b'When Failure Isnt An Option, Neither Locally-Owned & LovedIs Compromise by Charles Murphy For more than 30 years, Country Oaks Animal Hospital & Some dogs are more than pets. Theyre protectors, teammates,Boarding Kennel has been caring for family pets. Owned and operated by Elizabeth Baird, DVM, CCVP, CCRT, CVMAand family. Recon was all threeand then some.Full Service Veterinary Hospital|Boarding KennelHe came into my life at a time when I didnt just want aPersonalized Service|Extraordinary Medical & Surgical CaredogI needed a partner. As a Navy Special Operations vet-eran,IveworkedwithteammatesIdtrustwithmylife. Recon gave me that same level of trust without question, every single day. 1412 Belcher Road, Palm Harbor727.785.6524|www.CountryOaksAnimalHospital.comSPECIALISTS IN PAIN MANAGEMENT & PHYSICAL THERAPYOur goal is to help your pet by diminishing their pain and increasing mobility and function. Treating pets with:Hip Dysplasia|Cruciate Injuries (all phases)|IV Disc DiseaseDegenerative Myelopathy|Orthopedic and Spinal DisordersThe late, great ReconReconwasafive-year-oldpurebredPitBullstrong, athletic, and always alert. He was incredibly active but never aggressive. He had a calm, steady presence that made him justOwned and operated by Elizabeth Baird, DVM, CCVP, CCRT, CVMAascontentloungingonthecouchastearinguptrailsorCertified in Pain Management, Rehabilitation and Acupuncturecharging into the surf. He loved the beach. And when we hit the trails, he was in his element.1412 Belcher Road, Palm Harbor|727.785.4878|www.SteelePainCenter.comEveryone loved him. He was the perfect advocate for the bully breed. On my first date with my girlfriend Aubrey (who wasnt really a dog person back then), we were out on the trails of all places. I gave her a heads-up that if Recon came barrelingbacktowardus,shemightwanttostepasidesometimes he got so excited he couldnt stop in time. Sure enough, Recon came sprinting down a trail by the water and ran right into Aubrey, breaking her leg just below the knee with his giant head. She fell back into me laughing but could-nt get up, so I carried her out nearly three-quarters of a mile. It was a rough injury. Aubreys a runner, and it sidelined her for months. She never held it against him. In fact, she bonded with him deeply. Even on crutches, he was glued to her side, matching her every move. And to her credit, she did-ntjustforgivehimsheletherselftrusthim,lovehim. Eventually, she became a full-blown dog person because of Recon. They had a connection no one could touch. Shed often take him out on her own for a treat or a pup cup, just thetwoofthem. ThatsthekindofdogReconwas impossible not to love. Continued on the following page gwww.TheNewBarker.com THE NEW BARKER67'