2022 Spring Making Tracks

ABANDONED, ALONE AND PREGNANT

Read how HSTB gave her a safe haven and welcomed her babies into the world, page 4.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF TAMPA BAY LEADERSHIP & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Sherry Silk

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mary Scott President

Sarah Glaser Vice President

Phil Nodhturft III Treasurer

Nancy Newman Secretary

Morris Massey Member at Large

Suzie Archibald

Meredith Balasco

Wyatt Castellvi

Ryan Cook

Liana Fuente

Steven Hearn

Diane Homa

Rachel Ridley

Jacalin Russo

Laura L. Tatem

Elise Zahn, DO

BOARD EMERITUS

Linda Reitz

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Pat Antinori

Greg Balasco

Mayor Jane Castor

Lisa DeBartolo

Nikki DeBartolo

Lindsay Deignan

Danita Dickman

Councilman John Dingfelder

Carol Schwartz Funk

Commissioner Ken Hagan

Bobby Harris

Parker Homans

Sandra Murman

Kim Rogers

Cherie Schonbrun

Cathy Smith

Andrea Gonzmart Williams

MAKING

LEADING THE WAY BECAUSE EVERY LIFE COUNTS™

IN THIS ISSUE

3 4 6 8 10 11

LETTER FROM THE CEO

FEATURE STORY — GRETCHEN: ABANDONED, ALONE & PREGNANT Starving dog found in the woods gives birth to nine healthy puppies in our care

SAFE HAVEN

Pets we’ve helped, healed and rehomed

12 14 15 16

DESTINATION HSTB

Connecting with community

HELPING PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE

Stories from our Animal Hospital

YOU’RE INVITED! Join us for for Island Paws, a Party for the Animals!

A BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR DOGS

Bark In The Park: Photos and Thanks

HAPPY TAILS

Uplifting Alumni Stories

VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER/ RECOGNITIONS & THANKS

2021 LIFE-SAVING STATS

Making Tracks Editor: Christine McLarty

Layout and Design: Nash McCutchen

Contributors: Gretel Harvey, Jeff Hanz, Valerie Hogan, Liz McCoy, Nash McCutchen, Lisa Novorska, Sherry Silk, Ornella Varchi, Robyn Walker Photography, LLC

I love seeing the happy ending stories that happen each day at our shelter. Gretchen, our terrier mix on the cover, was rescued by an animal lover who knew she was in distress and brought her to our shelter (pg. 4). She gave birth to her nine babies in peace, safety and comfort. Molly had a similar story (pg. 7). She had been abandoned by an owner who didn’t want to deal with the expense of her pregnancy, and left her in a rural area. She and all of her six puppies are now in loving homes. This newsletter is full of happy ending stories about the animals that we take in seven days a week. Last year we saved over 13,000 animals (see more lifesaving STATS on the back cover).

Recently there was a new story about a shelter director who embezzled over $1.6 million from an animal shelter in Hernando County. Those donations were intended to help animals, not to line someone’s pocket. This tragedy is a good reminder for all of us to check out the charities that we support. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay has a 4-Star rating by Charity Navigator and a platinum rating by Guide Star which certifies we have the highest and most exceptional standards of transparency, financial health and accountability. Our financials are audited each year by an independent CPA to confirm accuracy and ensure the proper use of your donations to our organization. I don’t point this out to brag but to make sure you are comfortable with supporting the great work that we do each and every day.

Thank you for your support.

Chief Executive Officer SherryS@HumaneSocietyTampa.org

We have a 4-Star Rating by Charity Navigator and a Platinum Rating by Guide Star which certifies we have the highest and most exceptional standards of transparency, financial health and accountability.

FEATURE STORY —

Gretchen ready to snuggle with staff and volunteers in her kennel

Gretchen and Her Puppies

Gretchen, a two-year-old, pregnant Terrier Mix had been abandoned and was struggling to survive alone in the woods. She was starving and days away from delivering when she wandered into the open and was seen by a kind-hearted person. The Good Samaritan was able to gain her trust and brought her to our shelter so we could help.

While Gretchen was exhausted, hungry and dehydrated, she was relatively healthy. Our veterinary team cleaned her up and snuggled her into the nursery with plenty of food, water and comfy blankets. A staff member sat with her to help her decompress and relax. Realizing she was finally safe, she crawled into the staff member’s lap, cuddled up, and went into labor. Nine babies later, the party of ten was happy, healthy and full of hope. Gretchen began grooming and feeding her pups right away, a natural mom.

The little family spent several weeks with an experienced foster so they could heal and grow in a home environment before finding their forever families. We are thrilled to report they have all been adopted and are thriving!

Gretchen when she arrived at the shelter

Gretchen and pups shortly after they were born

Family Photo Shoot at the Shelter

Family Photo Shoot at the Shelter

POLLY, a beautiful 25-year-old Macaw, was dropped off at the shelter after being kept outside in a rusty cage for years (see photos above). Polly’s beak and nails were in desparate need of trimming and care. Despite this recent neglect, we believe he’d known love at one time because he had wonderful speaking and dancing skills. Every day staff looked forward to hearing what he’d squawk out next! We knew this old gent would need an experienced home so that he’d never be mistreated again and could sing and dance to his heart’s content.

Lori and Miranda heard about his story and came right to the shelter. They are experienced with exotic birds and quickly got Polly the grooming he needed. They changed his name to Phoenix and report that he enjoys gallivanting around the house, jamming out on new perches, and long walks on the beach (see photo above). Our hearts are overjoyed that this beautiful boy is finally living the life he deserves, cage-free and loved.

HOLLY was abandoned outside the shelter one night during a terrible thunderstorm that brought pelting rain and heavy winds. When staff arrived in the morning they found this 2-year-old girl huddled in her own waste – scared, cold, and soaking wet. Our team immediately gave her a warm bath and began calming her down by holding her close until she was comfortable, dry, and relaxed.

The medical team was relieved to discover that Holly didn’t have any serious injuries or illnesses. After a few days to decompress and recover from the ordeal, she was placed for adoption and is now in her forever home. Holly will spend the rest of her life safe, warm, and loved.

JEWEL is a lovable 5-year-old Beagle mix who came to HSTB as a stray. As you can see from the first picture, she suffered from a very painful case of Cherry Eye in both eyes. This condition is caused when tear glands become inflamed and swell causing discomfort and obstructed vision. We performed the surgery she needed to reverse the condition and relieve her pain. After a few days of recovery, she was adopted by a wonderful family where she is deeply loved. Her mom writes:

“Our family is honored and blessed to have Jewel as the newest member in our home. She truly is a jewel! Jewel is soaking in all the love and attention she has desperately longed for. She follows my oldest daughter and myself around the house as our personal mini shadow. Jewel loves to snuggle close up at night, feeling the warmth and security, knowing she is loved as much as she loves. Going for walks, chasing ducks, and receiving belly rubs are her favorite activities. She is the perfect dog for our family! My 7-year-old son says to her, ‘You are home now. You will never be a stray dog again, because you are in our family forever and we will take good care of you!’”

MOLLY, a young Shepherd mix, was found wandering alone and pregnant in rural Georgia. She was taken to a partner shelter where they didn’t have the resources to care for her through her pregnancy. They reached out to HSTB and we were happy to welcome Molly to the shelter nursery. The nursery is a dedicated space where moms and babies receive all the medical care and TLC they need to feel safe and secure. Molly was a wonderful patient and gave birth to seven healthy pups.

After a few weeks in foster care to recover and grow, Molly and all her babies were adopted. They are adjusting well to being Florida dogs with endless sunshine and love!

HSTB IS THE PLACE TO BE!

The shelter is not only a refuge for animals in need, but a community destination and resource. Our event space, Humane Education Center, and meeting rooms offer venues for a myriad of happenings. All rental and program fees go directly to life-saving programs, a win-win for everyone! Take a look at some of the ways the facility is Tampa Bay’s go-to destination!

BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT

Liz McCoy, Special Events Manager 813.252.2027

LizM@humanesocietytampa.org.

SIGN UP FOR CHILDREN & FAMILY PROGRAMS

Jessica Tiso, Humane Education Manager 813.774.4311

JessicaT@humanesocietytampa.org

PETS & TOTS

PAWS FOR LITERACY

FAMILY VOLUNTEER DAYS

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

NO SCHOOL DAYS & CRITTER CAMP

SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RENTALS

THIRD-PARTY EVENTS

MEDIA BROADCASTS

BUSINESS MEETINGS City and County Commissioners at their annual planning meeting

WEDDINGS PARTIES & RECEPTIONS

TEAM BUILDING Staff from BlueGrace Logistics at a business presentation

Katie Sommers hosting “Furry Friday”

MR. KENNEDY AND NIKE

Mr. Kennedy is a Veteran who has seen his share of hardship battling homelessness. When his beloved companion, Nike, started vomiting and acting sluggish he brought her to our hospital for help. Nike was dehydrated and borderline anemic so the medical team ran blood work and made sure her vaccines and heartworm check were up-to-date. Luckily, nothing was seriously wrong. Nike had been a patient at the hospital in 2019 when she received bladder surgery and was placed on a prescription food for the rest of her life. Mr. Kennedy was experiencing financial hardship and was unable to provide her with the food she needed. We used the Medical Assistance Fund to provide him with the prescription food Nike needed for a quick and easy recovery.

MS. UNDERWOOD AND GYPSY

Ms. Underwood became homeless in 2020 after having major neck and back surgery. She has been living in her car with her dog Gypsy until recently. A police officer noticed the pair on the side of the road sleeping and contacted St. Vincent DePaul for assistance. Thankfully, Ms. Underwood was able to secure permanent housing through their program.

When Gypsy began showing signs of discomfort Ms. Underwood brought her to the animal hospital for help. We examined Gypsy and found that she had a good oldfashioned ear infection which is easily treatable. Because Ms. Underwood was still getting back on her feet and had limited resources, we used the Medical Assistance Fund to update Gypsy’s vaccines, provide a heartworm check, and send them home with all the medications needed to heal Gypsy’s ears.

FREE MICROCHIPS

In December 2021, we showed thanks to the Tampa Bay community for all their support by offering free microchips with any purchase or procedure! 364 pets were microchipped during the month-long promotion! We are so glad to provide this service so that if pets get lost they have the very best chance possible of finding their way home.

Pictured left: A very good boy gets his microchip!

BARK IN THE PARK EXCEEDS ALL GOALS!

Thank you to everyone who fundraised for the animals at the 35th Annual Bark In The Park at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Saturday, February 12th! It was a beautiful day and a fantastic time was had by all. Because of our sponsors, packs and individual fundraisers all goals for the animals were exceeded! The funds raised will provide much-needed food, medical care and shelter for homeless animals.

TOP DOG

Beasley Media Group

Kevin & Valerie Bischoff

Creative Loafing

Turning Point of Tampa

BARKING BUDDY

Kristie & Rick Brandt, Inc.

The Dental Boutique Westchase

Hungry Pets Initiative

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Urgent Vet

Zahn Health Solutions

TAIL WAGGER

A-LIGN

Barrymore Hotel

Grow Financial Federal Credit Union

Honor Thy Pet Cremation Service

Hooty Whoo!!

Morgan Import Motorcars

Rhyno Glass

PET PAL

Vern & Ann Barclay

BluePearl Specialty & Emergency Hospital

Jack & Yvette Boggs

Elite Rewards

Fetch Specialty & Emergency Veterinary Centers

The Fountain Group

Julius-K9, LLC.

Merck Animal Health

PAR, Inc.

Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union

Two Shepherds Taproom

Veterinary Emergency Group

Wag Source

FIDO’S FRIENDS

AGoldPhoto Pet Photography

Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Coldwell Banker Realty

SAVE THE DATE: February 11, 2023!

Embassy Veterinary Center & Pet Retreat

Fairy Tale Pet Care

Farkas Chiropractic Clinic

Flonase

Greenacre Properties, Inc.

Homelight

Hounds Town USA

Ink the Bay

Ryan Malo-Ameriprise Financial

Mike’s Hard Lemonade

Pin Chasers

Publix Supermarkets, Inc.

Scoopy Poopy Doo

Laura Tatem

Wellcare Health Plans

White Claw

IN-KIND

Cigar City Brewing

Downtown Dogs

IKEA Tampa Image Depot

Top Individual Fundraiser

Top Fundraising Packs

Animals

1st Place – PARty

2nd Place – The Bark Squad

3rd Place – B. Paws-itive

JoAnn Hubert not pictured because she was busy volunteering at the event!

IZZY was adopted a year ago by a wonderful family. At that time she had severe lesions on her body from being mistreated by her previous owners. She had also been in three different shelters within two years. This precious girl, who’d been through so much, stole her new family’s and all of their friends’ hearts instantly. They recently celebrated both her birthday and “gotcha day” and sent us these pictures. The top picture was taken day on the day they adopted her and the bottom one shows her birthday and one-year “gotcha day” celebration.

Her family writes: “Thank you so much for bringing our greatest blessing into our home! We could not be any more grateful than we are for her!”

LUCY & WAYNE The Garrity family was interested in adopting Lucy, as she seemed to be a great match for their lifestyle. They loved her wide array of spots and patterns and wanted to know why she had been at the shelter for more than a month. As they learned that being older and having heartworms was a deterrent for some people, their hearts began to swell. They were smitten, but worried because she was nervous and withdrawn. We told them she’d come to the shelter with another heartworm positive dog, Wayne, and suggested bringing him to the yard. As soon as Wayne arrived, it was night and day. Lucy completely opened up and began to show affection to the Garritys. She was confident and secure with her friend by her side. From that moment on, their minds were made up, both pups (heartworms and all) would become Garritys and never be separated again.

PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY Meet Harper Cady!

She fell in love with Guinea pigs after seeing them at a pet supply store and had to have one of own. Her Dad helped her make a lemonade stand so she could save enough money to adopt one. Finally the day came when Harper had enough money, so her Dad brought her to the shelter. When she saw Brandon and Jon, it was love at first sight, and her Dad agreed to let her adopt them both! Harper could not contain her excitement to take them home and rename them Peanut Butter and Jelly. We just love happy endings and this sweet kiddo.

RECOGNITION & THANKS

VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER - BIRGITTE RASMUSSEN

Birgitte Rasmussen has been volunteering with us for several years, primarily as a Dog Companion and Mentor Volunteer Trainer. She’s a steady, reliable, and dedicated force who supports the entire Dog Companion program. Birgitte volunteers at the shelter an average of 5 days per week, and she is adept at noticing subtleties in dogs that help them work through anxiety and fear. She offers sound strategies and suggestions to help these dogs come out of their shells, increase their confidence, and bond with handlers.

Birgitte is legally blind. She can see - but not well enough to drive independently anymore. She relies on public transportation to get her to and from the shelter. This requires advanced scheduling, patience, and personal cost. All of these factors speak volumes to her level of dedication! She truly has a passion and incredible love for our animal friends. Congratulations Birgitte, and many thanks!

CORPORATE DONORS & PARTNERS

3C’s Catering

81Bay Brewing Company

Adele S. Bernett Memorial Fund

AFR Furniture

AGoldPhoto Pet Photography

Ameriprise Financial

Angel’s Envy Whiskey

Animal Based Charities

Apollo Beach Women’s Group

Avo Doggo

Barclay & Associates

Bay Stage Live

Bethel Farms

BlueGrace Logistics

Brandon Legal Group

Brass Tap

C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc.

Central Pet Distribution

Chasm Communications

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Club Pilates Carrollwood

Congregation Rodeph Shalom

Connerton Dental Care

Contractors Closers & Connections

Cooley Law School

Creative Loafing

David Yurman

Delanie’s Lemonade Stand

Delta Zeta, University of Tampa Chapter

Downtown Dogs

GRANT FUNDING

Elanco US, Inc.

Elite Rewards

Elmer’s Sports Café

EventFest

EVO Payments

FairyTail Pet Care

Feeding Tampa Bay

First Chance Last Chance Bar

Florida Museum oF Photographic Art

Flute & Dram

Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers

Hillsborough County Bar Association

Honor Thy Pet Cremation Services

IKEA Tampa

In Honor of Duke

JPMorgan Chase

Junior League of Tampa

Katie Sommers, 93.3 FLZ

Krewe of Les Belles Femmes

Lady Janes Barber Shop

Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church

Life’s Treasures Thrift Store

Lilly Pulitzer International Plaza

Lipstick Lex

MacDinton’s Irish Pub

Maloney’s Irish Pub

Max and Neo Meat Market

Mermaid Tavern

MMCO

Neiman Marcus International Plaza

Pet Supplies Plus

PetCo Wesley Chapel

PetSmart Wesley Chapel

Robyn Walker Photography, LLC.

Royal Pets Market & Resort

Sam’s Club

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

Sky Strategic Marketing

SOHO Cycling

Solar Tek Window Tinting

Startford Care USA, Inc.

Sweet Soul

Tampa Animal Equity

Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa General Hospital

Tampa Palms Country Club

Tampa Preparatory School

The Brink Foundation

The Dental Boutique Westchase

The Fitzgerald Apartments

The Hatchery

UrgentVet

USF CLCE

Visit Tampa Bay

Westshore Plaza

Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla

Yes.Fit

Bernice Barbour Foundation Dolly’s Dream Petco Foundation Petco Love

Humane Society of Tampa Bay is a 501c3 organization and does not receive funding from the state, federal government, or any national animal groups, including HSUS and ASPCA.