Animal House

Animal House: Kittens, Kitnapping & Krusaders

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

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

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

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

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 […]

Animal House: New Nonprofits Work to Rescue, Educate & Advocate for Domestic Rabbits

Animal House: New Nonprofits Work to Rescue, Educate & Advocate for Domestic Rabbits

Jacksonville has much to celebrate this 2022 Christmas season, with the unexpected gift of two new pet rabbit rescues, each dedicated to helping pet rabbits and those who love them. The young women founders are animal welfare leaders committed to community education about domestic rabbit issues. They work to prevent the accidental breeding of unwanted […]

Animal House: Grace Under the Oaks

Animal House: Grace Under the Oaks

Horsemanship Helping the Disabled Grace is just one of many gifts offered at the peaceful, privately-owned equestrian farm where Grace Under the Oaks Adaptive Horseback Riding Center is located. Executive Director Jennifer Lang, a founder and lead riding instructor, is also a youthful, busy mom and wife uniquely qualified for her position. She is a […]

Animal House: Transportation Security Administration Canines & Officers

Animal House: Transportation Security Administration Canines & Officers

Detecting Explosives to Protect People & Transport The canine and officer explosives detection teams that graduate from the Transportation Security Administration’s $12 million Canine Training Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas protects people and transportation hubs by detecting and locating explosives. Among those graduates are Jacksonville’s TSA-trained bomb-sniffing canines and the officers who […]