The Starfish Dog

The Starfish Dog // Suzanne Cardiff, Unleash Jacksonville Contributor // Photos by Suzanne Cardiff

 

We’ve all heard the story about the person walking down the beach, purposely throwing starfish back into the water. “It matters to that one!” In our lives, we each have times to ask ourselves, is this my starfish? For me this story became reality one December evening many years ago with a dog named SuzieQ.

Her story is much like a starfish being tossed across ocean waves as it moves toward the beach until thrown on shore through no fault of its own. For Suzie it started far before we knew of her landing on Animal Control’s euthanasia list immediately following the minimum stray hold. On the outside she had a scar from a previous C section, was fearful and was a biter triggered by touch. On the inside she was complex and broken, her true self only to be revealed with time and compassion. A small rescue stepped forward for her.

I met her after she had been at the rescue for a while. Volunteers passed her by intimidated by her wild display known as barrier frustration. When it was my turn, I held out the leash in peace offering for her one chance to get outside. As I slowly opened the crate door, she walked right into the slip lead.

Over the next nine months, my dog and I showed her a great deal about the world and her place in it. Until one afternoon when a group of dogs turned on her leaving her scarred physically and emotionally. Then a few days later her rear became paralyzed. No longer able to walk she regressed to a point of feeling threatened by everyone and everything. Yet, fate was not finished with her. I was at AVS for my own dog when the surgeon offered to examine her after hearing her story. The diagnosis, a slipped disc pushing on her spinal cord. He said most likely it had been slipping for a long time which explained her biting behavior when being picked up. The attack was the traumatic final blow to that disc. IVDD or Intervertebral Disc Disease. SuzieQ had a successful surgery, less than a year of rehab her back recovered leaving little residual nerve damage. The surgeon gave me caution it was probably the worst case he had seen and she probably would not survive another surgery. With the absence of pain for the first time in a long time, she was a like a puppy playing and chasing her ball. Her behavior improved some but the lasting effects of her trauma remained. I adopted her on August 1, 2014 as we celebrated her 5th birthday and adoption together.

Life with SuzieQ is always filled with twists and turns.
She was a dog wanting to live like any other dog but with more baggage then any being should have to carry. She is small but fierce, with a bold, independent, adorable personality that had gotten her through the toughest experiences of her life.Once labeled “unadoptable,” over the years she has enjoyed all the good things in life. She has a safe, comfortable home with healthy foods, affection and enrichment. She loves going on car rides and our adventures around town. She learned to feel comfortable around people, even kids. We have been through phases of medications and treatments for her behavior and her back. Physical therapy, acupuncture, laser therapy, Reiki, EMDR, salt cave, music therapy, essential oils and even a pet communicator. Some experiences in her early years were revealed and she has had many traumas leading to her PTSD behaviors.

Fast forward several years to Fall 2018 when she was diagnosed with a pinched nerve in her lower back. Life may be different now for her but the trauma from her back injury is still very real for her. Monthly acupuncture and laser therapy minimize progression of that pinched nerve and keep her comfortable. These treatments have become necessary to keep her moving and with the goal of preventing another slipped disc. This past year she was diagnosed with a heart condition possibly as a result of ongoing hypertension. We recently started Reiki sessions with Jade Paws, and it has become a greatest resource in addressing her past traumas.

I am still the only person she allows to touch and handle her. I can pick her up, give her a bath, even put on a muzzle. The one lasting challenge we have is in grooming. Her fear of the tools and being hurt again far outweigh any grooming benefits. These years of experience with her, and other misunderstood rescued dogs, has drawn me into the life of dog behavior and rehabilitation. She has led me down a path to studying positive and partnership training methods and teaching dog’s necessary life skills to fit into our world. I find alternative therapies and positive approaches to training outperform conventional methods. SuzieQ did not have to experience all her trauma. Of the traumas we know of, they were a result of human error in the form of lack of knowledge or access to providing appropriate vet care, a safe environment, and even basic knowledge of dog behaviors.

And now we’re here in the midst of a world crisis that has brought our medical and veterinary facilities to limiting patient services to curbside and drop offs. We cast aside the special needs of dogs like SuzieQ who once again do not conform into the mass molds. What happens to them? For SuzieQ, we’re fortunate to have places like the Saint Francis Animal Hospital which continues to keep the needs of the individual animals as their priority. For SuzieQ and me, this is not a new reality. For even specialists have refused her necessary care. My dog has PTSD and will not allow anyone near her without me handling her. This is her choice, her safety net, after all she has survived and grown through. And is she worth it? To be tossed another chance? To encourage us to perceive differently? When they ask her, I can see in her eyes and heart she is saying back, “Are you?” Maybe we need to put our egos aside more often and ask ourselves, are we worthy of their trust?

So, when is a dog a starfish?
When one is at your feet washed up on the shore of possibility. Be open, be mindful, and most importantly, listen. If you watch quietly with an open heart, they will tell you, “I am meant for more.” •

Dearest Romeo

Published in the PATIO issue
/ Written by Betsy Marquez / Photos supplied by Betsy Marquez

 

December 10, 2019
Dearest Romeo! I was brought to tears in meeting you—you’re in probably one of the worst conditions I’ve ever seen. I have so many questions! Were you a stray for long? Did you have owners and were just not cared for? Did they just watch you decline medically and not do anything? Could they not afford the care? Did they drop you off somewhere? Let’s face it—none of those questions matter, because I’ll never have the answers. All I know was that I could not leave you alone in a shelter for your remaining days.

Bone cancer, heartworms, and whatever other diagnosis there was in those big words … I couldn’t think of anything I wanted to do more than to open my already fragile heart to give you the very best of a loving, caring, warm, comfy, quiet, boring home life for your remaining days. I’m bringing you home not knowing how many days you have left. Will it be weeks? Will it be days? Might it just be over night? It really didn’t matter to me. I got the green light from Clay County Animal Services—you are coming home with me. Was this in my plan? No. But sometimes you just do what’s right and being there for you is just that.

Romeo you, Sir, have been such a love! You seek out a gentle touch. You like to walk around the yard, then stop and take it all in, looking around. You constantly look for me if I’m out of sight. You follow me around the house like the Velcro pup that you are. You love your crate with the oversized bed, and soft music playing in the background. Unlimited treats for you, love.

Just know this, Romeo—your remaining days will be some of the very best days of your life. When your time comes, you’ll be surrounded by those who love you. Your life matters.

December 13, 2019
The last 24 hours have been pure bliss. ROMEO—this 12-year-old throw-away hound is living his best life.

 

December 16, 2019
Dearest Romeo! I sit here watching you sleep and listening to you breathe … my heart is both full and broken at the very same time.

December 22, 2019
Last night, just before midnight Romeo crossed the rainbow bridge.

Dearest Romeo, yesterday was just short two weeks since I brought you home. You were only supposed to be a three-day hospice foster, but the veterinarian thought that you were well enough to make it through the holidays. As everyone can see, you had a huge mass on your face. You had a VERY mean and fast growing tumor in your nasal cavity. In spite of that monster, you were free of cancer mentally and in your spirit and heart. You were such a loving, happy, attention-seeking, leaf-rolling, back-scratching, treat-finding, always hungry, Velcro pup. You loved sleeping in the living room on your new blanket. You loved being in the back yard, rolling around smelling the air and watching people walk by. Most of all, you loved being loved by foster momma and brother.

Yesterday you had such a good day. You slept in just a little, till 6:30 am. You ate breakfast, went out in the yard for a bit, and back to bed. I went out in the living room with you and watched you sleep. Your foster brother had been sleeping on the couch for two weeks, so you weren’t alone out there.

I ran an errand and brought back Zaxbys—I think you ate more than I did. After dinner, more yard time and some good rolling around in the leaves. Then some good love from foster brother when he got home from work.

When our friend Lisa got here, we got you up and almost immediately noticed a little blood from your eye—still, you were your happy self meeting a new friend. But we couldn’t make it stop. We kept wiping the blood with a wet paper towel, as we didn’t want to irritate your eye with a harsh dry one. We thought taking you to the vet would be a good idea so they could do something and you’d be back home.
But your tumor had ruptured. And I wasn’t ready.

When we made the decision, you were surrounded by love. You spent your last days in a home being our family member. We only had you in our lives two short weeks, but in that time you made such an impact. Losing my three-year-old grandson just months ago has my heart already in pieces. My heart is shattered making that call for you, dearest Romeo. I have absolutely no regrets being your hospice foster. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Run free sweet boy. I love you, dearest Romeo.
Your life mattered.
Love, Momma

If you are thinking about fostering—don’t debate. Please don’t make excuses. Do it!
“I don’t have room.” I live in 800 square-foot home with my 22-year-old son and my other dogs.
“It’s too sad!!” If you know me… you know that my heart is extremely fragile these days. It’s not about me, although I do have to say … Romeo made my heart so happy.
“But my dogs aren’t friendly.” I shuffle. It’s only as hard as you make it. A little bit of work? Yes, but so worth it.

There are a ton of dogs at the shelter, and a heartbreaking amount of seniors!
Please consider fostering. It will change the life of an animal, and, trust me, it will also change yours. •

 

 

Adopting Acorn

/ As seen in the TRIPPIN’ issue

Editor’s note: We recently received a message from a proud mama that thrilled us:
Dear Unleash, Beatrice is a reader of your magazine, and we recently ordered four back issues for her to dive into. She always has at least one Unleash Magazine with her for reading at restaurants, in the car, or wherever there might be a quiet moment. For years she has collected photos of animals in need of adoption, and she is so proud to now be the mommy to her first ever rescue pet! Acorn came from a hoarder home with 50 cats and 30 dogs, we are working to socialize him to his new life where everything is brand new to him … I wanted to share with you the appreciation my daughter has for your magazine.

WOW! What an amazing kiddo! We greatly appreciate Beatrice’s love for animals, commitment to adoption, and affinity for Unleash! We had to hear more about her newly adopted dog …

 

/ By Beatrice, Age 10
Acorn is our newly adopted dog, we got him from S.A.F.E Pet Rescue in St. Augustine on July 10. He is a Jack Russell-mix that is around one year old. We adopted him because he was the only dog at the shelter that would let us pet him, and he was playing with the other dogs in his run instead of barking at us. He seemed happy and calm, so we brought him home as a foster and then a few days later we decided to adopt him. Acorn is surprisingly mellow for a Jack Russell Terrier. Among his favorite things are sleeping, playing, and bone chewing. I enjoy training Acorn, walking him, playing and cuddling with him. In just two months, he has learned sit, lay down, wait, sit pretty, crawl, and roll over! Together we play fetch and frisbee, one time I was playing fetch with him and he was trying to go after the ball at the same time he had another ball in his mouth. We are still working on him catching the frisbee in his mouth.

When we first brought him home from the shelter, he was afraid of the slightest things, like a grocery bag, blinds suddenly opening, palm fronds swaying in the yard, trash cans on trash day, his own shadow and reflection, and some new people. Since bringing him home, almost all of these fears have diminished. When he first meets new people I have to ask them not to reach down and pet him at first because he is handshy. Once he has the chance to sniff feet and feel secure he is much more willing to be petted. This has taught me that some dogs are shy when they first meet new people and not to go straight down and pet them and to always ask before petting a dog.

Recently, we took Acorn to North Carolina and he loved it. He was climbing on the rocks like a mountain goat. He enjoyed hiking and if we tried to turn around on a hike Acorn would just stand there and look at us like, please let me keep hiking. It was so cute! Acorn was so good during the car ride to North Carolina—he didn’t whine, whimper, or bark on any of the long car rides.

Having Acorn in my life has made everything better by a vigintillion. I think if Acorn could talk he would say the same. •

The day we met Acorn
Acorn’s first trip to the beach
The happy day we brought Acorn home

Blood. Sweat. Tears.

 

Reprinted from the Unleash Jacksonville Brilliant Issue.

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When you see someone fully embracing their passion—and growing in it—BOOM! It’s pretty darn inspiring, right? Kelly Kinlaw of Fur Sisters has been dedicated to saving dogs from high-kill shelters for many years and always wanted to be able to do more. Save more. Last July, Kelly realized her dream when Fur Sisters opened a 750 square-foot transitional space for dogs coming from urgent situations. In this space, dogs can decompress while waiting for a foster or adopter. This time allowed to transition is so important, because dogs are often too stressed in shelters to show their true personality and they get overlooked time after time. In the week or so that dogs stay at Fur Sisters, they can relax in this calm space while listening to music, enjoying some aromatherapy, and getting lots of treats. They are also tested with cats and other dogs during this time to see what kind of home would be best for them.

Here is where we need to stress that the new space IS NOT an adoption center (although that is one of Kelly’s ultimate goals), and it IS NOT a drop off for found or unwanted animals. But, while it’s true the new space is not an adoption center and you can’t just drop in any ‘ol time, there are always some very amazing dogs hanging out and you may make an appointment to meet them!

Fur Sisters mainly pulls from Putnam, Bradford and Clay county shelters, as these shelters are constantly overcrowded and, unfortunately, euthanize for space. They’ve also taken in some sweet pups from emergency situations, like Norman, who was thrown out of a moving car on Normandy Boulevard, and Angel, who was found in a Walmart Parking lot, completely starved, and the bottom half of her stained yellow and brown—you can figure out from what. You may also have seen Fur Sisters on the news when they helped Louis, a homeless man living in the woods taking care of a pack of dogs. Louis was taking as best of care as he could of the dogs he loved—they were being treated better than he treated himself. Fur Sisters stepped in to help the dogs and are also continuing to help Louis.

Here’s some exciting news for those of you who are looking for a great hair cut and want to meet some dogs at the same time! Kelly has moved her “day job” to be in the same building, so that she can be more efficient in both her rescue work and her making-people-look-gorgeous work. Cuts by Kelly moved to the front of the Fur Sisters space in Jax Beach in September of 2017. Go get your human hairs cut!

The new Fur Sisters location is a fantastic asset to our beach community. If you’d like to become involved (and become a “Fur Angel,” as helpers call themselves), Kelly says they’re always looking for people to help walk and socialize dogs, especially on the weekends. You could take a dog for a beach romp! They also always have a need for chew bones, dry dog food, monetary donations, and fosters—most crucial to save more lives!

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Donation items can be dropped off Tuesday through Friday 10-4 or email fureverursrescue@gmail.com to coordinate a time, offer volunteer time, or set an appointment to meet some amazing pups!

Fur sisters currently has several dogs they’ve pulled from high-kill shelters in boarding and the bills are piling up. Kindly Donate to Fur Sisters on #GivingTuesday or offer to foster!

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Winnie the Pooch

Winnie, shortly after being rescued

Reprinted from the Unleash Jacksonville Resolute Issue   |   by April Courtney

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The day Winnie and her siblings were rescued by Rescue + Freedom Project (R+FP), formerly Beagle Freedom Project, this little love pot couldn’t contain her excitement for her new found freedom! She was loving everyone and everything. She sprinted around the yard and was the only dog brave enough to hop in the little doggy pool. Up until this happy moment, Winnie had spent her whole life in a cage being used as a test subject for beauty products.

The world is a scary place for a little beagle who has never seen the grass or sunlight before. Winnie was fostered by a lovely family for a month before we added her to our motley crew. When we adopted Winnie, she didn’t know how to drink water from a bowl, she only ate her food in the dark, and she was petrified of any loud noises. We knew adopting a special needs animal would be difficult, but I didn’t realize how heartbreaking her story truly was. She didn’t trust humans at all and preferred to spend her time in a small fort made of sheets and pillows in our bedroom. She was scared of the television and all noises. We’d often find her on our bed just sitting there and listening to all these sounds she’d never heard before, shaking in fear.

Winnie confided in me to be her safeguard and was my little shadow, following me around the house wherever I went. She’d sleep under the covers, curled up underneath my chin every night. Slowly but surely, she started to trust more and started coming out of her pillow fort. She started imitating our other dog, Jumbo, and learned how to sleep in a dogbed, hang out on the couch, and go potty outside. She enjoyed going for walks and doing zoomies at the dog park. This little scared beagle started to feel safe and started to explore this big new world of hers.

One of her biggest moments (for her and us) was when she finally jumped up on the couch and cuddled with us while we watched a movie. What a great moment!

We’ve now had Winnie for 8 months, and this little girl has turned into the crazy beagle she was always meant to be. She spends her time sniffing around the backyard, howling at her brother to play, and trying to eat any and all food that she sees. She absolutely loves playing couch gymnastics—jumping from couch to couch and seeing how far she can jump off of them. She has blossomed into such a little daredevil, and it’s been amazing to watch her personality unfold.

We fostered another beagle puppy from Rescue + Freedom Project, which only made Winnie come out of her shell even more. She’s enjoyed playing with him and teaching him how to be a dog! Adopting a special needs animal can be challenging at times, but it has been the most rewarding experience of my life. While Winnie still hasn’t given me a kiss on the cheek, I am patiently waiting for that miraculous day!

The best way to help animals like Winnie is to adopt a cruelty-free lifestyle. Switch your products like toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, cleaning products, etc., to brands that don’t test on animals. There’s even an app that makes it very easy to scan a product at the store to find out if it is cruelty free. You can download the R+FP’s Cruelty Cutter app for free!

See an updated video with Winnie for Giving Tuesday right here!

Please DONATE today for #GivingTuesday and your life-saving donation will be DOUBLED by a generous donor – up to $50k!

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April Courtney adopted Winnie, an animal testing survivor rescued by Rescue + Freedom Project. Winnie + 1,500 more survivors are now free from labs, shelters, cruelty, and captivity because of people like YOU donating, supporting the cause, and promoting a #RescueLifestyle. YOU make all the difference in these animals lives.

To find our more about animal testing, going cruelty free, or adopting a testing survivor: rescuefreedomproject.org.

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Jacksonville Citizens Step Up for Pups

Jacksonville Citizens Step Up for Pups \ SUNNY issue \ by Janice Frank

When a local program supporting Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) came an end, a plea was made to the public to help reignite the dog house program. Once led by the Englewood high school wood shop class, dog houses were supplied to ACPS to distribute in the community to keep dogs with their owners and out of the shelter. Unfortunately, with the retirement of the shop teacher, the dog house program came to an end however the need did not.

Luckily, a local man and his son answered the call! Dave Howard and son Luke, a senior at Bishop Kenny, had been discussing potential opportunities for Luke to fulfill his school’s community service requirements. As dog lovers and handy hobbyists, they thought this would be a fun way to spend time together while serving the community!

With a need averaging four dog houses per week, Dave and Luke made a goal to build nine houses and relied on neighbors and friends for some quick fundraising to make it happen. Their request was responded to with great generosity (because our community is awesome), and the pair were able to build nine beautiful houses for dogs that didn’t have shelter! They would love to continue the effort, but need community support. Materials for one house cost about $75, and the project welcomes both business and individual sponsors.

Please join EPIC Outreach for the first fundraising event to help make more dog houses for under served areas of Jacksonville, August 27 at Hamburger Mary’s—Bingo For Dogs!

To see more photos and find out how YOU can join the project, follow The Major Dog House Project!

Hank, Unleash’s Fun Correspondent, doing final inspections.
Strong men lifting things.
Companies like the wonderful MERO REALTY can sponsor houses!
“Paws up! These houses are good to go … get ‘um outta here!”

Cleopatra Needs Another Victory

We first met Cleo in the VICTORY issue—her serendipitous story amazed us! We were recently contacted by her hooman, letting us know she was just diagnosed with cancer. She’ll be well taken care of at SEVO-Med starting next week, but we’re hoping after you read her story, you will please unleash the love and good healing vibes her way as well. She’s a special kitty with lots of life left in her! She is very loved.

Serendipity, a cosmic coincidence
Serendipity, the unfolding of events
Serendipity, that brought us to the moment that we’re in

Do you believe that this makes sense?
Could you conceive the unfolding of events
Do you believe that this is…

Serendipity, serendipity, serendipity?

~ The Cranberries

CLEOPATRA, My Victory Story \ Victory issue \ by Carrie Good

My husband and I were eating Easter dinner at his parents’ home in 2009. I glanced out the window and saw a chubby Tortoiseshell kitty on the sidewalk—I had to go meet her. She was extremely friendly and came right up to me to be petted. When I left to go back in to finish dinner, she followed me. I noticed that her belly was very big, and not just from two cans of cat food. She was pregnant.

I didn’t stop thinking about the kitty after we left, and my mother-in-law said the kitty was basically glued to her back porch. She checked with neighbors and no one knew the cat. We went back, picked up the kitty—who we called Cleopatra, as she looked like a queen to us—and took her to the Jacksonville Humane Society the following day, since we already had two cats. We were told since Cleo was pregnant, they would keep her until we were able to find her owners. I had to imagine she had an owner since she was so very friendly. We waited and waited, but no one came for this sweet girl.

Cleo had four kittens. Once they were old enough, they were spayed and neutered and placed up for adoption. Cleopatra was also adopted, and I thought that’s where this story would end.

Much to my dismay, Cleo’s new owners returned her with the return reason of allergic. I was so upset I couldn’t adopt her due to the unfortunate realization that Cleo didn’t enjoy the company of other cats … at all! But I knew her perfect home was out there somewhere.

A few weeks later I learned that Cleo was adopted to a family in St. Augustine. Again, we were relieved. End of story? Nope.

Two years later, my husband was reading the paper and I heard him gasp. He pointed to “Cold Noses — Pet of the Week,” female Tortoiseshell, Cleopatra. This Cleopatra was at St. John’s County Animal Shelter. It couldn’t be. Could it? Would her her family have turned her over to a “kill shelter?” Panic set in. A quick call to St. John’s confirmed my worst fear. The microchip number matched. Now my head was spinning. I stewed about it all weekend. Finally, Monday I drove straight to St. John’s and there she was! My sweet Cleo. I adopted her and brought her back to Jacksonville, where I knew her life would be spared.
With tears streaming down my face, I left with Cleopatra, having no idea of where I was going to take her. I called the Humane Society on the way home. They advised me that St. John’s should have contacted them when they found the chip. They let me bring her in, and they would put her up for adoption, again.
No way was I going to let just anyone adopt her. I visited her every chance I got, and  I was getting more and more attached every time I went. She was so sweet, loved to be brushed, and loved to get her ears rubbed. Each time I went home, I asked my husband if we could adopt her. Realistically, I knew it was a bad idea, but who could love her more than me?

Two months passed.

Out of the blue one Sunday morning, my husband said, “Let’s go visit Cleo. If she is still there we’ll bring her home.” What? OK, let’s go! When we arrived, one of the volunteers took me aside and said that Cleo had an adopter. They were there to pick her up! I went to the cat room and there were Cleo’s new pet parents. A young girl and her boyfriend. I was so excited. I told her all about Cleo. I was feeling relived that Cleo wouldn’t have to spend another night in a cage.

A few days later I received a frantic email from Cleo’s new mom—she was allergic and could I take Cleo for her. My heart shattered. Really? How could this be happening to my girl … again. I agreed to meet her boyfriend at the Humane Society and switch over ownership from them to me. She was finally coming home—for good. I can’t describe how right this felt.

Cleo is now the queen of this house. She is the highest on the totem pole now with five—yes five— other kitties below her. She doesn’t get along perfectly with all of them, but she tolerates them. She is right where she belongs—sleeping next to us every night. The only regret I have is not adopting her the first three times I had the chance! •

Please comment below to send Cleo and her parents your good wishes for her recovery!

Sweet Apollo – Wants to walk the beach with you!

Do you like to jog or walk? Apollo is just the dog for you! He’d make a great companion while you get your steps in! Apollo is approximately 2 years old. He loves the beach—but who doesn’t! When his energy is used up, all he wants to do is cuddle.

The hugs this boy gives will melt your heart!

Apollo is a little shy at first, but once he gets to know you he loves you and when he loves you, he REALLY loves you. There’s nothing sweeter than walking up to Apollo’s kennel and seeing him stand up and push his cheek against the side waiting for his kiss. Apollo would do best in a quiet home with no young children. He likes other dogs, but needs to introduced properly.

Adoptable from Pit Sisters
Email to meet this sweet boy!

 

 

Cruelty-free expert joins Unleash staff!

Happy Monday! We are so very excited to announce another new staffer at Unleash Jacksonville! The adorable Gretel will be guiding us on a fantastic journey to live a more cruelty- free life! Gretel knows a thing or two about cruelty, unfortunately, but she’s living the best life now!

Meet Gretel of the Rescue + Freedom Project.

Hi! I’m Gretel, your Unleash Jacksonville Cruelty-Free Living Expert!

Gretel is a female beagle who was purpose bred for animal testing. She is one of the lucky few that was released by the laboratory to a rescue organization after her testing protocols were completed. Now she spends her days being spoiled rotten by her human mom and has a beagle-dachshund mixed brother and three feline brothers. When Gretel isn’t busy being an advocate for all animals in laboratories, her favorite things to do are chase leaves, wrestle with her feline brother Seamus and discover what treats are in BarkBox each month.

Gretel was born March 13, and her nicknames include: Gret Gret, Baby Gret, and Gretster, Gretty Betty.

You can follow Gretel on Facebook or Instagram @rfpgretel

Gretel looks forward to sniffing out the best cruelty-free products for us!

Unleash Jacksonville adds a Master of Fun Correspondent

Hey everyone! We’d like to introduce you to the faaaaabulous Hank!

As the Unleash Jacksonville Master of Fun Correspondent, Hank will cover ways you can get into trouble in Jacksonville.

Meet Hank. Dog of many trades. Master of FUN!

When Hank was first rescued by The London Sanctuary, he was a bit of a sad sight. After being dumped in a rural area to fend for himself, he was found emaciated, tick infested, dehydrated, and flat-out exhausted! But it was hard for the folks at TLS to feel sorry for him for very long … as soon it would become plainly evident that Hank did not see himself as a victim at all!

With his free spirited nature, Hank quickly became the life of the hounds at TLS! His charm was a hit with the ladies, and his zest for adventure and funny antics became a welcomed amusement. He just couldn’t get enough of life and was into EVERYTHING … including the dryer!! (What, he was only helping with the laundry)

These days, in his forever home, Hank’s intensity for life and adventure have not changed, but he’s doing more than just laundry! Now, a Bon vivant, he has a passion for canine nutrition, considers himself a food snob and is a huge proponent of raw feeding! Although a serious, raw foodie, he does enjoy the occasional indulgences. His favorites include Chic-Fil-A, pizza and Dog Sundaes from Whit’s! On the healthier side, he loves when his mom makes him smoothies! (Kale and blueberry are his favs). He is a ball aficionado (and by aficionado, we mean unhealthy obsession) and even has his own customized ball with his name engraved on it!

When visiting grandma’s, he takes on the role of sous chef and taste tester. He’s even good at pre-cleaning all the dishes before getting them into the dishwasher. As an advocate for animal rescue, he promotes adoptable pets, highlights awesome rescue groups and even drives other hounds to adoption events!

When not busy working, you are likely to catch him at JCAW hiking the trails, swimming and even treeing squirrels and raccoons. A social butterfly, he also attends affairs where food, dogs and the people who love them are in abundance!

Interesting fact: Hank speaks with Constance, the Pet Messenger (a pet communicator), to voice his food preferences.

You can follow Hank on Instagram – hangin_wit_hank