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 about the children.”

“What about them?”

“We have complaints. Neighbors called. They can hear them being beaten regularly.”

“Who’s being beaten?” My dad asked.

“The children, sir. Your neighbor says he can hear the kids being beat every night.”

“They’re not here. They haven’t been here for a week,” was my dad’s surprised response.

They asked to come in, and my dad obliged. All three kids and my mom were out of the area for Christmas break visiting family. My father was home alone, with a pair of very noisy birds, who sounded a lot like a houseful of little kids. And true to their breed, Amazon parrots are very noisy at sunrise and sunset. In their case, Koh’lohe and Kui’ipo are still really loud at sunset.

And in 1974, in a home with three kids under the age of ten, and the constant coming and going of their friends, the birds sounded like a few more kids. Their ability to mimic is uncanny. “No fair! I’m telling!” “That’s mine!” “It’s not fair!” “I don’t want to!” “Stop it!” — all fairly common phrases in homes with children, they suddenly took on new urgency to some unseen neighbor certain we were being spanked senseless every night.

Once inside, the concerned parties found an empty home and the foot-high, green and yellow culprits acting shy. After a few minutes of getting used to the presence of strangers, the birds became animated with the sun’s waning light and began their nightly tirade of protests.  Relieved, they wished my dad a Merry Christmas, while still clearly hearing the screaming calls of two Amazon yellow heads saying goodbye to the setting sun before turning in for the night.

Seventy is not an uncommon lifespan for these birds. Their claws are arthritic, and they don’t move as quickly as they once did, but they laugh when you laugh. They still sing along with the radio and whistle a greeting or say “Hello” when you come in the door, happy to see you. Now that the house full of children has been replaced with grandkids, we hear certain phrases returning, “Hi, baby!” “That’s mine!” and occasionally, “It’s not fair!” And while it might not always be fair, it is always fun.

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 beauty acted like a dog. I was immediately at ease until I was told that she was a dog — their 15-year-old Siberian Husky. Wow, did I feel silly. I then looked out the window and saw Thunder: an 11-year-old Alaskan Interior Timberwolf male in all his statuesque glory.

I stood mesmerized — and scared — and wondered if I could muster the courage to exit the safety of the house to the backyard where Thunder and Cheyenne (a 13-year-old female hybrid who is approximately 60% wolf and 40% sheperd) claimed the territory as their own. I’ve known Patti for years, long before she had the wolves, and knew there was never anything I’d done to deserve being tricked into becoming their dinner. I trusted her judgment, took a deep breath, and just went with it.

She’d told me in advance what to expect. Cheyenne (aptly named) was very shy and retreated to the kennel for the duration of my stay; Thunder greeted me immediately, smelled me all over for 10 minutes, and then get over it. When he first approached me, my biggest fear was that he would sense my fright. My cowardice intensified as he earnestly inhaled my scent, which no doubt carried the scent of my own dog. I knew I had to overcome this if I was ever going to get any photos.

Though he was so much like a dog, there was also something so wild and so different about him that the adrenaline rushed through my body to the point of making me feel high. I made a conscious decision to overcome my apprehension and conquered them about 10 minutes into his getting-to-know-you ritual. If he was going to eat me, he would have done it by now. He relaxed, I relaxed, and it was game on. I was stoked to be welcomed to his pack and took full advantage of capturing the moment with my Nikon while Patti told me their story.

Both wolves were acquired as pups and spent a lot of time living indoors with other family pets until Thunder reached about a year old. It was clear the two connected and wanted their own space in a territory more native. The Spadafora-Wilsons erected a tall, chain link fence with a separate large kennel area complete with their own “house,” an open wooden structure underneath which they burrow.

They howl when they hear sirens and I’ve been told their growl is quite frightening. They eat regular dog food and have been known to make the best of random critters making their way into the yard. They go for walks on leashes, have the most stunning, hypnotizing golden eyes, and in the summer, Thunder sheds his wiry coat which grows thick and full in the winter.

As we went back inside the house to get treats, Cheyenne immediately returned, concentrating on every inch of the yard where I had stood with her keen sense of smell. When we went back outside, she immediately retreated, but returned again when she witnessed the distribution of snacks. She then strolled around the yard more comfortably around me than Patti had ever seen her do with anyone outside of the family. I felt honored to be accepted by this amazing beast. By the time I left, I was 100% comfortable with these domesticated hybrids and totally at ease.

In all, the experience for me was surreal. I was invited back and will definitely go to shoot them again when Thunder has his luxurious winter coat later.

That’s an invitation I simply cannot refuse.

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 opportunity sent Rosa out of Florida, and her oldest son took over the daily doggie duties. Gizmo continues to enjoy walks to the beach, bike-basket rides around town, and chasing one his many tennis balls. Unlike his namesake, you can feed this little guy after midnight without incident, but if you mess with Rosa or Esteban, this cute little pooch can turn into “the Cobra” in a heartbeat, fighting off any mongoose that comes near.

Some folks say you don’t pick your pet, but rather your pet picks you. And that is surely the case with Gizmo and Esteban, who’s been a dog lover for many years, though usually of larger breeds. But with some adjustment and time together, the two quickly became best friends. The duo even built a stair set together so Gizmo can climb onto the bed.

This Mother’s Day, Rosa will return to visit her sons and to pick up her Gizmo. She has since settled out of state with a nice comfy place they both can call home. This marks the end of Esteban’s dog sitting chapter and the beginning of Rosa and Gizmo’s next several together.

Good pets and good people — that’s what dog living is all about. Yep, Gizmo sure picked out some good people.

Happy Mother’s Day, Rosa!

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. Leah fit right in both on and off the farm and made for a more suitable companion at college than a horse. (Last I checked, FSU dorms aren’t exactly horse friendly!)

During Courtney’s college years, Leah became more spoiled than ever, and was rarely left alone. She was smuggled into Publix, Wal-Mart, concerts, and movie theaters. Upon Courtney’s graduation, the pair moved about to Atlanta, Orlando, the Florida Keys, and even North Carolina before settling in Cocoa Beach. Somewhere along the roads traveled, Courtney traded horses for wakeboards, surfboards, and all things water-bound while Leah quickly became accustomed to front-basket bike rides, pulling Court on the long (skate) board, sneaking onto the beach, and playing with big balls. Yes, Leah loves big balls! In fact, the bigger, the better!

After an hour or so of chasing balls on the beach, little Leah lacks the desire to pull her person home on the longboard. Instead, she’s lovingly held under her master’s right arm as the pair navigate downtown Cocoa Beach — Courtney, perfectly agile; Leah, perfectly relaxed.

Yes, folks… this is what the retired life is all about.

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 Cassidy’s Irish Pub in Cocoa Beach, I knew I had a top candidate for “Pet of the Month” on my hands. And what timing!

Tucker celebrates his 11th birthday at the end of February, but since the month was so short, we decided to hold off and honor him for the entire month of March instead. This is appropriate, of course, because if you know Tucker — and everyone knows Tucker — he will be celebrating all month long anyway.

So how does a yellow Labrador retriever celebrate his birthday? With our weather finally warming, he’ll no doubt be swimming in the pool or sneaking off to the beach to frolic in the waves during his days off. (Yes, Tucker works. He is the official PR master for his master’s construction business. Where there is Michel Wolters, there is Tucker.) At night, you will likely see Tucker partying it up on the patio at Paddy’s where his infamous image (seen photo) hangs in the dart room, serving as inspiration for the Proper Houligans Dart Team for whom he is the official mascot.

His fame and notoriety have spread far beyond our small town. When he travels with Michel back to Auburn, AL, people are calling out his name long before acknowledging his master.

There is only one thing that can stop this dog from being a social butterfly: tennis balls. Throw one and nothing else matters. You’ve never seen this much determination. If it could be bottled and sold as an elixir, it would be called “Tucker Tonic” and we could finally achieve world peace.

And its slogan would be: “Saving the world, one tennis ball at a time.”

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. When the waters are warm enough, you can often spot Chloe riding the nose of one of Jessica’s many surfboards as the two paddle through the waterways taking in the natural beauty of Cocoa Beach’s mangroves.

Chloe and Jessica have been together since she was just a tiny kitten and both share a unique bond. Like mother, like daughter, Chloe enjoys strolls along the beach with her mom and stays right by her side whether on or off leash. At home, she loves attention, but has suffered a bit of cabin fever during the cold winter months. Like most of the hip locals, this cool cat prefers to spend her time outdoors.

Even in the chilly waters, Chloe seemed pleased to be demonstrating her board skills.

We look forward to seeing more of her on the waters by summer.

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, and played games with him. Then, suddenly, Stanley disappeared.

WHERE DID STANLEY GO?!

The search party began and lasted a full six hours before a single clue was found: an arrangement of sticks resembling that of a bird’s nest atop a mound of fresh dirt in the yard. Sure enough, Stanley the take-home bear had been buried and his grave marked. Now who would do such a thing? The dirt on the nose of the family pet, Maggie, was as much a dead giveaway then as it would be in years to come. In those years to come, over 13 stuffed animals were found on the property!

Maggie, a 10-year-old Saint Bernard, was “dropped off” many years ago at a Cracker Barrel restaurant at the age of just two or three. A breed-specific rescue was alerted and took her in. Lucky for Maggie, there are kind-hearted families like the Netterstrom’s who seek rescues for their family pets.

Having been a family member for nearly 7 years, Maggie has been a great loyal friend to Aaron, now 8, and Seth, 10, from the very beginning. Whether it was pulling them in their wagon or playing in the snow up north, her maternal instincts to nurture were evident from the beginning. They have also come to surface with various puppies, rabbits and cats who have lived under the Netterstrom’s roofs. She loves snuggling with Marbles, the household kitty, and playing with Jenny, the resident Golden Retriever. (Yes, all the animals are rescues!)

Maggie is super friendly with the neighbors and can be seen in the front window daily anticipating their morning walks. In her deep, husky “voice,” she never fails to wish them all a Good Morning. This is definitely one dog whose bark is louder than her bite.

Seth tells it best: “Maggie likes to bark at everything, but is the best dog in the world!”

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 three months back unfortunately led to harm. Skippy often accompanies his master, John Calhoun — owner of Beachside Screens — on local car rides. While stopped at a stop sign, Skippy decided it was a great time to check out the terrain and made a jump for it! He landed poorly, resulting in a severe fracture to his front right leg. With his screening business coming to a near standstill this past year, John didn’t have the money required as a deposit by several local vets to treat Skippy, so he held his little friend all night while he yelped in pain. The next day, he contacted the folks at Aloha Pet Hospital who understood the severity of Skippy’s injuries, and as devoted animal lovers, agreed to treat him in good faith that John would take care of the expense as soon as he could. Skippy has since made a near full recovery and is back to living the beach lifestyle.

Schipperkes are known for being excellent boat dogs and water lovers; at a mere 8-months-old, the 20-lb. Skippy has taken up surfing and has already mastered the sport. In between sessions, he loves to snack on seafood, ice cubes, and frozen grapes. He is especially fond of crab claws. What he doesn’t like is to be left alone. Skippy loves children, his master, and other dogs. He has five siblings throughout Cocoa Beach, all born from the same litter, and loves to spend time with them. Despite his headstrong mindset, he is truly a lover at heart and loves to both give and receive affection with all who cross his path.

Unfortunately, Skippy still has an outstanding vet bill with the good folks at Aloha in excess of $1,000 for surgically treating his broken leg, and Beachside Screens has still not recovered from our struggling economy. Donations towards Skippy’s treatment can be made to Aloha Pet Hospital. If you can help, please call 777-6444.

“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 the street with anger and aggression. When I witnessed the behavior I corrected it, but it occurred several times thereafter. I couldn’t help but imagine the tragic headlines of yet another pit bull mauling a child or smaller dog. If something were to happen though, it wouldn’t be the fault of the pit bull but the result of him being antagonized by an ignorant child whose parents never taught him better. Who knows? Even the child could get hurt, the public once again satisfied that pit bulls are the devil incarnate, thanks to media bias.

It took nearly a year after the first taunting for an unfortunate incident to occur, and it was our very own former Pet of the Month who happened to be off-leash. As I opened the door to let my well-trained and socially adjusted dog out to do his business, the young boy skated by with the mutt and Newman ran toward the two. The child released his dog and a one-sided scuffle ensued. I quickly recovered Newman on call-back command, but not before his floppy ear was torn and bleeding all over my driveway. This — my 60-lb. dog — a victim of a smaller beast who was never properly socialized. After a $300 vet bill and multiple stitches in two places, my baby boy, now sporting an uncomfortable Elizabethan collar, spent the next few days in misery, his head wrapped in bandages. Both our lives were altered for over a week while he recuperated.

The fact that the youngster rang my doorbell immediately after the incident asking if we were going to have his dog put to sleep was an admission that his dog had misbehaved. It could be argued that I was in the wrong, as Newman was not on a lead, but he was on my own property.

Very few dogs are born inherently mean. The problem with mean dogs is that they are often the product of poor socialization and owners who don’t spend time either training or playing with their charges. If a dog is known to be aggressive or to have aggressive tendencies, it needs to be handled by someone who is strong enough mentally and physically to control it. I had several neighbors inform me that this particular little dog was “very mean.” So why is an 8-year-old child regularly given control of the animal?

Many people are guilty of breedism. They want to blame the breed and not the deed. I am sad to report that earlier this year, two former Pets of the Month moved on to The Rainbow Bridge. Jedi, a chow mix, lived 13 long years without incident; Daisy, a full-blooded pit bull lived an amazing 17 years. Great owners = great dogs. Jedi, Daisy and their respective owners are prime examples of this equation — and both dogs are greatly missed!

Newman has made a near full recovery, minus some scabbing. I’ve learned my lesson, however. Even though I trust my own dog’s actions wholly, I can’t trust those of another. What’s more, had I previously reported the earlier antagonizing which was no doubt a contributing factor to the aggressive nature of the smaller dog, I might have an extra $300 in my pocket.

If you are witness to any type of animal aggression or behavior promoting aggression, it’s imperative that you report the behavior immediately to Animal Control for the purpose of documentation.

Be good to your dogs, and they will be good to you!

BUOY

Sir “C” Buoy.

Yep, that’s the name I’d chosen to name my new lab pup who was born on September 11, 2002. I ended up just calling him simply “Buoy,” but my friends had their own nicknames for him. He’d just celebrated his 7th birthday less than a week ago, and last week he was taken from me by a careless driver on September 16, 2009 in front of his own house in Cocoa Isles — the same neighborhood Buoy cruised for the better part of his life.

Being a tugboat captain, I knew from the moment I got Buoy that he was going to be my first mate aboard my tug, and his first experience at sea consisted of a round-trip from Key West to Texas with stops in Tampa Bay and Mobile, Alabama. He had more days at sea than some fishermen I know.

He was the coolest salty sea dog, and I was fortunate to have one of God’s creatures fill my life with joy everyday. He was known by just about everyone in Cocoa Beach, because wherever I went, he went too. He kept me company for seven years; my buddy, my best friend, my rock… He’d freely cruise the yards of all the friendly people in Cocoa Isles, accepting a cookie or taking a dip in someone’s pool. He was part of this town and he’ll be missed by many.

We call dogs “man’s best friend,” but to myself and many others, Buoy was more. He was my compadre, my pillow on the floor, my warmth in the cold, a tissue for my eyes, and a partner to play catch or tag with. His was the first face I’d see in the morning — a smile in the eyes of my best friend to start my day. I’ll miss him and I know Cocoa Isles has lost more than just a dog. I’m sorry to all the kids who loved to play with him. He enjoyed your attention and laughter.

Rest in peace, my Buoy Boy. I will greet you again one day in a place just this side of heaven named Rainbow Bridge, a place God reserved for animals awaiting the arrival of their owners, and then we shall cross into heaven together.

I love you, Buoy.

Your buddy,

“Daddy Rip”

Currently residing with a friend of Savannah’s in Cocoa Beach, this golden retriever will likely never give up his pool home and backyard laden with coconuts. It isn’t too often that you’ll see Jupiter dry or without a coconut, ball or stuffed animal in his mouth.

Jupiter was just a puppy when Savannah gifted her son Gage with him nearly 8 years ago. It’s a struggle to be so far away for both people and pooch. Lucky for Jupiter, he was able to catch a glimpse of his mom recently on “The Tonight Show” while she assisted Conan O’Brien and five others with lifting a 365-lb. albino reticulated python. Knowing that California has such creatures gives Jupiter even more reason to stay in Cocoa Beach!

Like many locals, Jupiter hopes his family will come back to join him and eagerly awaits their next visitation. In the meantime, it’s all about long dog days by the pool, swimming and collecting coconuts to his heart’s content. He does have just one question for his mom, though: “Did you miss me while you were looking for yourself out there?”

When I arrived to meet Romeo, he had the same effect on me. He greeted me with “Hello,” and as I nervously giggled when he climbed up my arm to my shoulder, he joined me with his own cackling laughter. Romeo is definitely a charmer, and his talents and charisma don’t stop there. He dances on command (what woman wouldn’t love such a guy?), he absolutely loves to snuggle and he frequently says “I love you.”

The 6-year-old affectionate cockatoo also has great taste in social activities. He’s been to our beaches, enjoys boating through our local river systems, and has even hosted a short-lived but not-so-long-forgotten monthly parrot social at Fishlips’ outdoor bar. Bird owners would enjoy a free beer while their feathered friends would enjoy mashed potatoes.

Romeo has a long life of love and laughter ahead of him. He is likely to live another 60-plus years and has many in line for his guardianship should Matt make it to the pearly gates before him. Ownership of a Moluccan cockatoo is not just a long-term commitment, it requires at least 4 hours of attention daily to keep such a guy happy. If neglected or just not properly cared for, Romeo would easily become depressed, grow excessively loud and resort to plucking out his feathers.

But we don’t see that happening anytime soon.

One dreary night in a condo in Gainesville, Dr. Larry Wayne Robben’s youngest daughter and her friend were distracted by a painful screeching noise outside their front door.

Confused and curious, the young college students opened the door to find an adorable sick kitten begging to enter. The two animal lovers did their best to find the kitten’s mother, but to no avail. Lucky for the little guy, he was taken in, fed and nursed back to health. For no specific reason, the girls called him Edgar.

Like many college students, the girls had led a rather nomadic life and moved to various places around the country. When Edgar visited Cocoa Beach for the first time, he and Wayne formed a special bond immediately. After several visitations, neither Edgar nor Wayne wanted to say goodbye, and Edgar much preferred the leisurely lifestyle of lounging by the pool and hunting around his new tropical surroundings.

Edgar has spent many afternoons on the desk in Sandy Robben’s office staring at the bird feeder outside the window, waiting for Wayne to come home for work. As soon as the garage door opens, he takes off for the kitty door leading to the garage and darts outside — not to greet Wayne — but to prey upon the birds and whatever else he’d spied all day through the window. He’s kind enough to thank his people with his own catch of the day: squirrels, mice, birds…you name it.

Going on 15, Edgar has slowed down considerably over the past few years and now prefers the chase of lizards over birds and squirrels. An accomplished hunter, he no longer feels the need to impress anyone with his mastery of the sport. Been there, done that. A proven hunter and true companion, he now spends most of his days most just relaxing and getting spoiled.

Edgar, you sure picked the right doorstep to cry on.

Once upon a time, Brandon Campbell was on an extended surf trip in Puerto Rico when he happened upon a limping, mangy and starving puppy on Hobo Beach. He grabbed the pup whom he believed to be approximately 6 months old, threw him in the back of his truck and took him back to the compound where he stayed. Thankful for the grub and TLC, Bruno took immediately to his new master and the two never parted.

Two and a half years later, Bruno and Brandon still enjoy beach life together where they reside at the well-known Spanish House in Melbourne Beach. If you surf, you know the place; and if you know the place, you likely know Bruno. He’s the beautiful shepherd/hound-looking mix patiently waiting near the water for Brandon to finish out his set. Still grateful for the companionship formed, Bruno is quick to notice when his best friend is riding his last wave and promptly arises to greet his master as he comes back to shore.

The ladies love handsome Bruno, which has earned him the nickname “Rico Suave.” When he isn’t charming the babes in bikinis or chilling on shore, Bruno enjoys a great love for the water and often swims an hour at a time near the reef. We’re pretty sure he might even surf if given the opportunity.

Brandon isn’t the only local to have brought back a dog from Puerto Rico, where the government lacks programs for mass sterilization. Strays are abundant and officials are fed up with the overpopulation. Meanwhile, animal rights activists are disgusted by the purported disregard for animal welfare where the issue is so dominant that threats of tourism boycott have been spurred. Changes have begun.

“Save A Sato” (“sato” is slang for street dog) is a non-profit organization based in San Juan dedicated to easing the suffering of Puerto Rico’s homeess and abused animals. For more information on this effort which has rehabilitated and re-homed over 20,000 strays since 1996, please visit www.saveasoto.org. “Manos por Patas,” or Hands for Paws, is another effort. The Florida-based non-profit works with Puerto Rican veterinarians to provide sterilization and vaccinations for strays along with raising public awareness. More info can be found at www.manosporpatas.org.

Just like Bruno, we would love to see as many stray dogs both here and abroad live happily ever after.

Photos by Brandon Campbell unless otherwise noted.

Rockford has got to be the coolest cat I’ve ever met.

Seriously.

He’s notorious along our beaches for being seen riding shotgun in his owner’s heavy duty black truck. It’s one of his favorite activities, and he’s accustomed to at least one ride a day in the morning.

A nearly 5-year-old bobcat, Rockford has lived with Kirk and Tracy since he was a mere 4-weeks-old. He has his own bedroom with bunk beds (he sleeps on the top bunk) in a canal-front beachside home. His neighbors are used to seeing him walked around the neighborhood several times per day, and those with a canal view of his home see him at his best. His favorite pastimes are watching for manatees, playing with coconuts, and going for boat rides.

I was mesmerized immediately by his striking beauty and curious to know everything possible about this domestic wildcat. To be safe, I wasn’t permitted to pet Rockford, though I found myself tempted to do so. Instead, I stood a few feet away from him and watched his interaction with Kirk and Tracy, becoming further entranced with just how cool it would be to own such a kitty.

While Kirk and Tracy have no regrets, they don’t recommend bobcats as pets for the masses. The greatest hardship? No babysitters = no vacations. The “no vacations” part isn’t entirely true, but vacations to Kirk and Tracy are trips in their motorhome with their beloved feline in tow. St. Augustine is a preferred excursion.

Veterinary care is another downside. Rockford travels to Winter Park to see Dr. Hess and needs to be anesthesized prior to his examination and treatments. Anesthesia is not cheap! Feeding Rockford is much less expensive than I anticipated, however. Tracy stocks up on raw chicken, liver, and beef at a cost of around $110 per month…that includes a daily turkey neck and his favorite snack: Cooked shrimp!

A cat like Rockford would typically survive 3 to 5 years living in the wild. Safe from predators and getting hit by cars in captivity, Rockford will likely live 15 to 20 years. (Which is a long time to go without a true vacation!)

After meeting with them, something tells me Kirk and Tracy wouldn’t have it any other way. Rockford is very much their beloved child. There’s amazing chemistry between this cool cat and his people. After watching him climb all over Kirk and follow Tracy’s every move, I don’t think he’d have it any other way either.

Arriving Space Coast beachside just in time to be April’s “Pet of the Month,” Tonka now enjoys daily walks in fresh green grass and has even found a secluded river wonderland where he runs wild as he snorts like a pig to his heart’s content. At a little over 2-years old, he admits that life has never been so good. He favors the Cocoa Beach Dog Park and Shuckleberry Fin’s as his two preferred hot spots and gets along famously with all the other well-behaved pooches he meets.

Tonka is proud of his breed; he’s an Olde English Bulldogge which is a very new and rare breed developed by Yale professor David Leavitt in 1971. Disenchanted with English Bulldogs due to strained breathing and other physical problems that developed over hundreds of years of breeding, Leavitt wanted to bring back the good looks of the 18th-century bulldog with a new and improved temperament. This was achieved by crossing half English Bulldog with the other half, made up of Bullmastiff, Pit Bull, and American Bulldog.

All pride aside, Tonka is really a goofy and fun-loving musclehead who also recently endured a painfully expensive custody battle. Jessica, a bartender and beer tub girl at Milliken’s Reef, fought long and hard for nearly a year with a former partner over custody of Tonka. A win for both Jessica and Tonky, they snuggle together every night and remain each other’s top companion.

Our beaches are lucky to have them both here.

After pondering my dilemma, I approached the 15-lb., 6-year-old Italian Greyhound and introduced myself. His name was Rico, and though he isn’t a beach resident himself, he certainly wishes he were, making his way to the coastline every opportunity he gets to check out the seagulls and, of course, the waves. I guess I really should break the bad news to my petite friend. Better safe than sorry.

It nearly broke Rico’s heart when I told him he could be fined $55 for his first violation and $115 for his second should he get caught. He explained to me that even though he possessed the good looks of a purebred, he was in truth a rescue dog and simply does not have that kind of money to gamble with. He took a few good last looks around before making his way back over the bridge to his home inland.

When he’s not breaking county ordinances, Rico enjoys long naps and snuggles with his 13-year-old companion, Julia. Normally only permitted downstairs in the two-storey home he shares with his people, Rico has an uncanny ability to detect when one of his owners is sick and violates the “No Dogs Upstairs Rule” to cuddle with whomever is ill. Truly a dog after my own heart.

If you think Rico and the other dogs of Brevard County deserve designated beach time, please write both your town and county commissioners to reverse this unfortunate, nearly 40-year-old ordinance. In the meantime, dog-friendly beaches and inlets can be found a little over an hour away at New Smyrna and Ponce Inlet. I say let’s get our own and bring more tourism dollars to Brevard.

Marshmallow enjoys hiding prior to pouncing on her prey at the least suspecting times. Her favorite target is usually your shoulder, toward which she propels herself full speed. Her aim is never to hurt — she is all play, in fact. When she isn’t using humans for target practice, she’s often bouncing from one wall to the next. Bouncing’s what Marshmallows do best.

At 3 years old, Marshmallow the Combat Cat is part Maine Coon and spends the greater part of our sunny afternoons outdoors, always making it back in time for evening dinner. She eats A LOT (as you might guess from her full figure), and would never dream of missing a meal. For fitness, she swims in her grandma’s pool and even the ocean. For play, she regularly taunts the new resident Husky pup or is often dressed up by 6 year-old Sailor, who chose the name Marshmallow because that’s what her two all-white hind legs resemble.

Despite her playfully combative nature, Marshmallow’s claws remain intact, but she never uses them on her people. She’s thankful her people understand the cruelty involved in declawing kitties and is thrilled to have escaped this insane and misunderstood commonality.

If you’re considering removing the knuckles on your own kitten, please research beforehand. There’s a reason many countries have outlawed this practice and there are many humane alternatives.

Finally, don’t forget that Marshmallow the Combat Cat is trolling the local neighborhood most afternoons. If you’re suddenly knocked to the ground without warning or evidence, it was likely our cannonball kitty just having a little fun.

When Justin DeBree heard he that had five degrees of separation from a small pig in need of a home, he knew what he had to do.

It’s only been a month, but Grouper, a 5-lb. 18-inch pig, is hamming it up in his own little two-room house in Justin’s back yard. Contrary to popular belief, Grouper is a rather fastidious young fellow who makes sure that his wood chips are in a neat pile in his sleep area and keeps the rest of his living quarters tidier than most people. His favorite spot when he isn’t sunning is under the heat lamp in his house.

Grouper is enjoying his new buddy “Roxy,” a full grown chocolate lab, and likely thinks of himself as a dog. He wears a collar and enjoys short strolls on his leash. The little guy absolutely loves his stuffed duck toy and squeals with delight when he gets the first whiff of a fresh can of peas being opened. Though he’ll eat anything, peas rank as his absolute favorite.

There is no telling how big little Grouper will get. The question everybody asks Justin, however, is why the heck he named his little pig Grouper.

His answer?

“He’s quite the catch.”

It wasn’t too long ago that Sofie was enjoying family life. But recently, when the costs of her maintenance exceeded her owner’s abilities, she was handed over to the Central Brevard Humane Society in Cocoa.

When you walk by her kennel, Sofie, 1-and-a-half year-old boxer/lab mix, greets you with enthusiasm and pleading eyes like so many others at the facility. She’d love to find a home with kids and anxiously awaits the day she can go for that most important car ride of all: The ride to her new home. Will you be the one to drive her there?

Since May when he came in as a stray, Little Boy the Cat has also called the Central Brevard Humane Society home and resides in a small cage in the foyer. As I approached his dwelling, he too looked at me with pleading eyes and nuzzled the cage wires that separated us. A quiet and mellow fellow aged 1-1/2, Little Boy is very affectionate and longs for the day when he can roam freely indoors with a new family to call his own.

The Holidays are a popular time for many to introduce a new pet into the family and unfortunately for many, the decision is not always thoroughly thought out. The cost of dog or cat ownership needs to be considered, as well as how much time you can realistically spend with your pet. Certain breeds and species require much more attention than others. When gifting a loved one with a pet for the Holidays, or any time of the year for that matter, the recipient should know in advance the responsibility he or she is about to assume. Pets are not novelties; they are living creatures that deserve long-term loving environments. Instead, many are enjoyed through their puppy or kitten phase before being discarded once the novelty has worn off — the main reason why there are so many young adoptable animals currently in shelters across the country.

If you are considering adding a pet to your family, please visit one of the many local shelters or rescue groups. There are many highly adoptable dogs and cats and many local breed-specific rescues such as Yorkie Friends Rescue of Cocoa Beach and Coastal Boxer Rescue of Satellite Beach, where pure-bred dogs of all ages await new homes. If you are considering a new pet, please be certain to visit www.petfinder.com to access a full database of available local shelter and rescue dogs along with over 300,000 shelters across the country.

Another important part of responsible pet ownership is seeing that your new friend is spayed or neutered. Not only does such a practice prevent unwanted litters, it can also prevent some cancers. The Central Brevard Humane Society is currently constructing a brand new on-site spay/neuter facility and is in need of donations to complete their project. If you can assist, or to inquire whether Sofie and Little Boy are still available, please call (321) 636-3343. Better yet, stop by the shelter, peruse their gift shop and say hello to all the four-legged residents. You can even walk a dog or two; volunteers for such tasks are greatly appreciated.

Again, if you are considering a pet as a gift or as a new addition to your family, please remember that it is a long-term commitment and visit your local shelters to consider adoption. We wish the best to Sofie and Little Boy the Cat this Holiday Season and hope that they find their forever home soon.

It was then that their beloved 170-lb. bullmastiff, Foster, was in the backyard when he was bitten by a rattlesnake hovering in the weeds behind the HVAC unit. Less than half a mile from the beach, such an incident was hardly anticipated, but nevertheless, Foster was rushed to the emergency animal hospital in time to receive the antivenin which saved his life.

At 4 years old, Foster — also affectionately referred to as “FoFo” — seems unfazed by his nearly tragic encounter. He adores people almost as much as peanut butter and his Galileo bones which are the only commercial product to date to withstand the test of his powerful bite. He is very much a family dog, and despite his intimidating stature he loves the attention of Kyla and withstands all the “abuse” a 6-year-old girl can deliver.

While a large-breed dog can make for a great family pet, such an addition can be quite costly. To maintain his 170-lb. build, Foster requires 6 pounds of food daily. In addition, his vaccinations and preventative care costs are exorbitant compared to that of the average household canine.

Foster, of course, is worth it. Lucky for him, he has a great family who consider him to be one of their children.

Which is exactly the way it should be.

When she isn’t enjoying the view of the waves crashing along our coast from Leila’s beach cruiser basket — her favorite activity — or sharing her toys with the resident Doxie, Bella assists her mom with the duties of being the Space Coast area coordinator for PetSafeHouse.org. Even though Bella has spent all 10 years of her life lavished with Leila’s love in her own safe home, she’s socially conscious enough to know that not every woman, child or pet has it so easy. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s website (www.ncadv.org), in the State of Florida alone, there were 115,170 reported cases of domestic violence and 164 domestic-violence related homicides in 2006. Surely there are pets involved in many of these instances. What happens to them?

Already advocates for women’s rights, Bella and Leila work closely with Brevard County Salvation Army, Brevard County Domestic Violence Task Force, and Serene Harbor — all local resources for battered women — and were recently inspired by People Magazine’s article on Christine Hartline who pioneered the Animal Safehouse Program in California a few years ago. The objective was to form a network of foster families that could provide shelter for pets of abused women while they went through rehabilitation. As you can imagine, leaving a pet behind may subject him or her to serious acts of rage in retaliation for a woman’s departure, which is where the program steps in. For the protection of the fostering family, all arrangements are kept private while the person(s) in need undergo reintroduction to society. Knowing their pets are in a safe houses makes this transition so much easier.

As a new initiative to our area, Bella and Leila are desperately in need of fosters and donations in order to help as many women and pets as possible.  For more information on the program, please visit www.petsafehouse.org where you can sign up to be a foster parent or visit Bella’s MySpace at www.myspace.com/safepets for program information specific to our area and to make online cash donations.  You may also email Leila Preston directly to volunteer at animalsafehouse@gmail.com or to arrange for supply donations.  Other items needed include, but are not limited to: crates, food, food bowls, collars, leashes, flea treatment, dog beds, pillows, veterinary care, etc.

Bella feels strongly that every beachside pet deserves the belly rubs, car rides, long walks and plenty of tasty treats she has always been accustomed to. Most importantly, she feels every pet deserves a comfortable and safe place to rest (something she rarely does). If you possess any of the resources to help Bella and Leila make this happen, please contact them through any of the means mentioned above.

“The tiniest dog Nature has ever produced –
Her coat of long hair, whiter than ermine,
Her movements exquisitely graceful and
Matchless elegance of appearance.”
- Ludovico Ariosto, Renaissance Poet

The choice dog of aristocrats and high society, Molly the Maltese enjoys living a privileged life in her Cape Canaveral oceanfront condo with Dee and Alan Galbreath.

On the 21st of this month, this silky long-haired beauty will turn 15 years old. You would never guess it from her happy-go-lucky energy and friendly demeanor. It must have something to do with the Atlantic Ocean breeze…or maybe it’s the long car rides in the convertible along A1A in her custom bucket seat…or perhaps it’s the rides in her vented stroller along Cape Canaveral’s more lush pathways. Whatever it is, Molly sure loves the Space Coast lifestyle and says she plans to stick around for at least a few more years to come.

The Maltese is a perfect companion for dog-lovers with allergies. With no undercoat, shedding is minimal and sometimes even non-existent.

As early societies’ preferred breed, the companion-bred Maltese was a popular accessory with the ladies long before Paris Hilton made the practice chic. With their luxuriously silky fur, the Maltese often took harbor in earlier days in the bosoms of proper women, providing warmth.

Molly wants it to be known, however, that she is not an accessory, but like any true princess, she does love accessories! Barrettes, hair ribbons, luxury pet carriers… Oh, and she wants me to remind you, yet again, that her birthday is on the 21st of this month! She also likes Pup-R-Roni treats and has a house rule that they must be properly stocked at all times.

Happy Birthday, Molly! We hope you have a day filled with all the Pup-R-Roni and accessories a 15-lb. beautiful ball of fur can tolerate.

“If Achilles was anything, he was a man who believed his own press releases.”
– Roger Ebert

At 10 weeks old, this little charmer with his not-so-little feet was super excited to hear that he’d been chosen so early on as the featured Pet of the Month. In fact, only days ago his ears were still flopping on the side of his head until he heard the good news at which time they popped right up!

A purebred German Shepherd, Achilles came into the lives of Morgan Shea and Rob Holt just two weeks ago and is already loving the lifestyle that living blocks from the beach in Indialantic provides. He dreams of sneaking walks on the beach when he isn’t busy munching on the toys of Morgan’s two year-old son (or whatever else he can find) and loves to cool off voluntarily in the shower after his long walks.

Achilles has taken well to crate training and has been known to seek refuge from the 2-year old inside with no prompting whatsoever. Most impressive is how quickly he has taken to “the bell.” When this handsome, godlike pup needs to do his business, he has already caught on to ring the bell placed on the floor by the door for his post-elimination reward of a Bil-Jac lamb treat.

Hailing from direct German bloodlines, Achilles possesses astonishing color known to be found primarily in Germany. Some may question, however, whether his tan markings are natural or whether they have been enhanced by Morgan, proprietor of locally-owned and operated Golden Goddess Luxury Airbrush Spray Tan.

With the early onset of training and socialization his new family is providing, there is no doubt our little hero shall know no grief or misdirected anger.  Achilles shall be properly praised as a god of our own local seas.

Several months ago, I showed up with my pit bull mix to introduce him to her five kitties, all of whom immediately went their own direction upon first glimpsing his slobbering 60-lb. stature. All, that is, but the infamous Maaaaax, The (Big Fat Cat) Emperor. Maaaax, a 25-lb. Siamese mix, stood his ground staring down my bully mix. Not too surprising, considering that Maaaaax appears almost as large as my dog.

We stuck around for several hours taking advantage of Karen Sue’s beachside hospitality. Relaxing poolside amidst the tropical landscape of Kitty Shangri-La, my bully stayed by my side and Maaaaaax stayed within 20 feet, making sure we fully respected his Eden. He teased as though he wanted to play, but when my dog got too close, Maaaaaax, The (Big Fat Cat) Emperor would bat. It wasn’t until a few hours into our stay after we walked past Maaaaaax that he ran and attacked my poor bully mix, leaving him visibly shaken for a good 10 minutes. Maaaaaax means business.

Kitty Shangri-La has since taken in a sixth feline, a polydactyl named Hemingway, and remains protected to this day by Maaaaaax, The (Big Fat Cat) Emperor. There’s no telling what the cut-off point will be for residents at Kitty Shangri-La. So long as the word is out though, the Calvetto Dynasty is likely to grow and gain even more power under his almighty leadership.