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Congratulations to our January 2022 Pet of the Month, Tim Matray. Read his bio below:)

“This is Tim. He’s an 18 lb Boston Terrier that is approximately 8 to 10 years old. His exact age is unknown because he was adopted from an animal shelter after being found wandering in a field without any identification or chip. Once the shelter’s waiting period was over, he was brought home and has been loved and spoiled ever since.

Tim is super sweet, gentle, kind, loving, playful, and silly. His favorite things are accompanying mom and dad wherever they are, food, playing with toys, chasing lizards, curling up in blankets, and snoring. He only ever barks when he’s dreaming in his sleep.

Tim has been under veterinary care for health issues for much of the six years he has been with us. 2021 was particularly challenging, though, as Tim was diagnosed with myeloencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE), a degenerative mitral valve, and a heart murmur in quick succession. In Tim’s case of MUE, his immune system is attacking his central nervous system leading to inflammation in his brain and cluster seizures. The bad news is that this is a terminal illness; the good news is that there is a treatment that can help prolong a good quality of life and his vets are all pleased with his response so far. To help, Tim is on multiple medications, including anticonvulsants, a steroid, and chemo injections on back-to-back days every three weeks. Tim is handling it all like a champ, and if you didn’t know any better, you’d think Tim is Tim, only a few steps slower due to the medication and his condition.

Tim is a dear family member, a best friend. He helped bring my wife and me together and has gotten me through many tough times. I promised him I will do everything I can for him until he let’s me know it’s time. Until then, we are making the most of each day and cherishing the time we have with him. Tim is an extraordinary dog, and I only hope he knows how much he is loved.

That said, we’d like to thank the entire team at TOAH, particularly Dr. McPherson, the technicians, and the front office team, who are always kind and provide excellent care for Tim. We’d also like to thank the neurology team at Blue Pearl Maitland (formerly AVS), particularly Dr. Miller, Dr. Knight, Dr. Blakey, their techs, and front office staff as well.

You have ALL helped Tim and our family through some tough times, and we will be forever grateful. Thank you, thank you!”

Congratulations to our December 2021 Pet of the month, Sammy Stubberfield. Read his bio below:)

“Sammy is our “mellow” boy. He goes with the flow most of the time..until it is time for his medicine.
Sammy lived next door to us in California, but they had four dogs, and none of them liked Sam, so he was a 24/7 outdoors cat. Eventually, Sam would hang out at our house, and we amicably acquired him. He even moved with us cross country along with Sadie, our other cat.
Sammy and Sadie are now indoor cats and enjoy watching all the funny creatures in our yard. TOAH has helped Sammy with his allergies and continues their compassionate service. Here’s to our Sammy! Thanks, TOAH”

Congratulations to our November 2021 Pet of the M0nth! FOZZIE BEAR MARINSHAW! Read his bio below:)

“Hi there! I was born on September 17, 2016, on a farm in Alabama.  I have four brothers, and all of us had our pictures on a website so people could pick out which puppy they wanted.  My new mommy and daddy decided they wanted me, so after nine weeks, someone drove me to Chuluota to meet them.  I liked them right away, and they LOVED me.  They said I looked like Fozzie Bear from the Muppets, so that’s how I got my name.

I grew fast, ate a lot, played a lot, went to obedience school to become a better pet, but sometimes mommy and daddy say I need to go back for more schooling.  I always like to go for walks.  Sometimes I drink out of the sprinklers in different yards.  Sometimes I find treasures I want to take home, like sunglasses, masks, tree limbs, or empty paper cups.

One thing I love to do is pick up shoes, clothing, pillows, magazines, or food and run around the house to make mommy and daddy chase me.  Another “bad dog” thing I did was chase 16 chickens around their yard to drive them crazy, and now I’m not allowed to go back to their house.  I think these are the reasons mommy and daddy want me to go back to obedience school.

Other things I like are playing tug-of-war with my humans or other dogs, taking naps with my stuffed animals, stretching out on furniture or the floor, and carrying a bag of dog treats around, hoping someone will open it for me.

My very favorite thing to do is go today play to hang out with my dog buddies and the pack leaders, run around like crazy, put my head underwater, and roll in the mud.  It sure is FUN!  I love it when it’s ice cream day.  Sometimes after day play, I get a nice bath, nails trimmed, ears cleaned and blown dry.  I love that too.  Mommy says I smell better after the bath.

Now that you know me, better come and play with me.  Hope to see you at day play ….

Love, Fozzie”

Congratulations to our September 2021 Pet of the Month, Reese Campbell!! Read his bio below:

“Hi, my name is Reese; it’s actually Mel’s Reese Is Better Than Chocolate, according to my AKC registration. I was born on 05/18/2011 and lived with a brother until 10/30/2018 when my first Mom listed me on “Rescue Me” because she was moving in with her fiance, who would not allow two dogs. When my current Mom drove 60 plus miles to meet me  –  my crate, kibble, and two toys were packed and ready to go. I was scared and shy, but my new Mom immediately began talking in a kind, warm voice and loaded me into her car. On the way home, I cried a little. I found I was no longer locked in my crate but was allowed to roam in the house wherever I wanted to go.  I quickly learned to wait to go outside on a leash to relieve myself.

Within weeks I met my vet, the kind, gentle Dr. Fullenwider, and technicians at TOAH for my first dental and neutering. All went well, except every year since I’ve had to have several teeth pulled as my gums keep deteriorating – ugh!

As I was not leash trained, we had difficulty going for walks because I wanted to chase every squirrel, gecko, and certain other dogs out for their walks, but as Mom had recently had shoulder surgery. I pulled and jerked (a lot!), so Mom found a great trainer, and I went to Boot Camp for six weeks. (Mom cried). I learned to come, stay, heel, sit, lay down, and ‘leave it. Now I listen to Mom most of the time except when I meet a dog I do not like, or that is walking in front of our house,  or when the doorbell rings or repairmen come into the house, I express my protectiveness for my Mom.  My ‘Aunt’ says I am my Mom’s shadow ‘cause I follow Mom around from room-to-room and ‘cry’  if she goes outside without me. When I ‘cry,’ I sound just like a baby! One is a sad “cry,” and one is an excited “cry,” but both are loud.

At home, I am not a cuddler, although I am working on it. I wouldn’t say I like many toys, only my fleece lamb, which I carry around in my mouth, sometimes whining until I lay down to rest. I’m not too fond of balls or playing fetch. A nap is more suitable.

I like to ride in the car. Every four weeks, I ride in the car to go to the groomer because my hair is “curly and fine,” getting matted easily on my tummy and legs, and this is okay. Still, when Mom takes me to TOAH Play Day, I get all excited as we get a couple of blocks away, and I begin to ‘cry,’ excited to see my friends (techs). Interestingly I am not aggressive with any of the other dogs at Play Day. This is because I really like Play Day.”

Congratulations to our July 2021 Pet of the Month, Teeny Lane. 

Read her bio below:)

“Teeny became part of the family in May 2011 when she was around 4 years old. She likes to be where the action is and will often gravitate to wherever people are hanging out. Her favorite type of toy is a string or shoelace that she can chase, then lie down and chew on. She loves snuggling and will cuddle up whenever Mom lies on the couch. She’s very vocal and will sometimes meow quietly to herself with no apparent notice of anyone who may be listening. During the pandemic, Teeny accomplished a long-sought-after goal of losing weight, dropping down to 15 lbs., a 20% decrease from a year ago!”

Congratulation to our June 2021 pet of the month, Nudie Wrinkles. Read his bio below:)

“Nudie came to us from a Sphynx rescue group when he was just six months old. He quickly took over the household with his personality and his range of noises. He is keen on letting us know his feeling at all times. His affection is on his terms that result in cuddles that are more meaningful to his moms. When guests come over, he loves to show off. He loves playing with his toy cat wands and jumping long distances. Once, he had to have a bath because a failed jump resulted in him being soaked in wine. Although hairless, he feels similar to a peach and has a furry nose and tail.  He enjoys sitting in his hanging window hammock in the Florida room, chirping at birds and lizards, and cuddling with mom when he’s ready for treats or wet food.”

Congratulations to our May 20201 Pet of the Month! Gus Webb!!

Read a cute note from his mommy below:

‘I rescued Gus from Rescuing Animals In Need (RAIN) as a three-month-old puppy.  He has always been A LOT of dogs! He loves everyone and everything he meets and takes on the world with GUSto! This includes his weekly day play at TOAH. He especially loves Isabella, who takes extra time to work with him. As an extrovert, Gus has pulled this little introvert out of her shell and made me talk to people. Who rescued who? There is no question, Gus rescued me. ”

Congratulations to our April 2021 Pet of the Month Molly Long!!!

“In February 2017, Molly was abandoned in the woods after recently having puppies and was picked up by Animal Control. A Pitbull Rescue obtained her from Animal Control, and they posted her pitiful picture on Facebook with a caption indicating she would be put down if she wasn’t immediately adopted. So, I felt “called” to adopt this sweet girl.

Molly’s birthday is approximately January 2015. No one is sure, though. It was apparent she had gone through some rough times. She was shy and withdrawn for the first few days after arriving at our home and kept to herself. However, she gradually came around to the adorable, social girl she is now. She loves treats. Her taste becomes more refined as she gets older (the more expensive, the better). However, she has no interest in toys…… unless another dog has one or wants one of her toys. 

She’s sweet, sassy, friendly, and laid back. She comes alive when she knows we’re going to TOAH’s day play! She loves the staff and her friends, and she is surely worn out when she returns home. 

I’m happy she came to me, and I couldn’t offer her a more wonderful life.”