Monday, August 14, 2006

gulf shores: Animals live it up at ‘pets resort’

By Sheryl Marsh
DAILY Staff Writer

Before Melissa Wallace heads to Gulf Shores for vacation, her furry family members check into a "pets resort" known as Osborne Animal Clinic in Decatur.

Wallace of Hartselle said her pooches, Taz and Esme and her cat, Suki, are always excited about their vacation.

"They seem to actually know where the animal clinic is," Wallace said. "When we're headed there, they get to jumping around and wiggling their tails because they associate it with a pleasant experience."

Americans spent $34 billion on pets last year, and Wallace is one of hundreds of people in the area who give their pets a vacation when they leave town.

Osborne Animal Clinic houses from 80 to 90 pets during peak season. The capacity is 118.

"Our biggest boarding time of the year is around Thanksgiving and Christmas," veterinarian Steve Osborne said. "Our other busiest time is on the weekends. During the summer, we have more weekday boarding when people go on vacation."

When owners are vacationing, back at the "resort" the furry ones are playing, relaxing and enjoying most of the amenities they have at home.

"Some of them bring their blankets and toys," said Osborne, who has seen the philosophy of boarding change.

"Now, most are residents at their homes and when brought here we go the extra step to mimic their lifestyle at home."

Contrast that lifestyle with the past when owners kept dogs in pens at home and used them mostly to hunt. Now when pets are accustomed to king-size beds and flat-screen televisions, it's more difficult, said Osbourne.

Recreation is a big part of their stay.

"We hire a bunch of young students who are there for no other reason than to play with the dogs," Osborne said. "They walk them, play games with them, just like their family would do at home."

James Craig says it's a home away from home for his Saint Bernard, Roxie, and his cats, Golden Flake and Butterbean.

"Normally when we're going out of town we board them with Dr. Osborne," said Craig. "It's really nice getting them to bathe Roxie before we pick her up."

"Certain ones who are allowed snacks get them, and if they require certain diets we accommodate them," Osborne said.

Pets have individual kennels.

"There is a science to the way we house them," said Osborne. "They don't face each other for intimidation reasons, and they can't breathe on each other for medical reasons."

Each kennel is stainless steel and sanitized. Trained staff is there for the animals' medical needs.

Other veterinary clinics in the area board animals, also. Some have limitations.

"We board smaller dogs and cats," said Frances Cobb of Pearson Animal Clinic in Hartselle. "We don't take any dogs over 60 pounds."

Dishman Animal Clinic in Decatur does not have a weight limit but boards mostly dogs and cats.

"We do house birds and gerbils, if they bring their cages," said Rhonda Kruger. "We can house 81 animals and our kennels are usually full for the whole summer, and of course during the seasonal holidays."

Osborne Clinic boards all kinds of pets.

Lima Jane, a pot-bellied pig, is a regular boarder.

"Her folks go off about every Thursday during football season, and she stays here quite a bit," said Osborne.

While there, many of the pets get spa treatment, including pedicures.

"They get bathed, a haircut and their toenails trimmed," said Kari Hallman.

Boarding rates are from $10 to $18 per day. Grooming costs between $30 and $35.

Osborne said that about 85 or 90 percent of his clientele are regular boarders.

During their stay, the dogs communicate in their own language, barking. The clinic employees understand them well.

"They get more accustomed to it over time," Osborne said. "They look forward to their walks and because there are so many of them they have to go in shifts. Each one wants to be first and they talk to us about it."

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

gulf shores: 3 teens die in wreck after driver falls asleep on beach trip

By DON JACOBS, jacobs@knews.com
August 4, 2006


Two teens from Knoxville and one from Clinton died in Alabama Wednesday when a 16-year-old Clinton boy fell asleep while driving to a beach getaway, authorities said.
Kristopher Hope, who was driving the 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe, and his 15-year-old brother, Matthew Hope, survived the 7:55 p.m. (CDT) crash, said Fort Payne, Ala., Police Chief David Walker.

Walker identified the dead as Chase Carroll, 17, of Knoxville; Merry Katherine Prince, 19, of Knoxville; and Michael Rowe, 17, of Clinton. All were declared dead at the scene alongside Interstate 59.

"To me, it looked more like a plane crash than a car crash," Walker said. "It was that bad. You couldn't tell it was a Tahoe."

Officials said Prince was a 2004 graduate of Bearden High School. She was a sophomore at Pellissippi State Technical Community College. Carroll attended Bearden High School last year but was not enrolled for the upcoming school year. Rowe attended Clinton High School.

Officials in Clinton said Matthew Hope was enrolled as a sophomore at Clinton High School. He was slated to pay fees and get his class schedule today during Dragon Day at the school.

There was no record of Kristopher Hope being enrolled at Clinton High School this year.

Walker said the 2000 Tahoe owned by the Hopes' mother, Susan Keathley, was southbound on I-59 near the Georgia state line when the vehicle left the right side of the road. The Tahoe leaned sharply to the passenger side as it ran down a slight embankment, the chief said.

As the Tahoe ran down the embankment, it slammed into a tree. The passenger side suffered heavy damage. The driver's side of the vehicle was spared the most violent trauma.

Because of that, Kristopher Hope sustained minor injuries in the crash. He was walking at the scene and talking to police, Walker said.

Matthew Hope, who was seated behind his brother, suffered more serious injuries, Walker said.

"We were able to talk to the driver, and he said he thought he fell asleep," the chief said.

The driver's brother, however, was unable to speak with investigators.

Walker said authorities determined that the Tahoe brakes weren't applied until after the vehicle left the interstate, which has a speed limit of 70 mph.

"That also supports the driver's story that he fell asleep," the chief said. "The rumble strips probably woke him, but by then, it was too late."

The chief said he was unsure if all the occupants were using seat belts.

"There was evidence of seat-belt use, but it didn't matter in this one," Walker said. The impact ripped one passenger and the seat that passenger was sitting on from the vehicle.

Walker said the Hopes were taken by ambulance to DeKalb Regional Medical Center in Fort Payne and then airlifted to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga. Matthew Hope was listed Thursday in critical condition, while his brother was listed in fair condition.

The group was en route to Orange Beach in Alabama, near the Gulf Shores resort area, the chief said.

Walker said there was a vehicle behind the Tahoe, but the driver was too far back to see exactly what happened. He said there were no reports before the wreck of an erratic driver on the interstate.

Walker said he was unsure if any charges would result from his agency's probe. The chief said he ordered blood tests for the Hopes and autopsies for the dead as part of the investigation.

Walker said there was no indication of alcohol or drugs at the scene of the crash.

Don Jacobs may be reached at 865-342-6345. Staff writer Tom Benning contributed to this report.

Copyright 2006, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Monday, August 07, 2006

gulf shores: Father of Shoals boy struck by lightning talks to WAFF 48 News

Aug 2, 2006 10:55 PM

Only on WAFF 48 News: A remarkable story about a young man who beat the odds.

His vital signs showed he wouldn't make it.

But 16-year-old Adam Bradford was determined to fight death after being struck by lightning in Gulf Shores.

Lightning directly hit his left shoulder exiting through his feet, which were ankle deep in water.

Today he is playing the guitar and hopes to ride his motorcycle soon.

Doctor's call him a living miracle, a power higher than medicine.

Adam has come a long way since July 6th when he was vacationing with his mother in Gulf Shores.

Adam was hit directly by lightning.

Adam's mother immediately started CPR.

His father Tim said, "Two EMT's came out of nowhere, they were on vacation and took over, kept him alive til the ambulance got there."

But Adam had endured so much shock, that he flat-lined twice.

After receiving multiple shocks in a Baldwin County Hospital, Adam was back but was still in a coma.

A triangular burn mark covered his left shoulder, from his knees down, red and purple.

But eight hours after the trauma....

"The doctor came back in, checked his feet and his shoulder where the lightning supposedly entered and exited and there were no marks on him they were gone."

Saturday, Adam woke up.

"Why do you think he's here?" we asked Tim.

"I don't know. I don't have a clue but I'm glad there's that reason. "

After a week of rest and prayers from across the country to missionaries in Brazil... Adam was back at home in Elgins Crossroads.

His father said, "He's my whole life, everything I've done has been with him."

The odds of survival were not on Adam's side, but to this father, words can't describe his appreciation for the two EMT's on the beach that hot July day.

"I couldn't repay him but from what I hear that's not what they're there for anyway."

Adam still has some nerve and muscle damage to parts of the left side of his body, which doctors say should heal on its own.

Friday he was dismissed from physical therapy because he reached all the goals set for him. They say the rest is up to him.

Sunday, August 06, 2006

gulf shores: Koziol joins coaching staff at Gulf Shores

Sunday, August 06, 2006
By DEREK BELT
Sports Reporter

A new school year and a new sports season means new faces for many schools in the area, and the hiring of former Robertsdale coach Jay Koziol as Gulf Shores' new defensive coordinator highlights a short list of newcomers to south Baldwin County's two public high schools.

Koziol, who was transferred from his post as Golden Bears head coach back in February, joined the Dolphins' staff around the time of their May 12 spring game against Madison Academy. Since then, he has played an integral role in what has likely been Gulf Shores' most successful summer ever.

"I'm extremely happy to be here," said Koziol, who will also coach boys golf at Gulf Shores. "I have the utmost respect for (GSHS Principal) Eddie Tyler and his staff, and that filters on down to coach (Duane) Davis and the rest of the coaches here.

"What it came down to for me is that Baldwin County's my home. I didn't feel comfortable moving, and I always felt comfortable coming down here. It's definitely going to be a challenge this year, but I'm excited to see what we can do on the football field. I think we've got a lot of good players."

Davis said Koziol's presence has been felt in many ways. His experience and leadership abilities have already impacted players and coaches alike, said Davis.

"Any time you can get a guy who's been a head coach for eight years, it's great. That kind of experience, you just can't get," Davis said. "Coach Koziol brings a lot of knowledge of the X's and O's to our staff, and he brings a lot of enthusiasm, too.

"What I really like is that he's constantly teaching and coaching," Davis added. "He's worked well with the kids so far, and we're very happy to have him here."

Also joining the Dolphins' coaching staff this fall are Anthony Kummel, Rhett Tranchina, Amy Galemore, Martin Sepic and Thad Akins, who joined the staff last spring as the new girls basketball coach. He will also help coach the freshmen football team this fall.

Kummel will coach running backs and head the boys basketball program, while Tranchina will coach defensive backs and coach the boys soccer team. Galemore will coach the boys and girls swimming teams, and Sepic will coach girls tennis.

Up the road at Foley High, several new coaches have joined the Lions' pack.

Tatum Saltz has been tapped to coach boys soccer, while Jeremy Borchardt will coach the JV boys soccer squad.

Ricky Smither will take over for Russ Moore as boys track and field coach after assisting with the football team as defensive line coach. Peter Bezeredi has also been brought on board to be an assistant baseball coach and help with the freshmen football team.

The Lady Lions' volleyball team is currently without a head coach, as school officials are waiting patiently for the Baldwin County Board of Education to approve that hire at the next board meeting.

In the meantime, Mark Mueller has stepped up to spearhead a group of volunteers who will guide the team through the first few weeks of practice. Foley Principal Kenneth Dinges said Thursday the Lady Lions should have a coach in place by mid-August.

Thursday, August 03, 2006

gulf shores: Stupiansky wins WAGA Stroke Play

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Jillian Stupiansky of Birmingham fired a 1-under-par 71 on Wednesday to secure a wire-to-wire victory in the Women's Alabama Golf Association's 16th annual Stroke Play Championship at Cypress Bend at the Craft Farms Resort in Gulf Shores.

Stupiansky finished with a 54-hole total of 7-under-par 209 after opening with 69-69.

Auburn golfer Jessica Lovell was the only other player under par for the tournament, closing with a 70 that left her at 5-under 211.

Daphne's Carolyn Cochran was the best finisher among the local contingent, tying for sixth with 74-224.

Foley's Laurie Strite won the second flight with 77-243, Lisa Graham of Orange Beach was third in the third flight, and Rita Durham of Gulf Shores was third in the fourth flight.

-- AGAINST THE WORLD: Robby Shelton of Wilmer, plus Gabi Oubré and Alex Moore, both of Mobile, competed in the U.S. Kids Golf World Championships over the weekend at the famed Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, N.C.

Shelton posted 74-71-76 on Pinehurst No. 5 to tie for 19th in the boys' 10-year-old division, which had 115 players.

Oubré carded 80-80-82 to finish tied for 23rd in the girls' 12-year-old division, which had 65 players. Moore, also competing in the girls' 12 group, had 87-109-99 to tie for 56th.

Nearly 1,000 junior golfers, ages 4 through 12, from 32 countries competed in the World Championships.

-- BATTLE OF THE BAY: The Jimmy Green Summer Junior Tour will wind down its season on Sunday with the annual Battle of the Bay matches, pitting the best juniors from Mobile County against the best from Baldwin County.

The teams will play in a Ryder Cup-style format, a fun finale for the top point winners on the summer-long series of tournaments at area courses.

Here are the point leaders in each division and the players who will be competing in the Battle of the Bay: Boys' 15-18: Will Phillips, Cameron Smith, Michael Ulmer, Blaine Henderson and Leland Dunning; girls' 15-18: Gabi Oubré and Laura Dudley; boys' 13-14: Zachary Hughes, Wilson McDonald, Rory Nelson and Brandon Shelley; girls' 13-14: Carolyn Backes and Elena Hall; boys' 11-12: Connor Elders, Richard Pipkins, Robby Shelton and Sheldon Statkewicz; girls' 11-12: Haley Mize and Alex Moore; boys' 10 and under: Steven Setterstrom, Alex Green, Drew Mathers and Jack Courtney; and girls' 10 and under: Emma Fontenot and Olivia Brantley.

-- Gareth Clary