making tracks summer 2012

Saving Animals at Hillsborough County Animal Services Page 3Helping Heidi Page 4A Veteran and his Dog Page 6

Inside This Issue

Helping Heidi...Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay Summer 2012

Photo courtesy of Krista Sparkman Photography

Making Tracks • Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Recently there has been a lot written about our community going “no kill” or “Saving 90” percent of the animals in shelters. In 2006, the ASPCA picked Hillsborough County for their Mission Orange program because of our extraordinarily high euthanasia rate (83%). At that time HSTB, NMHP (a coalition of rescue groups), and Hillsborough County Animal Services, committed to working together so that we could save more animals. The ASPCA funded staffing positions, training and spay/neuter grants for Hillsborough County so we could do better. That program ended two years ago and we were at a 70% euthanasia rate. We are excited that there has been renewed emphasis on saving more animals in our community and to always

strive to improve in the area of finding ways to do less euthanasia. We look forward to working with the new director at HCAS and will stand shoulder to shoulder in the fight to save even more lives. As a community, we have made great strides together in the last 5 or so years, but a 66% euthanasia rate is still too high. I believe we can do better.

We are also committed to the programs that help enable the community to keep their pets such as; our free food bank, free shots clinics and affordable medical care. If people can keep their pets with a little help from HSTB, they are less likely to turn them in to a shelter. (A special thank you to our donors who allow us to continue with these life saving programs.) We will also continue our trap/neuter/vaccinate/return (TNVR) program which provides sterilization for outside cats. Those of us who are in the trenches every day know that this program works, and most people would rather see outside cats sterilized and vaccinated rather than being killed like some have suggested.

Let’s all be thankful that we are working together towards less euthanasia for the animals in our community. If the animals could talk they would say, “thank you”.

Sincerely,

Sherry SilkExecutive Director

Sherry SilkExecutive Director

[email protected](813) 774-4309

Board of DirectorsPresident:

Connie Johnson

Vice-President:Mary Birrell

Treasurer:Michael Neff

Secretary:Patti Sutherland

Brian Funk Mike Gratz

Morris MasseyBob Reina

Linda ReitzAllison Roberts

Cynthia SarffChristopher Stephens

Advisory Board:Victoria J. Alvarez, P.A.

Pat AntinoriCity Councilwoman Yvonne Yolie Capin

John DingfelderRose FerlitaCarol Funk

Richard GonzmartStephanie Mastro

Dennis McCulloughDominique Mellow

County Commissioner Sandy MurmanKaryn Ringhaver

Cathy Smith

Editor:Lisa Knight

[email protected](813) 367-2078

Contributors:Sherry Silk

Nancy McCallLisa Knight

Danyelle HoLayout & Design:

Debra Roberts Bellanti

Making Tracks is a newsletter published quarterly

free of charge to our donors by the Humane Society of

Tampa Bay located at 3607 N Armenia Ave,

Tampa FL 33607. For further information

please contact the Editor: Lisa Knight 813-367-2078

Letter from the Executive Director

Every day HSTB offers Free Food Assistance to hungry animals in our community.

Each year HSTB offers free shots to animals in need.


Saving Animals at Hillsborough County Animal Services…Several times a week our Director of Shelter Operations, Pam Backer, visits Hillsborough County Animal Services to save animals that have not been adopted there, and transfers them to HSTB. This is a successful partnership for both HCAS and HSTB, but most importantly, for the animals. Below is a chart of how many animals have been transferred to HSTB over the last several years.

Through May of 2012, we have already transferred 580 animals. It is through the efforts of both organizations and the effective working relationship that we have that the euthanasia rate in Hillsborough County has been drastically reduced. We thought you might all enjoy seeing some of the little faces that greet us and melt our hearts each week.

2009 1052 2010 1403 2011 1479

Year Number of Animals Transferred to HSTB from HCAS


In March Louisiana experienced devastating floods. In fact, nine parishes were declared disaster areas. HSTB was contacted by The St. Martin Humane Society to see if we could help rescue some of the animals being displaced by all of the floods. Of course we were glad to open our doors to as many furry friends as possible!

Only days before the scheduled transport we received an urgent plea. Could we take Heidi, an eight week old Aussie pup with a severely dislocated hip? The Louisiana shelter vet had tried unsuccessfully to repair Heidi’s hip and they were out of resources to help her. They would have to euthanize her. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay was Heidi’s only hope for survival.

After consulting with our staff veterinarians, it was decided, YES we could save Heidi! Upon hearing the great news the staff and volunteers in Louisiana, “Screamed and cried like babies”, according to their shelter manager.

Heidi arriving at HSTB scared and confused.

Heidi went home with a wonderful couple. She will also have a Dachshund brother to share her home with!

On April 6th, after having several x-rays it was decided Heidi’s leg had to be amputated. Within one day of her amputation she was up and walking. Within two days, she was feeling like herself and on May 4th, less than one month after arriving in Tampa,

Helping Heidi...

Children’s Birthday Parties

at the

humane soCiety of tamPa Bay

Come and celebrate your SPECIAL DAY with our furry friends!

•Two-hourrentalofourprivateConferenceCenter•Afun&educationaltourofourfacility•Onecraftthatwillbefeaturedintheshelter!•Onecrafttotakehome•Visitsfromfurryshelterguests•BirthdayChildgetstonameashelteranimal!•BirthdayChildwillreceiveaspecialgift!•Photo-opsbyourdoggyhouse&gazebo•Maybringincake,food,beverages&decorations•Downloadablepartyinvitation!

Party like an animal!Formoreinformationvisitourwebsiteat

www.humanesoicetytampa.org/birthdayparties

ForreservationsorquestionscontactOrnellaVarchi

For childrenage5andolder, maximum of 15 children. $150donation includes the following:

seecon

tact

infobel

ow!

contact [email protected] or call 813-774-4344


Helping a Veteran and his Dog…

On February 1, we received a request from the Co-Founder of Pilots and Paws to help a military family with their dog, an 8 month old Pit Bull named Kicker. Both husband and wife served in the Middle East with the husband serving 5 tours in Afghanistan as a medical aid. He had seen the worst of the worst in a war ridden country. He had been diagnosed with severe PTSD and was being medically discharged in March. He and his wife just arrived here in Tampa the week before and were living in a hotel. The military was helping them purchase a home in Tampa, but the paperwork and red tape were expected to drag the process out for 4-6 months. The couple found an apartment in the Plant City area and a few days before moving they found out the complex did not allow Pit Bulls. The couple was desperate to keep their pup and called the husbands mom in Ohio and asked her for help. His mother then reached out to Pilots and Paws to transport Kicker to Ohio where he would be safe until his mom and dad had their new home. Pilots and Paws then contacted HSTB to see if we could foster him until a flight could be arranged. Kicker’s parents brought him to The Humane Society of Tampa Bay where we vaccinated, micro-chipped and tested him at no charge. We had a foster home ready, but when the pilots heard about Kicker’s situation, they quickly moved and had a flight scheduled for the next morning! One of our wonderful volunteers and her husband, Corinne and Rudolph Mueller picked up Kicker and drove him to Kissimmee, Fl to meet the pilot. One pilot flew Kicker to South Carolina where another pilot met him then flew him the rest of the way to Ohio. By the end of the day Kicker was safe and sound with his Grandma in Ohio where he will be loved and kissed until he can be reunited with his mom and dad.

Kicker being loaded onto the plane.

Kitten Season is Here...

Ready for take off! Kicker leaves for Ohio.

This is an example of one of HSTB promotions that helps adopt more animals.


Successful Adoptions...I was on my way to purchase a ragdoll kitten, when for some reason, as I passed the shelter, I decided to stop in. I have never been to a shelter before and I had no clue as to what made me stop. All I can say now is, “Thank you Lord!”

In a small playroom in the back, there were a few cats that were playing together. During the next couple of hours I spent with Bella, her motor was running and I felt she liked me, as I did her. As people came in and out of the room she would take off back in the box and hide, coming out and back to me when the coast was clear! Lol! I had forgotten all about that ragdoll kitten I was on my way to buy!

It’s a perfect match! I have felt so much love from her in this short time together, she talks constantly and loves to sleep in the bed at my side. I can only imagine the future happiness we will share together.

Thank-you so much Humane Society of Tampa Bay, for all your love and care concerning all the precious homeless animals, dogs and cats alike! I will forever be grateful for my new found friend, “BELLA”.

-Dina Ligori

We adopted Bentley last month and can’t tell you what a joy he is! The day after we adopted him I took him to the groomer and he jumped into the back seat and rode in my granddaughter’s car seat. That was just a preview of the funny little guy we have come to love so much. He is so playful and affectionate--he loves to be petted and rubbed and he is always ready for a walk or to play with his toys. If anyone has reservations about adopting a mature dog, I wish they could meet Bentley. He is 10 years young-- very spunky, well trained and a great companion.

We want to thank everyone at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay for caring for Bentley until it was time for him to come home.

-Mary Jo Shaw

In August I walked into the Humane Society of Tampa Bay looking to adopt a dog….Instead, I walked out with Neva (now Khloe) from your facility! I am happy to report that she is doing wonderful and enjoying a life of playing, bird watching, pestering her big sister Zoey and cuddling up with our dog Summit. She is such a sweet little one with a mischievous attitude and a loud voice. Thank you for allowing us to make her part of our family!

-Jennifer R.

We adopted Laney, about 2 months ago and couldn’t be any happier!!! She is very loving, extremely playful and so smart!! She loves chewing anything and everything she can get her paws on! Laney also loves taking naps in the sun, playing outside and loves other dogs!

Thanks so much! Our lives are fuller and richer because of Laney. Thanks for keeping animals safe!!

-Philip, Kelly and Laney


T h a n k Yo u

BoB Reina & Talk Fusion DonaTe $100,000 FoR 100 YeaRs oF saving lives

Talk Fusion’s Bob Reina & allison Roberts

FOX 13’s Charley Belcher & Jennifer Epstein with Big Boy & Willow

ModelsAngela Ardolino, Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

Jackie Barron, Mosaic Company Charley Belcher, FOX 13 News

Lindsey BelcherJackie Callaway, ABC Action News

Santiago Corrada, City of Tampa Chief of Staff Jennifer Epstein, FOX 13 News

Bill Freitas, The BL Show 1250 AM WHNZ Ginger Gadsden, 10 Connects NewsKen Hagan, County Commissioner

Lindsay Milbourne, FOX 13 MeteorologistLisa Montelione, Tampa City Councilwoman

Jerome Ritchey, Studio 10 Wendy Ryan, ABC Action News

Mia Scaglione John Thomas, ABC Action News

Alexa & Amelia TraviesaKristin Wright, FOX 13 News

Best in show sponsorsTalk Fusion

Anonymous Friend of the Animals

Catwalk sponsorsLance & Karyn Ringhaver

Model purr-feCt sponsorsThe A.D. Morgan Corporation

American Traditions by Tara, Inc.The Antinori Family

Gerry & Suzie ArchibaldBlue Grace Logistics

BrightHouseGlenn & Danita Dickman

Downtown DogsCarol & Charlie FunkHill Ward HendersonStacey & John JaebMosaic Company

Pawlowski & Brewer, P.A.Paws Plus

USAmeribank

pretty paws sponsorsAllied Aerofoam

No Place Like HomeCarePAR, Inc.

Strategos Public AffairsTrenam Kemker

WAG Natural Pet Boutique

Bark of the town sponsorsForns Design & Construction, Inc.

New York Yankees Foundation

Media sponsors Tampa Bay Metro

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

in-kind sponsorsAVI-SPL, Creative Show Services

Barefoot Wine & BubblyBreezin’ EntertainmentConnie Duglin Linens

Downtown DogsEvent Show Productions (ESP)

Events in BloomFree PressIM Events

Krista Sparkman PhotographySuperBooch

Mistress of CereMonyCynthia Smoot, FOX 13 News

$265,000Raised foR the animals!

10th Annual

Yvonne Yolie Capin, Richard gonzmart, & santiago Corrada

County Commissioner & Mrs. ken Hagan executive Director sherry silk with the Werner Family

10 Connects’ ginger gadsden (left) & levi (with HsTB’s nash McCutchen)aBC action news’ John Thomas & Zeus

FoX 13’s lindsay Milbourne & olivia

Mistress of Ceremony Cynthia smoot (FoX 13)

esP/Breezin’ entertainment Performer


Volunteer of the Quarter...

Whether Brittany Mielcarek is playing with dogs, helping with adoptions or being a mentor to new volunteers, one thing is certain…there is a smile on her face! Brittany started volunteering with The Humane Society of Tampa Bay in January of 2011 and it is obvious to all that know her, she loves being with the animals. She is most at home in the play yards, giving the dogs their daily exercise. It’s hard for her not to get attached to the dogs as it is always bittersweet to watch them get adopted and walk out the door with their new families. But she still comes back and loves them all just the same, even though she knows that eventually she will have to say goodbye.

Thank you Brittany for your love of the animals of HSTB and for your contagious smile!!

Adcock Financial

Florida Investment Advisors

Groovy Cats & Dogs

Honor Thy Pet Cremation & Funeral Service

International Academy of Design & Technology Online

Merck Animal Health

Merial - Frontline/Heartgard

PAR, Inc.

Pet Supermarket

Petco & Petco Foundation

Progressive Insurance

Publix Super Markets Charities

Royal Pets Market & Resort

Staples

Talk Fusion

The Petango Store

Wag Natural Pet Boutique


Special Thanks...

ASPCA

Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar

Build A Bear Foundation

Columbia Restaurant

Community Foundation of Greater Sun City Center

Dubliner Irish Pub

Gasparilla Annual Games Mixed Event

Girl Scout Troop 433

Hyde Park Village

Kappa Alpha Theta, University of Tampa

Krewe of Brigadoon

Dr. Christy Layton - Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort

McFarlane Park IB Program

Painting with a Twist

Petco Foundation

PetSmart Charities

Royal Pets

Scott Peterson & the Quivering Rhythm Hounds

Skipper’s Smokehouse

South Tampa Chamber of Commerce

Talk Fusion, Inc.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Walter Foundation

Verizon Wireless

Waterchase

Wendy’s Kitty Fund

Wiregrass Ranch High School PAW

Young Professionals of Tampa Bay

Thank you to Blue Grace Logistics for donating 6,700 pounds of pet food! You helped us fill the food shed to the top!

Thanks to the Fletcher Academy students that spent a day

volunteering at HSTB!

Thank you to Girl Scouts Troop #791 who held a dog wash and raised

$832 for HSTB!

Thanks to Balance Tampa Bay for spreading mulch in our play yards!

Thanks to Royal Pets for inviting HSTB to it’s Customer Appreciation Day

and collecting donations!

Thanks to University of Tampa students who donated a day of hard work

around the shelter!

June 2012Block PAWty (Luau) in Hyde Park Village June 21st; 6pm- 9pmProceeds Benefit the Humane Society of Tampa BayHyde Park Village You and your 4 legged friends are invited to join us for a yip-yapping good time at the courtyard area outside of Downtown Dogs, located at 1631 West Snow Circle in Hyde Park Village. You’ll have a chance to win great prizes while enjoying drink specials and give-aways/discounts at participating Hyde Park establishments for you and your furry friend(s).

6th Annual Bark at the BallparkJune 30th; 6pmGeorge M. Steinbrenner FieldBring your whole family, including your four-legged friends to the baseball game! Pet Friendly vendors will be open for business featuring lots of treats and goodies for your pets. Humane Society of Tampa Bay will have a few adorable adoptables to greet you too!

September 201215th Annual Community HarvestSeptember 1st thru the 30thColumbia RestaurantsThe Columbia Restaurant donates 5% of all guests’ lunch and dinner sales to the charitable

organizations chosen by their customers during the month of September. Please be sure to select the Humane Society of Tampa Bay! Visit columbiarestaurant.com to find a location closest to you!

Block PAWty (Patriotic) in Hyde Park Village September 20; 6pm- 9pmProceeds Benefit the Humane Society of Tampa BayHyde Park Village You and your 4 legged friends are invited to join us for a yip-yapping good time at the courtyard area outside of Downtown Dogs, located at 1631 West Snow Circle in Hyde Park Village. You’ll have a chance to win great prizes while enjoying drink specials and give-aways/discounts at participating Hyde Park establishments for you and your furry friend(s).

October 2012Passion for PetsWednesday, October 10, 201211:30 am – 12:30pmHyatt Regency Tampa211 North Tampa Street Tampa, FloridaAnnual fundraising luncheon. If you are interested in attending please contact Nancy McCall, Director of Development, at (813) 774-4311.

Humane Society of Tampa Bay

3607 N Armenia Ave.Tampa, FL 33607

(813) 876-7138www.humanesocietytampa.org

Adoption Hours:Sunday

Noon - 5:00 p.m.MondayClosed

Tuesday & WednesdayNoon - 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Friday, SaturdayNoon - 5:00 p.m.

Spay/Neuter ClinicMonday - Friday

7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.(813) 870-3304

Wellness ClinicMonday 2:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.

Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.(813) 870-3304

Call for an appointment.Walk-ins also accepted until 1:30pm.

Our Mission: Dedicated to ending animal homelessness

and providing care and comfort for companion animals in need.

Our Vision: Leading the way because every life counts.

Calendar of Events...

For more information on upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Special Events at 813-876-4150 or [email protected]

making tracks summer 2012

Documents

high euthanasia rate

tracks newsletter

heidi page

tampa fl

free of charge

dog page

mission orange program

outside cats