Brendhan Bennison
Article Category: Pet of the Month
When your best pal disappears in the wee hours of the night it can be cause for great consternation. But when your best pal disappears and six days and six nights go by without any sign of him, it can be downright devastating. It was nearly dawn when I came home from a long trip down to Miami to retrieve two friends on a visit from Australia. It was late and we were tired once we got back to Cocoa Beach where I was house and dog sitting for some friends who live on the Banana River. When I arrived,... [Read more...]
M. Alberto Rivera
Article Category: Pet of the Month
Repeat After Me By M. Alberto Rivera; Photos by Kate Flack My parents, Dr. Miguel Rivera and his wife Alis, have cared for Koh’lohe and Kui’ipo since 1968. When you’ve lived with an animal for 43 years, what story do you start with? The best one, of course. In December 1974, my father answered a knock at the door to discover a police officer and a representative from the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, both with stern expressions. “Sir, we’re here... [Read more...]
Kate Flack
Article Category: Pet of the Month
Thunder & Cheyenne • Words and photos by Kate Flack • Prior to entering the home of Patti and Ryan Spadafora-Wilson, I was admittedly a little nervous. I was there to photograph and “interview” their two wolves as candidates for “Pet of the Month.” Upon entering, I realized how silly this thought was as one of the sweetest, most gentle fluffy creatures greeted me at the door — all 40 lbs. of her — and I couldn’t help but think just how much this... [Read more...]
Scooter Newell
Article Category: Pet of the Month
Gizmo • Words and Photos by Scooter Newell • For the last few months Esteban Velez has been dog sitting for his mother Rosa in Cape Canaveral. Gizmo, named for his resemblance to “Gizmo” from the movie “Gremlins,” has had quite the life in his short six or so years on earth. Rosa brought Gizmo in to give him a comfortable life — “rescued” him from an acquaintance, you might say — and Gizmo has been at her side ever since. However, a recent job... [Read more...]
Kate Flack
Article Category: Pet of the Month
LEAH Even at 84 years of age (people years, folks…for dogs that equals 12), Leah — a Jack Russell terrier — inspires her person, Courtney Dutson, still nearly every day with her adaptability to new surroundings. Best buds since the fifth week of little Leah’s life, Courtney was 16 when her mom surprised her with the pup for Christmas. An avid competitive equestrian, Courtney grew up on 15 acres surrounded by horses where Jack Russells were as much a requirement as a saddle and reins.... [Read more...]
Words and photos by Kate Flack
Article Category: Pet of the Month
Tucker the Almost Famous Party Animal Words and photos by Kate Flack If he looks familiar, it’s for a reason: Tucker Wolters gets around. He’s a social machine and he’s always on the scene. He never misses the hottest events around, so long as he’s permitted. I first ran into him at the Space Coast Art Festival this past Thanksgiving weekend where he made a lasting impression on me and all the other bipeds he mingled with. When I recognized his likeness in a photo at Paddy... [Read more...]
Words and photos by Kate Flack
Article Category: Pet of the Month
When we interviewed January’s Boardrider of the Month, it was clear that Jessica Williams is an accomplished surfer. What we later learned is that her cat is as well! (By cat standards, anyway…) Chloe, a year-and-a-half old Siamese Himalayan mix, lives a more adventurous life than many people I know. She has spent half of her life living on a sailboat at various locations along the Banana and Indian Rivers and includes camping on the infamous Thousand Islands with her favorite people.... [Read more...]
Words and photos by Kate Flack
Article Category: Pet of the Month
PET OF THE MONTH : Maggie When Aaron Netterstrom was in Kindergarten, he — like all his classmates — had the opportunity to take Stanley home for a day. Stanley was the “take-home” bear. A much anticipated privilege held by one 5- or 6-year-old at a time, tales of Stanley’s adventures retold by his hosts and hostesses would put any traveling garden gnome’s to shame. Aaron was a good host — a great host in fact — and took Stanley to the beach, hosted him at dinner,... [Read more...]
By: Kate Flack
Article Category: Pet of the Month
Skippy the Schipperke! This little devil certainly lives up to his breed’s reputation. Originating in the 16th century from the Flemish regions of Belgium, the fox-like Schipperke bares a resemblance to and is often a miniature sheepdog, and is often considered one. Stubborn and mischievous, little Skippy the Schipperke took full advantage of being off-leash during his photo shoot and decided that going for a 3/4-mile run along the shore was more fun than playing supermodel! Similar antics... [Read more...]
Words and Photos by Kate Flack
Article Category: Pet of the Month
We interrupt your beloved and regularly scheduled Pet of the Month column to deliver a very important message: “There is no such thing as a stupid dog… just stupid people.” For nearly a year, I have grit my teeth and winced with disgust over the child with the twentysomething-pound mutt who walked past my house almost daily. The kid and his young friends got a kick out of letting the dog stand at the end of his leash, taunting my own dog and the large intact male pit bull across... [Read more...]
