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IN THISISSUECelebrating 65 years

aDOPtiOn sUCCesses

seniOr Pet COnneCtiOn

meDiCal UPDate

HsP HaPPenings

S P R I N G 2 0 1 4

COnneCt WitH Us

3040 state road 590Clearwater, Fl 33759(727) 797-7722HumanesocietyofPinellas.org

The Humane Society of Pinellas (HSP) has evolved since our humble beginning in 1949 to meet the ever changing needs of our community and its pets. We’ve come from a small shelter offering a few hundred pets a second chance to a full service animal welfare organization. Today HSP offers a variety of programs that help reduce pet overpopulation (reduced cost spay / neuter services), affordable pet healthcare that helps people keep their pets, program services like the pet food pantry and Senior Pet Connection (which give a hand up to those in need) and pet adoptions — our primary focus.

Many may remember the times when the Humane Society of Pinellas housed a llama, donkeys and even goats who took up residence here. Today our focus is on cats, dogs, rabbits and pocket pets like gerbils.

Real strides have been made in finding homes for more pets, ultimately saving their lives. In 2010, we adopted out 1,537 animals; today we are on course to find homes for more than 3,000 in 2014. Additionally the average time of stay for each animal has been cut from 179 days in 2010 to 15.5 days in 2013.

Our programs have expanded to include PASS (Pinellas Alternative to Pet Surrender) Program, a program that provides resources to those considering pet surrender and expanded medical services both on-site and through our mobile medical unit.

HSP has overcome obstacles like the recent roof collapse by Tropical Storm Andrea in 2013 to the daily obstacles of operating in a 65-year-old “outdoor” shelter.

All of this has been accomplished by the generosity of you, our supporter. Your donation provides the care and medical attention to save the lives of animals needing a second chance, many who found themselves in a shelter by no fault of their own.

Please keep your support coming; the next 65 years promise to be even more impactful because of you.

65 yEarS STroNg

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adopTIoN SUccESSES

UNExpEcTEdfoster hero

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Adoptions as of 4/30/14730

365 dogs

343 cats

22 rabbits, birds & pocket pets

Who’s Getting Adopted

In March, 6-year old Darla, a Bulldog mix and her nine five-day-old puppies, were transferred to HSP. At the same time another dog, Coco, delivered six puppies. Both families were healthy with the exception of one of Coco’s puppies, who was being ostracized from the litter. This puppy was introduced to Darla’s litter and was accepted into her family, making Darla the perfect “foster parent.” Every time the puppy would cry out Darla would pick him up and coddle him. Even his new siblings became watchful and protective. Now he gets all the TLC he needs and is growing up happy and healthy with his “adopted family”.

HsP Heroes: VoluNteeRSWe couldn’t do it without the support of our donors and volunteers, thank you! In the first quarter, HSP has been fortunate to have 9,673 volunteer hours donated by a dedicated “staff” of volunteers. Volunteers needed; contact Lucy (727) 797-7722 for more information.

While taking care of the physical and medical needs is vital, maintaining the mental and behavioral needs of our shelter pets is just as important, and often more challenging. Two ways we accomplish this are through dog play and the Open Paw Enrichment Program, a positive reinforcement training program.

Dog play focuses primarily on off-leash interactions between dogs in the shelter. Groups engage in sessions of off-leash activity to help exercise and maintain sociability. Other mental stimulation includes meals through food-dispensing toys, such as Kongs®. This “pre-occupational therapy” is important in the mental stimulation and helps dogs cope with the kennel environment.

physical careBeyond

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HSp SErvIcES

Leave Your LegacyThe Humane Society of Pinellas is grateful to those who include us in their estate plans. By remembering HSP in your will you are ensuring future pets have a chance. If you are considering, or have made plans, to include the Humane

Society of Pinellas in your will, IRA contribution or other planned gifts please contact Kelly Hodges at (727) 797-7722. 3

HsP Heroes: VoluNteeRS

M e d i c a l

vaccines were given2,002

uPDAteHSP hired a full time veterinarian in 2013 in an effort to provide better care to those animals in our shelter and to the community. This allowed us to expand our medical services, offering an affordable pet clinic that provides spay-neuter services, vaccines, exams and minor veterinarian care Thursday - Saturday.

Our medical staff provided medical services to 957 animals in the first quarter including a leg amputation on Sonny who came to HSP as a transfer from another shelter.

Sonny had suffered from damage done to his leg that now made it impossible for him to use it and would give him a lifetime of pain. It was in Sonny’s best interest that we remove his leg. In just a few days Sonny was up, happy and getting around. Soon he was well enough to be adopted by Emily and Tiffany who fell in love with Sonny’s playful, sweet disposition. Thank you for supporting HSP and dogs like Sonny.

Medical services provided by hsp(froM Jan.1 - apr. 30, 2014)

607 vaccines for owned animals

Spay/Neuter surgeries performed352

senior petThe Humane Society of Pinellas recently took over the Senior Pet Connection (SPC), a program that supports low-income and homebound seniors by making monthly deliveries of pet food and supplies at no cost. This was a natural merger for HSP as it fits perfectly with our mission of keeping people and pets together. You can help the Humane Society of Pinellas support seniors in need by donating funds and pet food. To learn more or to apply for assistance, visit HumaneSocietyofPinellas.org/SPC.

coNNEcTIoN

HSP goes above and beyond to care for every animal that enters our doors. One such animal is Honey, a sweet 9-month-old Lab/Shepherd mix that came to HSP with urgent medical issues which made it hard for her to stand or walk. Honey suffered damage from an old injury to the top of her spine. Surgery removed the scar tissue and corrected the problem as much as possible. Now Honey needed time and rehab. Thank you to the SPC Veterinary students and staff who assisted Honey with her physical therapy.

Honey on the road to recovery

HSp HappENINgS

HumANe SocIety of PINellAS 3040 State Road 590 • CleaRwateR, Fl 33759 • humaneSoCietyoFpinellaS.oRg

Fur AFFAir A Hit HSP’s first Fur Affair, sponsored by Saint Pete MRI, was a success. Committee Chairs, Michael & Jennifer Rogan, created an informal and yet elegant evening full of culinary delights donated by Abe’s Place Tap & Grill, Southern Steer Butcher, Big Storm Brewing Co., Barley Mow Brewing Company, Ed’s Fine Wines, Lucky Dill Deli and Carmel Cafe & Wine Bar. Mark your calendars for Fur Affair 2015 - March 5th.

HAppy tAils All Around

Happy Tail guests enjoyed a variety of menu selections, live music, raffles and networking with friends May 1st. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Home Port Marina, whose support made it possible for 100% of the ticket sales go to support the Humane Society of Pinellas.

BArk At tHe BAll pArk A BArking good timeThank you to all of our vendors, volunteers, Bright House Field and the dogs and owners that came out to enjoy the game with HSP. Join us for Yappy Hour at the Tiki Bar in Bright House Field on August 6th for more fun!

sAve tHe dAte – AwArds dinner Save the date for this year’s Annual Awards Dinner Thursday, October 9th at Safety Harbor Resot & Spa. Event goers will be entertained by local musicians “singing for their supper.” Last year’s event had over 225 people. Sponsors needed. Go online or call (727) 797-7722 for more information.

dog pAwtyPool party for dogs July 16th from 5 – 8:00 pm at Love My Dog, 6427 54th Ave N, St Petersburg. The love My Dog Resort and Waterpark is a great place for your dog to socialize and enjoy the evening while you hang out with other dog owners. All dogs are welcomed.

is your pet A stAr?

The 2015 Calendar contest is underway. Every entry is included in the 2015 calendar and top vote getters (votes are $1 each and support HSP) are monthly centerfolds. Submit your pet online at MulaBula.com/HumanePinellas or via text and send to HSP@MulaBula.com. Entries accepted until July 1st. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor Rogan & Associates and contest website creator, Mula Bula.

tHAnk you wirick House

The Wirick House, a limited mental health adult living facility, residents were proud to show off their hard work making dog toys. Old Man Henry visited with residents while staff thanked them for the toys. The handmade dog toys are now available for sale in our pet boutique.

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