Welcome to Tails from the Final Frontier

November 2023 Table of Contents

• A Word from the Director of Petfleet 
• Petfleet’s Command Staff
• Staff Feature - Matthew Doucet, Editor
• Monthly Petfleet Roll Call
• Pets of the Stars - Patrick Stewart & Ginger
• STARFLEET Medical Mascot
• Petfleet Away Missions
• Petfleet Photo Contests
• Pet Service Awards
• Academy Course Challenge Awards
• Feature Article - Unusual Pets
• Cadet Article
• Cryptogram Puzzle
• Petfleet Newsletter Submission Form
• How to Join Petfleet?
• The Guardian of Forever.

A Word from the Director of Petfleet

Greetings, Petfleet members! Fall is here, one of my favorite seasons. We're thrilled to welcome three new team members: Member Service Assistant FCAPT Jess Odell, Newsletter Editor-In-Chief ENS Matthew Doucet, and Associate Editor/Writer CDT1 Aurelie Doucet. Our upcoming newsletter promises exciting content, and if you have submissions, there's a form available.

Over the summer and fall, Petfleet has continued to grow, with 87 new pets registered. Region 1 has a strong lead with nearly 200 pets registered, closely followed by Region 4 with 85 pets and Region 2 with 81 pets, Region 13 is catching up with 76 pets registered, and the USS Dauntless from South Africa holds the title for the chapter with the most registered pets. We've seen some unusual pets registered too, from Cheetahs and Dolphins (featured in this month's newsletter) to stuffed animals, Tribbles, Targs, and even AI companions. Just remember that these pets should be under your care, and you should be able to track them to be a Petfleet member, no wild animals please.

We're open to suggestions for our Petfleet Photo Contest themes, so if you have ideas, please email me your thoughts. We've also made our monthly Pet Walking Challenge even more accessible by only requiring monthly reporting instead of weekly and we're encouraging more chapters and regions to register mascots with Petfleet, just like STARFLEET Medical did for their auxiliary.

If you've had a pet leave on their Final Mission to the Rainbow Bridge, you can use our registration form to honor their memory and receive a personal certificate and letter.

We've also created a Petfleet Meme chat group for those who enjoy the fun side of pet ownership.

The Petfleet Academy Course Challenge Awards return with five courses focused on creepy crawlies, insects. Complete them by February 1st, 2024, for a chance to receive a Gold or Silver certificate.

Your feedback is essential, so keep sharing your thoughts, and let's make STARFLEET Petfleet an even more engaging and inclusive community. Live long and prosper with your furry, scaly, or unusual companions!

Sincerely,

Fleet Captain, Randy Mitson
Director of STARFLEET Petfleet
petfleet@sfi.org

Petfleet's Command Staff

• Director, FCAPT Randy Mitson - USS Renaissance, R13
• Deputy Director, RADM James Cecil - USS CommonWealth, R1
• Veterinarian/Consultant, CAPT Frances Smith - USS Neptune, R2
• Operations, CAPT Mary Demiter - USS Antares, R5
• Member Services, LT Jessica Sommer - USS Cerberus, R10
• NEW Member Service Assistant, FCAPT Jess Odell - USS Caroline, R20
• NEW Editor-In-Chief, ENS Matthew Doucet - USS Renaissance, R13
• Associate Editor/Writer, CMDR Abigail Du Preez - USS Dauntless, R8
• NEW Associate Editor/Writer, CDT1 Aurelie Doucet - USS Renaissance, R13

Staff Feature - Matthew Doucet, Editor-In-Chief

Ens Doucet and CDT1 Doucet getting ready for Montreal Comic-Con 2023

I’d like to introduce Matthew Doucet, our new Petfleet Newsletter Editor-In-Chief. Although Matthew stepped into the role very late in the schedule for our November issue, he has shown his natural leadership and get-it-done attitude while taking the lead in producing this issue. I’m excited to see where Matthew takes Petfleet’s Newsletter. I'm sure we will be boldly going to exciting places and discovering lots of new things with Matthew heading up our Newsletter department. 

Getting to know Matthew...

He began his adult life in the military, honing leadership and management skills that later proved valuable. He transitioned into civilian life, with a University degree in educational intervention and management. However, his love for building and working outdoors led him to finally become a carpenter. With a background in education and management, he is a natural coach and leader on the job site, where his passion for both teaching and carpentry shine.

Outside of his professional life, Matthew cherishes moments spent with his wife and closest friend, Sonia. Additionally, he enjoys immersing himself in geeky pursuits alongside his partner in crime and daughter, Aurelie. He also enjoys sharing his life with his beloved cat, Nala, and two loyal dogs, Bucky and Sydney. Matthew's interests encompass a deep appreciation for both the Star Trek and Star Wars franchises. He possesses a creative and artistic spirit, whether expressed through drawing, crafting Comic-Con costumes, or playing the trumpet. He's also an enthusiastic gamer, an active member of the community, and an avid reader who always keeps a good book close at hand. Currently, his literary choice is "Making It So," a memoir by Sir Patrick Stewart.

Monthly Petfleet Roll Call

Register Your Pet Here! 
 

October 2023 - Total Registered Pets - 857 (87 new pets)

Petfleet Photo Contests

• Aug Contest Theme - Rainbow Bridge Day (Honor a Past Pet)
  • Cyleigh Chopelas - Winner
  • Phyllis Seale Foynes - Honorable Mention
  • Sherry Elam - Honorable Mention

• Sept Contest Theme - Star Trek Day (Feature pets in any Trek Fandom)
  • Natalie Sharp - Winner
  • Theresa Inman - Honorable Mention
  • Tamara Glover - Honorable Mention

• Oct Contest Theme - Pumpkins & Costumes - Winners To Be Announced

Our Next Petfleet Photo Contests -  Nov, Dec & January

• November 2023: Adopt a Tribble 
• December 2023: Festivus for the Pets 
• January 2024: New Year's 

We are also thinking about hosting a Pet Trick Video Contest, would you enter?

Starfleet Walking Challenge

Pets of the Stars

Photo courtesy of Sir Patrick Stewart’s Instagram page

Sir Patrick Stewart, also known as the mythical Jean-Luc Picard, a renowned English actor, is not only famous for his illustrious career in film, television, and theater but also for his deep love and affection for his loyal canine, Ginger. These heartwarming stories on social media serve as a testament to the power of love and friendship.

In 2017, Sir Patrick Stewart found solace and companionship in the form of a rescue dog named Ginger. Ginger is a beautiful pit bull with a heart of gold and a personality that instantly won over Stewart's heart. He has since then, used his social media influence and power to advocate for pit bulls and challenge the misconceptions surrounding the breed to which they are unfairly stigmatized.

Sir Patrick's relationship with his Pit Bull, Ginger, is a poignant reminder of the deep connections that can be forged between humans and their animal companions. Their story serves as an inspiration to animal lovers everywhere, encouraging us to consider the immeasurable challenges and benefits that come from adopting and caring for a rescue pet.

Through advocacy and the simple act of sharing their story, Stewart and Ginger have become representatives for the countless animals waiting for adoption. Together, they remind us of the power of love, compassion, and the unbreakable bonds that exist between humans and their furry friends.

STARFLEET MEDICAL MASCOT

By LCDR David Yee, STARFLEET Medical

Please welcome T'Ana, our official PETFLEET mascot at STARFLEET Medical.

She is fully registered with PETFLEET and ready for active duty. She is named after Commander T'Ana SFMD, the sassy Caitian Chief Medical Officer of the USS Cerritos NCC-75567 in Star Trek: Lower Decks. She even has her own webpage on the STARFLEET Medical website: https://medical.sfi.org/resources/starfleet-medical-mascot/

We would like to encourage all the other auxiliaries to register their own official mascots with PETFLEET. We are hoping to host a friendly competition in the near future to determine a 2023 Starfleet Mascot of the Year.

Register your Auxiliary or Chapter Mascot by clicking the certificate above.

Petfleet Away Mission

Tanna & Jennah go to the Ball Game
By Tanna Shea Skaggs

   
Photo courtesy of Tanna Shea Skaggs’ social media platform

Jennah and I went to our first-ever baseball game. Luckily, the home team won! While there, Jennah sang along with the crowd, and got treated to popcorn, hotdogs, and pulled pork! She also attracted a staff member who asked if she could pet her. She told us her story and I empathized with the fact that her pet was wrongfully taken from her! So, Jennah and I gave her a hug and assured her that we advocate for all animals and people.

Being a trained service dog, Jennah loves to help those with disabilities; she just simply can sense them. Jennah’s been doing this for years now her first job that started her long-life career was at Peckham, where she first started out assisting me. However, like her human counterparts, Jennah moved up the ladder and realized that she had to help people with needs, and with my help, her vocation took off.

I’m sad to say though, that we are moving sooner than expected, as our stay in Michigan is ending this month. It would be a nice sendoff if I could get someone on my ship or STARFLEET International to contact the media, and try to get Jennah on, to show what good she’s done for people. I’d do it myself, but it would look like I’m bragging. Besides, I’ve tried once before, a year ago, and it didn’t catch on.

But I think the people Jennah has helped would love to see her on the news, to promote the help she has brought to everyone.

Pet Service Awards

Click the certificate above to nominate a pet for this award. 

Jennah is more than just a service dog; she is a beacon of hope, a furry companion who has touched the lives of countless individuals in profound ways. At the age of 11, she embodies a lifetime of selflessness, compassion, and bravery.

Jennah's selflessness is unparalleled. Her every action is guided by an innate sense of duty and a deep-rooted compassion for those in need. She has tirelessly stood by the sides of those who face adversity, offering not only her unconditional love but also a remarkable sense of purpose.

Her positive attitude is an inspiration to us all. In the face of adversity, she radiates a positivity that uplifts the spirits of those she serves. Her unwavering commitment to spreading joy and comfort in the most challenging circumstances sets an extraordinary example. She has been a source of strength for those who needed it most, embodying the qualities that define a true hero.

Jennah, your legacy of compassion and bravery will forever serve as an inspiration to all. It is with deep gratitude that we present you with the Petfleet Service Award as a testament to your remarkable contributions. You have touched our hearts, and for that, we honor you with the highest praise.

Petfleet will present a quarterly Petfleet Service Award Certificate to an exceptional pet. Any pet that has a job or provides a special service to the community or anyone can be nominated by any STARFLEET member to receive this award.

To nominate a pet, simply fill out this nomination form: 
https://forms.gle/ChZPZ4zzKqJb625Z6

STARFLEET Petfleet Academy Course Awards

From August to October, Petfleet featured Xeno Studies to learn more about the animals and insects of Star Trek, including the Truth About Tribbles. This included seven classes, featuring animals from Enterprise, The Original Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space 9, Voyager, the Movies, and a bonus section, “The Truth About Tribbles”. 

We had 33 Petfleet members complete the courses and 8 members received Gold Certificates, congratulations to everyone who participated.

Starting in November we will be featuring some Creepy Crawlies with courses on insects from the College of Invertebrates.  Look forward to more from the COIB in the next newsletter so if you love everything without a backbone you can get a jump on the next few courses by completing more from the COIB not just the Insects courses.

Go to: the Institute of Science (IOSC), select College of Invertebrates Biology (COIB), and then choose Insects (IAI) 

• IAI-101 - Insects, Part 1
• IAI-102 - Insects, Part 2
• IAI-103 - Insects, Part 3
• IAI-104 - Insects, Part 4
• IAI-105 - Insects, Part 5

Total: 5 courses

Anyone completing all the courses with 100% - Distinction in each, before Feb 1st, 2024 will receive a special Gold certificate, Silver Certificates will be issued for anyone who has achieved Honors in each course with Distinction in at least one course, and after that date, only standard Petfleet Academy certificates will be issued. 

Once complete, please forward copies of your certificates to Petfleet using this form: https://forms.gle/NbG1PhxuXpGf1DSL6

Feature Article - Unusual Pets

Captain Ryan and his Dolphins

Photo courtesy of Captain Buzz Ryan

I am Captain Buzz Ryan, the Cetacean Operations Officer on the USS Mae Jemison, and this was the adventure…
 
I wanted to swim with dolphins for my 58th birthday, two years ago and had every intention of getting super geeky with it. I made a Star Trek TNG-inspired rash guard as I am obsessed with dolphins in space, and the Cetacean Operations Department in Trek. If you are ever in the Northeast part of Florida, go to the Marineland Dolphin Encounter Park. At one time I was a volunteer docent when it was just Marineland of Florida. In my time, there was an educator that was full of adventure and fun and I had the opportunity to witness the birth of an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin named Cacique.
 
The primary mission of Marineland would be the conservation center. Public interactions and donations are how they pay the bills. I signed up for the Dolphin Trainer for the Day program and with an energetic and passionate marine mammal specialist I spent the next five hours caretaking and feeding the dolphins. I was also a toy for the cetaceans. Dolphins require a high need for what is called an environmental enhancement device. Beach balls, hoops, and on my day a 58-year-old man.

When you engage with the animals you are part of their husbandry and research. How the dolphins behaved around me was observed and noted. Of course, you get knowledge dropped on you, because this is all about stimulating a public consciousness towards conservation. As a Cetacean Operations Officer in Starfleet, my skull hole was ready to suck up any new information it could get and validate what was already there. Because of the rash guard, one of the interns and a few of the staff let me know they are really into Trek as well and we basked in our geek.  I learned so much during this five-hour visit that all of it became source material for fan fiction.
 
These are the two dolphins I had significant interactions with. Halfway through the day, I knew I had already adopted them in my brain. I go back there every couple of months to hang out with them and make a donation for the continued operation of this establishment. At the time I was also new to Starfleet and had known of Petfleet. After that, I made a point of getting to know them better. 
 
Betty. Oh, sweet Miss Betty. 55 years old and going blind. She and I made a painting together. I had a righteous one-on-one time with her. At one point she was rostrum to nose with me and I felt my sinuses pulse outwards and then back to normal. I asked my supervisor if you could feel it when a dolphin pinged you and she said some people can. The head trainer feels it in her joints when it happens. I was like, “Wow! Betty just checked me out!”  When I was leaving for the day, they brought me back to Betty and we got to hang out some more. It was completely unexpected. Like I said though. You are part of the research. Ego dictates there was something unique to my previous engagement with her that they wanted to do more observations. If this was the case, I am honored that Betty chose me somehow and that the scientists recognized something between us.
 
There is a four-year-old male dolphin named Surge whom I caught his eye. Whenever I was near the pen he was in or near the window he would swim next to me and periscope or spy hop me, but generally come that side of the habitat I was nearest. When in front of the window he would come down and hang out with me. There are pictures. This is until a 30-year-old female named Shaka came and chased him off and gave me two jaw pops. This reminded me of the time I was a volunteer at the Jacksonville Zoo and the senior chimpanzee would threaten me by reaching through his bars and clapping vertically whenever I was working with the female keepers. Shaka kept an eye on both of us whenever I was in the area for the rest of my visit.
 
Star Trek has always embraced pets, and by extension wildlife, which is why I am a fan of Petfleet. We bring creatures, living, breathing creatures into our homes, and our lives, and often it is hard to tell who is looking after who the most. I have a t-shirt from Til Valhalla that says, “Rescue is my favorite breed.” Along with getting Betty and Surge registered in Petfleet, my two poodles are as well although my wife says I can’t take them off the planet with me. 

Not wanting to say that animal conservation is a pet project, but it is. Volunteer as a dog walker at a shelter. Donate to K9s for Warriors.

Cadet Article

The Pawsitive Influence

By CDT1 Aurélie Doucet, Petfleet Cadet-Liaison

CDT1 Doucet and her best friend, Bucky the Rottweiler-Pyrenees - Photo courtesy of ENS M. Doucet

Since the dawn of time, dogs have been known as "human's best friend," but they extend beyond hunting, rescuing, and guarding. For kids, having a dog can be a rewarding experience. Not only has it been proven that dogs offer unconditional love and friendship, but they also help a child's emotional and physical development.

Children often confide in their pets, sharing their thoughts and worries, which can help their self-esteem and emotional development. The unconditional love of a dog also creates a safe space for kids to express themselves.

Furthermore, caring for a dog teaches kids valuable lessons about compassion and responsibility. They learn to recognize the needs and emotions of another living being, nurturing kindness and understanding that extends to their interactions with people.

The benefits of kids having a dog are almost infinite, embracing the emotional and physical aspects of their development. Dogs offer companionship, promote physical activity, and help emotional growth. They are truly loyal friends and great listeners, providing a bond that can last a lifetime. As some parents consider adding a furry family member, they can rest assured that bringing a dog into their child's life can lead to a fulfilling childhood and a new best friend for life.

Cadet 1st Class Aurélie Doucet
Associate Editor/Writer
Animal Sciences & Petfleet Liaison - USS Renaissance

Petfleet Cryptogram Puzzle #1

Petfleet Newsletter Submission Form

We extend an invitation to all STARFLEET pet lovers to become part of our vibrant Petfleet community. The process of joining is simple - simply make your way to Petfleet's Facebook Group or visit our Discord channel located on the STARFLEET Discord server. Upon arrival, we encourage you to register your beloved pets using the Petfleet Registration Form. We look forward to welcoming you and your furry friends to our warm and inviting community.
 
Has your furry, scaly, or feathered partner passed on?
You can immortalize their memory through the Final Mission to the Rainbow Bridge registration.

Petfleet online registration form https://forms.gle/jRCdEoQex5yUfJtJ9 

How to Join Petfleet?

We extend an invitation to all STARFLEET pet lovers to become part of our vibrant Petfleet community. The process of joining is simple - simply make your way to Petfleet's Facebook Group or visit our Discord channel located on the STARFLEET Discord server. Upon arrival, we encourage you to register your beloved pets using the Petfleet Registration Form. We look forward to welcoming you and your furry friends to our warm and inviting community.
 
Has your furry, scaly, or feathered partner passed on? You can immortalize their memory through the Final Mission to the Rainbow Bridge in the registration form.

Petfleet online registration form: https://forms.gle/jRCdEoQex5yUfJtJ9

The Guardian of Forever.