Woman Leaves $13 Million to her Black Cat

Our Monday morning just got brighter with this great story.

Little did anyone know that a quiet, humble old woman, Maria Assunta of Italy was worth $13 million and upon her death, she bequeathed her entire worth and estate to her pet cat, Tomasso.


Tomasso

The story gets better. This is no pedigree cat purchased for top dollar. Tommaso is actually a stray, black cat rescued from the streets of  Rome. Tomasso's fortune will be managed by Maria's long-time nurse, Stefania.

Now some might say this is a waste of money. But if you think about it for a moment, the nurse and cat were the two constants in her life providing comfort and love. Neither knew Maria was wealthy. They loved her unconditionally, the greatest gift of all.

Tommaso is now ranked number 3 in the list of wealthy pets. 

Tell us what you think? Would you leave money to your pet? Or donate to animal welfare organization? Or both?
Click on "Comment" below.
 To read the complete story on ABC News, click here!

We love black cats and will be planning our annual Black Cat gala to elevate and spotlight the black cat. Sadly they are the most euthanized pet in the US. But to us, they are special. Black cats are very intelligent and beautiful. Their shiny black coats contrasting their gold or green eyes is mystical, magical and stunning.
We welcome any type of donation to help us overturn misperceptions of black cats and in feeding and caring for these abandoned creatures.

Art Zoo at Art Basel

My favorite artwork, of course

On Saturday I had the opportunity to attend Art Zoo--an Art Basel event that incorporated animal rescue theme, benefitting Paws4You rescue an organization dedicated to saving pets from euthanasia at the overcrowded local shelter. 

All pets were invited to the event, I even kissed a pig! Did I like it? Read on!

Below is Katia. Isn't she stunning? She was dumped on the streets, wandering. Thankfully a guardian angel intercepted and saved her.


Katia is a Borzoi, a Russian wolfhound



Katia with owner, Michelle Headley



Anastasia the Great paints Katia

 Hope Gainer of Hope International was the fabulous organizer of this event and she thought of everything! From the idyllic location at Finnegan's on the River, a spacious outdoor bar along scenic Miami River, animal print attire, to the "artsy pet costume" contest, to the myriad artwork depicting cats and dogs and cheetahs and more. Speaking of cheetahs, Elkie, the model in zebra and cheetah body paint moved with the agility and stealth of a cheetah!  Swimsuit models also accessorized dogs and puppies awaiting adoption. Very Miami chic!



David Nesslein and Annie Davis with Coco & Chanel



Paintings in the Pool





Elkie displays body paint artwork



Elkie escapes the cage to show off beagle for adoption



Love this painting


A jewelry vendor also displayed unique pieces that a portion of sales went to Paws4You rescue. Naturally I did my Christmas shopping right there and treated myself to a special necklace. What a great idea.

I met many adoptable dogs, adult and puppies, small and large, that were distinctly unique!
Ok I didn't really kiss a pig but we did rub noses! Is that a kiss in animal behavior?

This is a nano or micro pig. They weigh up to 35 pounds.

So when my sister said she wanted a nano pig for Christmas I had to claw my way through the crowds surrounding this pig to see what a micro pig looked like.  He's quite chunky, yes he's a pig.  My sister wants a black one. To go with her (rescue) black cat. I love it!

The owner is a married couple with children, and three dogs. It was the father who wanted the pig as a pet for the longest time. The pig is an indoor pet and he uses the dog's wee wee pad. My sister will train her pig to use the litter box.  I wonder which is better. One thing I learned, pigs urinate while they drink water. I wonder if sis knows this. Also, those pads don't hide the odor of feces once they go to relieve themselves that roll around like bowling balls run amok outside the bowling lane. She wishes they trained the pig to use litter box.

Art Zoo was a memorable inaugural event to admire animal themed artwork, help promote adoptable dogs, do some Christmas shopping, and mingle with like-minded animal lovers.

Thinking of getting a purebred dog or cat? Don't buy while shelter pets die. 25% of pets at shelters are purebred!

The Gift they Never Forget

by Christine Michaels

We live in downtown Miami, a vibrant city brimming with jobs, culture, restaurants, and activity. Many residents enjoy the convenience to walk to/from work, the grocery store and boutique stores, the myriad restaurants, the buzzing Sunday open market, and to concerts and sports events.

One evening I went for a jog on the path less traveled, the side of town you're told not to go after dark--one street over from our new condo. As I slow to a walk,  I take the time to look around.  Do I notice the homeless men and women, sitting, laying, sprawled on the sidewalks? Do I look the other way? Do I notice the homeless men feeding the homeless cats? Yes, take a walk around our condo after sundown, and you will see both the homeless men and homeless cats come out of hiding, one feeding the other. The homeless feeding the voiceless, the helpless. I look up and I see our new, shiny, glistening building contrasting the dark streets. Observing this contrast sends waves of emotions coursing through my body. What is wrong with this picture?

It hits me. My work has only begun. Feeding the Riverfront cats is not enough. My calling is to get to the root of the problem and educate the masses to reverse the trend of homeless animals and the suffering and cruelty.  Stray cats are often misjudged, misperceived, prejudice surrounds them and those of us who feed them. I am proudly a Cat Lady!

This Christmas as you feast at holiday parties and spend on gifts that will be returned or forgotten next year,  will you remember those around you, within feet of your home ? Won't you consider offering a little time or token item (food or cash donation) to a homeless pet that IS eternally grateful and never forgets?  Here are EIGHT simple or low cost ways you can help.

Note: (A number of organizations feed the homeless people daily in downtown). There are no organizations feeding homeless pets, only individual volunteers.

1.) Spay or neuter your own pets. Estimates are that 100,000 dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters in the tri-county area annually, at significant cost to taxpayers. You can do your part to end pet overpopulation with a routine surgery for your dog or cat.  Non-profit, low cost spay and neuter clinics like the ones run by The Cat Network or Planned Pethood actually make fixing your pet more affordable than caring for a litter of puppies or kittens.

2.) Donate needed pet items. Beds, cages, collars, leashes, cat litter, dog and cat toys, treats, food, blankets, sheets and towels all make life easier and nicer for shelter pets especially at the Miami Dade County Shelter. They are overrun this year with homeless pets and are grateful for your donations. Here at Riverfront cats, we need someone to build small cat houses with ceiling, floor and four columns. No side walls as these will be placed in bushes where cats need visibility and various escape routes from predators.

3.) Donate money or gift certificates. Donations of any amount help greatly. Even giving up those large caramel mocha lattes for a week and donating the cash will help to save lives --not to mention calories!. Here at Riverfront cats we gladly accept financial donations (you can use your credit card or PayPal) or gift cards from Publix and PayPal! (The condo association offers no assistance.  All food for cats is provided solely by two volunteers).

4.) Start a "Friends Of" club for downtown Miami homeless pets or any rescue of your choice. There's power in numbers. Your office, church or hobby group can have a yard sale or gather donations of money or needed items to help homeless animals this holiday season.

5.) Don't buy while shelter pets die. Opt to adopt instead of purchasing a pet when you decide to add a four-legged family member to your household. Shelter pets have been pre-checked by a veterinarian, received vaccinations and if they are old enough are spayed/neutered before you bring them home, saving you money and time. Have an affinity for a certain breed? Twenty-five percent of all pets in shelters are purebred dogs or cats!!!  Can't or don't want to adopt but still love pets? Sponsor a dog or cat at your local shelter. At Riverfront cats we have 21 cats--choose one you would like to sponsor.  We promise to send you monthly updates. Romeo actually sits and walks on command. Is Gabriel angelic like his name or mischevious? The vivacious, flirtatious Tabitha is too much woman for the male cats...

6.) Use your online presence to help animals in need. All that time spent on social media can do more than keep you in touch with old and new pals, it can make you a better friend to animals in need. Re-post notices about sweet, friendly indoor cats tragically dumped in the streets awaiting adoption. Or news about cat that was injured from hit and run speed demon driver and needs medical care. It happens in our backyard. Add a banner to your webpage to help publicize your neighborhood cause. Use Twitter to tweet about adoptable the adoptable cats.

7.) Take a walk and be a hero. Volunteer cat feeders help to keep our cats from roaming and searching for food while minimizing their chances of being hit by cars. It also helps to socialize the cats, even the feral ones. Some are converts. Where they once stayed a distance and hissed, now they do a happy dance and rub against you wanting affection.

8.) Volunteer your talent. Everyone, from graphic artists to journalists to stay-at-home moms to carpenters or college students has a talent that can be utilized by Riverfront Cats to help these outdoor animals. If you don't know what you can do, contact us and we let you know! For example, we could certainly use a very simple open-air cat house with roof and floor to hide in the bushes where the cats reside and to protect them from heavy rains. They have to remain hidden from predators (have you seen those giant rats across the street? They're larger than some cats!) and new stray cats that come along. Nothing fancy but if you're good with hammer and nails and some wood--you're a hero!

Turn Tiny Paw Prints into Christmas Cards

Every Christmas I follow a fading tradition of sending a physical card with a handwritten message to friends, family, and colleagues.  This lets the recipient know I took extra time in this increasingly hectic world, to think about that individual person or family. Who doesn't smile or skip a heartbeat when they see a personal greeting card sitting in their mailbox amidst a pile of negativity--bills! It's the first mail piece to be opened, or ripped open. I know I love to receive a greeting card and cherish it by displaying it across my media center.

Since I discovered Tiny Prints earlier this year, I no longer have to expend valuable time and gas money to drive to crowded parking lot of a store and stand elbow to elbow with other customers scanning the dizzying rows of Christmas cards. Tiny Prints is an online card service where you can easily choose from an organized selection of cards and  personalize each individual card including the name of the recipient, the photos, and anything else you choose to have printed on the card.

I now use it for my nonprofit effort in raising awareness about homeless pets, especially cats. For every donation over $20, I customize a card for the donor and Tiny Prints will mail it directly with the stamp. Convenience and customization.

So instead of being a chore, selecting and designing my Christmas cards or any card is so much fun!

So which card did I choose this year? First I always choose the folded card. This way it's easy for the recipient to stand and display the card. Usually this catches the attention of other visitors, family members and guests.  Remember this is also a solicitation card for donations. So the upper, inner flap tells the story of Johnny Walker and thanks the recipient for their past and continued support.

Then as the chairperson for raising awareness of the plight of black cats and dogs (the least adopted and most euthanized in shelters) I am constantly finding ways to overturn misperceptions and elevate the black cat and dog. Last year, right after Christmas, my home still lingered with white poinsettas.  Fortunately a foster cat, Johnny Walker appeared in a perfect pose behind the white poinsettas. With my camera nearby, I tiptoed back to the balcony and captured the ideal photo. So I'll be ordering 50+ and add a written message for that extra personal touch.

Searching through Tiny Print's abundant selection of holiday cards, I found this beautiful card titled "Fancy Snowflake" which balanced the gold and black colors of my photo. Hence the photo above! Remember you can customize the salutation and closing, the greeting and even include other photos and/or messages inside and the back of the card! To complete the presentation, Tiny Prints also offers complimenting address labels and party invitations.

So enjoy this new outlet for ordering and sending Christmas cards or greeting cards, party invitations for any occasion!

Merry Christmas!
Christine for Riverfront Cats

It's Been a Tough Year...But I'm Thankful

Christine here.

It's a tradition. Every Thanksgiving I sit down and write out what I'm thankful for.

Then I put it down and reread it after feasting on an abundant meal.

  

Every year when I sit down to write my Thankful List...my heart opens.

This year...has been an especially challenging year for me in many ways.

As someone who looks after homeless, helpless, voiceless animals, several of our dedicated volunteers moved out and two of us carry the load--shopping for cat food and feeding 21 cats daily.  But we gladly carry that cross for the cats are all happy and healthy but...

One of our Riverfront Cats was found dead, electrocuted. Nikki, was a special kitty.

One of my cousins was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully she beat it for now.

And most recently another dear person I knew, died suddenly of a heart attack, at young age of 37.

  

So this morning when I sat down with my cup of coffee, my tablet and pen I wasn't sure what to expect. I labeled the top...

"My 2011 THANKFUL LIST"

...and then I just stared blankly at the page.

Eventually, like it had a mind of it's own, my hand made its way to the paper and...

Then I started to write...and write...and write.

The only thing flowing faster than the ink from my pen were my tears of happiness and joy.

As I was writing I realized that I have more love in my heart and more to be thankful for this year than I can ever remember.

After pouring out a record of over 3 handwritten pages...I felt like something was missing.

It didn't take me long to figure out what it was...

So I freshened up my coffee (coffee happened to be on my 2011 Thankful List) bolted like a kitty who's tail had been stepped on to my office a few feet away, Sat down at my trusty computer and I am now sending this note to YOU.

THANK YOU!

I am so thankful that our paths have crossed. Thankful for your friendship, for your interest and well wishes for me and the Riverfront Cats.  It's a labor of love. The hardest work I ever have done and nonpaying, but it is the most rewarding and uplifting experience. The cats are grateful and they show me!  Without your emails, Facebook comments, your moral support and other kind acts, I don't know if I could make a difference.

Wow! I feel totally complete now! Thank you for listening and letting me share.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and I pray you find your thankful place no matter what challenges you may have had this year.

Thankfully,

Christine Michaels

Riverfront Cats

Now on Facebook

You read all those sad stories about homeless pets but you can't rescue or foster them. You feel frustrated and helpless. But you can make a difference! This Christmas a small donation of $20 or even $10 goes a long way to helping the voiceless and homeless animals. Thank you for giving back. www.riverfrontcats.com

Another Cat is Electrocuted

I wonder in reading this, if anyone would react? Would anyone really care? Would your heart feel a pinch? Would your eyes get misty? Would you imagine a lifeless body with tips of ears, paws, fried like edges of burnt bread? Would anyone just pull out a credit card and donate the cost of a cocktail? Less than $20 bucks. A Starbucks mocha latte? Less than $10 bucks? The cost of fast food hamburger or milkshake? Less than $5?

I wonder...

It is with great sadness and tears that we report that one of the sweetest, stray, black cats with stunning green eyes, Nikki, was found dead in the substation room of FPL--Florida, Power & Light in downtown Miami last week. She was four years old. Also the mother of Audrey "Tiffany" Hepburn awaiting adoption.

How did this happen? The cats seek refuge in the substation during heavy rains and when the weather starts to cool. Sure enough just when temperatures dipped in the 70's last week, Nikki found warmth in this former haven. This is NOT the first time this has happened. Years ago when another colony of cats resided there, one was electrocuted and FPL hired a trapper to capture the remaining cats which were presumably killed. Little did FPL know it doesn't solve the problem and creates a "vacuum". Hence Nikki quickly made FPL her home at that time. She filled in the empty nest.

When asking the FPL employee how to seal the room to prevent this from happening, his voice stoic and lowered, "I don't think anything can be done".  With binoculars, I viewed this death camp from my balcony. He was right. The structure has gaping open at the corners and bottom. But there is ANOTHER SOLUTION! First spay & neuter. Second, retrain cats to find refuge in roomy cat houses!
Many weeks ago, Christine had sent an email to a PR rep at the main FPL office in Miami asking for their involvement to have cats on their property spayed and neutered. She never received a response. Three emails were sent. Employees end up paying for the spaying/neutering  out of their pocket.

It's now time to escalate this issue and encourage FPL to take an active role in the community to prevent this unnecessary suffering and to stop stray cat population from growing.

FPL borders the Riverfront condos. To prevent the cats from coming in and residing inside the valet car garage where cars zoom in and zip out, we feed them on empty grass strip inbetween Riverfront condos and FPL lot, although the cats climb over and under the fence to go back and forth between the two properties. The cats are fed on the condo side but well secluded. It's actual an ideal place for stray cats--no traffic, people or dogs.



To the left is FPL lot, to the right beyond fence is Riverfront condos.
The columns support the Metrorail. This is secluded area, ideal for stray cats.
But they need a safe, dry shelter!
(Those are two black cats, Sonny and Chaz, and Lion King on right)


It has been very challenging finding a carpenter to build a cat house to say the least. After a few offers and agreed upon price, people never came through even though we offered to pay. The alternative was to buy a dog house, have it modified into a cat house but it was even harder to find someone to modify the cat house and with a truck (long story).  After the tragedy of Nikki, something had to be done. So Christine found this sturdy, large cat house, MADE IN USA, designed with two doors specifically for otudoor cats. The additional deck/porch will serve as feeding station, covered from rain. The price tag is $565 from http://www.cozycatfurniture.com/. Yes, in conducting research, the shipping alone is close to $100 because of the weight. But we are DESPERATE.



This is an all Cedar house (no insulation) built in the USA with stainless screws.
The porch/deck was additional but will serve as feeding area when it rains.
The Riverfront cat house will not come with name plate.

  We really need concerned and animal loving residents to step up and to help anyway possible! We could use a reliable handyman to assemble the cat house once we get some donations and order it. If you would like to contribute financially to this effort, you can easily pay with credit card or PayPal by clicking on the Donation button on top right. The cost is pretty steep for an effort primarily funded by two volunteers. But this tragedy required immediate action. But we still need small, wall-less cat houses to be built and placed in bushes for the other locations.  So we still need a reliable handyperson or carpenter!

If you have other ideas, please send us email to riverfrontcats@yahoo.com

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring.

The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey

A book review by Christine Michaels

Announcing...the release of a new book, The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey. I am honored to have had the opportunity to read this book before the official release today and share my review. 

This is the first book written by author, Deborah Barnes. Deb shares a story that is enchanting, engrossing, educational and uplifting. The cover alone and subsequent pages filled with photos and artistic illustrations are stunning. I anxiously await more stories or to follow Zee and Zoey's journey on Facebook and Twitter.

For animal lovers, dog owners and feline philes, read on! This is a personal diary and a romance with lessons in life amplified by two cats, the main characters, Zee & Zoey. The lessons are numerous about responsibility, the fruit of hard labor, love and respect, the bond between human and pet, and how the ordinary is truly extraordinary. Deb writes with a warm, conversational and light-hearted tone it reads like a Disney story.

The book begins with Deb's life as a child and her home full of stray animals and pets. Entering adulthood, that love grows but she also realizes the responsibility in caring for a pet, similar to a child.  This is the first lesson to a reader who is considering a pet--it's a permanent, lifelong commitment. In one chapter, Deb adopts a kitten from a place that looked and smelled like unchanged cat litter--a bad sign. (As a side note, Deb quickly clarifies that having multiple cats does not mean a home should wreak like one. ) As expected, the kitten suffered an infection. But she did not return the kitten like a clothing item that had a tear or stain.

Due to his sickly condition, in retrospect, I could have probably taken him back to his previous home and gotten a refund. But as any parent knows, a child is a child is a child.  You love them as they are, sick or not...The thought of exchanging him was something too cold and callous to even contemplate...

An underlying story but great lesson--dogs and cats can get along.  Deb initially had a parade of dogs and a rabbit followed by a menagerie of cats. And while they may not all have been bosom buddies both canine and feline respected one another and on occasion shared the same bed or sofa.  Imagine a world where humans follow this example. Less conflict, more peace, more happiness.

Oh the adventures of four-legged children that would fill a scrapbook and many journals.  The chapter on Deb's home renovation reads like an action-packed Disney movie.

Speaking of escapades, it is at this point in the book we learn more about the principal character, Zee. What makes this cat so special you ask? Appearance-wise if there is a cat that can make a grand entrance and turn heads, it's a Maine Coon cat with their long luxurious coat like a regal cape. 




The almighty Zee


As a cat caretaker, I'm all too familiar with the range of personalities exhibited by cats. Zee is no exception and also demonstrates his cleverness and intelligence. So much that he was placed in "time out". Yes Zee, like a typical mischevious little boy, intentionally disobeyed and was punished. Shockingly, when Zee was scolded he understood the repercussions that something fascinating occured I don't want to reveal in this review. Read the book! Another sign of the intelligence of cats.

Then the much anticipated introduction of Zoey, a Bengal cat. I recently learned about and was intrigued by this type of cat on the Animal Planet channel. So upon learning that Zoey is the descendant of a wild Asian Leopard Cat with gorgeous leopard markings called "rosettes", I savored every sentence and description as if I were admiring a Picasso masterpiece.  While Zee may win the "beauty" contest, Zoey's sinewy body and fluid motion would certainly qualify her for the Olympics in presentation and athletic ability.




Zoey--just look at those eyes!


Then Zee meets Zoey. Their "love at first sight" rivals that of Romeo & Juliet with an intense passion. It's a whirlwind courtship and mating that is abruptly halted. Now while Deb is an advocate to spay/neuter, Mother Nature pulled rank and before anyone knew, Zoey was pregnant. The ensuing gestation period of three months and delivery of the kittens inspired awe, laughter and tears of joy. It's during this chapter that Deb and Zoey are in constant communication. Now if you have never owned a cat or even a dog, you may consider this odd or another attribute of a "crazy cat lady". My dear reader, this is a fallacy.  Just like long-married couples, the gestures, sounds, meow pitches and body language speak volumes.  Deb Barnes knew her cats well and understood catease and even their specific dialects.   So when Zoey alerts Deb she's about to deliver, like a supportive mother, Deb is by her side every minute ensuring Zoey's bed and surroundings are suitable and comfortable. The birth and growth of the kittens is another series of comical adventures.

Now for my fellow cat rescuers and educators who struggle finding homes for countless, homeless kitties, do not fret. Deb acted responsibly and had  Zee, Zoey and the kittens spayed/neutered. More importantly, she ensured the kittens had a safe, loving, permanent home. Three kittens remain with Deb and one, Zeuss, went to a friend who still cherishes the cat. Zeuss now has a following on Facebook and Twitter.

So how does Deb juggle seven cats?  Let's just say the key is routine. And her home? Immaculate. Unless you see a cat scamper across the floor or climbing or jumping onto the sofa, you would have no idea cats occupied this house and would think they were decor fixtures.  This is the modern cat lady.




Deb in Leopard Cat Glam

 Throughout the book is a recurring theme and the most important lesson of all. It is simple but powerful: Through out life's trials and tribulations especially in this gloomy economy we are easily dragged down, on the verge of plunging into a dark abyss. Deb learns from her cats, creatures who are confined to a finite space and world, that a simple event can be extraordinary. They remind her to take the time and "smell the roses" and life is all the better.

I also know with all certainty that I will continue to learn from my beloved Zee and Zoey who have given me the invaluable gift of teaching me how to re-examine how I perceive the little moments in life.  By sharing my time with them, they have taught me to slow down a bit and to really embrace what I already have in my life--to revel in the everyday ordinary and reinterpret it to make it extraordinary...I am not implying the traditional, over-the-top meaning of the word extraordinary that evokes images of bungee jumping...Just imagine for one brief moment that you are Zee and Zoey and you happen to glance out your dining room window and an unsuspecting squirrel happens to be within your eyeshot. For them, just like that, in  a mere split second, their lives become extraordinary as they immerse themselves in the excietment of that unexpected little change in their otherwise ordinary day.

A true cat person knows this secret. As a caretaker of 21 outdoor cats, some friendly, some feral, I have never been more thankful of my life than when I feed these "houseless" cats. Living outdoors, in extreme heat, sticky humidity, daily summer thunderstorms, mosquitoes and ants, these cats are grateful for a little food, attention and sometimes affection. Every night while making rounds even in the pouring rain, to witness these cats that jump out of hiding and come prancing to greet me is the most uplifting part of my day. To have a book written that so eloquently and precisely explains this concept is a testament to Deb Barnes as a talented author and will do wonders to further raise awareness about the magical essence of cats and their connection with humans.

Speaking of magical, The Chronicles of Zee and Zoey is an ideal read and gift for the Christmas season! This book is a page-turner and a must-read for anyone who claims "I'm not a cat person". With an open mind and heart, you will fall in love!


CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER!

Shelter for Lame Ducks

Women like this inspire me! Eunice Siversten is 74 years young and still has energy and fight in her to protect these innocent ducks. Please consider helping! Duck Haven needs funding, a new pickup truck, cages...

Sarah MacLachlan says...

As an animal lover ( and not just spectator), and advertising professional, this is one of the most effective commercials to raise awareness and funding to help abused and abandoned pets.

Miami, the region, the country,  desperately needs a PSA (Public Service Announcement) similar to this commercial that speaks to the cruelty and suffering of kittens and puppies born from nonspayed and non-neutered cats and dogs. We need to pick up where Bob Barker left off!!!

Please consider a donation for our efforts. Currently we do not have the funds to produce a commercial like this. 100% of donations go directly to the cats. We come across cats with eye infection or missing eye, ears or tail, as a result of predator attacks. Street life is abusive.

Our goal is to produce a PSA similar to this commercial but with the charitable collaboration of creative agencies and media.

"Hit by Car" Trauma (Dogs off Leashes)

As a dog owner living in condo community for past 10 years, we have seen and heard countless stories of dogs that were spooked by a sudden loud noise and ran off never to be found, or knee-jerk reaction to chase a squirrel, or getting hit by a car in the process of any of the above.  IT HAPPENS.  At the Riverfront condos we see many dog owners let their pets off leashes in the dog field. Now this "dog field" is just that --a field bordered by three inroads. There is no fence.  While dogs run and play fetch in the interior closer to one fence, is one thing. But countless pet owners have their dogs off leashes on the edge of the field, inches from the road with speed demons blazing by. Some of us have warned these pet owners that accidents do happen. That anything can startle the dog and cause them to run suddenly--into an oncoming car-- no matter how well trained. 

Most dog owners think their dogs are well trained. Most are delusional or ill informed.  There was already one incident of a dog running away spooked by a noise, only to be found later dead, struck by a car. In another horrific incident, a resident at the Wind had a large dog on a leash. The dog saw one of the neighborhood cats (his name was Mr. Big) in the bushes. These cats do not provoke. The dog snapped and aggressively attacked the cat. Witnesses shared how the owner could not control the dog WHILE on the leash! It weighed more than her! The dog viciously attacked the cat and left it in bloody pieces. Neighbors immediately contacted  the condo manager expressing outrage and insisted the dog wear a muzzle thereon. Residents feared the dog could attack their dog or children or even adults.

The developer promised a "dog park" signifying a fence. This would be the proper action. But nothing has been done. The developer and partner companies have invested millions of dollars in aesthetics to sell condos. Safety is still lagging. Per Florida Law and Condo rules and regulations, dogs must be on a leash. Neither is being enforced. An accident is waiting to happen.

We follow several pet blogs written by highly regarded veterinarians. The following : "Avoiding the Hit by Car Trauma" by Dr. Justine Lee. We encourage all dog owners to read this carefully. You love your dog. Be a responsible pet owner and take your dog  to a dog park with a fence to run freely.