Bradenton Dog

florida

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My Florida Home: Dog-Friendly Please!

By:  Debbie Capobianco

For the last 11 years I’ve been helping clients in the Bradenton area relocate with their precious four-footed family members.  In my experience I’ve found a number of helpful things to keep in mind about the finding a new dog-friendly home.
  • Your first order of business in researching a property is to check the deed restrictions.  Many homeowners association restrict certain breeds and also have weight requirements.  The same goes for condominiums, and apartments.There are also some home communities that do have breed restrictions and sometimes also the limit of how many animals you can have. It is horrible when someone doesn’t check and then they come to find out that their dog is not allowed and they either have to find a new home for their dog or move out. Please don’t let this happen to you.
  • The safest spot for your dog to run around in is in a fenced in area, obviously in a condo you cannot have a fence, but in most homes you can. Some communities also have restrictions on the type of fence you can have and the height of it, so this is important information to have, know your limitations as well.
  •  In Florida, almost any body of water, a lake or pond or stream can have an alligator at some time. It is very rare that a alligator will attack a dog, but it does happen, always watch your dog near the water If you don’t want to block your view of the lake, it would be best to get an invisible fence, so your dog does not go too close to the water, it works well and keeps your dog safe.
  • Research the plants that are in your yard, some are toxic to our dogs and cats and you should know what they look like and what symptoms to look for in case of accidental ingestion.
  • It is not advised to leave your dogs outside for extended periods of time, please remember the Florida sun is very hot and your pet can become dehydrated very quickly or even get heat stroke.  But when they are outside in your fenced yard, be sure that they have easy access to clean water and a shady area to relax in.
  • Remember we share our communities with our neighbors.  A bored dog that is left outside is likely to bark or be destructive.  Constant disturbance to your neighbors can lead to ugly situations and may result in a fine.   Don’t leave your dog outside for an extended period.  It’s not safe for the dog.
  •  Pools can also present a safety issue. Get your pets accustomed to the pool, teach them where the steps are so if they accidentally fall in they can swim to the steps and be able to get out. Repetition is the key here.

 

    • A new place is sometimes scary to a new dog and it might take them sometime to get used to their new surroundings. If at all possible ease them into the new move, by leaving them for short periods of time alone in the beginning till they know they are safe and have adjusted to their new place. It really helps to decrease their anxiety level by taking these simple steps. Invite them to smell and check out every place of your new home with them.
Unpack their beds, bowls and toys first so they know this is where they will be and will feel much more comfortable with their own things. Even the first couple of times you have to leave them, put a piece of your clothing by them so they can smell your scent.
Just like children, our dogs are a part of our family.  They need routine and reassurance to feel comfortable.  With just a little bit of research and forethought,  your dog will have an easier transition when you move to your new home!
Need help finding the perfect dog-friendly home in Florida?
I’m here to help.   You can reach me here or call  941-704-2394.

 

 

 

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DogOlympics to Benefit Local Shelter Pets at Bayside Pet Resort

The second annual DogOlympics will be held tomorrow, Saturday October 25th, 2014  at Bayside Pet Resort 8154 N. Tamiami Trail from 10-2.   Dogs are invited to participate in a variety of contests from Smallest Dog,  Red Light, Green Light (a call and return trial), Shedding Contest, and the popular competition of The Longest Tail.

2013 Smallest Dog Winners

Contest registration fees are $3.00 each or you may purchase a bandana for $15.00 which will allow you unlimited access to competitions.

 

The mission of the DogOlympics it to bring together more than 9 local rescue groups and local pet lovers to help raise awareness for shelter pets and increase adoptions.   Shelter pets are often victims of families in financial crisis, divorce or relocation and deserve not only a second chance but real families that they can love and be loved by.   It’s fun for the family and supports a cause that is close to our hearts.  Stop by with your dog for chance to win, and a tail-waggin’ good time.

Never been to Bayside? Check it out on the map here:

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Manatee County’s Journey to No Kill – May Update

by Jean Peelen

It is so exciting to be a part of a movement that involves great leadership and people of commitment.  The no-kill movement is still on track in Manatee County and is spreading quite quickly through Florida.  Broward County passed a No Kill resolution last month. Hillsborough County announced its intent to become a No Kill community. Members of the public are pushing for it in Hernando, Citrus, Brevard, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. And Sarasota just announced that they are looking to collaborate with Manatee to replicate their success. YES!

I would predict that within a year the major counties in Florida will become no-kill.  How exciting it will be to be the first no-kill state in this great country.

For the month of April we reached a wonderful 79% save rate.  When we began last October the save rate was 55% and the goal was to increase the save rate by 2% per month until we reach 91% by December 2012.  This means that although we have a little variation from month to month we are well ahead of our necessary rate of improvement.  The staff of Animal Services and the rescues deserve great appreciation for the turn-around they have made.  It’s not often people get to change their vision so radically as they have.  I am grateful.

You will remember that Carol Whitmore was awarded a grant of $50,000 from the Tampa Bay Lightening Foundation.  The grant application was submitted under the auspices of The Animal Network.  The recipient had to give the grant money to approved non-profit organizations.  She gave $10,000 to the Homeless Coalition and $40,000 to the Animal Network.  The $40,000 went into the No Kill fund maintained by The Animal Network in a separate account.

Caro requested that the $40,000 be used to keep the dogs and cats healthy, mostly at Animal Services, until they can be adopted.  A committee of three was appointed to monitor how the no kill money is spent.  The committee is Sue Kolze (Animal Network), Kris Weiskopf (Animal Services) and Jean Peelen (Animal Services Advisory Board).

The major uses for Carol’s donation will be ventilation systems in the cat rooms at Animal Services.  In the past, the cats had too high a rate of respiratory illnesses, making them difficult or impossible to get adopted.  An engineer has visited The Cat Depot in Sarasota which has a wonderful ventilation system and we may base our ventilation system on it.

Another use for Carol’s money is to create an area at the loading dock at Animal Services where dogs brought in can be vetted by the new certified Vet Tech and kept separated from other dogs until we can ensure sure that they are healthy.  Finally, we want to get fencing to provide a much bigger exercise yard for the big dogs at Animal Services.

I really don’t think the $40,000 will cover all of that.  Everything is very expensive – especially the ventilation systems because of the configuration of the cat rooms at Animal Services.  We also were stunned at early estimates of the cost of fencing.  We are looking for a fence company that will considering donating, or taking a deep discount for fencing.  If we could get that, it is possible that the County may provide the labor at no charge.

So if you know someone connected with fencing, please do contact me at [email protected] or Sue Kolze at [email protected].

Another great piece of news: It looks like Manatee County is going to pass a new law that prohibits a dog from being tethered in your yard unless someone is outside with the dog.  It has passed the first reading and has one more reading before it becomes law.  I am delighted.  In some areas, the major source of dog bites is tethered dogs, and often children are the ones bitten.  Additionally, female dogs that live tied up outside are often dogs that have not been spayed.  They get impregnated by passing sailors J and we have yet more unwanted puppies.

Finally, Animal Services is starting a fostering program.  Right now they particularly are looking for people to foster large dogs who are heartworm positive.  The dogs can’t really be treated at Animal Services because there is too much stimulation and too many other dogs.  Such dogs used to be euthanized immediately.  Now they have a chance to live.

These fosterd dog must be kept quiet – no walks and certainly no running – for at least a month or two or more.  There should be no other dogs or cats in the household.  If you are up for it, think what a gift you could give to a dog—a chance at a new life.  If you think you can foster a heartworm positive dog, please contact Kris Weiskopf at [email protected].

See you next month!

 

 

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Breed Profile: Saint Bernard

by Lauren R. Tharp

There have been plenty of famous Saint Bernards over the years!  Fortunately for dog lovers everywhere, these pooches are more like Beethoven than Cujo.  Part of the Working group, the St. Bernard was first recognized by the AKC in 1885 and currently reigns as the 37th most popular breed of dog in the United States.

 

Stephen Huneck Gallery

Physical Traits

Size & Weight:  Extremely large.  24-25 inches tall at the shoulder and typically 130-200 pounds.  Males are
larger with the females on the “smaller” end of the spectrum.

Coat & Color:  Red and white with varying degrees of color dominance (mostly white with spots of red, or mostly red with spots of white).  Brownish-yellow is also a known color for the St. Bernard, but not as common. Their coat is shorthaired, dense, and rough to the touch.  Medium-length coats (sometimes called
“longhaired”) are also available.

Other:  While most St. Bernards fall within the size/weight range listed above, in 1981 a St. Bernard named Benedictine V Schwarzwald Hof reached 315 pounds and earned a spot in the Guinness Book of
World Records!

Life Expectancy:  7-10 years

Temperament: These gentle giants have been used as avalanche rescue dogs and family pets for many, many years.  Easily trained and highly protective of their owners, these dogs are perfect for men and women of all ages (though children and smaller adults may have trouble with getting toppled over by the Saint’s loving greetings!).  These dogs are friendly, patient, and make excellent watchdogs.

Wags:

  • If you start early, these dogs are incredibly easy to train and socialize.
  • Wonderful with children.  Again, if you start  the socialization early, you couldn’t wish for a better dog.  St. Bernard’s are incredibly patient and gentle with children, often treating them as if they were their own pups!
  • Alert and protective, these dogs make wonderful watchdogs without being too “barky.”

Challenges:

  • They slobber incessantly.  Be prepared for a cascade of drool to the likes you cannot imagine without
    experiencing it first hand.  You and everything you own will be wet.
  • Regular grooming is a must.  And even with regular grooming, your Saint will shed. A lot.
  • These poor dogs just do not do well in the heat.  In hot weather, you will need to take extra special precautions.

Looking for a St. Bernard? Please contact Florida St. Bernard Rescue  to learn more about their adoptable dogs.

A special thanks to Dog Mountain for use of this featured image of the St. Bernard.

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Progress on the LongBoat Key Dog Beach

On Thursday last week, a full house at LongBoat Key Town Hall prompted Commissioners to take a serious look at the need to designate a portion of the beach as dog-friendly.  A committee has been formed to study the possibilities pro and con and suggest possible solutions.  Two of the seven Commissioners will serve on the Committee providing insight to local ordinances and protocol.

According to PetTravel.com, more than 30 million people traveled with their pet last year.  One must make the assumption that when those people are planning their vacations they are looking for dog friendly communities.  Yes, these are mostly people traveling with dogs, only 2% of cat lovers travel with their kitties and a the number is slightly smaller for bird and reptile fans.

Sarasota and Bradenton dog lovers must now drive to Venice’s Brohard Park to enjoy the beach with their pup.  A LBK option would provide a nice alternative and an infusion of new customers to dog friendly businesses on LongBoat Key.

The prospect of a dog-friendly destination beach on LongBoat Key is now a real possibility, but it is far from done.  Your support is still needed.  You can stay tuned to this web site for more information,  and you may send your letters of support to [email protected].

If you are on LongBoat Key right now, and looking for a dog-friendly park, check out the Joan M. Durant Park at 5550 Gulf of Mexico Drive.  There is no beach access but it’s a gorgeous walk and dogs are welcome.

 

 

 

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Breed Profile: Golden Retriever

By Lauren R. Tharp

The second most popular dog in the United States (according to AKC registration records), the Golden Retriever originated as a hunting dog, roaming the Scottish Highlands, in the late 1800s. Now known for being excellent guide dogs and search and rescue dogs, the Golden Retriever was officially recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1925 and has been a favorite among dog-owners everywhere ever since.

Stephen Huneck Gallery

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: Medium to large. Females are smaller, generally around 20-22 inches tall and 55-65 pounds. Males are much larger, measuring 23-25 inches tall and weighing 65-80 pounds.

Coat & Color: Dense, water-resistant, outer coat with a softer undercoat. Their coats also have some feathering at the neck, back, thighs, and underside of the tail. The color is, true to their name: Golden.

Other: Digby on Pushing Daisies, Shadow in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, Dug in Up, and Buddy from the Air Bud movies were all Golden Retrievers. President Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States, also had a Golden Retriever, Liberty, as his Presidential dog while in office.

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Temperament

The ultimate people dog! Friendly, happy, and reliable, Golden Retrievers are a wonderful dog choice for people of all ages and living situations. They’re energetic, requiring daily exercise, but they aren’t overly demanding. Eager to please, these dogs will go to great lengths to make sure you’re happy with them.

Wags

  • Easy to train!
  • A great family pet. Works well with people of all ages.
  • Exceptionally friendly. Great with strangers and other animals.

Challenges

  • They shed a lot. If you’re fussy about your household cleaning, this might not be the breed for you
  • Not the best watch dogs. They’re just too friendly!
  • Can become destructive if left alone for long periods of time.

If you are interested in adopting a Golden Retriever, please visit Golden Retriever Rescue, based in South Florida, they will help you to match family your with the right dog.

Special thanks to Stephen Hunack’s Dog Mountain gallery for use of this Golden Retriever featured image.