NextEra Energy Foundation and FPL Bound in with Gift to Grow Dog-Harmony Therapy Dog Teams

NextEra Energy Foundation and FPL Bound in with Gift to Grow Dog-Harmony Therapy Dog Teams

Miramar Beach, Fla. — In September, NextEra Energy Foundation awarded Dog-Harmony, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the bond between people and animals through humane education and professionally evaluated therapy dog team programs, a $5,000 grant. The NextEra Energy Foundation is a corporate charitable foundation of NextEra Energy, Inc. and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL).

This grant will help expand the recruitment, specialty training, evaluation, management, and deployment of new therapy dog teams serving children and families across Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay Counties in Northwest Florida. The therapy dog teams, consisting of a volunteer and their dog, offer structured literacy support through the READing Paws program, support humane education classes in libraries for children and families, conduct hospital visits for patients and staff, and provide wellness visits for at-risk youth.

Dog-Harmony partners with local schools, public libraries, and non-profit facilities, including Children in Crisis, Lotus Learning Center, and Westonwood Ranch, to offer these services at no cost to the community. At the end of September 2025, Dog-Harmony served a total of 2,090 children. As the demand for therapy dog teams continues to grow, exceeding the nonprofit’s resources, the NextEra Energy Foundation grant helps ensure that more children will have access to the emotional comfort and academic encouragement they provide.

“We are very grateful to FPL and the NextEra Energy Foundation for this generous support,” said Nancy Bown, CPDT-KA, Founder of Dog-Harmony. “This funding allows us to expand the number of therapy dog teams so more children can experience the calming effects that come from reading and emotionally connecting with a supportive therapy dog.”

“Supporting organizations like Dog-Harmony reflects the NextEra Energy Foundation’s commitment to strengthening the communities we serve,” said J.T. Young, Vice President and General Manager of FPL’s northwest region. “Therapy dog programs provide invaluable emotional support and educational benefits to children and families, helping build stronger, more resilient communities. We’re honored to partner with nonprofits that make such a meaningful difference in the lives of families.”

For more information about Dog-Harmony’s programs or to learn how to get involved, visit https://dog-harmony.org. Follow the celebration online: #FPLCares.

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About Dog-Harmony: Dog-Harmony is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2015 by certified professional dog trainer Nancy Bown, CPDT-KA. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the bond between dogs and humans through community education. In essence, it helps dogs rescue people. Dog-Harmony’s key programs include therapy dog team support services, humane education for children and families, Keeping Dogs in Homes, and pet bereavement counseling. These programs are made possible through donations, grants, and the continued support of dedicated volunteers. For more information, visit www.dog-harmony.org.

About NextEra Energy Foundation: NextEra Energy Foundation partners with and invests in non-profit organizations throughout Northwest Florida. It aims to build strong and sustainable communities, improving the lives of its customers through innovation, sustainability, opportunity, and safety. The NextEra Energy Foundation is a corporate charitable foundation of NextEra Energy, Inc. and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL).

Dog-Harmony Establishes “Paw Pantry” with Caring & Sharing of South Walton

Dog-Harmony Establishes “Paw Pantry” with Caring & Sharing of South Walton

Miramar Beach, Fla. – Dog-Harmony is proud to announce the launch of its new program, Paw Pantry, designed to support local families and their beloved canine family members. This initiative, an expansion of the non-profit’s “Keeping Dogs in Homes” program, will ensure that no family has to make the difficult choice between feeding themselves or feeding their dog.

In partnership with Caring & Sharing of South Walton, Paw Pantry will initially serve 15 families, with plans to expand as the program grows. “We currently serve an average of 850 local families each month,” says Caring & Sharing Case Manager Dani Aylsworth. “We are paw-sitive there will be room to grow with the Paw Pantry partnership.”

The Paw Pantry collaboration supports Dog-Harmony’s mission of preventing shelter surrenders by addressing a key barrier to pet ownership: access to pet food. Dog-Harmony will collect donations of pet food and distribute them through partners, like Caring & Sharing, to areas where they are needed most. This way, every bowl can be filled, helping to ensure dogs remain in their loving family homes.

Dog-Harmony Founder Nancy Bown, CPDT-KA, says, “We are thrilled to establish the Paw Pantry partnership with Caring & Sharing of South Walton. By providing dog food assistance to families in need, we prevent beloved family dogs from being surrendered to already overwhelmed and overcrowded animal shelters in our communities.”

In the past three years, Dog-Harmony has distributed more than 10,000 pounds of dog food to families in need. With Paw Pantry, the non-profit is building on that success and establishing new donation drop-off points across the community to make it even easier to give.

Drop-Off Locations

Community members can drop off unopened dry dog food at one of Dog-Harmony’s trusted community partner locations below:

Acknowledgments

Paw Pantry wouldn’t be possible without the support of the compassionate veterinary partners in our community. The generosity of Kindness Pet Hospital, Capital Veterinary Specialists, and Emerald Shores Pet Hospital Resort and Spaw has already helped Dog-Harmony fill bowls and keep tails wagging.

Ways to Get Involved

Make a Monetary Donation

Your financial contribution has the most significant impact. By donating, you enable Dog-Harmony to purchase food in bulk at discounted prices, stretch every dollar further, and respond quickly to families in urgent need. Monetary donations also help us keep Dog-Harmony’s partners like Caring & Sharing of South Walton from being inundated with excess supplies. A $25 donation can feed a dog for two weeks, while $100 can support an entire family’s pets for a month.

Donate Unopened Dry Dog Food

If you’d prefer to give food directly, Dog-Harmony welcomes donations of unopened bags of dry dog food at its drop-off locations in Destin (The Doggy Bag and Salty Paws Pet Boutique and Barkery) and Miramar Beach (Barry Veterinary Hospital).

You may also shop using Dog-Harmony’s Amazon Paw Pantry wish list to send dog food donations directly.

Spread the Word

Not everyone is able to donate, but everyone can make a difference. Help Dog-Harmony reach more families and keep more dogs in loving homes by sharing the news about the Paw Pantry launch with your friends, neighbors, and local businesses. You can also stay updated on the nonprofit’s news by following their accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or by signing up for their Paw Print Press newsletter.

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About Dog-Harmony: Dog-Harmony is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2015 by certified professional dog trainer Nancy Bown, CPDT-KA. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the bond between dogs and humans through community education. In essence, it helps dogs rescue people. Dog-Harmony’s key programs include: therapy dog team support services; humane education for children and families; Keeping Dogs in Homes; and pet bereavement counseling. These programs are made possible through donations, grants, and the continued support of dedicated volunteers. For more information, visit www.dog-harmony.org.

About Caring & Sharing of South Walton: Founded in 1994, Caring & Sharing of South Walton is a 501(c)3 that provides crisis relief to our neighbors in need through financial assistance, food, counseling, and case management.

Dog-Harmony Celebrates 10 Years with “Love in Focus” Calendar Contest

Dog-Harmony Celebrates 10 Years with “Love in Focus” Calendar Contest

Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. – Dog-Harmony, a non-profit dedicated to reducing the shelter population through community education and therapy dog programs, is excited to announce its tenth anniversary this month. To celebrate, the organization is launching its “Love in Focus” calendar photo contest.

For a decade, Dog-Harmony has provided unconditional love and support to local communities by providing humane education for kinder animal treatment, deploying therapy dog teams and offering resources to keep dogs in homes. This milestone highlights the unwavering support from the community and the dedication of volunteers and staff.

The “Love in Focus” contest, running from June 15 to July 15, 2025, invites dog owners nationwide to submit a photo of their dog with a $10 donation. Each $10 donation also counts as one vote. Supporters can vote for their favorite canine contestants as many times as they want, and a free calendar is included with every single $100 donation.

The 12 entries with the most votes will receive a professional photo shoot from Wooftografie for Dog-Harmony’s exclusive 2026 calendar. All proceeds directly benefit Dog-Harmony’s mission to support humane education and wellness visits by volunteer therapy dog teams.

“Reaching this 10-year milestone is a source of immense pride,” says Nancy Bown, Founder of Dog-Harmony. “The ‘Love in Focus’ contest is a fantastic way to celebrate the joy dogs bring and is a crucial fundraiser that enables us to continue our vital work.”

Dog-Harmony is also seeking calendar sponsors; a sponsorship packet is available at Dog-Harmony.org/love-in-focus-calendar-contest.

To enter your dog or cast your vote, visit gogophotocontest.com/dog-harmony starting June 15.

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About Dog-Harmony

Founded in 2015 by professional dog trainer Nancy Bown, CPDT-KA, Dog-Harmony is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational charity committed to improving the human-dog bond through community-based programs. From classroom education and therapy dog visits to hospital and youth facility outreach, Dog-Harmony helps dogs rescue people. With a focus on empathy, understanding, and responsible pet care, our evolving programs address the most pressing needs in our community. Dog-Harmony relies entirely on donations, grants, and the dedication of volunteers to continue this life-changing work.

Poem for Dog-Harmony by Lotus Learning & Arts Center

Poem for Dog-Harmony by Lotus Learning & Arts Center

We’re so proud of the students and our volunteer therapy dog team, Kay and Tiger, who attended the end-of-year graduation celebration at Lotus Learning & Arts Center. Their visits throughout the year have brought calm, connection, and confidence to the Lotus Learning students through joyful, meaningful interactions.
 
As a special thank you, the children wrote a beautiful poem and presented Dog-Harmony with a heartfelt card and a Certificate of Appreciation. This is what the human-animal bond is all about. Thank you to Lotus Learning & Arts Center for your appreciation and for letting our therapy dogs be part of your amazing community.
Poem by Lotus Learning & Arts Center Written for Dog-Harmony
You brought your smile, your heart, your song,
And let us chime and play along.
 
From the “D” the dog to “F” the frog,
We played the keys, we danced with the dog!
 
We learned to listen, learned to share,
To play together with love and care.
 
You taught us “Jaws” with notes so low,
And “Star Wars” with a Jedi glow!
 
The bells rang bright in every hand,
With Christmas tunes and our small band.
 
We now know how to greet a pup,
To give soft pets and not run up.
 
For all you gave, we thank you so,
More than music – you helped us grow.
 
So here’s a gift, from all of us here,
With love and hugs to last all year!

Tiger's Story

Click the image below to read Kay’s story of Tiger’s rescue and therapy dog certification with Dog-Harmony!

A Picture Collage of Tiger the therapy dog - before, during, and after rescue with the words "love is giving back"
Mayhem in the Morning

Mayhem in the Morning

A Poem by Laurie Cushner

It’s mayhem in the morning after a three-dog night

with Midge and Tess and Katy asleep, all curled up tight.

But in the early morning, an hour after the break of dawn

there comes a shake of the ears, a wag of the tail, and then a yawn.

And suddenly three furry doggies surround me on the bed

as they playfully give warm kisses telling me it’s time to be fed.

Oh, it’s mayhem in the morning and it’s breakfast feeding time.

Three eager “pups” sit side by side like partners in crime.

Then they dance around their dish and gobble up their kibble.

They eat as fast as they can, why bother to nibble.

The day is young and they want to have fun –

they’re always in the moment -wanting to seize the day.

“Hey” their tails say, “it’s time to go hike and play.”

Oh yes, it’s mayhem in the morning as they pile in the SUV

wagging tails, happy faces, panting in harmony.

They give a little nudge to the driver to “hurry up the show”.

Obviously, they think I’m driving much too slow.

When I stop to park, they all announce their arrival

by sounding like a canine spiritual revival.

Then they run, they sniff, they meet and greet and they play.

Occasionally, they turn their heads and smile as if to say,

“Hey, for a human non-furry creature, you’re really quite okay”.

Oh, the mayhem in the morning – I wouldn’t change a thing

because these happy souls are the yin, the yang and the zing.

At nighttime, they all snuggle, cozy warm in their doggie beds

Dreaming about chasing squirrels and critters and a fox so red.

And when they awake from this dream-filled, adventurous place

they’re ready to impart unconditional love on the human race

With warm canine kisses, playful nips, and a smiling face

…they show us how to love life with nonstop embrace.

Canine Heartworm Disease

Canine Heartworm Disease

Written by: Kristyn Carr, DVM of Kindness Pet Hospital

Cause

Canine heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis. Dirofilaria immitis has a somewhat complicated lifecycle involving several larval stages and multiple hosts. Immature heartworms, referred to as microfilariae, circulate in the bloodstream of infected dogs. When an infected dog is bitten by a mosquito, the microfilariae enter the mosquito’s salivary glands and mature through several stages. Once the microfilariae reach a certain stage (known as the L3 stage), they become able to infect other dogs through the bite of the mosquito.

When a dog is bitten by a mosquito containing the infective microfilariae, the microfilariae mature further and migrate through the dog’s skin and muscle tissue to enter the dog’s circulatory system. Full maturation of microfilariae into adult heartworms takes 6-9 months. Adult heartworms live in a dog’s pulmonary artery (a major blood vessel between the heart and lungs). Adult heartworms reproduce in the dog’s pulmonary artery, creating more microfilariae that circulate in the dog’s bloodstream. These microfilariae are ingested by mosquitoes and result in infection of other dogs.

Clinical Signs and Diagnosis

While most cases of canine heartworm disease are diagnosed with routine testing of asymptomatic dogs, common clinical signs of heartworm disease include coughing, increased resting respiratory rate, and exercise intolerance or shortness of breath. Signs of advanced heartworm disease include a distended abdomen, lethargy, severe exercise intolerance or shortness of breath, and collapse.

Several tests exist for detecting canine heartworm disease. Most tests detect a protein (known as heartworm antigen) that is produced by female heartworms. These antigen tests are typically performed as part of a dog’s annual veterinary visit. Other tests detect circulating microfilariae in a dog’s blood. The recommended tests will vary depending on a particular dog’s situation, i.e., whether the dog has been on heartworm prevention, the presence or absence of clinical signs, etc.

Treatment

Once a diagnosis of heartworm disease is made, your veterinarian may recommend further testing to “stage” the disease or determine its severity. Staging tests commonly include bloodwork and chest X-rays, but further testing, such as an abdominal ultrasound, may be recommended if the disease is severe.

The “gold standard” treatment for heartworm disease is a series of three injections of a medication called melarsomine. Melarsomine is an arsenic-based compound that kills adult heartworms. Steroids and an antibiotic called doxycycline are used in conjunction with melarsomine to maximize treatment efficacy and minimize treatment side effects. The exact timing of these adjunct medications and injections is beyond the scope of this article, but can be discussed with your veterinarian. Also, additional resources are provided at the end of this article. After treatment, it takes 6-9 months for a dog to test negative for heartworms. Of course, not all infected dogs can tolerate treatment this aggressive, and in those cases, veterinarians or shelter staff may reach for the “slow kill” method.

The “slow kill” method is a bit of a misnomer, as it does not kill adult heartworms. Rather, the slow kill method involves administering heartworm prevention to infected dogs to prevent the circulation of microfilariae and keeping infected dogs from serving as reservoirs of infection for other dogs. Thus, the slow-kill method acts as heartworm “birth control.” With this method, the adult heartworms present in the infected dog’s pulmonary artery live out their normal lifetime (1-3 years). During these 1-3 years, the adult heartworms cause continued inflammation and can lead to permanent changes in the dog’s heart and lungs. It is for this reason that melarsomine therapy is considered the “gold standard,” as it minimizes the amount of time that adult heartworms are present in the pulmonary artery and limits the amount of inflammation and damage that can be caused by the heartworms.

Prevention

The phrase “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” could not be truer than when discussing canine heartworm disease. Heartworm disease is far easier, safer, and less expensive to prevent than to treat. Heartworm preventives work by eliminating any microfilariae deposited by mosquitoes before the microfilariae can mature into adult heartworms.

There are numerous different heartworm preventives available, with most preventives being oral tablets or chews, but some topical products are also available. Heartworm preventives are prescription products, and your veterinarian can recommend the best product for your dog. Heartworm prevention should be used year-round on the Gulf Coast, due to a heavy mosquito burden and persistence of warm, wet weather even in winter months.

Most veterinarians also recommend annual heartworm testing, even when your dog is consistently using prevention, to ensure the prevention is effective and to monitor for resistance among the heartworm population. Recent studies have also shown that using products that repel mosquitoes in dogs along with traditional heartworm preventives is more effective than using traditional preventives alone.

 

An image describing the heartworm disease lifecycle in canines

A Quick Note on Cats

While dogs are the definitive host for Dirofilaria immitis, cats can also be infected with heartworms. Heartworm disease can be harder to diagnose in cats, as they typically are infected with fewer worms, making antigen tests less reliable, and feline heartworm disease can closely resemble feline asthma. However, feline heartworm disease is like canine heartworm disease in that it is easier to prevent than treat. Numerous heartworm preventives are available for cats, with most being topical products that combine heartworm with “ea and/or tick prevention.

Additional Resources

For more information on canine and feline heartworm disease, please visit the American Heartworm Society. You can also listen to Dog-Harmony’s Pupcast episode co-hosted by founder, Nancy Bown, CPDT-KA, and Sydney Bassett on canine heartworm disease with a guest appearance from the South Walton Mosquito Control District.