About the Gulf Coast Animal Refuge

	The Gulf Coast Animal Refuge, currently in its development phase, will be a multi-use community facility. Our mission is to provide the community with the resources necessary to better care for all animals. We are a group of individuals united in our common vision. We are in the process of developing a comprehensive network and creating a multi-use facility. Donations of cash, pet food, real estate and love are needed. We greatly appreciate any way you can help.
	Planned Services EDUCATIONAL Obedience Training Agility Training Therapy Dogs Behavioral Support SCHOOL & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS How To Care For Your Pet Hurricane Preparation Wildlife Demonstrations HURRICANE & EMERGENCY SUPPORT Pet-Friendly Hurricane Shelters Temporary Care For Displaced Animals Daycare and Vacation Care
	About Megan Hobbie
	Bonnie was Megan's first best friend. Bonnie, the family's cairn terrier, patiently allowed Megan to groom and palpate every inch of her little body, exploring Bonnie's structure on every level of her being. When she set off on her own as an adult, Megan welcomed Misty to her home. Misty was a peaceful, sweet feline. Three cats, three dogs and two rabbits would later join her family. Megan learned so much living on a hundred-acre estate in Far Hills, New Jersey. Twelve horses shared this space with Megan and her pets, and Megan was blessed to sometimes tend to their needs and watch them graze. By this time, Megan had started Creature Comfort by Megan, a company whose primary focus was pet care, workshops, homemade pet food, dog biscuits, and pet wellness. Clients left their dogs in Megan's compassionate care while they worked, deepening her education in dog pack dynamics, animal behavior and non-verbal communication at an experiential level. Megan spent seven years watching dogs, cats, bunnies, wildlife, and nature interact. The wind would blow...an ear would raise...a nose would wiggle, then lift to the wind...and the pack would just stop. Everyone would tune in, including me. It was an amazing opportunity to "be" in nature with these wonderful creatures and through their interaction learn so much. They taught me how to truly experience each moment. -Megan Hobbie
	With Megan's move to Florida in 1997, her focus shifted back to human care. She was fortunate to work with a naturopathic company that had future plans to open a pet division, providing botanical formulations, protocols and resources to pet lovers. Their weekly radio show, "A Healthy Alternative," featured a segment on natural pet care. Megan shared integrative concepts for optimal health with the public. Sadly, the company dissolved before the pet care division was created. Working with an integrative veterinarian provided a wonderful opportunity to experience the synergistic benefits of holistic and allopathic medical modalities. Assisting with acupuncture, blood withdrawal, surgery, post-op recovery, administering homeopathic remedies, Bach flower essence therapy, aromatherapy, meditating with client and pets before pet transitions, grief support, workshops, and creating whole food protocols for pets, provided a strong foundation to build upon. Massage therapy soon became a large part of Megan's practice. Megan was invited to write "3 steps to healthy cuisine" in Animal Wellness Magazine's third issue, Volume 3, providing the public with helpful quality food options in three practical and easy ways. "The evolution of pet food" in Animal Wellness' 2007 Annual Pet Food Report was Megan's opportunity to support concerned pet owners during the aftermath of the tainted pet food recall. The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association's 2000 conference offered a plethora of workshops, including Veterinary Medical Herbalism I and II (Techniques and Applications), Bridging the Gap between Western and Eastern Herbalism, Advanced Concepts in Applied Clinical Nutrition, the Use of Nutraceuticals, A Holistic Look at Commercial Pet Food, Holistic Medicine in Wildlife Rehabilitation, Co-Species Healing from Science to Spirit, Understanding the Cancer Patient, Plant Sterols for FIV, and Autoimmune Disease and Other Conditions. This educational opportunity provided a wealth of information and techniques to share with clients. Megan's certification in "Pet perception management of separation anxiety" supports canines and felines alike during thunderstorms, fostering situations, and multi-home adoption cases. Several years ago, *Charlotte Today* invited Megan and her associate, Maureen Yuster, to share their Gulf Coast Animal Refuge project with the local community. One year prior to moving to Florida, Megan was looking for property, to start an animal refuge. Eleven years later the dream still exists. Gulf Coast Animal Refuge is the vision behind this dream. We welcome all who wish to share in creating this important community. Our hope is to create a new context for pet care, truly address pet overpopulation and other related issues, and in time learn to live as the lion and the lamb. Megan currently resides in Southwest Florida with Zoe, Angel and Ginger, her canine companions.
	Just Relax with Megan Meditation CD Order Now! A portion of your purchase price will be donated to the Gulf Coast Animal Refuge.

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