Mary Lou Davidson

January 15, 2014 by Mary Lou Davidson

Poker Run – Saturday Jan 18

The 2^nd Annual Poker Run Saturday Jan 18, 2014 will benefit Animal Network’s No Kill Fund, providing medical and heartworm treatments to save lives of Manatee County Animal Services shelter pets.

Register at Manatee River Harley Davidson,624 67th St Cir E, Bradenton, FL 34208 from 10-11 AM with the last bike out by 11.30.

The stops this year will be Peggy’s Corral, Duffy’s,
Island Time and ending at O’Shucks by 1pm.

Again there will be prizes for best and worst poker hands,
many restaurant gift certificate raffles, and two grand prizes of a day’s Harley rental from MRHD a nd 3 days, 2 nights stay at Anna Maria Island Resorts, Tropic Isle Resort.
The event will be open to the public from 1 pm ~ 4pm at O’Shucks, with cold beverages, outdoor BBQ, full menu and full bar inside and live entertainment by TC and the Trouble Makers.

December 12, 2013 by Mary Lou Davidson

New study says its okay to give pets as gifts.

The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today released findings from its latest research study, which busts a major myth about giving pets as gifts, potentially saving more homeless animals’ lives in the process.
It has been a long-held belief by many in the animal world that shelters should not allow adoptions by those looking to give the pet as a gift during the holidays or otherwise. The overwhelming concern was that the pet would be at a higher risk of being returned to the shelter. But in its latest research study, the ASPCA found that 96 percent of people who received pets as gifts thought it either increased or had no impact on their love or attachment to that pet. Additionally, 86 percent of the pets referred to in the study are still in the home.
Furthermore, the survey revealed no difference in the recipient’s attachment to that pet based on whether the gift was a surprise or known in advance. This new data adds to previous research studies conducted in the 1990s and 2000 (Patronek, 1996; Scarlett, 1999; New, 1999; New 2000), which found that pets acquired as gifts are less likely to be relinquished than pets acquired by an individual adopter.

“This has been a very controversial topic for the public and the sheltering world alike, but we’re hoping to put an end to this misconception before the holiday season,” said Dr. Emily Weiss, Vice President of Shelter Research & Development for the ASPCA. “Keeping all their normal application protocols and processes in place, shelters should feel confident enough in the supporting data to give it a try in their facilities. These are exciting findings that can help open new adoption options for shelters, allowing more animals to be placed in loving homes.”

Americans have a long tradition of giving pets – usually puppies or kittens – as gifts for special occasions such as birthdays, holidays or graduation, but debate over how this practice could impact the animal’s welfare has drummed up considerable controversy. While some shelters have been allowing the adoption of pets as gifts for years, the stigma remains in the public consciousness, driving some customers away from shelters and unfortunately toward inhumane sources including pet stores, online or backyard breeders.

If you’re thinking about bringing a pet into a friend or loved one’s home – or your own – this holiday season, please make pet adoption your first option. You can find adoptable pets in your area by visiting www.aspca.org/adopt and searching for the shelter or rescue group nearest you.

November 5, 2013 by Mary Lou Davidson

Pet Boarding-What to know before you go!

By Marilee Namaka, General Manager of Bayside Pet Resort

Ever have a pet that gets “antsy” when the suitcases come out? Well… most pet owners are also a little nervous when they have to leave their beloved pet behind. Pets can be very intuitive and know when there is a change coming. Not only can they become a little nervous themselves, but often the anxiety of their owners can be contagious.

There are many things we can do as owners to make their lodging experience as stress free as possible. The first and most important is to try not to become anxious ourselves. Our pets often pick up on our vibes and become worried when we are. The next step is to find a lodging facility that most suits your pets’ needs. Do they have activities that can accommodate your pets’ high energy? Or can they meet the needs of a geriatric pet? These are all great things to consider when choosing a facility. Take a tour of the facility. It will help you to decide what suite will best suit their size & needs and you’ll have the chance to ask any questions that might come up BEFORE you are trying to leave on your trip.

When preparing for your pets stay it’s always best to bring their food from home. This helps to keep your pet from getting an upset digestive tract with a change in diet. Individually pre-bagging their meals helps to ensure your pet will get the same measurement of food at each feeding. Make sure your lodging facility has clear feeding instructions such as separating your pets during feeding time or elevating their bowls. The more information you can give your facility, the better.

Bring a special toy or blanket for your pet to help them feel more at home if you’d like. Always leave an alternate contact in the event you are unable to be reached during an emergency. The best advice we can give is to ask your lodging facility as many questions as you’d like. The more comfortable you are with the team caring for your pet, the more confidence you will be able to give your pet. Safe and happy travels!

Marilee Namaka is a Manatee County native. She has been working in the veterinary field since 1993 and has been a veterinary practice manager for many years. Marilee is an Organizational Leader in the 4-H Program and on the Board of the Manatee County Rabbit Committee, which supports our 4-H and FFA rabbit exhibitors.

Marilee Namaka, General Manager, Bayside Pet Resort

The Namaka family share their home with 3 dogs, Jonas (Pembrook Welsh Corgi), Brady (Pittbull mix)and Pip (Chihuahua) . She loves spending time with her two daughters, husband and new grandbaby. Marilee also enjoys spending time at the barn with her beloved Friesian horse, Hedzer.

October 24, 2013 by Mary Lou Davidson

DogOlympics Take Gold!

Bayside Pet Resort & Humane Society of Manatee County joined forces on October 19^th to raise money and awareness for shelter animals, and to have a little fun at the same time. Non athletic Olympic Games included a pie eating contest, shedding contest, howling contest, longest tail, smallest dog, look-a-like, and more.

A small donation was required to enter a dog into an Olympic game, but each dog got a souvenir bandana just for participating, and a bag full of goodies to the winners. Nine rescue groups brought animals in hopes of finding their “Forever Home”.

According to Samantha Dominis, Public Relations and Event Coordinator of the Humane Society, gave a breakdown of the successful weekend:

· 14 dog adoptions

· 5 cat adoptions

· 250 guests

· 150+ dogs

· $500+ raised for the Humane Society of Manatee County (dog registrations, nail trims, face painting and raffle tickets)

Participating shelters and rescue groups included: Humane Society of Manatee County, Manatee County Animal Services, Bishop Animal Shelter, Gulf Shore Animal League, Royal Pet Rescue, Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch, Canine Castaways, Safe Haven Animal Rescue and Almost Home Dog Rescue.

We are also proud to announce that our own little Olympian, Rico competed as well and took home gold in the smallest dog category, literally nosing out his closest competitor by one tenth of an ounce. Rico, a long-haired Chihuahua’s sleek physique is often disguised by his feathery fur. So, we were surprised to see how truly petite he is. Rico and his owner Sue, also won in the owner – dog LookAlike contest, donning twin Gator gear.

Thanks to all who donated the space and lots of time and energy to this event and to all who turned out to support the Manatee County Humane Society!

October 23, 2013 by Mary Lou Davidson

Hoot N’ Holler Adoption Special

HOOT and HOLLER ADOPTION SPECIAL! Manatee County Animal Services has numerous dogs and cats that need a new home. For the rest of the month of October, ALL available dogs and cats are just $15.00!

“Our shelter is full. Treat yourself to a wonderful pet that would love a new home.” said Animal Services Chief Kris Weiskopf, “Stop by the shelter or adoption center and find your fur-ever family member today, then you can Hoot and Holler! Who knows, one may even do a Trick.” All animals adopted receive a health check, are spayed/neutered, vaccinated including rabies, microchipped and a license certificate/tag.

This adoption special is another step in the County’s plan to become a no-kill community. Please help up save lives today!

The special is available at both Animal Services locations: in Palmetto, 305 25th St. W. (open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and in Bradenton, 1002 B., Manatee Ave. W., (open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Preview available pets by visiting www.mymanatee.org/pets

For more information, call (941) 742-5933

October 14, 2013 by Mary Lou Davidson

Pumpkin Decorating Contest!

Looking for an idea to keep your kids off the Internet? How about the No-Kill Pumpkin Decorating Contest? As a benefit for Pip’s Pantry, Bayside Pet Resort has established this project to allow kids and adults to demonstrate their creativity in pumpkin decoration without ever wielding a knife.
Checking around town, pumpkins are running about.49 cents a pound at Dettweiler’s (we found pumpkins there just a little smaller than a bowling ball fro $1.99.) You can use paint, buttons, glitter, or ribbon to adorn your jack-o-lantern. For kids, you might consider washable markers and non-toxic fabric glue.