Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay Winter 2012

Inside This Issue

Happy Holidays!

HSTB to the Rescue! Page 3A Night to Remember Page 4A Tale of Three Danes Page 7

Page 2 Making Tracks

As the holidays approach, I want to thank everyone for all of the support that you have given to us and to the animals we shelter.

December traditionally has been our busiest adoption month and I believe we are on track to reach our goal of 6,100 adoptions by year-end. Recently, we expanded our adoption hours to be more accessible to the public. We are open every evening (Tuesday through Friday) and are now opening earlier on the week-ends.

Our move to the new Animal Health Center left us with more space in the shelter, so we’ve added an adoption room just for our puppies and small dogs. This area has increased the number of animals we

can shelter and who now have a chance of a new life. Also, we’ve added a retail space where we offer items such as crates, litter boxes, toys and other goodies that people need when they adopt a new pet. I hope you will stop by the shelter and see the improvements. I wish you and your family (including the four-legged ones) a wonderful and safe holiday and thank you for remembering the homeless animals. Sincerely,

Sherry SilkExecutive Director

Sherry SilkExecutive Director

Sherrys@humanesocietytampa.org(813) 774-4309

Board of DirectorsInterim President:

Mary BirrellTreasurer:

Michael NeffSecretary:

Patti Sutherland

Chris BauerMike Gratz

Diane HomaMorris MasseyKimberly Mello

Bob ReinaLinda Reitz

Allison RobertsCynthia Sarff

Christopher StephensLaura Tatem

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

Pat AntinoriCity Councilwoman Yvonne Yolie Capin

John DingfelderRose FerlitaCarol Funk

Richard GonzmartBobby Harris

Stephanie MastroDominique Mellow

County Commissioner Sandy MurmanKaryn Ringhaver

Cathy Smith

Editor:Lisa Knight

lknight@humanesocietytampa.org(813) 367-2078

Contributors:Lisa Knight

Shannon SellardsSherry Silk

Ornella Varchi

Layout & Design:Nash McCutchen

Letter from the Executive Director

MONDAYClosed

TuesDAY – FriDAY12 pm – 7 pm

sATurDAY – suNDAY10 am – 5 pm

NEW SHELTER HOURS

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

HOLIDAY HOURSshelter & Animal Health Center Closed: November 22; December 24, 25, 31; January 1

The Feral Cat Program will be closed December 24 – January 1 and will resume on January 11

Page 3Making Tracks

Thursday, October 25, began with a frantic call from a woman who heard a kitten crying in her engine. After calling everyone else she could think of and getting no help, she called us. We immediately

sent a team to the location to assess the situation and found that a kitten had gotten her head wedged in the A-frame of the woman’s Toyota Scion.

It took the efforts of four people and some Palmolive to free her and, in the process, we found her brother with a mangled foot stuck inside the engine.

The mother, a feral whom the kind neighbor had been caring for, was beside herself, crying for her babies, and standing nearby watching the rescue.

You will be happy to know that the babies were successfully rescued, treated for injuries and sent to recover in a foster home until they were ready for adoption. And, the mother cat was humanely trapped, spayed and vaccinated through our TNVR program, and returned to the wonderful citizen who continues to care for her.

As the weather gets cooler, cats and kittens may crawl into your engines

to keep warm. Simply banging on your car’s hood every morning can help save a life; the cats will normally jump out. If

you do hear an animal crying in your engine and can’t get him out with noise, please DO NOT START THE ENGINE! Call us (813-876-7138), the fire or police department, or another rescue group in the area to come help you.

Every Life Counts.

HSTB to the Rescue!

The mother cat, a feral being cared for by the citizen who called, stays near her babies during the rescue.

Scion (left) who injured his foot, and Sherrill (right) who had her head stuck in the A-frame, were feeling much better the day after the rescue.

Dave Backer (front), husband of HSTB Director of Shelter Operations Pam

Backer, cuddles the newly freed Sherrill while HSTB staff member Dave

Schwartz looks on.

Page 4 Making Tracks

A Night To Remember

On September 6th the ribbon cutting was held for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay Animal Health Center sponsored by Talk Fusion in Loving Memory of Thunder and Shadow Reina. Nearly 300 donors, city officials and animal lovers braved the pouring rain to help celebrate this amazing accomplishment.

HSTB Board of Directors, City Council and County Commissioners were on hand for the official ribbon cutting.

Bob Reina, CEO of Talk Fusion (with Allison Roberts) donated $1 million to the Animal Health Center and helped cut the ribbon.

Bob Reina (far right) surprises the Albano family with a check for $75,000 to fund the "Wendy's Kitty Camp" Feral Cat Patio. Photo by Jennifer Roark McCants

Alan & Stephanie Saunders (left) with Anne Shields & Merritt Barrow in the Alexis Saunders Memorial Lobby.

Photos by Krista Sparkman unless otherwise noted.

Page 5Making Tracks

Pets for Patriots

The Animal Health Center

Lobby

Exam Room Surgical Suite

Pets for Patriots is an organization that makes the joys of pet ownership achievable and affordable to members of the military community. It matches adult and other at-risk shelter pets with service and veteran members of the US military. Member Patriots come from all branches of the U.S. military and are in various stages of their military lives. The Pets

for Patriots program strives to do their part to help member Patriots find, support, and keep their honorably adopted pets. This includes:• Adoption special: The Humane Society of Tampa Bay provides a special adoption discount for Pets for Patriots

members.

• Discounted pet care: Minimum, ongoing 10% discount from a veterinary partner near you, including our Animal Health Center.

• Annual gift card: $150 gift card to PETCO, PetSmart or Tractor Supply (your choice) upon your eligible adoption, renewable annually as long as you own your honorably adopted pet.

• Members-only deals: specialty pet item discounts on a members-only secure site. Of course, the greatest benefit is the unconditional love and friendship of your new best friend.

To find out if you’re eligible for The Pets for Patriots program, please visit petsforpatriots.org.

Pugsley with his new owner Jesse Roberts. Jesse read about Pets for Patriots on the HSTB website. He came in to HSTB, met Pugsley, and instantly fell in love! Pugsley is a four-year-old Pug mix that was transferred to our shelter after his time ran out at a high-kill shelter.

Page 6 Making Tracks

Tree of Love

Twinkle Light: $10

Ornament: $15

Candy Bone: $20

Golden Bells: $25

Gift: $50

Wreath: $75

Visit our website and watch the Tree of Love blossom into a beautiful tribute to

your pets!

Purchase any of the items you see on this page in Honor Of or in Memory Of your special furry friend(s) and see their name(s) displayed on the item!

NeW THis YeAr:• Purchase online within our secure

site and watch your tribute(s) appear instantly on the tree!

• Have the option to add a picture of your pet that will "pop up" when you hover your mouse over your item(s)! (online purchases only)

• The Tree of Love will be archived forever so that you can return again and again to see your tribute!

humanesocietytampa.org/TreeOfLove

PSSSST!

Donations made to

the Tree of Love are

tax-deductible and

will help care for the

homeless animals

at HSTB!

Tree Topper available online only: $100

Number of Twinkle Lights (TL) @ $10 each for a total of $Number of Ornaments (O) @ $15 each for a total of $Number of Candy Bones (CB) @ $20 each for a total of $Number of Golden Bells (GB) @ $25 each for a total of $Number of Gifts (G) @ $50 each for a total of $Number of Wreaths (W) @ $75 each for a total of $

This gift is in Honor/Memory of:Please specify which item(s) (TL, O, CB, GB, G, or W) should be attributed to pets' names. Attach additional sheet if necessary.

Your Name:Address:Phone: Email:Circle One: Visa, MC, AMEX, Discover Card #: Exp DateSignature

AvAiLABLE iTEMs

Prefer to mail in your tribute? No problem! Fill out the form below and mail check or credit card information to:

Humane Society of Tampa BayATTN: Tree Of Love3607 N. Armenia AvenueTampa, FL 33607

Page 7Making Tracks

A Tale of Three Danes

It is not often that the Humane Society of Tampa Bay has a Great Dane available for adoption, maybe two or three times a year. So, when Pam Backer, Director of Shelter Operations, was selecting animals to transfer from Hillsborough County Animal Services she was shocked to see three on one day!

Tyson, Cleo and Dido all needed some special medical attention but Pam had no doubt HSTB could help! They were all transferred to HSTB that day. All three needed to gain considerable weight and have their specific medical conditions addressed.

We are happy to report that all three have recovered, gained weight and found loving homes.

Tyson Dido Cleo

Cleo, greatly neglected, was surrendered to HCAS. When she arrived at HSTB she was severely underweight and frightened. She was placed in a foster home where she quickly learned to love again and began gaining weight.

Tyson arrived at HSTB badly needing to gain some weight and was quickly scheduled for bilateral eye surgery.

Tyson went home with Mr. Riley, a long-time Great Dane owner! It was love at first sight for both of them.

Dido arrived at our shelter severely emaciated and with kennel cough. After recovering in a foster home, she was adopted by Andrea and Shane Gadoury who are thrilled to have her in their life.

Cleo went home with the Haas family and is sure to receive the love and attention she deserves!

Top three photos by Krista Sparkman

Page 8 Making Tracks

Get Your Bark On!

food

fun

Saturday, March 28:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Al Lopez Park • 4810 N. Himes Avenue

vendors, Demonstrations,

One-Mile Walk, Post-Walk Pet

and Costume Party, and more!

For questions about registration,

sponsorship or event details, contact

shannon sellards: 813.876.4150 or

specialevents@humanesocietytampa.org Collect donations as a “pack” or individual walker to help provide care for the thousands of animals who go through our shelter each year.

The goal for each walker is to raise at least $50!Form your “Pack” or register as an individual at:

B a r k i n T h e P a r k Ta m p a . c o m

fur

family

Photos by Krista Sparkman

Page 9Making Tracks

Volunteer of the Quarter

HSTB Voted #1 Place to Volunteer!

Nancy Tortorello has been a volunteer with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay since 2006 and has volunteered more than 1,000 hours.  Nancy spends a lot of her time at the shelter with the dogs, giving them love and

comfort until they find their new homes. But, she also has a love for cats and helps to foster kittens until they are old enough for adoption. And, like a true ambassador, she has passed along her love for animals to her grandchildren who have attended our Critter Camp during the summer. 

Nancy has recently retired and now spends more time transporting and welcoming animals in need who are transferred to HSTB from other shelters across the Southeast.

Nancy is a kind person who has generously given of herself and her time to homeless pets. Thank you, Nancy, for making such a big difference at HSTB and in the lives of countless animals.

The Humane society of Tampa Bay was proud to be voted the #1 place to volunteer in Tampa Bay by Creative Loafing Tampa.

We want to especially thank all of our wonderful volunteers. Without the help from each of you, we would never be able to accomplish so much for the animals in our community.

From working with our shelter animals, assisting at the Animal Health Center, driving for Animeals, managing our food assistance table, working with events and outreach or doing any of the other vital jobs available, please know that YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Tuxes & Tails, Favorite Black-Tie Gala!

family

Page 10 Making Tracks

Successful Adoptions

Snickers

Zobi

Sophia

Mitchell

I adopted sniCkErs just before Christmas last year (she was Renee at the Humane Society). She has been a great addition to my household. She loves to play, is very loyal, and as you can see from the picture, is very laid back. She even made friends with a giant stuffed rat who she sleeps with in the day time.

 Thanks for all you do!

 Tim Rabe

We fostered and recently adopted our awesome puppy! You know him as Chester, but we have renamed him ZOBi. He has been a blessing and brings so much joy and excitement to our lives. Thanks for bringing this amazing little guy into our lives! Here he is playing and looking pretty goofy at the park.

Audrey Siegler

My husband and I adopted a kitten from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay in June of 2011. She was a scrawny little thing at the time and when I walked past her cage she reached out with her little paw. Ever since that moment, I knew she was the kitten that I would take home.

Her name is sOPHiA now and she has been the very best cat anyone could hope for. She has such a sweet and loving personality. I have a few friends that do not pre-fer cats and many of them have grown to love Sophia. She has truly been such a great addition to our family. Thank you so much!

Melina Magistri

Hey! It’s me, MiTCHELL. I spent several months at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay before I was adopted by a nice human. So far I have had many adventures with my new dachshund brother Winston. He is my partner in crime and we really love to play, wrestle, and get into trouble. I go jogging with my human almost every day and get to meet lots of new people.

Thank you so much for saving me and all my furry friends. My human says that I am the perfect addition to the family and that I brighten up the house. Thank you for all that you do and for giving me a second chance and a forever home.

Mitchell, Winston, and Holly (my human)

Page 11Making Tracks

Special Thanks

Adcock FinancialThe Antinori Family

AsPCABank of Tampa

Blue Grace LogisticsBreezin’ Entertainment &

ProductionsClear Channel OutdoorColumbia restaurant

Events in BloomForns Design & Construction

Free PressGreat Lakes seasonal sales

Hunt Construction GroupHyde Park village

key Associates, inc.krista sparkman Photography

Lucky Dog resort

Mastro subaruMister Hotshine Car WashMouse House Concierge

Ogletree Deakins Olympia Catering & Events

PArPedigree FoundationPETCO FoundationPetsmart Charities

Professional Philanthropy networkTampa Yankees

Total Document ManagementT. rowe Price

Trenam kemkerUsAmeriBank

Wag natural Pet BoutiqueWhitworth Title Group

Brooke

Silverste

in

Thank you to Brooke Silverstein who celebrated her 11th birthday at HSTB and had guests donate

money to HSTB rather than receive birthday gifts!

Gaspar's Grotto

Thank you to Gaspar’s Grotto for helping raise funds and collect food

donations for HSTB!

Lend Lease

Thank you to Lend Lease for donating a full day of work to HSTB! Your painting and

gardening skills were amazing!

Because of the generosity of these businesses and organizations, it feels like Christmas all year long! Wags, purrs and thank you.

Humane society of Tampa Bay

3607 N. Armenia Ave.Tampa, FL 33607

(813) 876-7138humanesocietytampa.org

Adoption Hours:Monday: ClosedTuesday - Friday:

Noon - 7:00pmsaturday - sunday:10:00am - 5:00pm

Animal Health Center3809 N. Armenia Ave.

Tampa, FL 33607(813) 870-3304

spay/neuterMonday - Friday:7:00am - 5:00pm

veterinary servicesMonday:

Noon - 7:30pmTuesday-sunday: 8:30am - 3:00pm

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

(5:30pm on Mondays)

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 specialevents@humanesocietytampa.org

DECEMBEr 2012inTErnATiOnAL PLAZA PHOTOs WiTH sAnTA & PETssunday, December 2 & 9, 8am – 10am2223 nW shore Boulevard Please join us at the Grand Court at international Plaza with your furry friend(s) to have your holiday picture taken. For photo pricing, please call international Plaza at 813-342-3780

PHOTOs WiTH sAnTA & PETs AT HsTBsaturday, December 15, 1pm – 5pm3607 n Armenia AvenuePlease join us at HSTB’s gazebo with your animals to have your holiday picture taken with santa and Mrs. Claus.

HOWLiDAY BLOCk PAWTY in HYDE PArk viLLAGEDecember 20, 6pm – 9pm1602 snow Avenue Proceeds Benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. You and your four-legged friends are invited to join us for a yip-yapping good time in Hyde Park Village. You’ll have a chance to win great prizes while enjoying drink specials and giveaways/discounts at participating Hyde Park establishments for you and your furry friend(s).

JAnUArY 2013TAMPA BAY sOCiETY CHiLi COOk-OFFsaturday, January 19, 1pm – 5pmEast Lake Woodlands Country Club1055 East Lake Woodlands ParkwayDo you have what it takes to win the Tampa Bay

society Chili/salsa Bowl? Put your team together and show us how it’s done! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Humane society of Tampa Bay. Visit tampabay-society.com or call 727-724-2214 for more information.

MArCH 201326TH AnnUAL BArk in THE PArkFundraising Walk for the Animalssaturday, March 2, 8:30am – 12pm Al Lopez Park4810 n Himes Avenue Get Your Bark On! Collect donations as a “pack” or individual walker to help the Humane society of Tampa Bay provide shelter, food, spay/neuter services and medical care for the thousands of animals that are relinquished to our shelter each year! For more information, log on to www.barkintheparktampa.com, where you can create your own FrEE website to collect donations for HsTB!

APriL 201311TH AnnUAL TUXEs & TAiLs saturday, April 20, 6pm – 11pmMarriott Waterside700 south Florida Avenue$125.00 per person Please join us for Tampa Bay's Favorite Black-tie Gala and Fundraising event! Guests will enjoy a high-end silent and live auction, sumptuous dinner, complimentary wine & bubbly, and a fashion show of celebrity models teamed with an adorable adoptable from the Humane society of Tampa Bay.