Page 11 - The Shores of Jupiter - August '21

The Shores, Page 11
Loggerhead Marinelife Center Tips Its Hat To Topsy

After A Two And A Half-Year Hospital Stay

On Wednesday, June 23, Loggerhead Marinelife Center and the turtle was
(LMC) released its longest-term patient to date, a sub- medically cleared
adult green sea turtle named Topsy. Topsy first arrived at for release.
the center on Dec. 18, 2018 after sustaining boat strike Topsy has been
trauma to its carapace and being rescued by the United released behind
States Coast Guard personnel offshore. Two and a half t he c e nt e r on
years later, the sea turtle patient was deemed healthy for Juno Beach, Fla.
release by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation The hospital staff
Commission (FWC) and LMC veterinarians. and its partners
Upon discovery, the patient was in great distress are keeping a
and unable to dive or stay underwater due to injuries watchful eye to
associated with unintentional boat strikes. Additionally, ensure that the sea
its blood work revealed a systemic infection and turtle continues to
hypoglycemia, which were treated. In addition, it received successfully assimilate into its ocean home.
daily wound care. Wish Topsy well! For more information on current or
All in all, this sea turtle’s recovery is unique in every previous patients, please visit marinelife.org.
way. Topsy is the first to receive an Inconel implant to About Loggerhead Marinelife Center
correct its buoyancy disorder. Although the innovative Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) is a nonprofit sea
procedure was not a total success, it provided LMC’s turtle research, rehabilitation and educational institution
rehabilitation team with unique insight to treat other that promotes conservation of ocean ecosystems with
patients with similar conditions and to strengthen chances a focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles. The
of more successful releases. Topsy also received advanced center features an on-site hospital, research laboratory,
CT imaging thanks to the medical staff at Jupiter Medical educational exhibits and aquariums, and also operates
Center, providing a greater understanding of the pathology the Juno Beach Pier, which hosts world-class angling and
of diseases in sea turtles. Moreover, the sea turtle offered sightseeing. Situated on one of the world’s most important
new antimicrobial approaches to infection, tissue healing sea turtle nesting beaches, Loggerhead Marinelife Center
and understanding about chronic stress in sea turtles. is open daily and hosts over 350,000 guests free of
“While two years is a considerable stay, Topsy’s charge each year. The center’s conservation team works
clinical course offered unique insights into the medical with 90 local and international organizations across six
management of a complicated case,” said LMC Director continents to form partnerships and share conservation
of Rehabilitation, Dr. Max Polyak. “What we’ve learned initiatives and best practices that are core to its mission
from Topsy’s health journey will add significantly to our of ocean conservation. The center is expanding and
approach in treating similar injuries and diseases in future has launched its Waves of Progress capital expansion
patients.” campaign, designed to accelerate and amplify LMC’s
In its recovery, Topsy’s buoyancy disorder was conservation and education impact. When complete, the
temporarily alleviated with a lead weight attached to facility will offer one of the world’s most advanced and
its carapace, which was regularly assessed and refined. unique experiences for guests and scientific partners. For
After over two years of time, the turtle was finally able to more information, visit www.marinelife.org or call (561)
swim without additional weight. In that same time frame, 627-8280.
the patient’s other conditions were successfully treated Photos by Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Pet Matters

by Pat Deshong, President of Furry Friends emanated from her. Much like a special needs kid. I often say Featured Adoptables
Adoption, Clinic & Ranch, August 2021 I can see God when I look in a kid's eyes with a disability. The
same was true here. Chuley was just this incredible, loving, Edy
“For the Love of Animals” ball of radiant joy. She immediately came up and gave me a We would like to
features real stories happening sloppy bulldog slobbery kiss, and that sealed the deal. She was introduce Edy. She is a
at Furry Friends in Jupiter. We coming home.” stunning cat and has been
are The Humane Society of Chuley now lives on a 10 acre farm with pigs and ducks and a devoted companion and
Greater Jupiter/Tequesta and the her new dad Carl who is a professional violinist that started feline friend for 15 years.
only no-kill shelter open to the The Grace Notes Project, a nonprofit where he combines his Her Dad attended his Aunt’s
public in northern Palm Beach musical gifts with service to the underserved and special needs funeral in Georgia and while
County. We’ve been rescuing, communities. there he found a little black
rehabilitating, and re-homing “She and I have become super attached. I wake up every kitten. He picked her right
the homeless animals in our morning and change her little doggie diaper. I've grown to love up and fell in love. He named her Edy after his dear Aunt and
community for more than 30 it. It's an amazing way for me to wake up - knowing I get the brought her home to Florida. Sadly her Dad recently passed
years. Our not for profit 501c3 honor of helping her get outside, holding her back while she away, so not only is Edy very sad, she now finds herself
organization consists of our poops, giving her a few hugs, and reminding her what a beautiful homeless at the moment.
Jupiter based Adoption Center, girl she is, and how much she means to me. I've taken her a
Veterinary Clinic (open to the few times to see the clients where I work at a treatment center Precious
public), Thrift Boutique, and for alcohol and drug Precious is a 4-year-old
Palm City Ranch. addiction. Chuley brings
a smile to every face, and terrier mix with a lot of
turns even the toughest love to give. August 23,
Chuley was surrendered to client into a softie. She 2021, Precious will have
Furry Friends in December 2020. has that effect on people. been at our shelter for a
She was a beautiful black and She brings out their best, whole year. Please don’t let
white bulldog with the sweetest and inspires us to do the Precious celebrate her 1-year
disposition. Her owner thought same. You see, Chuley anniversary at the shelter.
she had been bitten by a tick could care less if she has She is a playful, loving girl
which caused severe weakness back legs that work. She's with kidney disease who just wants a family to call her
in her back legs that made it very totally happy, and in her own. Please share her story with anyone you think would be
difficult for Chuley to walk. Furry mind, totally whole. She interested in adopting her. Currently Precious’ adoption fee
Friends took this special dog in really only cares about a has been sponsored by one of our generous board members.
because we were uncertain what few things. She wants to
her future would be anywhere eat, she REALLY likes
else. She would be safe at Furry Friends and receive the care she tug-of-war, she really
desperately needed. Our staff jumped into action and provided digs sleeping, and she's
Chuley with her own personal suite with wall to wall bedding so mastered the art of love. Chuley and her new family on the day
she could move around without scraping her dragging legs on Pure, and unconditional of her adoption.
the rough floor. Our staff worked tirelessly with Chuley several love. Just like the special needs kids I work with. This
times a day until she was able to population, whether it be 2 legged or 4 legged, is here to teach
stand on all fours and take a few us. To inspire us to do better. For us to be kinder to each other.
unassisted steps. Gentler. To really try, to the best of our ability, to show the same
That's when she met Carl unconditional love and gratitude that they've shown us. Every
Schmid and his girlfriend, time I look at Chuley I see that, and it inspires me to continue
Holly.... to be the best version of myself I can be.”
"We went to Furry Friends on Blessings to you for your support and faith in us… all for
a recommendation from a friend. the LOVE of animals!
We went into the waiting room,
and they opened the door. She
came through the door, dragging
her rear behind her, wobbling Patricia Deshong, President
along, with these amazing eyes
and this pure essence of love that When Carl met Chuley. Paid Advertisement