Bradenton Dog

Mary Lou Davidson

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Kim Longstreet: Pet Photographer

Kim Longstreet’s journey into pet photography all started when she adopted her dog, Nyla, from The Humane Society of Sarasota County.

“She has taught me how to live life in the moment and is a constant source of inspiration. Not to mention, she makes me laugh out loud on a regular basis”, Longstreet said of her pup.

Kim and Nyla

At the time Nyla was adopted, Kim already had over 10 years of professional photographic experience under her belt, working in several aspects of the business from commercial production to portraiture.  While these were instrumental and career building – they were not to be the long term path for Kim.

Now as a professional pet photographer Kim is not only is using her photographic skills and experiencing the joy of working with animals.


“I am truly blessed and thankful to be able to do what I love for a living.  I believe I have the best clients in the world.  It is so gratifying to see the expression on my client’s face when I hand them their beloved pet pictured on an oversized canvas, or in a coffee table book filled with images of their photo session.”

Kim’s passion led to volunteering at our local Humane Society, photographing the shelter’s pets for the HSSC’s website.  Truly a labor of love, the beautiful images she creates can mean the difference between adoption or not.

Originally from Ohio, Kim and her husband moved to Sarasota in 2001 so that she could attend Ringling College of Art and Design. Over the past 10 years they have set down roots here and made their home in the SRQ-Bradenton area.

Kim’s husband Steve Phelps, an Executive Chef is about to open a restaurant in the downtown neighborhood of Sarasota called Indigenous.  The restaurant will feature seasonal American cuisine, is set to open in August 2011.  Will Indigenous be dog-friendly?  You bet.

To find out more information about DogStreet Pet Photography, please visit
www.dogstreetphoto.com

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Don’t walk by a dog in a hot car

Some tips from the ASPCA.


Rayne Nolte was in the parking lot of a Mankato, Minnesota, mall last week when she spotted Roxie, a Yorkie mix, trapped in a car. The temperature was 88 degrees with a heat index of 103, and the car’s owner was gone.

You may have found yourself in Rayne’s situation before. Many pet parents believe that cracking a window is enough to keep their dogs cool in the car while they make a quick pit stop—but they couldn’t be more wrong. “Automobile temperatures can very quickly rise to dangerous levels; the average temperature increase in a parked car is 40 degrees, and the majority of this increase occurs in the first 15 to 30 minutes,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. When it’s 80 degrees outside, your car will be a staggering 114 degrees after 30 minutes!

Worse still, dogs can’t cool themselves down as easily as people, and once they overheat, they can suffer extensive organ damage or die. Luckily, Rayne made all the right moves. Follow her lead by taking these simple steps.

Step 1: Try to Locate the Pet Parent
Roxie’s people were nowhere in sight, so Rayne called mall security, who tried to find Roxie’s family through the loudspeaker. (You can ask most stores to do this.)

Step 2: Educate
Rayne couldn’t find Roxie’s pet parents, but if you do, explain the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car. Make sure the pet gets out of the car as soon as possible.

Step 3: Call 911
Fourteen states have enacted specific laws that protect dogs in hot cars, as have many municipalities—but even in places lacking such a law, leaving an animal in a hot car may constitute cruelty.

Rayne and the mall security officers dialed 911. When the police pulled Roxie from the steamy vehicle, she was very ill but soon on the road to recovery.

Step 4: Pat Yourself on the Back
Pets are counting on people like you to save their lives. Rayne rescued Roxie just in time, and she made a full recovery! And according to the Mankato Free Press, the pet-sitter who left Roxie in the car was charged with a petty misdemeanor.

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Ready, Set Get Wet! 7 Steps to a Clean Dog

by Lauren R. Tharp

Step 1: Always, always comb or brush your dog before you bathe him. Pay careful attention to mats or tangles. Any mats left in your dog’s fur after they get into the water will “set” and will be extremely difficult (or impossible) to remove.

Step 2: Get everything you need ready ahead of time. You don’t want to be scrambling for towels or groping around for the shampoo bottle once your pup’s in the water! Be sure you are ready to get wet – if your dog is less than 5 lbs you can pretty much count on the fact that you are going to get soaked during this process. If you don’t have a removable shower head – you are going to need a container to fill to rinse your dog off with clean water – a water bottle or a plastic pitcher works great.

Step 3: Wash your dog’s body. Start with the back of their neck and work your way down to their tail and the backs of their legs. Use just water at first and then apply shampoo.

Step 4: Thoroughly rinse all shampoo from your dog’s body!

Step 5: Wash your dog’s head and face. Use a wash cloth or a sponge for this step so that you have more control. Some dogs can grow to love this part of the path, use warm water and massage their faces. Don’t forget to talk to your pup while you are washing his face to reassure him. Avoid getting water inside your dog’s ears (it can damage them!). If the shampoo you chose says it’s safe to use on their face, go ahead (test it in a small area first…), but be sure to rinse thoroughly.

Step 6: Do one last rinse, just to be sure. When the water is running clear (no bubbles, no matter how small), then you’re done.

Step 7: Break out the towels! Lay a large towel over your doggie’s back and start rubbing him dry, this can also be a soothing experience for your dog, lean into it and make it fun for your dog.

Choosing a Good (Green) Dog Shampoo

Not only is this stuff going on to you pal to clean him up, but it’s going to end up going down the drain, into our precious oceans, it’s important to think “green” when choosing a brand. Look for shampoos with little or—better still!—no fragrance (some scents known to cause doggie allergies to act up are eucalyptus, lemon or orange extracts, and tea tree oil).

Some Green Brands to Try:

Green Paws All-Natural Pet Shampoo http://www.wisconsinmade.com/gift-ideas/Green-Paws-Natural-Pet-Shampoo-3195.aspx

Earthbath Dog Shampoo http://www.earthbath.com/shampoo/pints.php

Chagrin Valley Dog Soap http://chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com/dogshampoo.htm

Can’t find any of these? Try making your own dog shampoo with 1/3 cup glycerin, 1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider), and 1 quart water. Remember always test whatever you are using on your dog in a small area to make sure there is no adverse reaction.

Good luck!

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Planning for Stormy Weather

by: Lauren R. Tharp

Summer is here!  Unfortunately, that means that Hurricane Season is here as well.  From early June through November, you’ll need to be prepared—not just for your own safety, but for that of your dog!

The Importance of Being Prepared

We cannot stress enough how important it is to be prepared for disaster ahead of time.  Some items to keep on hand are:

  • Your dog’s medical records. Pet shelters, if you end up needing one, will require proof of vaccination.  Tip: Pet shelters fill up very quickly during disaster situations. Call in ahead of time!
  • A leash and a collar with identification tags (and Rabies tags, if possible). You might also consider getting a muzzle.  Your doggie pal may be the most gentle animal on this earth, but, in the face of a hurricane, his nature may change.  Animals experiencing extreme fear have been known to act out of character.
  • Your dog’s crate, if you own one (for easier travel).  If you don’t have one, now is the time to go shopping – check Goodwill or even a garage sale, just be sure to wash with hot, soapy water!
  • A current photograph of your dog. If possible, scan it in and save a copy onto two separate flash drives—save one for yourself and send one to a trusted friend or relative.
  • Food and water. You probably already have some “emergency kit” food and water set aside for yourself—Do the same for your dog!
  • A WRITTEN COPY OF YOUR EVACUATION PLAN. Yes, you’ve got a plan; however, if disaster strikes, you may be too panicked to remember it!  Write it all down and keep it with the rest of your evacuation items.  And don’t forget to include your pooch in on the plan: Take note of the names of pet shelters, local vets, and any other potential doggie sanctuaries in your area.

Tip: Keep all paperwork in waterproof containers

After the Storm

Depending on how hard your area is hit by the storm, things in and around your house may change severely.  Dogs are creatures of habit and this can be just as frightening for them as the hurricane itself!  Stay calm and walk your doggie on his leash and reintroduce him to his home and neighborhood.  Over the next few days, monitor his behavior closely until you’re sure he’s “cool” with everything.  And, good luck!

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Bradenton, Florida Dog-Friendly Condominiums

Palma Sola Trace -34209 This beautiful community is made up of condos, villas and single family homes. There is a community pool, clubhouse, fitness center and playground. It is located about 5 miles from the beach. The condos and villas allow 2 dogs of any size with no restrictions.
Sable Palms Gardens – 34209  This community is located off 75th St W in West Bradenton, about 5 miles from the beach, it has a very active club house and a community pool.. They allow 1 small dog 25lbs or under.
Country Village Condo – 34209 This is a 55+ community located off 75th St West, clubhouse and community pool. Close to shopping and dining and about 5 miles to the beach. They allow one small dog 30lbs and under.
Meadowcroft South – 34209 This community is located between 59th St West and 75th St West in West Bradenton. It is a 55+ community. It is about 6 miles from the beaches, close to the YMCA, hospitals, dining and shopping. The community is made up of villas. They allow 1 small dog under 25lbs
Meadowcroft North Condo – 34209 Located off of 59th St West in West Bradenton. It is a 55+ plus community with wonderful amenities, clubhouse, community pool, tennis courts and a fishing pier. It is made up of condos and villas all with tile roofs. They allow 1 small dog 25lbs or under.
Morningside Condo -34209 Located between 59th St west and 75th St West. About 6 miles to the beach. There is a community pool. The community is made up of villas all on the ground floor and is close to all amenities that Bradenton has to offer. They allow 1 small dog 25lbs or under.
Village Green -34209- is located off of 75th St West. This is a lovely community but they don’t allow dogs. Some of the clusters do allow a cat. Each cluster has it’s own community pool.
Pebble Springs – 34209 Located  on the corner of 59th St West and Manatee Ave you are within walking distance to shopping and many places to dine. It is about 5 miles to the beach. Each cluster has it’s own community pool, along with a community lap pool and tennis courts. They allow 1 small dog 20 lbs and under.
For more information on these properties contact Debbie Capobianco 941-704-2394, as you can see,
Debbie Capobianco

Debbie is a dog lover herself, so she can help you choose the community that is just right for you and your dog!  You can reach Debbie by phone at 941-704-2394 or by email:  [email protected]

 

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A Sweet, Juicy T-Bone

Get a load of Mr. T-Bone, Bradenton! He’s a sweet 3 year old purebred Jack Russell Terrier.

I am a sweet dog with lots of energy that loves to play with my stuffed toys. As you can see, I am small with white and tan coloring. I am heartworm positive but please don’t let that discourage you, as the nice people here at the Humane Society of Manatee County are treating me now and soon I’ll be back to my happy self again. I’m just over 3 years old, I’ve been fixed and housetrained! I’m looking for a loving family to take me home. Could it be with you? Please call 941-747-8808 x313 or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment to come meet me!