Meet Kobe, Our September Pet Of The Month

 

World, meet Kobe, our September Pet of the Month! 

Kobe is a mixed breed marshmallow who was recently brought home as a companion for his new BFF, Waffles. Abandoned in the Bahamas, Kobe was taken in and nursed back to health by Mutty Paws Rescue in Palm Beach County. When he isn't hanging with his buddy Waffles, Kobe can be found lounging on the couch...or the bed...or pretty much anyplace with there's love and warmth. These days, Kobe is all smiles - and so is his new family!

There are many loving dogs and cats just like Kobe in our local shelters and rescues. From now until September 20th, NBC Universal continues to join forces with shelters across the country as we attempt to #ClearTheShelters. If you're thinking of adding a fur kid to your family, consider working with a rescue or a shelter, and bringing a smile to a face as cute as Kobe's!

Congratulations Kobe, and share with all your friends - you're our Pet of the Month!

That smile though!

Preparing Pets For Back-To-School Routines

 

Preparing Pets For Back-To-School Routines

As South Florida's lazy summers begin to wind down, families begin turning their attention to the task of getting children back to school. And for the many pets added to households during coronavirus lock downs, a return to full time, in-person learning can be especially confusing. 

Fortunately, many of the same techniques used to help children transition smoothly can also work for pets. Ease into new bedtime and morning routines a week or so before the school year begins. Try to anticipate anxiety triggers that may alert your pet to the family's impending departure. Backpacks, lunch boxes and uniforms should be placed within a pet's line of vision so they become part of the household background as opposed to something associated with being left alone for the day. Give pets an interesting puzzle toy or chew toy to keep them occupied, and do so right before leaving so pets will not focus on the family's departure. Perhaps most importantly, try not to feel guilty, and leave the house in a matter-of-fact manner. Mama dogs don't feel guilty about leaving the den to bring home dinner. We parents would be wise to follow their leads.

Meet Gardenia, Our August Pet Of The Month!

 

World, meet Gardenia, our August - er, "DOGust' - Pet of the Month!

Gardenia is a five-year-old, adopted rat terrier mix who captured her family's heart with her deep and soulful eyes. And this little snuggler does indeed seem to always know exactly what everyone is thinking.  

When she's not slathering her human family with kisses, Gardenia can be found hanging with her brother from another mother, a Maltese named Winston. She seems tuned in to his needs as well, even going so far as to bring him his favorite toys when she knows he isn't feeling well. She truly is an intuitive little soul. 

Congratulations, Gardenia and share with all your friends - you're our Pet of the Month!

Those eyes though...

 

The Dog Days - And Dog Bites - Of Summer

Every year, more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs. More than half the victims are children between the ages of five and nine, and most bites occur during the months of July and August. While the expression "dog days of summer" has its roots in astrology, it's often used by animal care professionals as a reminder to be especially vigilant when supervising children and dogs during this time of year.

Like their human counterparts, dogs can become especially irritable and grumpy in South Florida's unrelenting summer heat. Rambunctious childhood behaviors that might normally be tolerated by dogs may be corrected with a bite if the dog is feeling uncomfortable or stressed. And since school closures and family gatherings increase interaction times between children and dogs, incidents which culminate in bites are statistically more likely to occur. If you plan to host a summer house party, make sure your dog has a cool, quiet place he can retreat to if he becomes overwhelmed. It is also helpful for parents to learn to recognize some of the canine body language cues dogs display when they are feeling stressed enough to bite. Helpful resources include veterinary behavior site www.Dr.SopiaYin.com https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/free-downloads-posters-handouts-and-more/ or the children's illustrated storybook Jake And The Gentle Dog by Lynn Kupkee. https://www.amazon.com/Jake-Gentle-Dog-Lynn-Kupkee/dp/1393306691/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Jake+and+the+gentle+dog&qid=1622663456&s=books&sr=1-1

Direct eye contact and very close proximity can make a dog feel stressed enough to bite. Notice how the dog seems to be pulling back. The slightly pinned ears and furrowed brow are signs that this particular dog might appreciate a bit more space.

Backyard "Pit"Falls And Pets

 

One of the rewards for enduring Miami's brutal summers is the stunning variety of tropical fruits that often grow right in our backyards. Mangoes, canistels, mamey and avocados are just a few of the delicacies that thrive in our climate with minimal maintenance by homeowners. Many pet owners are surprised to learn that our furry family members enjoy these tropical treats as much as we do. And they have no qualms about helping themselves to the fruit that falls to the ground. 

While the flesh of most tropical fruits is not toxic to pets, many will swallow the pits without bothering to chew them. Unfortunately, most pits are too large to pass safely through the pet's intestinal tract. This leads to life threatening blockages which can only be resolved by surgical intervention. If any such trees drop fruit in your yard, be sure to accompany your pet outdoors and supervise foraging activities. Pick up any fallen fruit promptly, and call your veterinarian immediately if your pet beats you to it.

Zohan recovers from emergency surgery after swallowing a canistel seed.

Meet Ada, Our June Pet Of The Month

 

World, meet Ada - our June Pet of the Month! Ada is a 15-month-old Dutch Malinois who came into her "pawrents" lives during the 2020 Puppy Boom. The Dutch Malinois is bred to be smart, driven, energetic, and hard working. And Ada is no exception. 

When she's not out and about with her humans, Ada can be found playing with her ball. Or looking for her ball. Or chasing her ball. Because ball is life. And life is good. And after ball time, it's couch time! You can see all of Ada's adventures by following her on Instagram at ada_the_dutchmal.

Congratulations, Ada and share with all your friends - you're our Pet of the Month!

Ball defeated, time for couch!

Meet Buddy, Our May Pet Of The Month!

 

World, meet Buddy, our May Pet of the Month! 

Buddy is a 10-year-old orange tabby who, like many of Miami's fabulous felines, simply showed up and made himself at home. It didn't take long for Buddy to work his way into the hearts of his new humans - sometimes by way of a shoulder. 

When Buddy isn't doing his best parrot imitation, he can be found relaxing with his fellow fur kids or hanging out in the birdbath. He's always a good sport about coming to see his friends at Sabal Chase, especially on acupuncture days with Dr. Rose. Buddy is being treated for inappetence related to kidney disease, and is always calm and content throughout his sessions.

Congratulations, Buddy and share with all your friends - you're our Pet of the Month!

A parrot in a past life...?

Or some other kind of songbird...?