Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay Winter 2013

Inside This IssueShelter Cat Saves Dying Pet Page 3Enriching the Lives of Shelter Dogs Page 4Fill Santa's Sleigh for the Animals Page 5Photo: Dave Backer

Holly & TaterA Holiday Miracle

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Page 2 Making Tracks Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Last week when I arrived at the shelter, I noticed several of our staff and volunteers huddled around a carrier looking at a mother terrier mix named “Holly” and her newborn

puppy who was snuggled under mom, all wrapped in a blanket. We named the puppy “Tater”. Mom and baby had just arrived on a transport from a high-volume shelter that is forced to euthanize animals because they have so many.

But, there is more to the story. The night before the transport, Holly, who no one had noticed was pregnant, had given birth to a single male puppy. The staff at the shelter in Louisiana called us to make sure we would agree to take Holly's newborn puppy as well. If we couldn’t, they would euthanize him. Of course, we said "Yes!"

We are so fortunate to have staff, as well as volunteers, who are willing and able to foster underage puppies (and kittens) with their mothers until they are ready for adoption. It isn’t an easy job, it requires a lot of work, but it is extremely rewarding and truly lifesaving. We also now have eight veterinarians who work at the shelter and our Animal Health Center providing excellent medical care for the nearly 6,000 animals that come through our shelter each year. Holly and Tater received a clean bill of health and are now in a wonderful foster home that provides warmth, love and comfort. Holly will be safe to nurse and care for her puppy until they are both ready for adoption, hopefully by the end of the year.

Had Tater not made it on this transport, he would not be here today. But, Tater is just one of our holiday miracles. His story illustrates the kind of work we do every day of the year.

I hope you and your family (four-legged as well as two-) have a wonderful holiday.

For the animals,

Sherry SilkExecutive Director

SherryS@humanesocietytampa.org(813) 774-4309

Board of DirectorsPresident

Mary BirrellVice President

Cynthia SarffTreasurer

Michael NeffSecretary

Diane Homa

Chris BauerMike Gratz

Mary Kate HarrisonKimberly Mello

Linda ReitzLaura Tatem

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

Pat AntinoriCity Councilwoman Yvonne Yolie Capin

John DingfelderCarol Funk

Richard GonzmartBobby Harris

Stephanie MastroDominique Mellow

County Commissioner Sandy MurmanJudge Tracy Sheehan

Cathy Smith

Editor:Lisa Knight

lknight@humanesocietytampa.org(813) 367-2078

Contributors:Danyelle HoLisa Knight

Nancy McCallNash McCutchen

Holly RennellSherry Silk

Ornella Varchi

Layout & Design:Nash McCutchen

Letter from the Executive Director

Making Tracks is a newsletter published

quarterly, free of charge, for donors of the Humane

Society of Tampa Bay located at 3607 N Armenia Ave, Tampa FL 33607. For

more information, please contact the Editor: Lisa

Knight, 813-367-2078

h u m a n e s o c i e t y t a m p a . o r g

Sherry Silk Executive Director

HOLIDAY HOURSShELtEr hOLIDAY hOUrS:

CLOSED Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 28 OPEN 10AM-2PM Christmas Eve: Tuesday, December 24

CLOSED Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25OPEN 12PM-4PM New Year’s Eve: Tuesday, December 31

CLOSED New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1

ANIMAL hEALth CENtEr hOLIDAY hOUrS:CLOSED Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 28 CLOSED Christmas Eve: Tuesday, December 24

CLOSED Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25OPEN 8:30AM-12:30PM New Year’s Eve: Tuesday, December 31

CLOSED New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1

AhC StErILIzAtIONS & SPECIAL SUrgErIES: CLOSED Monday December 23 - Friday December 27

FErAL CAt SErVICES:CLOSED Monday, December 23

Feral Cat surgeries will resume on Monday, December 30

Page 3Making Tracks Humane Society of Tampa BayMaking Tracks Humane Society of Tampa Bay

The morning of July 29th began the same as always for Splash: a long stretch in his condo cage, a little breakfast, and some TLC from our staff. Little did he know that he would soon become the hero in a

story with a very happy ending.

July 29th dawned less sunny for Pailey, an 11-year-old pet cat who was suffering from severe anemia. She had become increasingly weak and was no longer able to eat or stand. The only thing that could save her life was a blood transfusion. On a referral from Tampa Bay Veterinary Emergency Service, Pailey's owner contacted our Animal Health Center. The veterinarians at the Center were more than willing to help; the only thing they needed was a donor. Enter Splash.

“I received a call from one of our veterinarians asking if we had a shelter cat who could serve as a blood donor for a client who was dying,” said HSTB Director of Shelter Operations Pam Backer. “Although we’ve done many transfusions between dogs, we’ve never tried it with cats. But, there was a pet in need so I immediately began looking for a suitable donor.”

Splash met the criteria. Not only was he the right age, but he was large and strong and had no health issues. The handsome black and white cat with speckles on his feet and a splash of white on his nose had been turned in to HSTB when his owner developed allergies. When Backer approached his cage, he hopped right up to greet her.

“I told him we were going to have a little adventure together,” said Backer. “I also promised him a big can of wet food and extra cuddles when it was all over. He settled right into my arms, he was game!”

the transfusion went smoothly and within hours of the treatment, Pailey was alert, vocalizing and ready to go home. Her owner was visibly moved when she saw the difference in her pet who had been near death just hours before. When shown a picture of Splash, the homeless cat who had saved Pailey, her eyes filled with tears. “Thank you so much,” she said. “I don’t know what we would have done without you.”

As Pailey traveled home to recover, Splash napped comfortably in his cage with a belly full of wet food, a hero’s reward. Even more exciting, within just a few days of saving Pailey’s life, Splash found his forever home!

Shelter Cat Saves Life of Dying Pet!

The unsuspecting hero, Splash!

Severe anemia left Pailey close to death.

Pailey gives her donor an appreciative gaze.

Splash's new parents are so proud of their little hero!

Page 4 Making Tracks Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Just over a year ago, we had Dog Behavior Expert Aimee Sadler visit our shelter and instruct our staff on how to conduct play groups for our shelter dogs. It is a fairly new concept and we are one of the first shelters in Florida to embrace this program. These play groups have quickly become the most important enrichment tool we have.

Many of our dogs get adopted within a few days but often, since we are a “no kill for space” shelter, some dogs are with us for months. Now, every morning, all of our dogs go out for group play (unless they have a medical issue). Each session lasts nearly an hour and 6-10 dogs at a time get to run, jump, play and chase each other. As you can see from the pictures, they have a wonderful time and are joyous in the moments they get to spend outside with their canine friends.

We have found that this type of exercise program helps the dogs cope with a stressful shelter environment. By the time we open to the public, they are tired and content. It has really increased the quality of their lives while they are with us. Plus, we can tell the new adopters more about their behavior with other animals, which is an added bonus. It is just one more tool that we use to enrich the lives of the animals who are in our care.

Enriching The Lives of Shelter Dogs

Jim

McC

ook

Jim McCook

Jim McCook

Jim

McC

ook

Fetch

catch

Frolic

wrestle

Run chase

SplaSh

ro l l

Wag

play

Leap

woof

bound

howl

swim

ROMP

BarK

race

gnaw

Making Tracks Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Santa's Sleigh

Bowls of Cat Food (CF) @ $15 each for a total of $Bowls of Dog Food (DF) @ $20 each for a total of $# of Cat Toys/Bedding (CT) @ $25 each for a total of $# of Dog Toys/Bedding (DT) @ $30 each for a total of $# of Medicines/Vet Care (M) @ $50 each for a total of $# of Extra Hugs (H) @ $75 each for a total of $# of Extra Kisses (K) @ $100 each for a total of $

This gift is in Honor/Memory of:Please specify which item(s) (CF, DF, CT, DT, M, H, or K) 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

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

Humane Society of Tampa BayATTN: Santa's Sleigh3607 N. Armenia AvenueTampa, FL 33607

Let your year-end gift count for animals by helping to fill Santa's Sleigh on our website! Choose from essential items that will keep our animals happy, healthy and well-fed while they wait to find forever homes!

Purchase any of the following items In honor Of or In Memory Of your special furry friend(s) and see their name(s) displayed on the item by going to our online Santa's Sleigh Page.

humanesocietytampa.org/SantasSleigh

Cat Food &Treats: $15Dog Food &Treats: $20

To Nourish & Reward

Cat Toys & Beds: $25Dog Toys & Beds: $30

To Enrich & Comfort

Life-saving Medicines & Veterinary Care: $50

To Protect & Heal

Extra Hugs (Red heart): $75Extra Kisses (Gold heart): $100

Because Every Life Counts

'Tis the Season o

f Giving!

Page 5Making Tracks Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Page 6 Making Tracks Humane Society of Tampa Bay

If you have ever attended one of our many outreach or special events, chances are you have seen this Volunteer of the Quarter. Nancy Jerome

has been an HSTB volunteer for more than two years, volunteering for countless events and giving hundreds of hours to homeless pets in our community. She is one of our "go-to" volunteers; if we are in need, we know we can call her and she'll be on her way!

Whether tending bar at a reception, handling animals at an adoption event, educating the community about pets in need, or helping to secure donations for auctions and raffles, Nancy's dedication to hStB is evident! She always has a smile on her face and enthusiastically goes above and beyond what is asked of her.

Originally a self-proclaimed "cat person", Nancy has learned to cherish and appreciate our canine friends as well! Her warm personality, and passion to help ALL animals are just a couple of the reasons why we have chosen Nancy as the Volunteer of the Quarter!

Thank you, Nancy, for all you do for HSTB and for making a difference in the lives of homeless animals.

Volunteer of the Quarter

HSTB Unveils First-Ever Calendar

2014Celebrate the beauty of pet adoption all year long with our 2014 Adoptables Calendar. Featuring portraits of past hStB adoptables captured in the stunning artwork of Krista Sparkman Photography, this calendar will bring a smile to your face every day. In addition to an adopted pet, each month also showcases a meaningful quote about animals or a tidbit about successful HSTB programs. And, of course, national holidays, animal/pet-related holidays and HSTB events are also included.You can purchase the calendar for just $10 in our re-tAIL Shoppe at the shelter or at our Animal Health Center. Or call 813.774.4306 to order (postage fees apply).

A Perfect Holiday Gift!

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.

2014~Anatole France

Page 7Making Tracks Humane Society of Tampa BayMaking Tracks Humane Society of Tampa Bay Page 7Making Tracks Humane Society of Tampa Bay

A Perfect Holiday Gift!

Save The Date!New Location. New Time. More Awesomeness.

March 29, 2014Noon – 4:00pm Cotanchobee Park Walk along the river, live music, vendors, food and beer.

Get Your Bark On, Tampa Bay!

fun

fur

food family

Krista Sparkman Photography

Page 8 Making Tracks Humane Society of Tampa Bay

And The Winner Is ...

Over the summer, the children who attended Critter Camp had the chance to show their artistic sides by painting portraits of their favorite animals.

At the end of the summer, we assigned judges the very difficult task of picking the “Best Dog”, “Best Cat”, “Best Other” and an overall winner called “Best In Show”.

The young artists had a blast and it was great to see so many talented children filled with excitement about the animals they love.

The 2013 winners are: Best Dog: Summer Purks, age 10 Best Cat: Emily Flake, age 12 Best Other: Elli Duffey, age 10 (a lovely owl portrait) Best in Show: Emily Flake (pictured)

Not only did each winner receive a Target gift card, but their artwork was professionally framed by Monalisa Custom Framing and is currently on display in our Animal Health Center lobby.

Best In

Show

Congratulations to our winners

Kris Kringle Is Coming To HSTB!

Photos With SantaSAtUrDAY, DECEMBEr 14

11:00am – 1:00pma t the she l te r gazebo

Jolly Old St. Nick will be paying a visit to our precious pets! He'll be at our Gazebo for one day only (he is a busy man) and would love to hear what is on your pets' Christmas lists. We know they haven't been naughty this year, only nice! So, stop by our shelter with your two- and four-legged children for photos with Santa and Holiday festivities that will

make you feel merry and bright!

Photos are $10 and printed on site. All proceeds benefit our animals. Photography by Norman Mark.

Page 9Making Tracks Humane Society of Tampa BayMaking Tracks Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Successful Adoptions

We adopted Leah (now Ziggy) in June and we have absolutely fallen in love with her. She is such an amazing addition to our family and she always makes us smile. She is now 5 months old and growing very fast. Ziggy loves going to the dog park every week and seeing her furry friends. She also enjoys chewing all of her toys into a million pieces. Her new favorite thing is to go for car rides with the windows down, her little ears flopping in the wind.

We are very appreciative of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay for being extremely helpful in finding us the perfect dog. Ziggy is now enrolled in the dog training at HSTB and we are very excited for her to learn a few more commands. Thank you again for all the amazing work you do for such beautiful animals.

- Vaughn, Kayla & Ziggy

- Jessica Endaya

ZiggyI adopted Calypso (then “Brooke”) in late November. I was able to go into the cat room and play with her for a while and they even let us have our own private room to get to know her better before bringing her home. She was shy for the first few weeks I brought her home but now she’s the most playful, affectionate, energetic and sweet cat I could have asked for. Not to mention the most photogenic! It’s so hard to believe she was at a kill shelter before the Humane Society of Tampa Bay rescued her! I had considered going to a breeder but decided it was more responsible to find a cat in need of a home instead and I’m so glad I chose the Humane Society. I’ve recommended it to friends looking for a pet. Calypso is the perfect companion and brings me so much joy. I can’t thank you enough.

- KateHop

Scooter, Spike & Squeaker are all doing well. They are adjusting to their new home, running and wheeling.

Thanks to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. The staff is awesome and the facility is great.

-Jean Glover

Bailey

I came to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay in search of the perfect companion for my dog and I. And, that’s exactly what I found! Petey, now named Cooper, looked so sad and depressed when I saw him in his cage. But when I took him out to meet him, he was a completely different dog. He greeted me with lots of kisses and snuggles and was so happy for those few minutes of freedom. I adopted him a few days before my other dog, Sophie’s, birthday. So she got quite the birthday surprise! They get along great and are like two peas in a pod, always playing together and sleeping next to each other. Cooper loves belly rubs, sleeping in your arms, going on walks and playing tug of war with Sophie. He is one of the most affectionate, sweet, loving dogs I’ve ever met and I’m so glad he finally has a forever home with Sophie and I!

Calypso

Cooper

Scooter, Spike & S

queaker

Page 10 Making Tracks Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Aaarrff, M

utteys!

HSTB Chosen As Gasparilla Beer Garden Charity!

Build a Legacy for Yourself & the Pet's You've Loved

Do you need to update your Estate Plan? Please consider making your love of pets part of the legacy you leave through life insurance, annuities or IRAs. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been dedicated to ending animal homelessness and providing care and comfort for companion animals in need for more than 100 years. In 2014, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay will be offering quarterly Estate Planning Seminars for people with pets. Find out what you need to know and how we can help you plan for your pet when you are no longer there.

The next seminar will be held on January 22nd from noon until 1:00pm in our Conference Center at 3607 N. Armenia Avenue. Please contact Director of Planned Giving Nancy McCall at (813) 774-4311 or nmccall@humanesocietytampa.org for more information.

Need to make a year-end gift to avoid paying more in taxes? Please see your tax professional and consider making a gift to the humane Society of tampa Bay.

Contact Director of Development John Everhart at (813) 774-4346 or johne@humanesocietytampa.org for more information.

Legacy S

ociety

Making Tracks Humane Society of Tampa Bay Page 10

Help yourself and the Animals Too!

Avast ye Mateys! T' Krewe of Argos be invadin' South Tampa!

That's right! The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is one of only eight charities who have been invited to take part in the 2014 gasparilla Pirate Fest!

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay has been chosen to man ... 'er mate ... a

Beer garden at Curtis hixon Park before, during and after the famous

Parade of Pirates!This huge honor will raise lots of

gold for our little Mateys at the shelter! We hope you'll join us!

Gasparilla Pirate FestJanuary 25, 2014

HSTB Beer GardenCurtis Hixon Park

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Page 11Making Tracks Humane Society of Tampa BayMaking Tracks Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Special Thanks

Humane Society of Tampa Bay

PURRS!

Special Thanks

Your boundlessg e n e r o s i t y m a k e s

every single day feel like Chr is tmas

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Thank You

WAGS!

ASPCAAparicio-Levy technical Ctr.Betty’s at Hyde Park Village

Café DufrainChrista Bauer

Clear Channel OutdoorCreative Loafing

Dubliner Citrus Parkginger goepper

harbour Island Athletic Club

Charlene & John hargetthyde Park Villagehog Wild Mud run

MacDinton's Irish PubMister hotshine

Monalisa Picture FramingPhillips Pet Food

Sail Paviliont. rowe Price

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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 - 7:00pmTuesday-Sunday: 8:30am - 3:00pm

Call for an appointment.Walk-ins also accepted until 2:00pm

(5:30pm on Mondays)

OUr VISION: Leading the way because every life counts.

OUr MISSION: Dedicated to ending animal homelessness and

providing care and comfort for companion animals in need.

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 201312 Bars of tampa Pub CrawlSaturday, December 7th

registration begins at 4:00pmSouth TampaEnjoy a festive pub crawl through 12 of South Tampa’s best bars. $7 from each ticket is donated directly to your charity of choice. So drink, be merry and choose HSTB! Visit www.12barsoftampa.com for details!

Photos with SantaSaturday, December 14th

11:00am – 1:00pmHumane Society of Tampa BayBring your 2- and 4-legged children to HSTB for photos with Jolly Ol' St. Nick.

Share the LoveSaturday, December 14th

11:00am – 3:00pmMastro SubaruJoin our Mobile Adoption Center for an afternoon of food, music, cars and adorable adoptables! Helps us "fill the HSTB Subaru" by bringing toys and treats for our shelter animals!

JANUArY 20144th Annual Chili & Salsa BowlSaturday, January 11th

1:00pm – 5:00pmEast Lake Woodlands Golf & Country ClubBring your family and friends to taste some of the best chili and salsa around! Enjoy live music, a bounce house and games for kids. A portion of the proceeds will benefit HSTB.

gasparilla Charity Beer garden at gasparilla Pirate FestSaturday, January 25th

Curtis Hixon ParkHSTB has been awarded a spot at one of the Charity Beer Gardens at Tampa Bay’s greatest tradition, the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. We will be at Curtis Hixon Park, please come by and have a drink to support the animals!

MArCh 2014Bark In the ParkSaturday, March 29th

12:00pm – 4:00pmCotanchobee Fort Brooke ParkJoin us at our annual fundraising Walk For The Animals! This year the event will be held downtown on the water with live music, food, beer, and vendors.

Find detailed information and more events at www.humanesocietytampa.org/events