b'realitysoundbites.Shorter Name, Bigger Impact:Southeastern Guide Dogs Becomes Dogs Inc.Forty-two years ago, Southeastern Guide Dogs started as a remain steadfast, the updated name resonates powerfully withsmall guide dog school serving a few states in the Southeast. supporters ready to bolster its cause and amplify impact. Since then, the nonprofit Currently,over500has expanded its reach to peopleeagerlywaittoall50states,providing matchwithoneoftheguidedogsforpeople organizationsextraordi-withvisionloss,service nary dogs, and over 700dogsforveterans,and graduatesrelyonDogsskilledcompaniondogs Inc. for ongoing supportforchildrenstruggling andguidance.Thiswithlossatnocostto updated name allows therecipients. organizationtobringIn May, the nonprof- hope to more people.itupdateditsnameto Getting a servicebetter reflect the organiza- dog has been one of thetionsnationalidentity: bestthingstoeverhap-Dogs Inc. pentome,saidSeanDogsInc.reflects Brown, a two-time serv-ourbroadenedmission Sean Browns service dog Nick and dolphin Nix, photographed at the ice dog recipient and theand reach, said the non- Clearwater Marine Aquarium by Anne Yarbrough for The New Barker. AssociateDirectorofprofits CEO Titus Herman. Our previous name inadvertent- Mission Awareness at Dogs Inc. My service dog, Nick, hasly became a barrier for us, suggesting regional limitations and my backand has given me my life back. Hes a lifesaver.a singular focus on guide dogs. That hindered our ability to There are many ways to support Dogs Inc., includingraise the funds needed to help more people. raising a puppy to give future guide and service dogs the bestAlthough Dogs Inc.s mission, vision, values, and brand start possible. For more information, visit dogsinc.org. UWelcome Home, DoctorTheHeightsVeterinaryClinicinTampaandtheirclientshavewarmlywelcomed Dr. Melanie Jackson to theirstaff.Dr.JacksonisaFloridanative,raisedintheTampaBayarea.ShereceivedherBachelorsdegreeinBiomedicalSciencesfromtheUniversity of South Florida. Her educa-tioncontinuedattheUniversityofFlorida where she earned her Doctorateof Veterinary Medicine in 2022. Upongraduation, she spent her first years as asmallanimal VeterinarianinGeorgia.EagertoreturnhometotheTampaarea, Dr. Jackson joined The Heights Veterinary Clinic in July 2024.DOG-FRIENDLY EVENTSDr.Jacksonsprofessionalinterestsincludepreventativecare,dentistryand are updated weekly atimproving the quality of life for the Clinics geriatric pets. Outside of veterinary TheNewBarker.commedicine, she enjoys reading, photography and exploring the outdoors. She shares Click on EVENTSher lifes adventures with her husband Matt, their Belgian Malinois, Riley, and twopurr-fect cats, Roo and Bear. U Follow us on Facebook and InstagramThe Heights Veterinary Clinic, 3400 North Florida Ave., Tampa @TheNewBarkerDogMagazine813.533.7363www.TheHeightsVeterinaryClinic.comFacebook and Instagram @TheHeightsVet14THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'