Page 18 - Boca Club News - April '21

Page 18, Boca Club News

Nature & Pets

The Environmental Enthusiast: Monarch Magic

By Tina K. VaLant. Remember Dr. goodbyes. The group headed to they help to increase yield of flowers, fruits, vegetables...
Doolittle, the man who was able to a local eatery for a celebration and beauty. Butterflies’ presence/absence is a barometer of
converse with all the animals? Boca of life. I asked my spouse to environmental change.
Raton’s Tina VaLant, who was named go ahead; I just wanted to be Whether a caterpillar blossoms into a beloved Monarch,
Palm Beach County “Animal Friend alone, outside for a moment. a giant Swallowtail, or a tiny Sulphur, their very lives
of the Year,” doesn’t claim that ability, Under a graceful gumbo limbo matter. As illustrated by Edward Lorenz with “The Butterfly
but she does relate remarkably well tree, I inhaled the sweet scent, Effect,” the flutter of a butterfly’s wings can indeed affect
to flora and fauna. An avid rescuer felt the cool breeze and warmth weather patterns in a distant hemisphere. Small, seemingly
(known for her beloved Australian of the sun. I closed my eyes in insignificant changes can indeed create monumental changes.
shepherds), she serves as a foster home to surrendered pets, gratitude and committed it all With every thought we give attention to, every bite we take,
volunteers with numerous organizations and assists wildlife. to memory, with a couple of every dollar we spend and every action we set into motion,
She raises/releases ten species of native butterflies, for over deep breaths. Slowly, I opened we are creating momentum, choices and results. Some, we
20 years. Recently she garnered worldwide attention with an my eyes. Something caught may not live to see. Yet, the butterfly perseveres. What can
unexpected animal adventure: reCRABilitation of HERbert, a my attention: a Monarch. He encircled me twice and soared you do to help boost these beneficial beauties?
limbless blue land crab. For over four decades, Tina’s award- upward toward the billowy clouds. I would need to fix my • Seek natural alternatives to chemical pesticides.
winning company, Extraordinary Photography, captures mascara again. My interest in lepidoptera took flight at that • Decrease/eliminate use of disposable items. Reduce,
portraits, pets, weddings, and events. She will answer very moment. recycle and reuse.
questions at TinaValant.com or (561) 945-6363. Not only can butterflies serve as heavenly messengers, • Dedicate a space in your yard, even if it’s just a flower
From my meager beginnings of releasing 36 Monarchs my they mesmerize us with their beauty, color and graceful flight. pot, as a nectar source for pollinators.
first year, I have expanded to raising/releasing ten species of They signify transformation, renewal and hope, throughout • Plant milkweed. Native varieties preferred, but any are
butterflies (and one moth species) over the past two decades. their miraculous metamorphosis. Against all odds, a tiny welcome additions to host butterfly nurseries.
Known (in person and on social media) as “the butterfly lady,” egg transforms into a caterpillar, expanding in size up to one • Enclose and house the larvae to increase populations,
I enjoy sharing the wonder and magic of butterflies, and have hundred times. Assuming several forms, it emerges into a saving them from weather, bacteria, bufo toads, hunter bees,
performed hundreds of dedications for lost loved ones. I am colorfully winged creature in a matter of mere weeks. Truly and other predators.
often asked how it all began. a miracle. Butterflies are sentinels of good news. Many believe
My grandfather passed away in 1998. A native American Butterflies benefit the environment in several ways. At wishes whispered upon a butterfly’s wings will be granted.
friend imparted the magic of Monarchs and told me to watch every stage they serve as food sources for insects, birds Some people accept the message from a loved one from the
for a sign from my grandpa. Admittedly, I found the thought and bats. As caterpillars they consume weeds, plants and other side, when a butterfly appears. I hope you will see
comforting. At his memorial service, we said our final tree leaves. Joining the ranks of pollinators including bees, butterflies a little differently, now.
You and Your Pet: Watch Out for Your Pets’

Post-COVID Separation Anxiety

By Dr Anthony Krawitz, Calusa Veterinary Center, Boca Some other ideas to be prepared include the following: cases, anti-anxiety drugs may have to be prescribed by your
Raton, FL 33487 (561) 999-3000, www.CVCBoca. Slowly getting them used to the idea of you being out of veterinarian to administer as needed.
Most of us during COVID times have been spending a the house, by starting with 15-30 minutes at first, and then If your pet is prone to getting stress colitis or stress
lot more time with our pets, and they have really enjoyed slowly increasing your time away until hours at a time. Do gastroenteritis, or itches, licks—or bites at himself or herself
this as much as we have. As we are slowly moving toward this over weeks or even longer in very sensitive cases. Doggie when stressed—then it is worthwhile having a supply of your
a post-COVID new normal, and will be venturing out of daycare or a pet sitter may be an option to provide your pet veterinarian-prescribed medications at home ahead of time.
our homes more, many of our pets are possibly going to with company. In many cases, these can be given preventatively as well,
experience separation anxiety, since they have become so In milder cases, a Bach Flower Mixture Remedy called some time before you are going out. Remember that your
used to us being home with them all the time, and are not used “Rescue Remedy” could be given to help them cope with Veterinarian is the best person to speak to if you have any
to being left alone anymore. It is therefore necessary for you stress. It is a natural remedy without side effects or sedation. concerns at all.
to prepare for this possibility to make it the least traumatic You can use the non-alcoholic form for pets, from holistic As we move to a post-COVID life, just by being mindful
experience for your beloved pets. stores or online. A few drops given in water or directly in that many of our pets will have to get used to us not being
Luckily, many pets are quite adaptive, and it will not be the mouth can be given as needed. In these milder anxiety around as often anymore is a very important part of preparing
as much of a concern for them. However, there are many cases, you can also use a wide variety of other professionally and dealing with the inevitable, and taking the necessary steps
others who are not as adaptive, and who will possibly be recommended holistic anti-anxiety products. In more severe to soften the blow for them.
more affected by being left alone again after all this time of
being together with you. These sensitive pets may show one
or more symptoms of separation anxiety, such as excessive
howling, whining or barking while you are away. They may
soil in the house, or develop destructive behavior, such
as chewing furniture or biting walls. They could become
aggressive to other housemates when left alone. They could
even experience clinical symptoms, such as vomiting and/
or diarrhea, blood and/or mucus in the stool, as well as
scratching their skin, or biting at their feet or legs, creating Stylish Modern Atmosphere Make Reservations happy hour
sores or lick granulomas, all from the stress of them being every Day 3 - 6 pm
left alone more.
The first step to making it easier for them is for you to be and Mon. - Thurs.
aware that this renewed separation after COVID could be a all Day at Bar Only
problem, so you can prepare for it in good time.
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Attention Dog Owners every Day

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It is your responsibility to pick up after starting at 9
your dog. It’s the law. Some of you have
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Please keep our
Boca community beautiful!