Animal House: Saving Sammy
The first time I saved Sammy was in June 2017. She came to me as a foster. Sammy had made news among rescuers in Jacksonville that summer when she was frantically dashing back and forth across Beach Boulevard, terrified during thunderstorms. She had been surviving in thick woods next to Sam’s Club. Mistakenly thought to […]
Animal House: Something to Bark About
It was raining cats and dogs inside the Avenues Mall lower level at the 2023 Petco Love Mega Pet Adoption Event on June 23-25. The event finally returned to Northeast Florida, having been on hold since October 2019 due to COVID-19 and economic factors. Petco stores at Marsh Landing Parkway and Kernan Village participated, while […]
Animal House: First Duval Public School Police K9 Maverick
K9 Maverick, the first Duval County School Police (DCSP) K9 and Northeast Florida’s first Firearms Detection K9, was sworn in by DCSP Chief Greg Burton on Wednesday, May 31, at Cline Auditorium. The new Duval County School Police Honor Guard presented the flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. The two-year-old Belgian Malinois received his DCSP […]
Animal House: Kittens, Kitnapping & Krusaders
When a gorgeous, but gaunt, tabby cat with swirly fur appeared at Connie Williams’s home begging for food, Williams rushed to feed her distressed visitor. While the cat would approach and meow for food, it would run if Williams attempted to pet her. Thus began a daily routine between the nervous cat and the retired […]
Animal House: Pet Program Comforts Hospice Patients
The smile of joy on the face of a hospice patient who sees his or her beloved pet coming through the door for a visit, lifts the spirits of anyone privileged to witness the sight. Community Hospice & Palliative Care, Pet Peace of Mind Program volunteers make these visits possible for patients who can no […]
Animal House: Heartworm Disease Updates
During a conversation with Dr. Howard Acree of Cedar Hills Animal Hospital, the question came up regarding the necessity to continue monthly heartworm treatment for my senior dog Sylvia, 17. Sylvia is in excellent health for her age but only enjoys brief walks outdoors due to anxiety caused by her near-total blindness. Staying indoors limits […]
Animal House: The serenity of the fishbowl: A deep dive on tropical fish-keeping
An aquarium of shimmering tropical fish could be one of the only tabletop item to instantly calm life’s chaos and provide escape from a difficult day, stressful thoughts and feelings just from looking at it. Aquariums induce relaxation and sensory enjoyment by gliding through lush, swaying emerald aquatic plants to the sounds of soothing water […]
Animal House: JSO Police Dogs – Working & Retired Protected By Senate Bills & Dedicated Nonprofits
There was a collective sigh of relief among those who understand the costs of veterinary and continuing care for retired law enforcement canines when Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 226, Care for Retired Police Dogs. Bill 226 has allocated $300,000 to fund an annual Florida Department of Law Enforcement state contract. “In Florida, we […]
