With the promise of summer just around the corner here on Florida’s Suncoast, what better way is there to welcome the new season than with a cover photo of an oh-so-handsome Australian Labradoodle who loves swimming, kayaking and all water sports? At two years of age, Louie Blue is a playful pup who has proven to be the perfect companion for the Watts/Young family of Sarasota. With the most exquisite golden brown/honey-colored eyes, the pup charms each person he meets with his always-wagging tail and happy-go-lucky personality. But luck didn’t seem to be on Louie Blue’s side last Christmas when a critical illness developed unexpectedly and nearly took his life! Find out more about this extraordinary pup and the family who loves him in the article on page 16. Cover photo by the extremely talented Sherri Krams of Moments Unleashed by Sherri Krams Photography
With the publication of the March/April issue, Suncoast Pet is celebrating its 16th anniversary! Featured on our cover is an adorable kitten, just 9 months old, named Wilson, who was found as a stray at the very young age of five weeks and taken to Sarasota County Animal Services (SCAS) by a Good Samaritan. Suffering from lameness in his back left leg, the kitten was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he was diagnosed with multiple fractures that would require rest and rehabilitation in a quiet environment for up to five weeks. HSLWR Society of Lakewood Ranch stepped up to the plate and took the kitten from animals services and then posted the kitten’s photo in a private Facebook for shelter volunteers, searching for a foster home. That’s when Sherri Krams of Moments Unleashed Photography first set eyes on the kitten and volunteered to take him in to help him heal. It’s a fairly typical fostering tale, but what makes this story so unique is that Sherri—who also happens to be Suncoast Pet’s cover photographer—has always been a tried-and-true “dog person”! What is it about Wilson that made Sherri fall head over heels? And how did this affectionate, playful and just-a-bit mischievous kitten change have an impact on Sherri’s photography? You can read all about this happily-ever-after story in the article that begins on page 34. And, just in case you were wondering, Wilson’s picture-perfect pose—with is front paws firmly planted on the floor,, his tail upright behind him and his eyes gazing straight at the camera—was masterfully captured by his new momma!
Happy New Year! For this, the first issue of 2023, Suncoast Pet is proud to feature two lovable pups, Jack and Danny, who are waiting in foster care at Canine Castaways for a new forever home of their own! Once again, Sherri Krams of Moments Unleashed Photography by Sherri Krams, expertly captured these playful pups, which was no easy feat to get not one, but two dogs to stand perfectly still for a photo…but Sherri made it happen! Through no fault of their own, Danny, at left, and Jack, at right, are currently in foster care for the second time. Since they were puppies, the pair lived in a loving home with a mom who absolutely adored them. However, when it came time for her to move to an assisted-living facility that did not accept pets, she surrendered them to Canine Castaways with the understanding that the dogs would be adopted together in their next home. Several months passed before a new mom stepped up and adopted the boys. But, as fate would have it, Jack and Danny were returned to Canine Castaways after six short weeks because their new mom passed away unexpectedly. They say the third time’s a charm, so here’s hoping that one of Suncoast Pet’s readers will fall in love with Jack and Danny and give them another loving home for the rest of their lives. Read all about Jack and Danny in the article that begins on page 16. And as a bonus, you’ll find out all the “deets” about Canine Castaways’ exciting news: The animal group, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023, has opened up a new veterinary clinic—Fur-Ever Friends Animal Hospital in Arcadia, bring affordable wellness, after-hours and urgent care —along with an array of veterinary services—to DeSoto County and beyond!
In celebration of the holiday season, Suncoast Pet is proud to feature Ghost, a Labrador Retriever/Pittie mix, on the cover of this, our annual holiday issue! Rescued on the side of a highway on the Texas/Oklahoma, Ghost was just a tiny pup that probably had been abandoned on the side of the busy roadway. But fate intervened, and a dog lover traveling that same route spotted the pup on the median, about to dart into the traffic. Three and a half years later, Ghost and his mama are the closest of companions and share an exciting life together! Now 4 years of age, he is the happiest of pups and his tale of abandonment and adoption is an important reminder of the limitless joy that rescue dogs and cats can bring. Read more about Ghost’s story in the article that begins on page 14. Once again, our exquisite cover photo is by Sherri Krams of Moments Unleashed by Sherri Krams Photography.
Autumn is just around the corner, and Suncoast Pet is celebrating the beginning of the season with an adorable Corgi named Lily, who has a captivating smile and the sweetest personality on our cover! Now 9 months old, Lily joined her new family at the right time, just a few short months before they lost their beloved Chihuahua mix, LJ. But don’t let that smile fool you…this pint-sized “Daddy’s girl” has proven to be a little troublemaker on more than one occasion! You can find out all about Lily’s escapades in the article that begins on page 26 of this issue. Cover photo by Sherri Krams of Moments Unleashed by Sherri Krams Photography
Looking oh-so-patriotic for Suncoast Pet’s July/August issue is Mako, a rescue pup that started his life in a loving home with his mom, only to be surrendered by his owner at about 1 1/2 years of age to DeSoto County Animal Services. As fate would have it, Danielle “Dani” Ziegler, shelter manager for Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch, spotted the pup when she visited the Arcadia animal shelter and just couldn’t resist his “goofy” personality! Find out more about Mako’s happily ever after in the article on page 28!
Featured on the cover of this, Suncoast Pet’s May/June 2022 issue, is an adorable, freckled kitty named Cricket, who is waiting to find his forever home at Cat Depot in Sarasota! Looking oh-so-handsome in this exceptional photograph taken by Sherri Krams of Moments Unleashed by Sherri Krams Photography, Cricket shares a special bond with Harry, another kitty at Cat Depot, and will be adopted as a darling duo! But wait, there’s more: A third cat, CJ, also has a strong bond with Cricket and Harry, so the ideal adopter would make room in his/her home for all three kitties. While all of the cats share a lasting bond, they also have something else in common: Each kitty has been diagnosed with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), which only means that Cricket, CJ and Harry have a lower immune response than non-FIV cats! There are a lot of myths about FIV, and in the cover story about Cricket and his pod mates on pages 44 and 45 of this issue, you’ll find the facts behind six of the most common myths about FIV. If you are interested in giving these beautiful cats a forever home, visit www.catdepot.org/adopt for more information.
Suncoast Pet is celebrating its 15th anniversary with the publication of the March/April 2022 issue! And to commemorate this special edition of the magazine, Suncoast Pet is proud to feature Clark (at left) and Louis (at right), two Lakewood Ranch/Bradenton Frenchies that are becoming “Insta” famous! The boys’ mom, Karrie Fisher, launched @theadventuresoflouisandclark in April 2021 and has gained 2,057 followers in less than a year! I hope you’ll agree that these two brothers look adorable in this picture-perfect photo by Sherri Krams of Moments Unleashed by Sherri Krams Photography! Find out more about what these pups do for fun and how Clark and his mom bring joy and comfort to others in the article on pages 38 and 39 of this issue!
Happy New Year! As Suncoast Pet ramps up to celebrate its 15th anniversary, there couldn’t be a more beautiful cat to feature on the cover of the first issue of 2022! In this spectacular photo by Sherri Krams of Moments Unleased Photography by Sherri Krams, Jetta, a Maine Coon mix who was rescued from a hoarding situation in southern Vermont, now enjoys a quiet and comfortable life in Lakewood Ranch. Weighing barely 2 pounds when she “picked” her mom, Angela Webster Carlson, at a holiday open house held at Second Chance Animal Center in Vermont, Jetta, who is now 11 years old, is a sweet and “chill” cat that found contentment after a rough start in life. You can read Jetta and Angela’s story in the article that begins on page 22.
Here he is…the winner of Suncoast Pet’s Happy Pet Cover Photo Contest! And what a handsome and happy boy Toby is! At 3 years of age, this always smiling Rough Collie is not only very intelligent, but he’s talented, too! He has earned his AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate as well as a Novice Tricks certificate at Bayside Pet Resort of Osprey and has become an expert at carrying the mail home to his dad from the mailbox every day! Toby is the pride and joy of Karen and Dave Smith of Venice, who lovingly raised Toby from the age of 10 weeks. Find out more about this special pup and his family in the article that begins on page 22 of this issue. Photo by Sherri Krams of Moments Unleashed by Sherri Krams Photography
Suncoast Pet is honored to feature not one, but two national agility champions on the cover of this, our July/August 2021 issue! RayRay and Jester and the woman who absolutely adores them—Jill Chodelka of Lakewood Ranch—have taken the agility world by storm with an amazing 25 MACH and PACH championships and countless other awards! You can read all about this dynamic duo in the article that begins on page 42.
Suncoast Pet is honored to feature Serenaty Lumpkin and her pup, Mitzi, on the cover of the May/June issue of Suncoast Pet! A resident of Venice, Serenaty is not only an animal lover, but also an exceptional young woman who already is en route to making a difference on a global scale. You can read all about this teen on the go in the article that begins on page 44.
Suncoast Pet is celebrating its 14th anniversary with this, our March/April 2021 issue! Featured on our cover is an adorable Standard Poodle pup named Cosette, or “Cozy,” who, at just 12 weeks of age, is already in training to become a service dog! This issue is jam-packed with not-to-be-missed articles, so grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the read!
Talk about adorable! Featured on the cover of this, the very first issue of 2021, is a 6-month-old tuxedo kitten that goes by the legendary name Buddy Holly! A Cat Depot rescue that already has faced life-or-death circumstances, Buddy Holly is a somewhat shy, yet eager-to-love kitten awaiting his forever home in one of Cat Depot’s pods! Find out more about the cat that’s rockin’ the cover of this issue in the article that begins on page 38.
In the spirit of the holiday season, Suncoast Pet is proud to feature two Canine Castaways, Bella, at left, and Macey, at right, who are searching for a second chance at happiness because each of pups was returned to the animal group after living most of their young lives with their own families. But tragedy struck, and the people they loved could no longer care for them. It is our hope that by featuring Bella and Macey on the cover of Suncoast Pet’s holiday issue, we help make their holiday wishes of finding new homes come true! If you are interested in arranging a meet and greet with Bella or Macey, contact Canine Castaways by calling 863-491-MUTT (6888). Our festive holiday cover photograph was taken by the very talented Sherri Krams of Moments Unleashed by Sherri Krams Photography.
On our cover for this, Suncoast Pet’s September/October issue, is an adorable Poodle/Havanese mix named Quinn, who is the loving companion of Kim Barr, founder of Sun Dog Dezign. Quinn was adopted from a rescue group in northern Florida 5 years ago with a special purpose in mind—she was to become another pup’s “eyes,” a canine companion who would guide Phoebe, a 5-year-old Maltese mix, who was losing sight in both eyes. Read all about these special siblings in the article that begins on page 40.
Summer’s here, and nobody is enjoying it more than Suncoast Pet’s adorable cover pup, Boswell! At just 16 weeks of age, Boswell is a Miniature Bull Terrier that is the loving companion of Rebecca and Eddie Quigley of Sarasota. He’s just learning how to swim, but looks like a natural—cool and relaxed as he dips his toes in the water!—in this spectacular photo taken by Sherri Krams of Moments Unleashed by Sherri Krams Photography. You can find out more about Boswell and facts you need to know about living with “Bullys” in the article that begins on page 24.
There’s nothing quite like the joyful face of a rescue pup, and Shannon, our cover girl for the May/June issue of Suncoast Pet, is as happy as can be! That’s because she waited seven long years—in and out of a handful of homes—to find the perfect family of her own! The 7-year-old Chihuahua/Min Pin mix is the loving companion of Cindy Jackson, a very active volunteer with Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch, and her husband, Jim. Read all about Shannon’s rescue journey in the article on page 43.
In early February, Suncoast Pet ran a “Flash Kitty Cover Contest” on Facebook to find the “purr-fect” feline for our 13th Anniversary Issue! And the winner was Bentley, this handsome fella that was an owner surrender when he was just 2 years old! His momma, Cheyenne Williams of Shiney Day Specialized Pet Care, entered Bentley, who is now 7, in the contest, because he is one cool cat! Not only does he help nurture the kittens she fosters, but he also is a blood donor in a local blood bank program. Find out more about Bentley and his mom in the article on page 49.
Happy New Year! To welcome in 2020—a new year AND a new decade—Suncoast Pet is proud to feature Roscoe, a Chi/Min Pin mix, on the cover of our new January/February issue! Roscoe, who is just 4 years old, is a Manatee County Animal Services rescue adopted from the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch by Sherri Krams of Moments Unleashed by Sherri Krams Photography. You can read all about Roscoe, his mom and his sister, Zoey, a Chihuahua/Terrier mix, in the article on page 41.
Suncoast Pet is proud to feature two handsome Australian Shepherds—who happen to be brothers from the same litter—on the cover of this, the November/December holiday issue! Meet Shamrock & Clover, who, at just 18 months of age, were quite the challenge to photograph, because they rarely sit still! Thanks to Sherri Krams of Moments Unleashed Photography—a true professional—for capturing this spectacular shot of the boys with such happy faces! One of the pups is destined to become an agility champion…can you guess which one? You can read all about Shamrock & Clover in the article that begins on page 32.
Have you ever seen a happier face? Suncoast Pet is honored to introduce you to Grayson, a pup that was found running in the streets of Bradenton as a stray before he was scooped up and brought to UnderDog Rescue of Florida. It wasn’t long before Kim Atrosh spotted Grayson’s photo and decided to meet him at an adoption event at Pawsitively Healthy Pet Supply in Bradenton. Grayson climbed into Kim’s lap and cuddled up for a snooze…he found his new home! Read more about Kim and her rescued pup in the article that begins on page 39.
Summer is here, and Suncoast Pet found the most adorable cover girl – Harley, an 8-month-old Goldendoodle, who loved her very first day at the beach! Read all about Harley and her mama, Janelle Dionne of Sarasota, in the article on page 31
Suncoast Pet is proud to feature Fergus, a rescue kitty from Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue and winner of the Sixth Annual Cutest Kitty Cover Contest on the cover of our May/June 2019 issue! Fergus is the lovable feline companion of Mary Dietterle, executive director of Animal Rescue Coalition in Sarasota! Read all about this feisty feline in the article on page 53.
Suncoast Pet’s 12th anniversary issue is proud to feature “Scoobs” (Scooby Doo) on the cover of our March/April 2019 issue! A 5-year-old Pittie, Scoobs was scheduled to be euthanized around a week before she gave birth to a litter of puppies! Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue pulled the pup 2 1/2 years ago, and Scoobs really needs to find her forever family! Is she the pup for you? Contact Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue by calling 941-747-4900 if you are interested in adopting this loyal, fun-loving companion who can’t wait to meet you!
Happy New Year! Suncoast Pet is proud to feature Kai, a 2 1/2 -year-old Vizsla that has a very important job in life—he is a hearing service dog! This handsome pup also is an AKC champion and loves dock diving, luring coursing and more! Read all about how Kai is helping his human companion, Tom Cutting of Sarasota, hear in the special feature that begins on page 46!
On the cover of the November/December 2018 issue of Suncoast Pet is both thrilled and honored to feature Nik and Erendira Wallenda, “king” and “princess” of the high wire, known around the globe for their record-breaking—and heart-stopping—performances. Pictured here with their three dogs, Schnitzel, Gypsy and Ruby, the young couple openly shares how faith and family have profoundly influenced their lives in the exclusive interview that begins on Page 34.
Our beautiful cover girl is a 2-year-old cat named Ruthie, who has been waiting for her “furever” home at Humane Society of Manatee County’s Second Chance Adoption Center for more than a year! Ruthie is available for adoption, and the good news is she has a sponsor that will cover the adoption fee! If you are interested in adopting this green-eyed beauty, call 941-747-8808.
Talk about adorable! Our cover pup for Suncoast Pet’s July/August issue is a sweet boy named Liam who had a sad start in life, but is now a happy pup! Read all about Liam and his mom, Gale Midwood, in the article that appears on page 22!
Here, on the cover of Suncoast Pet’s May/June issue is an adorable “Cheagle” (Chihuahua/Beagle mix) named Buckeye, who is one of the mascots at Three Dog Bakery in University Park. Read all about Buckeye and his family’s business in the Community Spotlight that begins on page 30 of this issue!
Meet Rusty Cricket, winner of Suncoast Pet’s 5th Annual Cutest Kitty Cover Contest! This 6-month-old kitten was found on the side of the road, nearly drowned, last September and now is the happy sibling of a dog and three other cats that are the furry members of Carol and John Masio’s household! Read all about Rusty Cricket’s story (and see all the contest entries!) on pages 30 and 31 of this issue!
Featured on the cover of our January/February 2018 issue is Elizabeth Shaw, a determined 10-year-old girl who is doing everything she can to raise money for Greyhounds! Read her inspiring story on page 22 of this issue! Who is Elizabeth with? Well, it’s Grace from Bone Appetite, of course!
Can you guess who is pictured on the cover of this issue? Suncoast Pet is hosting a Holiday Contest! One lucky reader will win a holiday gift basket valued at $75 from Wet Noses and a chance to be featured in the January/February 2018 issue of Suncoast Pet with this adorable pet and his/her parents! To enter the contest, visit https://suncoastpet.com/whos-on-our-cover-enter-the-holiday-contest/ or mail in the form on page 45 of this issue!
Suncoast Pet is honored to feature two handsome English Sheepdogs on our cover! Winston & George are the happy canine companions of Patti & Greg Kaighn, owners of D.I.Y. Dog, a new “dog improvement store” in Sarasota! Read all about the pups and this exciting new business in the profile that begins on page 36!
Talk about Beautiful! Suncoast Pet is proud to feature Dok, a Hyacinth Macaw that spends his days at Bayshore Animal Hospital in Bradenton on the cover of our July/August issue. Dok is the winner of Suncoast Pet’s 1st Annual Beautiful Bird Contest! Read the article about this spectacular bird on Page 34.
Gracing the cover of Suncoast Pet’s May/June issue is a sweet Chinese Crested Dog named Elvira, who lives with her pet parents in Nokomis! What makes this adorable pup so special? Be sure to read Elvira’s story on page 51!
It’s Suncoast Pet’s 10th Anniversary! With this special publication, we are honored to feature the winner of Suncoast Pet’s 4th Annual Cover Kitty Contest, Delilah, a Calico/Maine Coon mix that is the faithful companion of Lisa Hummel of Sarasota. Read all about this special kitty in the profile that begins on page 46.
Penny is a 12-year-old Chihuahua who is the “Spokespup” for Suncoast Pet’s special edition spotlighting senior pets! Penny is one of “the Roamans,” traveling the country in an RV. Find out more about this elderly, but active senior pup in the article that begins on page 32!
Meet Angel, a 14-year-old Vintage Paws pup waiting for her forever home! In our local animal community, Angel has been waiting the longest to be adopted! Be sure to read the article about this adorable pup on page 52 of this issue. Also, there are seven more pups featured on page 53 who are waiting at our local animal groups and shelters for families to call their own, too!
In honor of our special feature, “Loving a Special-Needs Pet,” Suncoast Pet is proud to feature Miss Olive, the “diva-licious host” of “The Doggy Diva Show” on the cover of our September/October issue!
Suncoast Pet is proud to introduce Hope of Branded Heart Stables in Englewood, winner of our Therapy/Service Animal Contest! Read all about the joy that this beautiful registered miniature therapy horse brings to veterans, the elderly and special-needs children and adults in the article that begins on page 34 in this issue of Suncoast Pet!
Meet Jake and Elwood, winners of the cover contest co-sponsored by Bayside Pet Resort of Osprey and Suncoast Pet! These handsome brothers are pictured poolside in the outdoor courtyard at Bayside’s newest location in Osprey!
Meet Nala, winner of Suncoast Pet’s Third Annual Cutest Kitty Cover Contest, featured on the cover of the March/April 2016 issue! Nala’s breathtaking beauty was so expertly captured by professional photographer Doreen Birdsell!
To welcome in the New Year, Suncoast Pet features two adorable, five-week-old puppies, Josie and River, on the cover of our January/February 2016 issue!
Just in time for the holidays, Suncoast Pet is proud to feature Cooper, a very handsome miniature horse, who is one of two equine companions of Sarasota resident Chris Deluna!
In celebration of our feature article on Racing Dog Retirement Project (RDRP), meet Roxie, Buddy and Grace, all RDRP dogs that are retired, adopted and loving life!
Meet Abby, a five-year-old Labradoodle who is the winner of the Cover Photo Contest co-sponsored by Florida Studio Theatre and Suncoast Pet!
Here’s the Winner of the Second Annual Cutest Kitty Contest! Inky is a Cat Depot kitty looking for a forever home…very lovable, enjoys walking on a leash and gets along well with other dogs and cats. Is Inky the kitty for you? Come meet him at Cat Depot!
With the debut of Suncoast Pet, we are especially honored to feature Max Winitz and Hayley Wielgus, news anchors for ABC 7, and their two rescued Rat Terriers, Jade and Mattie, on our cover!
Our January/February 2015 issue of Sarasota Pet features the #1 Flat-Coated Retriever in the world of agility in the United States, who simply goes by the name “Puppy.”
Coco, an adorable Chiweenie adopted from Safe Haven Animal Rescue, graces the cover of our holiday issue!
Check out the September/October 2014 issue of Sarasota Pet, featuring Ralph and Molly on our cover!
July/August Issue of Sarasota Pet, Featuring Cheeto, the Winner of Our “Cutest Kitty Contest”
May/June 2014 Issue of Sarasota Pet
March/April 2014 Issue of Sarasota Pet
Sarasota Pet had a special goal for this, our “holiday issue”: I wanted to find the pup that has been in a shelter or with a local animal group for the longest period of time. My hope is that by featuring him or her on the cover, one of our loyal readers would fall in love and bring the pup home for the holidays! Meet Winter, a 10-year-old German Shepherd Dog/Hound mix who, sadly, has been at Satchel’s Last Resort Sanctuary in Sarasota for 8 1/2 years. He is very lovable and calm, but extremely shy and needs a human companion of his own. Read all about Winter in the article on page 30 in this issue. Help us find Winter his forever home!
October/November 2013 – In honor of the celebration of Cat Depot’s 10th anniversary, Sarasota Pet & Manatee Pet are proud to feature “Mighty Lou,” the Caped Crusader for Cat Depot’s new “Friends Like Me” program, on the cover. You won’t want to miss the amazing story of Mighty Lou and his “hero,” award-winning artist Nancy Colby, on pages 36 and 37. And be sure to read the “Community Spotlight” that celebrates Cat Depot’s decade of extraordinary achievements and successes that begins on page 39.
August/September 2013 Issue—Featured on the cover, Coco, a senior pup and a former Vintage Paws Sanctuary resident given a silver lining and a new forever home! Read the profile on Vintage Paws Sanctuary that begins on Page 42.
June/July 2013 Issue—Featured on our cover: Coco, a Blue and Gold Macaw that now resides at Birds of Paradise Sanctuary & Rescue in Palmetto
April/May 2013 Issue—Featured on our cover: William, a Woburn Scottish Terrier, the companion of Skip Sodano from North Port!
February/March 2013 Issue—Featured on our cover: Merry Sunshine of Petmopolitan Pet Food
