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DeSantis signs animal cruelty bills based on two dogs from the Tampa Bay area

Wed, 28 May 2025 16:53:00 -0400

TAMPA, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two animal cruelty bills named after a dog that was abandoned during a hurricane and another that was violently killed after being adopted. The governor signed the legislation — based on crimes against two dogs in the Tampa Bay area — Wednesday morning at Big Dog Ranch Rescue in South Florida. Trooper's Law makes it a third-degree felony to restrain or abandon a dog outside during a natural disaster. Anyone who violates this law could face a five-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000. It also creates fines for people who abandon their pets or those who don't provide confined animals with proper food, water or exercise. "Florida will not tolerate cruelty to animals, especially in times of crisis," DeSantis said at a news release. The bill was inspired by a bull terrier who was left tied to a fence on the side of Interstate 75 in Tampa, facing belly-high floodwaters as Category 5 Hurricane Milton approached the state. A Florida Highway Patrol trooper spotted the dog, rescued him and posted a video of the encounter on social media where it has been seen by more than 12 million people. "What would possess you to do that?" DeSantis asked. "It just makes no sense." The governor also signed Dexter's Law, which will allow for a sentencing multiplier for animal abuse crimes. An offender could face harsher penalties in severe cases of abuse. It will also require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to post the names of certain individuals who have violated animal cruelty laws on its website. It's named after the dog that was found decapitated in Pinellas County. The owner, Domingo Rodriguez, adopted the dog days before the animal was found dead at Fort DeSoto Park. He was convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals and unlawful disposal of bodies of dead animals by a jury in February. "There's people that just don't have the same basic care for these pets and animals, and it can... Read more

Sarasota FL Deputies Arrest Dog Abusers

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 17:33:00 -0500

The owners of K9 Training for Heroes, a Sarasota dog training business for veterans with PTSD, have been arrested after four dogs died in their custody. Natasha Wilhelm, 39, and Sean Hubschmitt, 40, were arrested on Nov. 20 for animal cruelty after two dogs that were in their custody were found dead, and two dogs were euthanized by veterinarians due to their deteriorated condition. Wilhelm and Hubschmitt told deputies that they had to move out of the residence that the dogs were found in due to issues with the house and finances days before Hurricane Helene impacted Sarasota on Sept. 26. Necropsies on the two dogs that were found dead showed that their cause of death was due to starvation. The dogs were named Shylin, Tank, Rocky and Piccolo. The four dogs were owned by Wilhelm and Hubschmitt and were not connected to any clients, court records show. "K9 Training for Heroes" shouldn't be confused for "Canines for Heroes," another Sarasota-based dog training business for veterans that has no connection to "K9 Training for Heroes." Wilhelm and Hubschmitt didn't respond to requests for comment by Sarasota Herald-Tribune reporters. Sarasota County deputies responded to 4087 Vana Drive in Sarasota on Oct. 27 after a neighbor called about abandoned dogs. The neighbor said that she hadn’t seen anyone visit the house since Sept. 25., there was an “unbearable” smell coming from the house, and there were malnourished dogs in cages. Another nearby neighbor had dragged one of the dogs in its cage to the lanai and gave it some water. The dog was described to be extremely malnourished and emaciated with puss on his eyes, laying in his own fecal matter. The owners of K9 Training for Heroes, a Sarasota dog training business for veterans with PTSD, have been arrested after four dogs died in their custody. Natasha Wilhelm, 39, and Sean Hubschmitt, 40, were arrested on Nov. 20 for animal cruelty after two dogs that were in their custody were found dead, and two dogs were eutha... Read more

A Dog's Incredible Senses That Humans Don't Have

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 14:13:00 -0400

Dogs have an uncanny ability to sense their world around them, including things that humans can't. Not only does your dog sense your emotions and the emotions of dogs around them,1 but they can tell the difference between the verbal and emotional components of speech.2 Your dog can also sense your stress levels, to the extent that his levels are synchronized with your own.3 But what is perhaps most remarkable is that dogs can tell if you're stressed out just by sniffing your sweat or breath.4 "This study provides further evidence of the extraordinary capabilities of 'man's best friend,'" study author Clara Wilson told NBC News.5 What's also extraordinary is that this is but one example of dogs' many sixth senses. Dogs Can Sniff Out Cancer Cancer has a unique "odor signature" that can be detected in urine, sweat, breath and blood. The odor is due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which dogs can pick up due to their nose's extreme sensitivity to scents. It's estimated that dogs can detect scents with a concentration as low as 1 to 2 parts per trillion.6 As a result, dogs may detect cancer in humans as well as standard diagnostic procedures. In the case of colorectal cancer, a 2011 study found that a specific cancer scent exists in both breath and fecal samples, and dogs were able to detect the scent with an accuracy level comparable to colonoscopy. The dogs were able to accurately detect cancer even in cases of early-stage disease.7 Another study found dogs detected ovarian cancer via blood samples not only at the time of first diagnosis but also three and six months later at the time of recurrences.8 Further, dogs specially trained to sniff out cancer from breath samples can then detect cancer with more than 60% accuracy.9 Dogs can detect cancer in other canines, too, accurately identifying samples from dogs with cancer versus healthy dogs with a mean sensitivity of 90% and mean specificity of 98%.10 Dogs Detect COVID-19 Dogs are experts at sniffing out C... Read more

Things To Let Your New Dog Sitter Know About Your Pet

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 09:58:00 -0400

Things To Let Your New Dog Sitter Know About Your Pet Before leaving your dog alone with a dog sitter, make sure you are confident in the care your dog will receive by asking the right questions beforehand and leaving a detailed list of necessary information about your home and dog. There are times when you will need or want to travel without your dog. If you don’t have a friend or family member who can stay with your dog, consider hiring a responsible dog sitter. Many dogs find the experience of having a dog sitter in their home much less stressful than going to a boarding kennel or doggie daycare as they are in a familiar environment. Questions to ask a dog sitter include finding out about prior experience and qualifications, as well as his philosophy and approach for working with dogs. Just because someone loves dogs doesn’t mean he or she has the skills and experience needed to take proper care of your dog. How to find a dog sitter Finding a responsible pet sitter can feel overwhelming. Often the best dog sitters are found via word of mouth. When looking for a dog sitter, talk with other dog owners in your local area and ask who they use. You can also ask your vet, trainer and groomer for recommendations of experienced and trustworthy local dog sitters. There are professional pet-sitting organizations that you can also search for a professional pet sitter: National Association of Professional Pet Sitters Pet Sitters International Professional United Pet Sitters LLC There are also pet-sitting apps to help match you with a pet sitter: Fetch! Pet Care Rover Wag! Questions to ask a dog sitter When you get referrals, schedule interviews to get to know prospective dog sitters. You and your dog should both get the opportunity to interview a sitter. You’ll want to ask questions about a sitter’s experience and approach to working with dogs. It’s important to give your dog the chance to interact, too, so you can get a sense of how your dog feels. H... Read more

How to Become a Pet Sitter

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 09:52:00 -0400

How To Become A Pet Sitter Want a new job? Love animals? Pet-sitting could be your next gig. But it comes with serious responsibility and liability. How do you become a pet sitter? How do you become a pet sitter? What if you have no experience? We’ve got answers from some of the nation’s top experts. “You should take an inventory of your pet-care experience and knowledge,” says Beth Stultz-Hairston, president of Pet Sitters International (PSI), an educational organization for professional pet sitters. “Consider questions such as your length of experience caring for your pets or pets of friends and family. What types of pets you have experience with? What type of relevant training you’ve had?” If you need experience or want to ensure pet-sitting is in your wheelhouse, spend more time with animals. “I highly suggest you volunteer at rescues or animal shelters,” says Amy Sparrow, president of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), the national nonprofit organization for professional pet-sitters. “Work at vets’ offices, kennels and doggy daycares.” Pet sitters often transition to animal care from other industries. Suzanne Thomsen worked in corporate America and then as a teacher. She wondered if pet-sitting might be preferable to the boardroom and classroom. The North Carolina mom had caregiving experience raising her children and dogs. Four years ago, she got her first pet sitting job and now has a new “leash” on a fulfilling career. “I have my own hours, no constant requests and deadlines, no political environments, no demanding superiors, no talking-back students,” Suzanne says. “Pet-sitting is a relaxed environment with loving pets that only want your love.” But before you quit your day job make sure you’re OK not working 9 to 5. Pet sitters work rain or shine, nights, weekends and holidays — popular times people go away. Get certified as a pet sitter and join pet-sitting organizations Though no federal regulations require pet si... Read more

Power Of The Schnauz (Nose) World Record

Thu, 11 May 2023 14:01:00 -0400

Four trained dogs at Medical Detection Dogs set the Guinness World Record for the most medical conditions detected by dogs by sniffing out an impressive 28 diseases very quickly. Formally established as a charity in 2008, Medical Detection Dogs (UK), based in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK, has trained dogs to use their powerful sense of smell to sniff out 28 different types of disease/disorder or a change in a disease/disorder status that could lead to a health emergency. The diseases range from COVID-19 to various cancers to POTS. As of February 2022, these include: Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency), anaphylaxis, asthma, blood glucose (e.g., diabetes), congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS), complicated migraines, cortisol, drop attacks, epilepsy, heart conditions, hemiplaegic migraines, idiopathic pancreatitis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), narcolepsy, non-epileptic attack disorder (NEAD), nut allergy, postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), syncopy, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, colo-rectal cancer, breast cancer, malaria, Parkinson’s, COVID-19, Pseudomonas bacteria, E. coli bacteria and canine cancer. As we’ve previously posted, many animals have super-powered detecting skills. Dogs are particularly good at this because of their incredible olfactory senses and regular proximity to humans. The ability for dogs to detect certain diseases or conditions using their incredible sense of smell – between 10,000 and 100,000 times more acute than a human’s – that might otherwise go unnoticed has been gaining traction for around the last 30 years. Dogs have around 300 million olfactory receptors vs about 6 million in humans. This skill comes in handy for those dealing with medical issues at work or at home. Medical detection dogs are able to perform two critical roles in this field. In a controlled bio-detection setting, they can be used to indicate the presence of a disease in samples such as urine, sw... Read more

Veterinarians Face a Mental Health Crisis

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 09:08:00 -0400

The people who care for our pets are hurting. Across the animal care industry, many veterinarians, vet technicians, and nurses are experiencing increased stress, pandemic-related burnout, and suicide rates almost four times higher than those in the general population. “I think that a lot of people aren’t really aware of just how hard [the pandemic] was for us,” says Dr. Heidi Heller, a practicing veterinarian for 19 years. “It was almost impossible to meet the needs of our patients because there were just so many pets that needed care.” According to Christine Klippen, a veterinarian at Friendship Hospital for Animals, the mental health crisis among veterinarians is often attributed to moral distress at seeing animals suffer, having to administer euthanasia, and “mean patients.” But the real root, she says, is overwork. More than 23 million American households—nearly 1 in 5—adopted a pet during the pandemic, straining health care providers like Klippen. And staffing shortages have compounded the problem. Vets don’t get breaks, says Klippen, who spoke to Washingtonian after pulling two overnight shifts. “It’s hard to get all the work done,” she says. That pressure is one of the reasons Heller is now the managing director at Small Door, a new type of member-only clinic in DC where pet owners pay an annual fee in return for an annual exam, 24/7 telehealth support, and same-day or next-day appointments. Membership-only animal clinics are popping up around the East Coast, and Small Door already has two locations in New York and Boston. Owner Josh Guttman, a DC native, expanded to his hometown earlier this month. The company claims it was founded in order to “make life better for veterinary care providers,” and Heller says membership clinics differ from traditional ones by focusing giving doctors sufficient time with patients instead of seeing as many patients as possible. At previous places she has worked, Heller says, appointments were so overbooked that she wou... Read more

A Prayer From Beyond The Rainbow Bridge

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 20:44:00 -0400

For all of you who have lost a pet..... I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep. I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear, "It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here." I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea, You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me. I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore. I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more. I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care. I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there. I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key. I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said " it's me." You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair. I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there. It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday. To say to you with certainty, "I never went away." You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew... In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you. The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning." And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide, I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side. I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see. Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me. Author ~ unknown Dedicated to Fritz, and Heidi, and Sapphire, and Beemer and Mickey My babies put their welfare in my hands, and they are waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for us to reunite again. Boss Schnauzer ... Read more

Twelve Reasons Why You Should Adopt A Senior Dog

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 09:16:00 -0500

Animal shelters across the country house dogs of all shapes, sizes, breeds, and ages, but sadly, older animals are often among the last to find forever homes. Many senior dogs in shelters have spent their entire existence as part of a family, but at a time in their lives when they most need human care and companionship, they're surrendered to a shelter for any number of reasons, including ill health, incontinence, or another condition of old age. In other cases, the owner passes away and surviving family members can't or don't want to care for the dog left behind. The reasons potential adopters often steer clear of older dogs include: They're not as cute as puppies They may have, or may develop serious, expensive health problems They don't seem as perky or playful as younger animals The prospective pet parent has recently lost a dog and can't bear the thought of losing another companion to old age within a few years Many older pets live out the remainder of their lives in shelters or are euthanized to make room for more adoptable animals. This is a heartbreaking end to the life of a once much-loved pet. If you're thinking of adopting an animal companion, an older dog might be just the furry friend you need, so I encourage you to keep an open mind. Why a Senior Dog May Be the Perfect Pet for You 1.You can pick your perfect dog — If you're looking for a short-haired dog, for example, or one with no history of health problems, you can search until you find an older pet with exactly those qualities. If you happen to have a cat and are looking for a feline-friendly dog, you can ask to see older dogs who lived with cats in their former homes. 2.You can adopt a purebred senior — If you really love a certain breed of dog, chances are there's a breed rescue organization that can point you in the direction of older purebred pets in need of homes. 3.Seeing is believing — A senior dog holds no surprises as to how big he might get, what color his adult coat will... Read more

Water Intoxication Is Dangerous For Water-Loving Pets

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 10:55:00 -0400

Shared from someone else, not my furbaby, but important information to share. Yesterday after a day filled with fun, fetch and swimming in Lake Windermere, Myself, Lucy & Tiggy had to say goodbye to our best friend Max. He collapsed and was rushed to the nearest vets where he was diagnosed immediately with Water Intoxication and put on drips of sodium, potassium and mannitol to increase his electrolytes and relieve pressure on his brain. After 7 hours of determination from the vets and nurses, Max was unable to pull through. “Water Intoxication is a relatively rare but frequently fatal condition in dogs. At highest risk are dogs that enjoy playing in the water for long stretches.” We are so unbelievably devastated that a simple game of fetch in the water, something we had done a hundred times before, resulted in such a perfect day turning into our worst nightmare. Water Intoxication was something we knew nothing about. At this time of year, so much awareness is spread about not leaving dogs in hot cars but no one ever mentions the hazardous effects of your dog ingesting too much water whilst playing. We have had to learn the hard way and all we can do now is spread awareness of this terrible condition in the hope that other dog owners are informed. Please share this post to spread awareness of Water Intoxication and save lives We Love You Maxy xxx Beware of water intoxication in dogs! This is caused by excessive water intake by the dog while playing in the water Symptoms to look out for are loss of coordination, glazed eyes, lethargy, nausea, vomiting and excessive salivation. ... if you suspect your dog is suffering from water intoxication, they need immediate medical attention.<3