Chris Ruggiero An “Old Soul”: A Journey Through The Golden Age of Rock and Roll Fri Mar 10 2023 17:16:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

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"Roots": Presented By The College Dance Society From Jamaica July 20, 2023 Share Get ready to be captivated by an explosive fusion of culture, tradition and artistry with Roots, a vibrant and dynamic Afro-Caribbean dance performance coming to Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, August 5th, 2023 and at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 6th, 2023. Following its performances at The Parker, the troupe heads to New York City to present the performance at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts at Lehman College. Endorsed by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports in Jamaica as one of the official events of the country’s 61st independence celebration, the performance features the 35-member Campion College Dance Society, one of Jamaica’s leading high school dance troupes. Roots highlights the struggles facing the country and the optimism in the hearts of its people. Featuring a beautiful mix of Modern Contemporary and Afro-Caribbean Folk Forms fused with Jazz and infused with Reggae and Dancehall, the repertoire transcends nationality and ethnicity to connect deeply with the viewing audience. From the opening dance “Cry of Africa” to the independence dance drama “Jamaica Love,” audiences will feel the raw kinetic energy of the talented troupe. “In Our Lane,” one of the troupe’s most treasured pieces, highlights the country’s dominance in track and field. The work was choreographed by Renee McDonald, a Campion Alumna and Resident Teacher with the society. Dwright Wright, the troupe’s Artistic Director, choreographed “Misogyny,” which explores the social ills facing the country and reaffirms the promise of Jamaica being the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business. “These student dancers are committed to their craft,” Wright said. “I am proud of this new generation of Campion dancers. They have kept the rich dance tradition at Campion alive and are eager to perform internationally.” The company has been heralded by none other than Marlon Simms, Artistic Director of the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica, who wrote “There is a burst of energy and power oozing from this set of young but talented Campion College High School dancers that you are quickly transported to environments specifically designed to touch the soul.” The performances are presented as part of the Broward Center's Arts for Action: Black Voices initiative, presented by Baptist Health and JM Family Enterprises, Inc., which aims to use the arts as a catalyst to heighten awareness, deepen knowledge, create connections and elevate the voices of Black creatives in South Florida. As part of the initiative, the Campion College Dance Society will present workshops at the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center located in the nearby historic Sistrunk community. Nearly 200 summer camp participants will learn to execute Jamaican Traditional Folk Dance Elements with an emphasis on musicality, phrasing and style. The workshop will culminate with the participants learning and performing excerpts from selected Campion College Dance Society repertoire. The troupe will also present a lecture and demonstration for adults at the YMCA. Tickets start at $25. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com and at: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222; in person at The Parker box office and the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The Parker is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility. The performance season at The Parker is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. About The Parker The Parker is Fort Lauderdale’s Iconic Heritage Theater presenting Concerts, Comedy, Dance, Family Fare and more. Beautifully renovated in 2021, The Parker offers audiences enhanced entertainment and hospitality experiences. The Neo-Classical Lillian S. Wells Hall features outstanding acoustics, unobstructed sightlines, wide rows and continental seating. The Grand S. Donald Sussman Lobby, the intimate Haller Club, and the private members’ lounge, The Place To Be, provide ample opportunities for audiences to enjoy culture, cocktails and conversation with every visit to the theater. For more information, visit: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com < Previous News Next News >

Tips to Stretch Your Summer Travel Budget August 4, 2022 Share Many of the nation's leading travel experts are predicting a surge in travel this summer. It's no surprise that after months of restrictions, Americans are ready to set out on their next adventures. While popular destinations are likely to be open and welcoming visitors, the uptick in traffic combined with higher prices may translate into more expensive travel. If you're planning a trip this summer, learn how to incorporate some smart spending strategies with these tips: Be flexible on travel dates and destinations. Unless your travel is tied to a specific event or occasion, try searching with flexible dates to find the best available rates. Similarly, if you know you want to get away but you're not particular about where, try looking for destinations offering special promotions or deals for travel during certain timeframes. Consider trip interruption and cancellation policies. Planning for the unexpected can help protect you if a trip needs to end early or be canceled altogether. Unless you have travel insurance, you're likely to lose money on non-refundable expenses such as flights, event tickets or tours. However, some travel companies or your credit card provider may cover reimbursement for certain prepaid expenses. Look into what options are available before you travel to avoid extra headaches when the unexpected occurs during a trip. Get rewarded no matter how you travel. Using your credit card rewards to offset travel costs is a smart strategy, but not everyone wants or needs perks like miles or points that are exclusive to use with a single travel partner. With point-based travel reward cards, the more places you visit, the more rewards you reap along the way that can be redeemed for future experiences, statement credits, gift cards and more. That means no matter what hotel chain you stay at, car rental agency you select or airline you fly with - or as you mix and match to get the best deals - everyday adventurers have opportunities to earn up to five times the rewards points for doing things they love. Come up with a realistic budget. When you're planning a trip, it's easy to focus on the big-ticket expenses like airfare and hotel rooms. The reality is, when you add up all the smaller expenses, you may spend significantly more than you realize. To plan a more accurate budget, be sure you account for expenses like dining out at restaurants, paying for fuel at the pump and tickets to attractions and events. Don't forget fees that add up, too, like tips for housekeeping, checked bags, Wi-Fi access, parking and souvenirs. Research and book free and discounted attractions. Some attractions offer discounts for purchasing tickets in advance online, age-based discounts or free admission at certain times or dates, so be sure to look into any attractions you hope to visit ahead of time. If you're a travel rewards credit card holder, start your search by looking into your redemption options. If your card offers flexible options by booking through a specific partner site or dedicated travel platform, you might be able to redeem points or make your spending dollars go further toward earning more rewards for the cost of experiences, entertainment and other expenses while you travel. < Previous News Next News >

Global Comic Sensation Max Amini Headlines A Night In South Florida April 17, 2024 Share Abstraction Media is thrilled to announce Renowned Comedian Max Amini in a one-night-only headliner event at the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale, on Friday, April 27th, 2024. Prepare for an evening of side-splitting humor and unforgettable entertainment at this highly anticipated event. Born in Tucson, Arizona, and deeply rooted in Persian heritage, Max Amini has risen to superstardom with his unique brand of comedy. A graduate of UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television, Max has amassed over 50 film and television credits, including appearances on NBC's "Heroes" and Comedy Central's "Mind of Mencia." Since launching his stand-up career in 2002, Max has captivated audiences with his rapid-fire wit and charm. Named a resident comic at the legendary Laugh Factory Hollywood in 2006, Max quickly solidified his status as one of the fastest-growing comedians in the Los Angeles circuit. Max's talent and versatility were further showcased when he was selected as a finalist for NBC's Diversity Showcase in 2009. Leveraging this experience, Max embarked on the highly successful "Exotic Imports" stand-up comedy tour in 2010, featuring second-generation Americans from diverse cultural backgrounds and selling out venues across the country. Today, Max headlines his own shows worldwide, captivating audiences across Europe, the Middle East, Australasia, and Asia. With millions of views and followers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Max's online presence underscores his global popularity. At the Broward County’s Parker Playhouse on April 27th, audiences can expect nothing short of comedic brilliance as Max delivers his trademark blend of eccentric impressions and compelling storytelling. From hilarious anecdotes to spot-on impressions, Max's performance promises non-stop amusement from start to finish. As Amini himself puts it, "Comedy is a universal language that brings people together, and I'm excited to share laughs with the wonderful audience in Fort Lauderdale." Audiences are sure to enjoy an unforgettable evening of laughter and fun as Max Amini takes on life's absurdities with his unparalleled comedic talent. Please note that this event contains adult language and content. Don't miss out on the comedy event of the year! Tickets are available now for Max Amini's show at the Parker Playhouse, located at 707 Northeast 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. and official tickets are available at: www.MaxAmini.com . You can also purchase tickets online at: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com And at: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222; and in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The Parker is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility. The performance season at The Parker is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. < Previous News Next News >

A Celebration of Women: We All Need To Know One Good Deed Can Change The World Thu Apr 13 2023 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Toula Amanna: Chapter 3 Reinvention…. May 17, 2023 Share There is an old Greek Proverb: “People make plans and God is laughing and amused..” The business plans that Toula Amanna made Before COVID-19 (BC for short as they refer to the changing world in Toula’s Company), has now adapted to a new world full of opportunity and reinvention. She is still a student at NSU, in her Master’s class, she has been going to College for 42 years, just as long as she has lived in the USA since she arrived at the age of 17 from Athens, Greece. And just like the saga in the movie (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), there is a next Chapter more thrilling than the previous one: Recently she wears a Construction hard hat when before she wore a different hat for the many different life roles she had: Entrepreneur, Mother, Wife, Student, Mentor, Teacher, Chef, Restaurateur, Landowner. Over the past few decades, the dynamic Toula Amanna has been all of these things, and many more. The rags to riches story of a poor, young immigrant girl who came here from Greece in 1979 has changed to include a number of lucrative Real Estate Parcels in the four major Downtown areas of Hallandale Beach, Davie, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, all Hospitality related and over 250 current Employees. The legendary 24-hour Flashback Diner chain in three locations has survived 33 years of financial cycles, Hurricanes, COVID-19 and now Reinvention. “I have a surplus of vision and ambition,” explained Toula, “and I’ve never been afraid of a hard day’s work. I still get jamming on the cook’s line and serve customers just for the fun of it because of the customer and employee interaction that I enjoy so much.” With a staff of hundreds, however, the need never does. In fact, her role as a job creator in her beloved adopted country is among her proudest achievements. “It takes a large team to make this operation work,” said Toula. “I put a lot of faith in my employees, from servers to executives. I’m delighted to say that they reward that faith with outstanding performance.” The company’s strength was put to the test during the COVID-19 Pandemic, which saw local restaurants failing left and right. As Toula said, “Very few locally-owned chains survived those first two years. Thanks to great planning, attention to detail, and the ability to rapidly adapt, and the help of the USA Government moving fast to fund businesses, we not only made it through the Pandemic – we thrived.” In partnership with the Town of Davie and the local CRA, beloved Mayor Judy Paul, the Visionary Council members, Town Administrator the brilliant Rick Lemack and CRA Director Philip Holste, Toula transformed two more buildings into renovated workable restaurants, now 3 in a row, spanning 3.5 Acres, former LUMS into the area’s premier Diner, attracting throngs of devoted customers ranging from old-time locals to the ambitious young students who make up an ever-increasing percentage of the Davie community. Two more projects are her own: What was once a McDonald’s has been transformed into Sweet Alchemy Confectionery, a from-scratch bakery; and a former Wendy’s will soon be reborn as Bótano, a quick service Mediterranean restaurant. “Bótano reflects my deep love for the food of my homeland, although the menu goes well beyond Greek,” said Toula. ”Our development team has come up with something really special, and I’m excited to bring a touch of Mediterranean flavor to downtown Davie.” “The Hospitality Industry has evolved dramatically to fit an active, healthier lifestyle that caters to an audience that wishes to host events everywhere and anywhere: At their Home, at the Parks, in the streets as well as other private venues. The All American Diner is transforming and we are redefining it,” she said. “Palates evolve along with society. Meatloaf and gravy now sit side-by-side on the menu with free-range chicken with Roasted Veggies and quinoa, and eggs and bacon are being replaced by more Vegan and Gluten-Friendly dishes like veggie-filled power omelets, Avocado Toast and yogurt-Berry Granola bowls.” But the allure of a 24-hour restaurant never fades. Said Toula, “No matter what, people still want comfort food and a taste of home and they want pancakes at 4 AM.” These days, Flashback Diner Davie shares the street with a host of fresh, mixed-use developments and new businesses that popped up in the wake of Toula’s innovation. She says: “Block Party, get ready!” In the current red-hot South Florida Real Estate Market recent years this highly valuable Real Estate that Toula owns have become part of each City’s Downtown vision plan and very much sought after by Developers and Equity Firms and the pressure is mounting for Toula to come up with a new plan for her land in favor of what each City wants to see: “Town and City Governments want to create, for the benefit of the residents, walkable Downtown areas that not only are comprised of brand new buildings with common areas and gathering spots, but also fill the need for more Affordable Housing utilizing the new directives and incentives set by the State of Florida for example, via the newly signed SB 102 Bill. Each City wants to keep costs and taxes down for its residents and to replace the old infrastructure of sewer systems, electricity etc., with new, cutting-edge underground utilities while encouraging Green, LEED Certified Construction Elements in the new mixed use buildings. Toula is in alignment with the vision of each City and is currently working on proposals and discussions to team up with credible, good companies and to find good solutions as to how to accomplish the relocation of the existing restaurants so that no jobs are lost, and no downtime of the existing decades-old restaurants. She will not stand in the way of growth, but the search is difficult and the proposed plans vary greatly. “The current recession and high interest rates have created a volatile market that few credible developers can now navigate and complete projects successfully. The downtown properties I own in Hallandale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, and Boca Raton have now become the target of developers from all over the United States,” said Toula. “In their quest to acquire land, some of their practices have been rather covert and underhanded, rather than the direct communication we enjoyed in times past.” Toula is not against selling or partnering up with a credible developer, if that is the right thing for the local community. “I would never stand in the way of progress,” she said. “At the same time, I will always be a businessperson, and if we ever leave a location we need to be compensated in a way that would allow us to relocate our business and employees.” Some of Toula’s properties are listed on LoopNet in search of just such a partnership. “There is a way for everyone to get what they want,” she said. “All it takes is HONEST and DIRECT COMMUNICATION, the right deal for the right location, resulting in progress, increased business, and community-building. It’s the American way.” These past three years there were a lot of false rumors regarding Toula Amanna and her businesses that no one can explain how they originated. She said, “Inexplicably, during the COVID-19 years, as all kinds of rumors surfaced, I was subject to 12 different government and regulatory audits, mostly originating from the State of Florida.” For example, two missing digits from the Federal I.D. Number for Flashback Diner Hallandale triggered an eight-month long Workman’s Comp Insurance State Audit covering 11 companies and 265 employees. Labor Audits, an IRS Audit for the Fort Lauderdale property that the IRS agent could not reply as to why they generated neither a random or for-cause audit, 40 violation notices for the same property that had such incredible details as missing two inches from the back yard grass and the list went on and on. Toula continues: “In the beginning of COVID-19 my Social Security Number was changed at the National SBA Level (I used to be a spokesperson and small Business recipient for many years of SBA loans teaching others how to use these great 504 programs to renovate buildings and put people to work). Since two digits of my SS number was in discrepancy with the National SBA Database, I could not get emergency funding EIDL Loans for the first 3 months of COVID-19 until a great, honorable person at the SBA found the problem and fixed it.” Three years of audits proved that Toula kept impeccable records, with no changes found at the end. “It was three years of a complete waste of time for my staff, my employees, and the government, not to mention taxpayers’ money, hard to believe all this was coincidental, and very sad to see it happening,” said Toula. Among these restaurants there is a favorite spot, a restaurant she leases and she does not own: The Deerfield Beach Café at the International Fishing Pier. She went all-in on the Deerfield Beach Café, part of a massive overhaul of the city-owned property adjacent to the historic International Fishing Pier. In 2013 Toula was awarded the lease of the restaurant at the International Fishing Pier. Since then, the Deerfield Beach Café has become a favorite of locals and visitors alike, with more than a thousand Google reviews praising the “great” service and “super delicious” food served at “the most beautiful spot.” In turn, Toula praises the restaurant staff, led by General Manager Santos Melendez, as well as the community leaders who have supported the café over the years. “When it opened, the Deerfield Beach Café represented the greatest partnership between public, private, and community organizations of my career,” she said. “In the 10 years since, I’m proud to say that Santos and many other staff members have become more like family than employees, both to me personally and to the people of Deerfield Beach.” There are other benefits to owning a business in such a beautiful location. “All of my other restaurants are land-locked. Every time I’m at the Café it is literally a breath of fresh sea air,” said Toula. She is even house-hunting in the area. Do you know of a place with a boat dock? Deerfield Beach as a future home best reflects Toula’s new lifestyle: BBF: Beach, Boat, Friends. Toula’s kids are all in College, might as well go for the South Florida lifestyle as reflected by the slogan of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance in which she continues to be a Board Member and a Business Member: “Live in the Sun, Work in the Cloud.” Toula has traveled a long, successful road over the past decades, with help from countless people. “I couldn’t have made it without friends like Rochelle Matza, a business director and guiding light for so many of my efforts, and Julio Izaguirre, my top chef for 25 years. Together we participated in multiple Community events through direct and indirect contributions for catering and gift giving. This past weekend we participated in the annual Lauren’s Kids Foundation at the Hard Rock with Senator Lauren Book and her father, Ron Book, both great motivational speakers that have brought awareness and light to so many issues that people could not talk about before. These events had simply stopped during COVID-19 and it was a welcome opening to the new era of bringing Communities together for the benefit of all. “There are so many more people I want to mention, but that would be a whole book!” Toula’s work is far from over. Even now, the next exciting chapter in the life of Deerfield Beach Café is about to be written. As a city-owned property, the restaurant has been reopened to bids from interested parties, as required by the original contract. Of course, Toula’s hat is in the ring – and it’s a very big hat. While the detailed plans are under a “cone of silence,” another favorite Toula phrase, she did say this: “We have a truly outstanding concept that we can’t wait to share with the people of Deerfield Beach.” If it is anything like the many other projects Toula has shepherded over the decades, it’s something to look forward to. Fresh ideas came from the Greek Islands and Athens where Toula will be for about ten days this summer. On July 27, 2023 in Downtown Athens Greece she will receive the award for achievement for Immigrants, women, who have excelled in the International arena both in business and as Community contributors. Stay tuned, there will be a next Chapter…. < Previous News Next News >

How Much Are You Carrying? Constant Worrying Is Deleterious To Your Mental And Physical Wellbeing Thu May 11 2023 16:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former Wife of Apollo 14 Astronaut Recounts Remarkable Stories in Riveting New Memoir February 14, 2025 Share Told with humor and a sense of awe, You Don’t Look Like an Astronaut’s Wife! from Anita Mitchell shares her improbable journey from small-town beginnings in Medina, Ohio, through her life in Florida with then-husband and sixth man to walk on the moon Astronaut Edgar Mitchell — set against the thrilling and historic backdrop of the U.S. Space Program. “Now we have Elon Musk and going to Mars, which is something Wernher von Braun would talk about every time he visited and stayed at our home,” Mitchell commented. “Today, it almost feels like the Apollo days again, only bigger. It's an exciting time to be alive and to witness it all.” You Don’t Look Like an Astronaut’s Wife! is filled with fascinating behind-the-scenes escapades of some of the most revered people of the day, from astronauts to actors, politicians to metaphysical gurus. Some of Mitchell’s stories will leave readers shocked, at times touched, and always wondering what she will talk about next. Through it all, she remained grounded, thanks to a strong family foundation, lifelong faith and her irrepressible love of life. “I also wanted to give deference to the original seven early astronaut wives,” Mitchell said. “They were amazing, especially with overnight notoriety. The national news media were on their front lawns while they were trying to get their little ones off to school and provide some normalcy in their family lives. They did that with style and grace, and without a road map to go by.” You Don’t Look Like an Astronaut’s Wife! poignantly transports readers to a magical era in the history of humanity, when anything seemed possible, and when the world first saw the Earth from space — an awe-inspiring moment that transcended geographical, cultural and political boundaries. “It pulled the world together in a way nothing else ever has,” Mitchell recalled. “They sent back that incredible picture taken from the moon of Earth. We all saw our planet in a new way. No matter who you were, when you saw that tiny blue and white marble, knowing it was our home, it was humbling, and it united us.” You Don’t Look Like an Astronaut’s Wife! is not just Mitchell’s journey, but the journey of a proud nation, capturing the wonder of venturing into the cosmos — just in time for what promises to be a remarkable era of space exploration. “I married a guy who went to the moon,” Mitchell added. “I stayed on Earth, but it was an amazing journey for me, nonetheless.” You Don’t Look Like an Astronaut’s Wife! A Memoir of Improbability, Impossibility, and Still Making it All Happen. < Previous News Next News >

Prepared, Not Panicked: A Pet Owner’s Guide To Choking Emergency Responses South Florida Sun Times Aug 20, 2026 A Favorite Toy Or Treat Can Become Dangerous In An Instant If It Gets Lodged In Your Pet's Airway. Because choking is a terrifying emergency for pets and their owners, Dr. Christine Rutter, a Clinical Associate Professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, shares what every pet owner and pet sitter should know about recognizing choking and responding safely. Common Choking Hazards Choking hazards can arise during playtime, mealtime, and everyday activities. “Choking can be due to any foreign material in the airway,” Rutter said. Common causes include: • Food or treats inhaled from eating too fast • Toys, especially balls and sticks • Threads or strings When choking happens in pets, it can resemble other respiratory events, according to Rutter. “It would be easy to mistake choking for coughing, gagging, reverse sneezing, and regurgitation,” she said. As such, owners and/or pet sitters should act quickly to assess the situation when they witness these events. Pets that are choking will typically show obvious signs of distress, including: • Panic • Difficulty breathing • Noisy breathing • Pawing at their mouth • A blue tint to the tongue and mucous membranes However, if the airway has become completely obstructed, there may be no breathing sounds at all. Once owners know how to recognize a choking emergency, understanding what commonly causes these situations can help prevent them before they happen. Choking Procedures If you suspect your pet is choking, staying as calm as possible while acting quickly can give them the best chance of recovery. The first thing an owner should do is attempt to keep the pet calm, and, if possible, without risking injury, open the pet’s mouth to look for foreign objects, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. “If your pet has collapsed or is weak, you can try looking into the back of your pet’s throat to see if there is something you can reach,” Rutter said. If that isn’t possible, one method typically used for removing a toy ball from a dog’s airway is referred to as the J-Stroke technique. Also called the External Extraction Technique (XXT), the J-Stroke is performed by placing the dog on its back, straddling its body, tilting its head back to extend the neck, and placing your thumbs behind the object on either side of the windpipe. This positioning will allow for pushing in a ‘J’ shape to pop the object out. Due to the more fragile internal structures of cats and small dogs, the J-Stroke Technique is primarily intended for medium or large dogs. “There are videos online that I would direct pet owners and sitters to watch,” Rutter said. “We have performed it several times at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.” Despite the urgency, choking emergencies must be approached with caution. “Owners should be very careful if they attempt to reach back into any pet’s throat,” Rutter said. “Any animal can bite when distressed, and you may end up in both the veterinary and human ERs in one day if not wary.” While there are also pet-Heimlich maneuvers, Rutter said they are not as well-established in veterinary medicine and could be attempted briefly prior to seeking care from a veterinarian. Performing CPR If a pet is collapsed and unresponsive, begin CPR while preparing to seek emergency care. “It’s important to do CPR correctly for it to work,” Rutter said. “To start CPR on a pet, check the airway for foreign material and start compression.” Online CPR training resources are offered through the RECOVER Initiative, which developed the only evidence-based veterinary CPR guidelines. Those who complete the online course can continue their training in-person with a certified instructor. “CPR really can only generate at most 30% of normal cardiac output, so poorly performed CPR has little chance of providing enough blood flow to save a life,” Rutter said. Because most pets are much smaller than humans, avoid using excessive force when attempting any rescue technique. “If a technique is performed wrong or unsuccessfully, the risk would be treatment failure (they are still choking) and perhaps bruising or soft tissue injury,” Rutter said. “However, all of these possible complications seem better than doing nothing. “If you aren’t successful or feel uncomfortable with these procedures, take your pet directly to your nearest veterinarian for care,” Rutter said. “Don’t offer your pet water or food if you suspect they are choking. If they are unable to protect their airway, they could aspirate — meaning inhale the contents into their windpipe and lungs — which definitely makes things worse.” Choking pets often require emergency sedation and airway access, so going directly to a veterinarian is essential. Seeking Expert Advice Because emergencies happen without warning, Rutter encourages pet owners and pet sitters to learn life-saving techniques before they ever need them. In addition to online trainings, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or your veterinarian are great places to start to gather more information on how to assist a pet in a choking event. “Anyone who is concerned about their pet should seek veterinary care sooner rather than later,” Rutter said. “Better to race to the vet for a false alarm than to have a crisis at home. The best case scenario with emergencies is when I get to tell a worried pet owner that their baby is going to be OK.” Whether you are a pet owner or pet sitter, learning how to recognize choking and respond appropriately before an emergency occurs can make all the difference. Staying prepared and observant can save a pet’s life and keep them breathing easily for the days to come. Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at: https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk . Suggestions for future topics may be directed to: vmbs-editor@tamu.edu . Previous Next