dennis.web@flsenate.gov
Phone: (850) 487-5065

Senator Ted Deutch
E-mail: deutch.ted.web@flsenate.gov
Phone: (850) 487-5091

Senator Alex Diaz de la Portilla
E-mail: portilla.alex.web@flsenate.gov
Phone: (850) 487-5109

Tails a-wagging about Twitter

2009-04-06T10:59:00.002-05:00

You can now follow us on Twitter.

Ew, dog spit! Not so fast.

2009-03-19T14:18:00.006-05:00

Remember the times when Snoopy would plant a big ol' smacker on little Lucy van Pelt and how she would run away screaming, "Germs! Disease! Infection!" - yes, those were the days.

I'm sure Lucy would be aghast to hear what Kansas State University veterinarian Kate Stenske has to say about dog spit. Stenske studied the incidence of the E. coli bacteria in both dogs and their people. The results? Dog people who were OK with face-licking were no more likely to harbor the bacteria than those who were not OK with canine smooches.

Here's the part of the study that won't really surprise dog people. People with pets had more multiple-drug resistant strains than their pets. That means people are more likely to spread the E. coli bacteria to their pet, rather than the other way around.

So, it appears, sleeping with your dog and allowing him to give your face a few licks isn't going to increase the threat of you acquiring the E. coli bacteria. But you should still wash your hands after petting your dog since you don't want to give her the germs!

The study is scheduled to appear in an upcoming issue of the

American Journal of Veterinary Research.

Aid for Pets

2009-01-23T01:53:00.004-05:00

I talked about this in November and I finally got a page together. Aid for Pets is in the early stages, but I'm adding new info every week.

If you have any resources that could help people having problems keeping their pets - and keeping them healthy - during these precarious economic times, please leave a comment below.

Help for people with pets

2008-11-10T07:16:00.006-05:00

I've been working on an idea for a new Web site that would help people with pets keep their pets during the current financial upheaval. There are simply too many beautiful animals being abandoned - or worse - when people are forced to leave their homes due to foreclosure or the downsizing of their wallets. Granted, there will always be people who welcome any opportunity to dump a dog or cat and being kicked out of their home will be just another great excuse. However, there are many others who love their pet dearly and just need a bit of assistance to stay united with their companion animal.

I put the idea out to my email contacts last month and was heartened to get many replies of encouragement and offers to assist. I've already compiled a fairly good list of resources for low cost vet care, free pet food, medical care assistance, and more, and am tracking down others.

If you know of any avenues of assistance, either on a local level where you live, or nationally, please drop me a note at WebMistress@FloridaPets.net. I hope to get the site online before the end of the year. Thank you!

Good Samaritan fund for pets gets high paws up

2008-05-26T08:11:00.003-05:00

Consumers of veterinary services often comment about how pricey the field has become. That's why we had to pass along information about one vet group that's actually giving some of what they make back to the community to help animals.

Veterinary Neuro Services, located in Sarasota, has organized a fund to assist pet guardians who can't afford the cost of neurology care for their companions. They will match dollar for dollar every penny donated to their Pet Neuro Good Samaritan fund. They are also accepting donations from members of the public who might wish to help. For more information about the program and how to contribute, please call 941-929-1818, or visit http://www.PetNeuro.com.

Editor's Note: This isn't an endorsement of Veterinary Neuro Services. We have never dealt with this business nor do we know anyone who has. We are just passing along what we feel could be useful information to some people with pets. As with any animal-related business, be sure to conduct your own background check by contacting the Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau and talking to previous or current clients.

Animal also suffer from foreclosures

2008-01-31T11:22:00.000-05:00

Florida is one of the states where the number of people losing their homes to foreclosure is highest. Unfortunately, their pets are losing their homes as well. While the people are moving on - most often to a rental house, apartment or the home of a family member - the pets are often not allowed to join them and are being left behind.

It's tragic enough that some of these animals will end up in shelters, after being with their family for years and years. But some are being abandonded in the very places they once loved and trusted life with their family. Sometimes someone is told the pet is there, so the animal can get proper care. More often, however, the pet is left to fend for itself, without water, food or understanding about what's going on.

Dogs and cats aren't the only victims. I read recently where people are also leaving their horses in the barns or fields as they walk away from their home...without a word to anyone.

It's understandable these people are in crisis and perhaps aren't thinking straight. Perhaps they need to vent and so, break out a light or two before they leave their home by force. While that's not a good thing to do, it comes from anger and frustration and despair. I couldn't imagine that kind of pain.

But there's something fundamentally immoral about leaving behind a living, breathing being that would have cheerfully given his or her life for their human. No matter how filled with anger or despair, humans should have enough respect for themselves to make sure their animals will be cared for if they can't take them along after losing their home.

Where to turn when you've lost a companion animal

2008-01-21T07:45:00.000-05:00

I started FloridaPets.net back in October of 2001. As you can imagine, I hear from readers a lot. Perhaps their animal has been featured through the years on FloridaPets.net as a Pet of the Week, or as a reader's submission in our monthly eZine, the NewsPetter. Or perhaps something I've said on the site or in the newsletter has resonated with them and we connect and, from time to time, exchange email correspondence and photos of our "kids."

Probably the hardest thing for me about having a pet-related Web site and hearing from all our nice readers is when they write to tell me they've lost a companion animal. Our readers don't think of themselves as "owning" an animal, rather they'll chuckle and tell you how that pet "owns" them. FloridaPets.net is a Web site for people who think of their pet as part of the family and that's the sort of people who read it. So when a pet dies, they've lost a member of the family. It's a big deal as well it should be.

My heart breaks when one of our readers writes to tell me their pet is gone. But I, like so many pet people, have enormous faith that we'll see our beloved companions again one day at Rainbow Bridge. If you haven't heard about this, please check out the link - you'll never be the same once you're read about Rainbow Bridge.

If you've lost a pet and feel sad - yes, it's perfectly OK to be really, really sad when you lose a pet - here are a few other sources that might provide you with comfort and support:

The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement

Beloved Buddies

University of Florida Pet Grief Support Hotline

Publix shows caring side for animals

2008-01-09T06:32:00.000-05:00

It's rare to find a business that offers free stuff for pets without a catch or sales pitch to go along with it. That's why I have to tell you about something Publix (yes, the grocery store chain) is doing for pets.

Under a program that went into effect last summer, Publix offers a free prescription program for one of seven oral antibiotics. Pets are reaping the benefits too. When veterinarians prescribe one of the drugs, consumers can take the prescription to Publix where they can get a 14-day supply of one of seven medications, including Amoxicillin; Cephalexin, generic of Keslex; Penicillin VK; Ciprofloxacin (excluding Ciprofloxacin XR); Ampicillin; Erythromycin (excluding Ery-Tab), and Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP).

An official from CVS Pharmacy said they too have a program where they provide certain antibiotic drugs for people or pets at no charge.

CSI now tracking down animal abusers

2007-12-12T12:09:00.000-05:00

Getting away with harming animals has just gotten more difficult. A new mobile crime scene investigation (CSI) unit was launched recently by the ASPCA. It will open the organization's reach around the country to assist, hands-on, wherever law enforcement needs them to help build cases against people who need to be prosecuted for animal abuse, neglect or endangerment.

The 26-foot, fully-equipped van, will include all the regular crime scene supplies, equipment to treat animals found in life-threatening conditions, supplies to process blood and other kinds of evidence, grave detection equipment, a GPS unit and more.

This is the kind of positive news needed at the end of what was a long and cruel year for many animals.

Pets are victims of domestic violence too

2007-11-21T07:14:00.000-05:00

I worked at a domestic violence shelter a few years ago and once asked the director about the pets of the women who arrived in need. After all, many victims of domestic violence have been threatened with the harm or death of their dog or cat. Pets are at great risk in such instances. While not unsympathetic, the director shrugged her shoulders and said, "Well, we just don't have the facilities to care for animals too."

Since then, a lot of research has revealed a direct connection between animal and human abuse. If a woman is enduring someone who is hitting, slapping, burning or otherwise degrading her, chances are her children and the family pets are in danger as well.

And as with hurricanes, sometimes women won't leave a bad situation because they just don't want to leave the family pet behind. To many, the wrath of an abusive person is just as great as a major storm and a defenseless pet stands little to no chance of surviving if left behind.

Quigley House, a domestic violence shelter in Northeast Florida, may be one of the first in the country to finally address this matter. They've built 10 outdoor runs about 40 square feet in size to house client's pets. It's a terrific first step.

The shelter is initiating fundraising projects because they want to build another area where they can house animals not used to living outside. One of the events will be a charity poker run scheduled for December 1. There's a $10 entry fee. The ride will leave from Cracker's Lounge at 1282 Blanding Blvd. in Middleburg. To register or get more information, please call 904-272-4620 or just show up at Cracker's at 9 a.m.

Giant toads bad news for Florida dogs

2007-11-13T05:20:00.000-05:00

Watch out for cane toads. They can cause canines considerable damage.

We humans think we've got it rough down here in Florida with the heat and the hurricanes, but there's plenty to make life difficult for our doggies too, such as alligators and fleas. The latest threat to their tranquility is the "Cane" toad, known to scientists as "bufo marinus" and generally referred to as the "giant toad."

Found weighing as much as 5 pounds, giant toads carry giant loads of venom in the large glands found along their bodies. There's enough toxin in an average giant toad to put even your large dog in peril if he gets too close. An animal can quickly become sick and could die from cardiac arrest within 15 minutes of coming into contact with the toad's toxins.

So far, cane toads have mainly been seen in South Florida, but they're an invasive species and have lately been showing up in the Tampa Bay area. Researchers expect them to continue moving around the sunshine state.

If your dog exhibits any combination of the following symptoms, he or she may have been poisoned by the venom of a giant toad and should be seen by a veterinarian immediately:

* Profuse salivation or foaming from the mouth
* Twitching
* Vomiting
* Shallow breathing
* Collapse of the hind limbs

TIP: Experts say you should flush your dog's mouth with water before dashing off to the vet's office.

You can learn more about the giant toad and ways to keep them away by checking out

Florida Exotic Species

Who wins and who loses with rent-a-pooch?

2007-11-08T15:38:00.000-05:00

Have you heard about the latest trend of renting a dog? It's said to be gaining popularity in California and is being touted as perfect for those upscale folks who are just too darned busy during the day or the week to care for an actual, live dog. Companies will rent out furry companionship to these poor, overworked people, giving them, of course, their choice of breed, size, sex and color.

Thankfully, there's only one company currently in the biz and they're charging clients like there's no tomorrow - a registration fee of about $300 PLUS a maintenance fee of around $50 per month PLUS another $24.95 per 24-hour visit from a dog who may visit someone else the next night and another the next. You get the picture.

My concern about such an arrangement is three-fold. How are these dogs cared for in between their rent-outs? And what happens to these dogs when they get too old or no longer cute enough to be used as a profitable commodity?

This isn't like going down to the local shelter and picking out a dog needing a good forever home. These dogs don't get homes. They get gigs, like freelance writers. They don't get to be anyone's forever companion. They get pimped out, used up, and then, well, who knows their fate?

I hope this renting of dogs idea poops out quickly. And if not, I hope animal welfare people will start keeping an eye out and stand at the ready to care for any dogs in need that are created by these businesses.

Palm Beach County considering mandatory sterilization

2007-10-27T02:28:00.000-05:00

That's pets, not people...

Now that I have your attention, here is an issue worthy of discussion. Palm Beach County is sick of its pet overpopulation problem and is talking about the possibility of making it mandatory for pets to be spayed and neutered. Passage of such a law would be significant because there are only 50 other cities in the United States that have a mandatory spay/neuter policy.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, people in Palm Beach County, Florida, keep about 450,000 dogs and cats as pets, but only about half of those have been spayed or neutered. And that doesn't include any feral animals, of which few to none have been sterilized.

You know, by itself, having your pets spayed or neutered might not seem like a big deal. I mean, this is a free country and people should be able to decide whether or not they want their pets sterilized - or, indeed, if they can afford to have them spayed or neutered. Right?

Except that last year, animal control officers put to death 18,248 dogs and cats in Palm Beach County. More than 75,000 animals have met that fate in Palm Beach County since 2002.

Palm Beach County officials said they spend about $10 million a year on animal control operations, no doubt much of it for the cost of the stuff with which unwanted animals are killed.

While mandatory sterilization of pets seems a bit odd at first glance, the numbers scream out their message: Allowing animals to run around not spayed or neutered, breeding at will, just isn't cool. And letting animals die because there's more of them than good homes who want them, well that's downright cold.

Many cities in Florida are friendly to pets

2007-10-18T00:19:00.000-05:00

A recent article on MSNBC.com (which I've linked to in the title above,) reported the best cities in the U.S. to be a dog, according to the editors at Dog Fancy.

Florida was represented by Orlando. While we agree O-Town is indeed pet friendly, I mean that is where doggie dining came out the dog door, it is by no means the only city in the sunshine state that welcomes the Fidos and Fluffys of the world. Here are a couple more additions we'd make to the best cities list, in no particular order, and we'll add more later. And we'll even do a future blog about the not-at-all pet friendly cities in Florida.

1. Miami Beach

Thanks to a terrific group called Responsible Dog Owners of Miami Beach, there are now more wag friendly places and events in south Florida than you can shake a dog biscuit at.

2. Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach

Hey, this is my old stomping ground. Having FloridaPets.net, it's been interesting to hear about folks from other parts of the state who get all twisted up and downright weird about dogs on the beach, in shoppes, at outdoor restaurants patios and in motels and hotels. While this island hasn't totally gone to the dogs, there is no fuss attitude about companion animals and therefore, they're welcome in many places, including on the beach - always have been and if we can keep the uptight folks away, always will be, I hope!

Change has to come from everyone

2007-10-08T18:58:00.000-05:00

The following is an editorial I wrote that was published in one of our area newspapers. I've also linked to it directly from the title above, cited accordingly. While it specifically targets animal issues in Nassau County, Florida, the general concept applies everywhere.

All have responsibility in fixing Nassau animal control concern
By My Nassau Sun

Today's Nassau County Animal Control mess is no different than what it was 20 years ago. Interim County Administrator Ted Selby's comment about animal control, "I need the emotions out of it," ["County wants new outside review of animal control," My Nassau Sun, Sept. 29] is exactly the sort of attitude that has allowed the mess to continue.

For any kind of real change to take place in respect to animals and animal control in Nassau County, a whole lot of people are going to have to put emotions into it - positive ones - and back up those emotions with positive action.

Everyone has the power to turn this mess around. Here's who - and how - from one resident's perspective.

Nassau County commissioners need to:

- Hire only animal control directors and staff that care about the welfare of animals and are dedicated and skilled in promoting responsible pet ownership.
- Quickly investigate and if found valid, punish to the fullest extent of the law, any incidents reported by the public of abuse or neglect of the animals or animal control policy by animal control personnel. There is simply no room in any facet of the animal control mess to "take the emotions out."
- Set aside money to establish an affordable and accessible countywide spay/neuter program. It could be implemented from a mobile spay/neuter bus that would set up once or twice a month at various locations around the county. Money spent on this program could greatly reduce the number of animals taken to the shelter, affecting the county budget in a positive fashion.

Animal control personnel need to:
- Return found animals with identifying tags or microchips to their owners immediately. This will free up space in the shelter for animals without ID and leave more time to find good, adoptive homes for them. There is no need to spend taxpayers' money to process or house any animal with current identification.
- Enforce current leash laws by levying substantial fines against residents who continue to ignore them. Fining violators of leash laws will bring more money into the county coffers.
- Develop a humane education program to take to each school in the county, highlighting, in age-appropriate fashion, the benefits of spaying and neutering pets and defining responsible pet ownership.
- Allow the public ample access to view adoptable animals. This means the shelter needs to be open when the public can visit. Closing time during the week should be extended to at least 6 p.m. and the shelter needs to be open a few hours every Saturday and Sunday.
- Ask for community volunteers and sponsors to help set up a presence online, complete with up-to-date photos and description of animals being housed and available for adoption.
- Stop being isolated and secretive. Both in-county and national groups and organizations, such as Best Friends Animal Society, have information to share, such as how to apply for grants and how to put into place programs to decrease the county's animal overpopulation. Processing fewer animals, adopting out more and in general, lessening the number of abused, neglected and abandoned animals in the county can save animal control time and taxpayers a lot of money.
- Commit in writing to the Nassau County Commission that only sick or vicious animals will ever be euthanized.

Nassau County veterinarians need to:
- Understand that if spay and neutering services aren't affordable, people will not pay for their pets to have the surgeries and then we're back to animals breeding and ending up at the shelter.
- Step up to the plate and provide services at least one day per month for a low-cost spay/neuter program proposed above. The county could offer a small stipend for the service. In addition, participating veterinarians would receive free advertising as the program is promoted.

Local newspapers need to:
- Stop playing a part in this mess by helping people throw away animals. Stop allowing "Free Pet" ads in the classifieds.
- Develop a new policy that requires customers to charge at least $25 for the pet being offered. Dog-fighting organizations, not to mention experimental laboratories, look for "Free Pet" ads for quick and free sources of bait or lab subjects.

The people of Nassau County need to:
- Realize we have the most important role in cleaning up this mess. We are supposed to be the caretakers of our animals - even the Bible says so.
- Stop allowing our animals to roam all over the place, while we disregard leash laws.
- Stop allowing our animals to breed at will; refusing to have them spayed or neutered because we want our kids to "see just one mommy dog have puppies."
- Stop "backyard breeding," where people who keep allowing their dog to mix it up with a neighborhood dog or tom cat are later seen standing in the old Winn-Dixie parking lot giving away the puppies or kittens to who knows who, for who knows what purpose.
- Make sure our pets wear collars, tags with our current address and phone number, and a safe micro-chip. If someone finds our pet, it's a simple phone call back to us. Or, if our pet should ever end up at animal control, no one can say they didn't know to whom it belonged.
- Realize that dogs and cats are not articles of property, like cars or couches. They are living, breathing beings. Families, schools and churches should be teaching our children about responsible pet ownership, about being good stewards for all God's creatures.
- Honor the memory of a beloved past pet by adopting a needy animal from the Nassau County animal control facility instead of buying one from a pet store or backyard breeder.

If the Nassau County Commission, Animal Control personnel, veterinarians, newspapers and every member of the public, with or without pets, would stop finger-pointing and just do their part, the animal control mess in Nassau County can be cleaned up, step by step. Fewer animals will end up at the shelter, fewer residents will complain about animal control, more animals can be adopted into good homes and the county can pocket the savings for a future "no-kill" shelter.

Patricia Collier

Eh, "Do No Harm" applies to your dog, too, doc!

2007-10-04T21:39:00.001-05:00

Accused of leaving his dog in his hot BMW, Dr. Chris Nussbaum has been charged with animal cruelty, according to a story published on TampaBays10.com. The Hillsborough doc left his 10-year-old female Rhodesian Ridgeback in his locked car in the parking lot of Southbay Hospital in Sun City Center.

Investigators from the Hillsborough County Animal Services were alerted to the situation by a witness. They were just getting ready to break the car's windows to rescue Rainbow when Nussbaum arrived. He was issued a notice to appear in court and was released.

Rainbow didn't fare as well. Investigators took her from Nussbaum and had her evaluated by a veterinarian, but she was later returned to Nussbaum who was told to take her to his vet for treatment. I would imagine Rainbow is hoping for no more car rides.

Left behind

2007-09-25T23:10:00.000-05:00

Having a Web site relating to people and pets makes me want to scream at least once a day. It's not hard work - I love it. It's not the animals - I love them; I share my life with enough to make up a soccer team.

It's the people I don't like. Not all of them because I have met some awesome people who, like me, love pets and humanity and all that's still good in the world.

The people I don't like are those who don't love their animals, who don't treasure every moment they have together, who leave them behind - literally, behind. Alone, in an empty house or tied up in an overgrown back yard. Not a word to anyone, a neighbor, a friend, that there is an animal being left. No thought to the animal at all. They do this sort of thing...when moving to another city or state and the pet is suddenly an inconvenience...when fleeing a hurricane...and now, the latest, when the bank has foreclosed on their house and they're not sure where they'll be spending their next night. (Click on title link for the article which promoted this blog entry.)

Hey, before you paint me callous, I am not without understanding here. In one of the darkest hours of my life several years ago, after my divorce, I was faced with the possibility of not being able to afford to stay in my home. I considered putting the house up for sale. I thought about the moving process and where would I go. I worried the bank would foreclose before I could sell it.

I frequently envisioned myself, walking down Interstate 95, with nothing but my cat in his carrier under one arm, a small suitcase full of all my earthly belongings under another, maneuvering three leashes with panting dogs on the end of them. I might have to start sleeping under a bridge, I told myself, but at least I'd be with my animals.

Point is, my life was not in good shape. But never once did I decide to vacate my home and leave my animals behind to...grow hungry, be confused as to where I went, wonder where was food, where was water, where was mommy, growing weaker every day...until the unthinkable might happen.

If you ever face a foreclosure, or if you ever move and know pets won't be accepted in your new residence, or if you ever flee a hurricane, PLEASE let my words ring in your ear. Make arrangements for your pet(s) beforehand. If you can no longer care for a pet, please contact your local humane society or animal rescue. You'll be starting over, so please give them the chance to do the same, not to die a slow, painful death alone, in what was once their home with their beloved, UNdeserving humans.

Pets part of the family is no news to some of us

2007-09-17T23:31:00.000-05:00

I just read the funniest thing. There are scientists out there, trying to decide if people feel close to their pets. I swear. Actual time and money are being spent to figure this out.

University of Florida psychology professor Frederic Desmond had this to say on the topic, "There is some research that says pets are seen as an extension of a person's family."

Isn't that precious?

I think I'd refer Professor Desmond to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association, which provides all kinds of statistics about American people and pets. For example, according to the Association's 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey, people with pets is currently at its highest level with 71.1 million households in the U.S. having the companionship of at least one pet (63% of the 113.7 million total U.S. households). The increase is up from 69 million households in 2004.

And we're spending our money on our beloved pets too, Professor Desmond. Collectively, people with pets will plunk down about $41 billion a year on their non-human friends. For things like food that won't poison them, vet checks, health insurance, grooming, clothes, and more toys and accessories than you can shake a Frisbee at. I'd say that's more than a satisfactory amount of compelling research for you, sir.

So, yes, Professor Desmond, pet people do indeed think of their pets as extensions of their family. Actually, not just extensions; we think of them as actual members of our families. And we're better for it.

Stem cells are helping horses and dogs

2007-09-14T10:41:00.000-05:00

While humans continue to debate stem cell research, some veterinarians are actually using it to help with conditions like arthritis in dogs and horses.

Vet-Stem, based in California, specializes in "veterinary regenerative medicine" and has used its licensed stem cell therapy in horses for three years. They're now offering that service to dogs which they can treat with their own stem cells to repair tendons and ligaments. Can you image?

The process is called "fat-derived stem cell treatment" and will be even more widely used commercially this fall, when vets across the nation will be able to
become credentialed users via online training at the company’s Web site
http://www.vet-stem.com.

Will your vet get credentialed?

Space Coast Feline Network Receives $10,000

2007-09-05T09:09:00.000-05:00

Space Coast Feline Network (SCFN) will receive a $10,000 grant from Florida Animal Friends Spay/Neuter license plate sales. This grant will allow a significant increase in the number of cats sterilized by the SCFN by providing an increase in spay/neuter services to low income caregivers in particular, and to those who support large colonies of feral cats

Space Coast Feline Network is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to decreasing the feral cat population in Brevard County through low-cost spay/neuter services for feral cat caregivers. It also provides education to caregivers at quarterly caregiver workshops that are scheduled for 2007 at the Central Brevard Library in Cocoa. Further information can be found on the SCFN Web site at http://www.spacecoastfelinenetwork.com or by calling the Helpline at 321-631-SPAY (631-7729).

SCFN volunteers coordinate spay/neuter clinics at various locations throughout Brevard County , including SPCA of North Brevard and Animal Medical Clinic in Melbourne , and at The Piedmont Animal Clinic in Apopka , FL. This grant will allow more feral cats to be spayed and neutered over the next year.

The Animal Friends License Plate is available for purchase for $44.60 when renewing a vehicle license plate. A pro-rated amount is charged if a vehicle owner wishes to purchase this specialty plate within 3 months of the owner’s birthday. Funds from the sale of the license plate are used exclusively to fight cat and dog overpopulation by increasing the number of animals sterilized. For additional information go to: http://www.floridaanimalfriends.org.

SCFN is also pursuing the donation of a late model van to help with transportation to clinics. Reliable transportation has become a high priority with the receipt of this grant to spay and neuter more feral cats.

Brevard County pet people barkin' for beach space

2007-08-16T09:36:00.000-05:00

The sign on any beach in Brevard County reads: NO DOGS ALLOWED ON THIS BEACH. Why, you ask? Hey, it's been that way for 37 years, darn it, so why not?

That's the attitude a lot of Brevard County folks have about the "No dogs on the our beaches" law, discussed in the news article our title has linked to above, and one that's about as archaic as bloomer bathing suits on women.

According to an article on VisitFlorida.com, there are a total of 1100 miles of coastline in Florida. Yet Brevard's 72 miles of beach is off limits to dogs for fear of their doo-doo and them being intimidating to small children and beach wildlife. Hey, I've been to Brevard County, it's a pretty place - mostly. People don't seem to be scared of much, a shuttle crash, perhaps, but that's about it.

But I find it hard to believe the fear of doo-doo factor is so strong on this coast. I've seen some of the dirty baby diapers found along the same 72 miles nearly every day! And why are dogs more intimidating to small children and wildlife in Brevard County than they are around the rest of the state where, for the most part, there is at least one small portion of beach in each area where dogs are allowed to frolic with their humans? That just doesn't make sense.

The 37-year ban on dogs should change and here's why.

Providing at least one beach open to dogs and their people is good for touri$m. Residents of Florida without dogs are not the only people who travel around the state. Actually, one of the more common tourists of Florida has become the affluent gay couple from across the pond, who bring one or two of their precious fur children along on their vacation. Then there's the out of state families who load up the kids, the ones without and with fur, and head to Florida to spend lots of $$ before the school year begins again.

And oh, yeah, there's also the northern folks, who faithfully travel with their beloved pets and come down in the winter to relax and who spend enough money while here to keep us residents from having to pay a $tate $ales tax.

If you going to ban something, ban humans without manners, who leave their food, cigarette butts, and other icky litter all over the place, including the beaches, and including those infamous soiled diapers, then cry fowl when they see a dog eliminate itself as his or her human runs pooper scooper patrol behind it.

Many municipalities around the state allow dogs on their beaches and in their parks. They even provide doo-doo bags and waste receptacles for their visitors. And where visitors feel welcome, that's where they'll stay and spend their hard earned ca$h. And for those people, we are most appreciative.

RX help for your pet

2007-07-22T06:26:00.000-05:00

Residents of Alachua and Marion Counties (and by now, probably others,) can get a card for prescription discounts of as much as 50 percent under a new program through the National Association of Counties. There's no application and no "qualifying." The card is free to any county resident regardless of age or income.

For people with pets, the best part about this card is that some medications for their beloved companion animal may be covered it it's available at a regular pharmacy.

The card is accepted at most of the main pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, Wise's Drug Store, Wal-Mart, Publix and Winn-Dixie and can also be used for some mail-order prescriptions. Even if someone has insurance through their employer, they can still get a prescription card. The card might cover a medication not covered by their current insurance. Reported savings have been around 14 percent on brand name medications and 34 percent on generics, plus there's a discount on certain diabetic supplies.

Check with your county to see if they've enrolled in this program and if they aren't, ask them to consider it. All Florida counties are eligible IF they are members of the Florida Association of Counties and participate in activities of the national association.

The most pet-friendly cities in Florida?

2007-07-09T05:32:00.000-05:00

Dogfriendly.com has come out with their 2007 list of Top 10 dog-friendly vacation spots in North America. A Florida city didn't make the list until Orlando screeched in at number 8 - whew! I was beginning to worry our sunshine state wasn't going to get the recognition it deserves. And actually, I think a couple of other Florida cities should get similar recognition.

People from other states ask me a lot, "What are the top three pet-friendly cities in Florida?" My answer isn't based on a scientific poll. It's based on what people tell me, what I read, my experience during past visits and most of all, if they have in place a pet-friendly emergency shelter for hurricanes and other disasters, and how many dog parks, pet-friendly beaches and places to dine outdoors with pets the city offers.

Oh, let me add one more thing to that list - I pay attention to just how much of a big deal a city makes about designating stuff pet-friendly. For example, some cities started doggie dining without a much as a woof and a fee and a few others took three months, and at least that many public hearings, to decide to charge restaurants an outrageous $150 to apply for a permit to offer doggie dining. So yes, the city's attitude is important as well.

So...without further adieu, let me say in my opinion, the Top Three Pet-Friendly Cities in Florida are: 1) Orlando, 2) Miami and 3) Jacksonville. The Greater Tampa Bay area is getting there, sort of. And the Panhandle, well, let's just say there's room for improvement.

What do you think? Do you agree with my choices? Or do you disagree or think I left someone out? Let me know by leaving your reply below.

Swimming lessons for dogs

2007-06-28T21:27:00.000-05:00

I'm linking this blog to an article I just read on http://www.tampabay10.com/ about a man in Largo who teaches dogs to swim.

Frankly, the need for this surprises me. I've had many companion animals through the years and only a couple liked water enough to jump into our pool. The others, well, they just didn't. They sniffed the edge of the pool, the light bulb went off in their heads, they backed up and sat down. "We're sitting out this gig, mom, we've got you covered from right here," they seemed to say.

The article says about 10,000 dogs drowned in the US last year. It says dogs can find their way into a pool, but often can't find their way out because, as the swim teacher referred to in the article says, dogs lack a, "sense of depth perception" and panic. But some clearly don't panic. Two of mine absolutely soared through the air and did gleeful belly flops into the aqua abyss the first time they saw the pool. So does that mean certain breeds have depth perception and others don't?

Now, I am not undermining the usefulness of teaching your dog (or cat) to swim. I'm just saying...where were the guardians of those 10,000 dogs? Even if my water-loving dogs are doing their thing, I'm keeping an eye out, you know what I mean? If my husband is floating around on the pool recliner, I'm keeping an eye out. Why weren't all those people keeping an eye out for their companion animals?

I'll keep wondering I suppose, like I wonder why people can be so irresponsible when it comes to their animals and then blame the animal for misbehaving in some fashion.

Stay safe this summer and if your dog loves the water, let him or her swim, but still... keep an eye out for them!

Bill seeks to save pets during domestic violence cases

2007-06-26T23:31:00.000-05:00

The story I've linked to here is about California Senator Sheila Kuehl, and her quest to get a bill (SB 353, to be exact) passed that would protect pets during domestic violence incidents. I not only want to applaud her efforts and keep my fingers crossed the bill becomes law, I also want Florida lawmakers to follow suit.

Through the years, plenty of pets have been injured, tortured and/or killed as a way for the abuser to further control his victim. Sen. Kuehl's bill would allow judges to include any kind of animal in protective orders for as long as deemed necessary, which would mean abusers would have to stay away from the pet or pets involved and not be allowed to harm the pet. Violating the order would be a misdemeanor.

New York, Vermont and Maine passed similar laws last year. I hope Florida will be next. As a matter of fact, I'm off to write my lawmakers a letter about it. Won't you write one to yours?

Horses just wanna have fun

2007-06-20T08:38:00.001-05:00

While I love watching horses frolick in a field and simply adore taking photos of colts learning to walk, I am not what you would call a "horsey person." When I was younger, I went horseback riding on a horse the stables said was "normally very calm. " I should have known. About a mile into the ride, "Normally Calm" decided he wanted lunch and he proceeded to take me on a drag race back to the barn. I was terrified and haven't been on a horse since. I admire them - from afar.

Since I don't know that much about horses and their ways, it's not surprising that I would be amazed to learn that horses love playing with toys. Yes, toys. Dogs have toys, Cats have toys. Now horses have toys. There are Web sites that sell them. One is http://horseballs.com which has items such as "Stallballs" and "Eggbutts" that are designed to "enrich" a horse's environment. Another one has a product called "Likit"which can be purchased from http://www.likit.co.uk/. Very cool.

Leaving dogs in hot car is a crime

2007-06-12T17:21:00.000-05:00

We were thrilled to see the recent news article about the Ohio man who has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals after leaving his two dogs inside a parked car near a store in Alachua County.

The police observed the dogs in the car for 10-15 minutes, in 90 plus degree heat, with the front windows merely cracked. The dogs had no water and were panting heavily. The criminal was held at least over night in the Alachua County jail on a $2,000 bond. We'd like to see this crime treated with the same decisiveness all over the state, indeed, all over the nation.

Class Action Claims We've Been Misled About Contents of Pet Food

2007-05-16T22:08:00.000-05:00

Note from me: Most everyone now knows pet food (and some human food as well) has been being slipped contaminated ingredients. If that bothered you, read on for the big shock waves. The following article isn't a pet-friendly resource, but I feel strongly enough about this issue that I'm devoting today's post to it. Please read this very carefully. Your fur child's food may be on this list. IMPORTANT: This is a different list than has been circulated lately regarding the pet food contamination crises. This list involves LOTS of companies and none of the information you're going to read here is very pretty - please prepare yourself.

Nationwide Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Pet Food Companies and Retailers
May 15, 2007

CONTACT: Russell Keith(305) 358-6555

Nationwide Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Pet Food Companies and Retailers For Misleading Consumers Regarding the Contents of Pet Food “Premium” Pet Food Marketed and Sold as “Complete and Balanced” Has Historically Contained Such Items as Euthanized Dogs and Cats, Restaurant Grease, Hair, Hooves, and Diseased Animals, and Other Inedible Garbage

MIAMI, FL -- May 15, 2007 -- A cat and dog owner from Michigan and two cat and dog owners from Florida have filed a nationwide class action against food industry giants Mars, Inc., Proctor and Gamble Co., Colgate Palmolive Company, Del Monte Foods, Co., and Nestle U.S.A. Inc. These manufacturers have a combined approximate 70% of the market share in the $16 billion dollar a year pet food industry. The suit also names as Defendants Nutro Products, Inc., Menu Foods, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Target Corp., Publix Supermarkets, Inc., Winn Dixie Stores, Inc., as manufacturers and marketers of their own brand pet food and retailers PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc., Pet Supermarket, Inc., and Petsmart Inc.

The Plaintiffs maintain that these companies have spent $300 million a year in making false and misleading marketing statements regarding the contents of their pet food to the dog and cat loving American public. While these Defendants tout their pet food products as choice cuts of prime beef, chunks of chicken, fish, fresh wholesome vegetables and whole grains to induce consumers to buy them, the Plaintiffs contend the food is actually made from “inedible” slaughterhouse waste products of the human food chain such as spines, heads, tails, hooves, hair, and blood. Rendering companies who process this waste have also added other inedible “waste” such as euthanized cats and dogs from veterinarian offices and animal shelters, road kill, zoo animals, rancid restaurant grease, toxic chemicals and additives. Additionally, dead animals and those declared unfit for human consumption due to disease and illness are also placed in the mix.

The lawsuit was filed in United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida by attorney Catherine J. MacIvor of the 23 attorney Miami litigation law firm of Maltzman Foreman, PA. The case is pending before the Honorable Cecilia Altonaga. Class Counsel, Catherine J. MacIvor says that “The melamine debacle is not the only serious problem with pet food. The number and frequency of lethal pet food recalls in the last few years clearly shows the seriousness and extent of this problem.”

The lawsuit alleges that pet food companies market their products as wholesome, choice cuts of meat, natural and complete and balanced diets even though they are fully aware that this food is largely carbohydrates and sugars combined with toxic preservatives and additives with very little to no meat at all. The lawsuit seeks damages to consumers for the false representations made in the Defendants’ advertising as well as punitive damages.“Sadly,” MacIvor said, “the Defendant pet food companies and retailers recognized that American pet owners love their cats and dogs like members of their family. The Defendants deceptive advertising specifically marketed premium healthy food to the American public knowing that they want to buy the best food that they can for their loved one and knowing that the food consists largely of garbage, chemicals, additives, diseased meat and even residual pentobarbital from euthanized animals.”

The 58 page lawsuit outlines in grotesque detail the actual manner in which most commercial pet food in the United States is made. The lawsuit also attaches and cites numerous news stories and research articles outlining the real content of the Defendant’s pet foods and the misleading and deceptive advertising undertaken by the Defendants.The Defendants targeted in the Complaint produce pet foods under a wide array of brands and names including: Pedigree®, Sheba®, Goodlife Recipe®, Royal Canine, Iams®, Eukanuba®, Science Diet®, Prescription Diet®, 9 Lives®, Amore®, Gravy Train®, Kibbles-n-Bits® and Nature’s Recipe®, Snausages®, Milk Bone®, Pup-Peroni®, Meaty Bone®, Canine’s Carry Outs®, Jerky Treats®, Wagwells®, Alpo®, Beneful®, Beggin’ Strips®, Dog, Cat, Puppy and Kitten Chow®, Fancy Feast®, Friskies®, Mighty Dog®, Deli-Cat®, Pro Plan®, Purina One®, Natural Choice® Dog and Cat Products, Max® Dog Products, Max® Cat Gourmet Classics, Natural Choice® Complete Care® for cats, Ultra™ Products for dogs, Americas Choice Preferred Pets, Authority, Award, Best Choice, Big Bet, Big Red, Cadillac, Companion, Compliments, Demoulus Market Basket, Eukanuba, Fine Feline Cat, Food Lion, Food Town, Giant Companion, Hannaford, Hill Country Fare, Hy-Vee, Iams, J.E. Mondou, Laura Lynn, Li’l Red, Loving Meals, Medi-Cal, Meijer’s Main Choice, Mighty Dog Pouch, Mixables, Natural Life, Nutriplan, Nutro Max, Nutro Max Gourmet Classics, Nutro Natural Choice, Ol’ Roy, Paws, Pet Essentials, Pet Pride, President’s Choice, Price Chopper, Priority US, Publix, Roche Brothers, Save-a-Lot Special Blend, Schnucks, Science Diet Feline Savory Cuts Cans, Sophistacat, Special Kitty, Springfield Prize, Sprout, Stop and Shop Companion, Tops Companion, Wegmans, Weis Total Pet, Western family US, White Rose, Winn Dixie, Your Pet, LIFELong™, Ol’ Roy and Special Kitty brands of pet food.The lawsuit alleges, among other claims, that the pet food companies have fraudulently and/or negligently misrepresented and concealed what is actually in their pet foods, violated Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices, and Failed to Warn the public of the health risks to animals associated with a diet consisting of their commercial pet foods.

Through the lawsuit, the Plaintiff’s hope to recover financial damages for all pet owners who have been similarly deceived. “Ultimately we are hopeful that our lawsuit will force the Defendants to more accurately describe what is in their pet foods and to offer more healthful pet food options that provide pets with food quality similar to that provided in human food products.” A copy of the Complaint and supporting research materials is available at http://www.mflegal.com/petfoodlawsuit

For more information about Maltzman Foreman PA please visit
http://www.mflegal.com

This article can be found online, until archived, at:
http://www.mmdnewswire.com/ntiwide-clss-acti-lwsuit-filed-aginst-pet-food-compnies-nd-retilers-1632.html

Bradford County shelter animals need help

2007-05-13T21:55:00.000-05:00

A few days ago, I was contacted by a couple of people from a rescue group called Bradford County Paws (BC Paws), asking me to help get the word out about the situation with the animals in Bradford County, Florida. In a nut shell, this group, which has been working with the animals at the Bradford County Animal Shelter for a while, has lately been receiving a hard time when they go there to help.

The purpose of BC Paws is to assist the shelter with placing dogs in responsible foster and adoptive homes. While most counties would be delighted to have the assistance, I am told the Bradford County Sheriff's Office has stopped "on site adoptions." That means BC Paws don't have the chance to get the animals prepared for adoption. They just want to be allowed to help because they say the animals have a better chance of being adopted out when they are walked on a daily basis, bathed, in general, given the one-on-one attention they so desperately need.

BC Paws says they want their volunteers to be able to help the Bradford County Animal Shelter become more "rescue friendly." The group wants to see the shelter open more hours, both during the week and weekends. They want the volunteers inside, interacting with the animals. And while the county has been making a few improvements at the shelter, there are plenty of people who think there's a lot more work to be done.

Here's how you can help:

1) Sign the petition at "Bradford County, FL, Animal Shelter" .

2) Volunteer to work with the animals at the shelter.

3) Volunteer to become a foster family for an animal in need.

4) Adopt an animal in need from the Bradford County Animal Shelter

Contact Kristie at BradfordCountyPaws@yahoo.com or call 904-334-7319 for more information about other needs the group may have, i.e., financial donations for veterinary expenses, supplies, cages and more.

Update on legislation dealing with pets in condos

2007-05-09T11:57:00.000-05:00

Citizens for Pets in Condos 2007 legislative session wrap-up

By Maida Genser, Citizens for Pets in Condos

Okay, so we lost this round. The Emotional Support Animal bill never even came up for a vote. Short of getting it passed, I think it may actually be a good thing. It was not summarily dismissed. It was controversial enough to stay out there as an open question, no longer an automatic win for the condo board/condo lawyer lobby!

Here is the good news – our support is growing daily. This is a grass roots effort that went from nothing to almost 10,000 signatures by the start of this legislative season. We now have almost 13,500 signatures. As we get more people on our side our chances for future success are greatly increased. The anti-pet people represent old-think Florida. We are the future and we are in the right. WE WILL PREVAIL. Be assured of that.

Please send a thank you to Representative Julio Robaina for working so hard for our cause. Send copies to your own state-level representative*, and also to the co-sponsors (Reps. Luis Garcia, Yolly Roberson, and Priscilla Taylor) to thank them for working to try to pass HB 1373. Also send a thank you to Senator Alex Villalobos who sponsored S2816, the Senate version of the same bill, and send copies to your own state-level senator*. Click on the links for contact info.

If by any chance you are represented by Representatives Marcus Rubio, speaker of the house, Ellyn Bogdanoff, David Rivera, Ron Reagan, or Andy Gardiner, you may wish to contact them and tell them that you did not appreciate their stalling of HB1373 and you will take that into consideration the next time they run for public office. Representative Ralph Poppell was also a strong opponent and should be called out for his actions. And then, remember their interference next time they are up for office. Do NOT vote for them. As a non-profit corporation, we are not allowed to electioneer/campaign for candidates, but we are allowed to tell people not to vote people who are hurting our cause.

One of the things that I think will help our cause is to build an alliance with League of Humane Voters (LOHV). They are building a data base of contact information to reach out to people about all kinds of pro-animal issues. If you are on their mailing list, you WILL be informed about any animal legislation in Florida . I am considering giving them e-dresses from our mailing list, because helping them will definitely help us. If you have any objection, this is the time to let me know (so I can leave off YOUR e-dress). I will leave this open until the beginning of next month.

I truly believe that getting our message out will lead us to win. Even in no-pet condos, there are many people hiding pets in fear of being found out. If we can reach these people and get enough signatures, WE WILL WIN.

While the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and ASPCA and PETA have sorely let us down by choosing NOT to contact their membership about our bill, Animal Rights Foundation of Florida (ARFF) and Florida Pets Network/FloridaPets.net DID contact a lot of people for us. Florida Pet Book helped us a lot by continuing to place our ads when we no longer had funds to advertise. Thank you, in general, to all of the collaborating organizations listed on our web site (scroll down a bit on the right side of our main page.) We owe a special thanks to Jan Bergemann and Cyber Citizens for Justice, the condo/HOA reform group that included our bill in their 2007 Community Association bill. If you feel so moved, please thank the people who helped us and send your notes of disapproval to those who did not.

Special honors go to David Shapiro, who joined our board when we became a non-profit corporation in July of 2006. We only had 1300 signatures when he became involved, and we now have well over ten times that many signatures, due to media ads that he personally subsidized and his other tireless efforts. Many thanks to our past board member Kandy Fancher and new board member Carlos Pineiro. Thanks to Barbara Feeney and Barry Silver for working on the wording of our bill. Thanks to Bobby Albre for sending out a press release. Thank you to reporter Jennifer Santiago for speaking up positively for our cause. Thanks to our friends in California who have given us guidance based on their experience getting laws changed in Calilfornia to allow pets in association-run housing. Thanks to the people who have made special efforts to collect signatures: David Shapiro, Carlos Pineiro , Ingrid Este vez, Loretta Hedberg , Laura Richman , Jean and Harry Bergman. Thanks to people who have been spokespersons to the media: David Shapiro, Bobby Albre, Jerry Zelligman, Mariela Rodrigues-Munn, Claudia Krysiak . If I am forgetting anyone, I deeply apologize.

As much as I hate to bring up money, your financial support will help us be able to advertise. David Shapiro and I have put a lot of our own money into this. You can make donations via PayPal to http://us.f530.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=donations@petsincondos.org. Getting the word out is the answer!

* Click here to find your Florida legislators by zipcode.

Old friends need to be together

2007-05-09T10:26:00.000-05:00

Maida Genser's grassroots group,

Citizens for Pets in Condos, has been knocking.

The doors to the State Capital have opened.

IMPORTANT: Read previous entry, "Old Friends" first - this is a three-part story

Old friends need to be together

When the manager told Beetie about the new pet policy and that she'd have to find Buster a new home or face eviction from her condo, he couldn't look her in the eye. Just as well, thought Beetie, because her tears came fast and she'd always looked a fright when she cried and that would make her mad and then she'd talk too loud...

Beetie couldn't eat supper that evening. She just sat in the dark, petting Buster, wondering why the thought of living without a black cat with a white chin was just as sad as living without Leon. She decided to call the minister of her new church. Beetie wasn't an overly religious person but she liked the tidy little white building that housed the local Methodists. It was within walking distance, so when she moved to Florida she'd decided to make the effort and see how things developed.

The gentleman answered on the first ring, and said he was glad Beetie called and yes, he certainly did have a few moments for her. He insisted she call him Don. That seemed a bit informal to Beetie, but this was a new time, a new generation, and Beetie could go with the flow. As she sat there in the dark, talking to a man whose hand she had shaken no more than three times, to whom she'd never said more than hello, Beetie realized she just couldn't bear living without Buster. She was the only surviving daughter of four children born to parents long deceased. Her daughter, Kayla, was so far away and so very busy. Leo was probably looking down from Heaven with that look he'd get when someone said Buster was old or ugly. He would not have liked this mess, no, not one bit.

After listening to Beetie a bit, Don said she might be able to keep Buster and not have to move from her condo after all. Was he pulling her leg? No, he said, he'd heard of a law someone was trying to get passed that dealt with this very topic. He told her he'd make a couple of calls and ring her right back with some information.

As Beetie waited, Buster purred his way to sleep on her lap. Stroking her cat's soft fur, Beetie's heart felt heavy. She knew her heart was pumping OK because she'd just had a check up. It wasn't that kind of heavy anyway. Beetie suddenly realized it felt heavy because it was breaking. Without Buster, she would be totally alone and the sadness from before would return.

Don told her to get a pad and pencil and write down what he was about to tell her. House Bill 1373 was the bill he'd been talking about, he said. If passed, it would provide condominium residents - like Beetie - the right to have a companion animal (dog, cat, bird, etc.) live with them in their home, if a health professional stated the animal was helpful to the person’s physical or psychological well-being.

Beetie knew having Buster felt good. But the cat was also providing her with physical and psychological benefit because he was her only constant companion and petting him and playing an occasional game of twine chase did them both good. Beetie felt sure her heart doctor, Dr. Nehman, would write a letter for her and Don told her he'd write one for her too. Even though he wasn't a health professional, he was a soul professional, he said, and he could vouch for Buster being good for Beetie's soul. She thanked him profusely and hung up the phone, causing Buster to leap from her lap and head to the kitchen.

As Beetie fed Buster his supper, her heart didn't feel as heavy as before. She sighed. She knew she'd have to do a bit of leg work to make it all come together, but she did have 30 days, so she didn't have to be frantic. The force is with us, she told the cat whose head was hidden in his food bowl.

After all, the two loves of Leo's life had come this far together...

Old Friends

2007-05-09T09:55:00.000-05:00

If you find a white hair on a black cat, you will have good luck.

- Old Welsh Superstition

Old Friends

A story, part 1 of 3

Beetie Gilman had spent nearly 20 years of her life in a classroom, teaching fractions and grammar to third graders. In 1989, she'd survived a heart attack, bypass surgery, her retirement party, and her husband's sudden death from a hunting accident.

After crying more tears than one ought to have to cry, Beetie sold the family home and most of her possessions and took herself, her meager savings, and Buster to Florida. It was nice for older folks there, said a friend who'd moved there years ago. It was warm and would be good for her heart, said her doctor. Beetie's daughter, Kayla, who lived an extremely busy life in California, the state of busy lives, figured Florida was about the same distance from California as New York and wouldn't affect the travel time for her yearly trip home too much. Kayla would tell her mom that the next time she called her, maybe next week, when she wasn't so busy.

Buster was Beetie's cat, well, really, Buster had been Leo's cat, but you know the ways of cats. They love the one who feeds them, heck, they'd love a grasshopper if it could figure out how to crack open a cat food can, so Beetie turned out to be OK with Buster. The two shared a quiet life now, one which Beetie hoped would grow a bit brighter, maybe a bit less sad, down in the southern sunshine.

Finding an attractive, affordable condo unit where Buster would be welcome too had been pretty easy, which helped Beetie feel immediately at home in Florida. The town she'd chose was mostly pastels and very shiny, with new shops, except down here they called them "shoppes", and plenty of heart specialists, podiatrists and banks. Services and activites for persons over 55 seemed to be a thriving industry all by itself.

Beetie met a couple other ladies her age and they lunched together frequently. She was thankful for the condo pool where she continued her water exercises, started during her previous cardiac rehab. She even began learning Bridge and hoped one day to be good enough for the condo Bridge Club. Buster had a sunny bay window from which he could perch and observe his world and let his aging bones soak up the warmth. Beetie still cried a bit after going to bed, some nights, not all. Basically, for the most part, she and Buster did OK.

Until someone noticed Buster stretching in his window seat one day and went to the condo office and carried on about their cat allergy. That seemed to remind several other folks in the condo about their cat allergies and so it began...and grew...on and on, until one day, the condo owner gave in to the whining and changed the condo pet policy to "none allowed."

The manager hated to tell the tenants with pets about the new policy as none of the pets had been problems, ever. He really dreaded telling Beetie, she was such a nice lady, a little frail and hard of hearing and that cat didn't bother anybody. But he had his orders. Beetie would be allowed 30 days to what they called, "rehome" Buster or she wouldn't be able to live in her condo any more.

Exploring Florida's pet-friendly lifestyle.

2007-05-09T09:32:00.000-05:00

"A woman, her dog and the sea. This must be heaven."

As owner of FloridaPets.net, I meet so many interesting pets - and their people. We've all got one thing in common: the desire to find places in the sunshine state where pets are allowed. Places we can rest, play, swim, sing, vacation, dine, live, even worship together, where everyone is welcome.

"Pets are part of the family, so take them along!" That's the motto of FloridaPets.net. While I post lots of information on the Web site and in our monthly eZine, the NewsPetter, I have so much more to share with all you pets and pet "peeps" (my word for people - you'll get used to seeing it!)

So snuggle up to the computer screen with your favorite companion animal and let's start exploring all that is pet-friendly in Florida. Your comments or questions will be appreciated and either I or one of my sassy little dachshunds will reply.