PAWS AND PURRS

UPDATES FROM WAGS TO WHISKERS

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THERE’S LIKE, A LOT OF DOGS HERE

As some of you may know, I founded a senior dog sanctuary and hospice in 2023, which I run out of my home, called Duke Dog’s Den. We are a small non-profit with BIG DREAMS. Some of you were around when I lost Duke, but may not know his story. I invite you to read about him and how we met on our website.

Right now, Duke’s Den has three residents - Dixie Bell, Bailey, and Trixie. You can keep up with these old gals on our socials - TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook.

Dixie Bell is the sweetest 13 year old rottie mix - currently undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma. She has arthritis, chronic UTIs, and the best smile.

Bailey is 7 years old and is in liver failure. She was recently voted the SPCA of Brevard’s Purr-rom Queen and is featured on the can of a special IPA from Playalinda Brewing Co. You can purchase a can or a draft at Brix in Titusville. This special brew supports the SPCA of Brevard.

Trixie is our newest resident, and boy, is she keeping me on my toes. Trixie is an almost 13 year old Pomsky and was surrendered to us because she was diagnosed with diabetes and her family was unable to care for her financially or emotionally. Unfortunately, her diabetes went untreated longer than it should have and she now suffers from diabetic cataracts. A supporter recently ordered Trixie a Halo Harness, and it should be here soon. Stay tuned to find out how Trixie learns to navigate her new surroundings with this new contraption.

I invite my clients to make a tax-deductible donation to Duke Dog’s Den in lieu of a tip. Every cent of your donation goes directly to the care of these pups - food, medication, vet visits, and even fun stuff like toys and treats.

DIXIE BELL

BAILEY

TRIXIE

Why Heartworm Prevention Matters for Your Pup — Especially Here in Florida

My dog, Duke, who I fostered through his heartworm treatment and then adopted (with my pug Puggy Sue) in 2015.

As a trusted pet sitter, I know just how much our pets mean to us. They're family. That’s why I want to help you protect them from one of the most serious — and preventable — health threats facing dogs: heartworm disease.

What Is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease is a life-threatening condition caused by parasitic worms living in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of affected dogs. It’s transmitted through mosquito bites — and unfortunately, our warm, humid climate creates the perfect environment for mosquitoes to thrive year-round.

According to the American Heartworm Society, Florida is among the US states with the highest number of heartworm-positive pets. That’s why prevention isn’t just a suggestion here — it’s a must.

How Dogs Get Heartworms

The process starts when a mosquito bites an infected animal and picks up microscopic heartworm larvae. Those larvae develop inside the mosquito and are passed to the next dog they bite. Once in the body, the larvae enter the bloodstream, make their way to the heart, and begin to grow — maturing into full-size worms over about six months.

Signs of Heartworm in Dogs

In early stages, most dogs show no signs at all. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include:

  • A persistent, mild cough

  • Fatigue after exercise

  • Decreased appetite

  • Weight loss

  • Swollen belly due to fluid buildup

  • In severe cases, heart failure or sudden cardiovascular collapse

Heartworm disease is silent but deadly. By the time symptoms appear, damage may already be significant.

Treatment Is Tough — But Prevention Is Easy

Heartworm treatment is expensive, lengthy, and hard on your pup. It involves multiple medications and strict activity restrictions, and even then, full recovery isn't guaranteed.

The good news? Heartworm disease is 100% preventable.

Monthly heartworm prevention — whether as a chewable tablet or topical solution — is a simple way to keep your dog safe. Even indoor dogs are at risk, because all it takes is one mosquito bite.

Year-Round Prevention Is Key

Don’t let mild winters fool you — mosquitoes don’t disappear in the colder months. They can lie dormant and become active again on warm days. That’s why veterinarians recommend year-round prevention and annual heartworm testing, even if you never miss a dose.

What You Can Do

As your pet sitter, I’m always looking out for the well-being of your pets. I encourage you to:

  • Talk to your vet about year-round heartworm prevention

  • Schedule yearly heartworm tests

  • Keep up with monthly preventives, even in winter

Because nothing matters more than keeping your furry family safe, happy, and healthy — all year long.

FEEDING COMMUNITY CATS

For over four years, I have been committed to providing food, water, and medical care, when necessary, to free-roaming and feral cats within our community.

By working with the SPCA of Brevard, some of these cats have even gone on to get adopted into loving homes.

I am driven by compassion to help these cats survive, but it doesn’t come cheap. Each morning we feed upwards of 10 cats, which is a lot of food to go through each week.

Here’s how you can help -

If you have a finicky cat, who doesn’t care for the food you purchased - please consider donating that food to me/Duke Dog’s Den and we will put it to very good use.

We’ve also set up an Amazon Wish List featuring the food we feed on a regular basis.

Absolutely anything helps when feeding community cats. They (and we) thank you.

I’LL TAKE IT OFF YOUR HANDS

Thinking about donating towels, blankets, bath rugs (non slip), pet toys, collars, leashes, or food? Between Duke Dog’s Den and the SPCA of Brevard, we have a need. I can save you a trip to the thrift store and pick up everything from you.

Duke Dog’s Dens often needs food, leashes and collars. The SPCA goes through quite a lot of towels, blankets and rugs.

Your donations are tax deductible regardless of which organization they go to.

GOT A SECOND TO LEAVE A REVIEW?

Many of you originally found me on Rover and know I use that as a marketing tool for my company. Recently, I’ve been contacted by quite a few people who have found me on Google. While I have numerous reviews on Rover, I’m lacking in reviews on Google. If you have some time to spare, please consider visiting https://g.page/r/CcZffHeZS8loEAE/review (or scan the QR code) to leave a review. This helps potential clients know their pets will be in good hands when they hire me.

AS A WAY TO SAY THANK YOU

As a way to say thank you for putting your trust in me and allowing me to spend time with your special family members, each month I give away a free visit (drop in or walk) to a client chosen at random from my bookings during the previous month.

The winner is announced on my socials and also notified by text. The free visit can be used any time and will not expire.