2022 Winter Making Tracks

SAFE FROM THE STORM

Shar-Pei ready to give birth finds a safe haven from hurricane Ian, 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

John Dingfelder

Carol Schwartz Funk

Commissioner Ken Hagan

Bobby Harris

Parker Homans

Sandra Murman

Kim Rogers

Cherie Schonbrun

Cathy Smith

Andrea Gonzmart Williams

LEADING THE WAY BECAUSE EVERY LIFE COUNTS™

IN THIS ISSUE

LETTER FROM THE CEO

3 4 6

FEATURE STORY — MILA

Shar-Pei ready to give birth finds a safe haven from Hurricane Ian.

GRATEFUL FOR COMMUNITY

In the animals’ time of need, Tampa Bay steps up to help.

8 10 12 15

CARING FOR COMMUNITY

How HSTB serves pets and their people.

HAPPY TAILS

Animals in dire straits get their second chance at HSTB.

TUXES & TAILS

A beautiful and successful evening for the animals!

14

ALUMNI UPDATES

Heartwarming updates about adopted pets.

VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER / RECOGNITIONS & THANKS

16 BARK IN THE PARK - SAVE THE DATE!

Editor: Regan Blessinger

Layout and Design: Nash McCutchen

Contributors: Gretel Harvey, Amanda Graham, Valerie Hogan, Jeff Kanz, Madison Kostka, Liz McCoy, Lisa Novorska, Sherry Silk, Ornella Varchi, Robyn Walk

Photography, LLC

Cover Photo & Photo on page 5: AGoldPhoto Pet Photography

Letter from the CEO

The holiday season is upon us and I hope that everyone is enjoying spending time with their loved ones. As you can see by our front cover, poor Mila had no one caring for her wellbeing. She was tossed outside and left alone to fend for herself, very pregnant, while a hurricane was forming in the Gulf. Like many of the thousands of animals that we shelter, she had absolutely no identification and no one came looking for her. We are so very fortunate to have the space, including puppy and kitten nurseries, where we can provide longer-term care for animals like Mila and her pups. We also have incredible staff, volunteers, and highly skilled veterinarians who work as a team to help care for the animals.

Most of the animals that come through our doors are like Mila, lost or abandoned and completely vulnerable with no one to care for them. We absolutely could not accomplish the lifesaving work we do each day without our loyal supporters and donors. Whether you are donating items from our wish list, volunteering, adopting, attending one of our events or giving monetary donations, we appreciate you, and we need you…..and so do the animals.

Have a wonderful holiday season!

For the Animals,

Chief Executive Officer SherryS@HumaneSocietyTampa.org

P.S. If you are interested, Mila and her pups will be available for adoption at the end of the month.

November 23:

November 24:

December 24:

We absolutely could not accomplish the lifesaving work we do each day without our loyal supporters and donors.

SAFE FROM THE STORM HSTB cares for pregnant stray and newborn puppies through hurricane Ian

As one of Florida’s deadliest hurricanes in history was forming in the tropics, a one-year-old, stray Chinese Shar-Pei was found roaming the streets, heavily pregnant and alone. “Mila” was brought to the shelter where we found she was also suffering from severe infection in both ears and Entropion in both eyes (a painful condition where eyelashes curl inward and scratch the eyes). Thankful that she had been found before the storm hit, we tucked Mila safely into our puppy nursery to prepare for birth.

The puppy nursery at HSTB is an essential tool for providing pregnant and nursing mothers an isolated, quiet space to safely nest, birth, and nurture their babies. Mila settled in well and gave birth to six healthy puppies just days after arriving. Our staff provided her with extra care and attention; Kim Valdiviezo, our Medical Services Manager, even sat with her for

the three-hour labor, providing comfort and assistance to the new family. Mila was a natural mother, feeding, cleaning, and snuggling them like a pro.

Just one day after Mila gave birth, hurricane Ian was hurtling toward Tampa. We could not imagine what would have happened if they’d still been living outside at this dangerous time. While Tampa Bay was incredibly lucky to have missed the brunt of Ian, the storm still raged and the decision was made that staff and volunteers would stay at the shelter all night with the animals. Thankfully, because the shelter was built to withstand up to a category four storm, Mila, her puppies, and all of the animals in our care were insulated from the frightening sounds of wind and rain. They slept peacefully through the night with staff keeping watch.

In the weeks since the storm, Mila and her puppies have been thriving in the nursery. Mom and pups are recovering and growing with plenty of space to play and socialize. The staff makes sure that Mila enjoys relaxing “Mommy-Time” away from her pups every day. The family will be ready for adoption just in time to be home for the holidays!

KENNEL CRISIS

Tampa Bay adopters step up to help shelter in time of need

Early this fall we faced a crisis that no shelter wants to face: our dog kennels were completely full. In fact, we were doubling up in many kennels so that we didn’t have to turn animals away. As a managed admission shelter (no-kill for space) we do not euthanize adoptable animals in order to make room for more; we were faced with the difficult decision to shut the doors to new strays and ownersurrendered dogs. This is something that HSTB hasn’t done in more than a decade. For months, there had been an increase in animal drop-offs. This could be attributed to the economy, the uptick in people moving to Tampa, and most recently, hurricane Ian.

Whatever the reason, we knew the Tampa Bay community would help. We put out the call for people to adopt and waived adoption fees for dogs over 30 pounds.

Through the website and social media, we updated the community on the situation and asked those considering getting a dog to come to the shelter to meet some lovable and deserving dogs. Over the next four days, with countless media pleas and social media shares, the Tampa Bay community came out to the shelter in droves and 82 big dogs were adopted into their forever homes! Many of these adopters didn’t even realize the adoption fees were waived and ended up donating or purchasing items for their new pups at our retail store.

We are in awe of the support the homeless animals consistently receive from this incredible community, and the power we have to make a difference together! After just four days, we were thrilled and relieved to re-open intake services and continue to serve homeless animals.

Grateful for Community

TOWEL & WASHCLOTH DRIVE Community helps replenish dwindling supply of linens

Two of the most-used resources at the shelter are towels and washcloths. We use them to do many things such as:

Bathing animals

Providing comforting bedding

Cleaning kennels

Due to the high volume of animals we care for, staff and volunteers go through huge amounts of linens each day!

We recently held a towel drive because the supply was running low. The Tampa Bay community stepped up and provided towels and washcloths they were no longer using and we were blown away by the response. With this great turn out, we’ve been able to spread out resources to keep the animals clean and comfortable during their stay.

Caring for Community

SERVING FAMILIES IN NEED

Free vaccinations, pet food deliveries, and affordable veterinary care keep pets in homes

One of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s core values is to serve the community with optimism, integrity, compassion, and respect for all, animals AND humans. To this end, we’ve established programs aimed at assisting families in need so that they can properly care for their pets.

The goal is to eliminate the need for people to surrender their beloved animals to the shelter because they are struggling financially. Annual shot clinics, monthly Animeals deliveries, and affordable veterinary care are just a few of the initiatives that address this growing problem and keep pets in their homes with the people who love them.

ANNUAL SHOT CLINICS

Each year, HSTB hosts a shot clinic in an underprivileged neighborhood to assist families who don’t have access to affordable pet vaccinations. The clinics provide Rabies and DA2PP vaccines for up to 1,000 dogs at no charge.

ANIMEALS SERVICE

Animeals delivers monthly dog and cat food supplies to homebound and elderly citizens who cannot travel to HSTB’s Pet Pantry at the shelter. The program was started after a Meals on Wheels driver reported to their supervisor that people on their routes were feeding half of their delivered meals to their animals. Meals on Wheels reached out to HSTB, and Animeals was created to provide pets with proper nutrition while ensuring their humans are also fully nourished.

AFFORDABLE VETERINARY CARE

With the rising cost of pet health services, the Animal Hospital at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay has been an essential resource for families seeking veterinary care for their pets. The hospital is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00am to 3:00pm and offers a variety of wellness and specialty services at affordable costs. For families who still struggle to afford care, we use our Pet Assistance Grant to make sure their animals receive treatment. For Levi and Chi Chi, this resource was life-changing.

Levi’s family entered HSTB’s Intake Department distraught and tearful. They were intending to surrender him to the shelter because he had developed a serious upper respiratory infection and they were unable to afford the treatments. When the Intake team shared that our hospital might be able to help, they were ecstatic. We arranged for him to be seen right away and the family walked over to the hospital with hope in their hearts. After a thorough exam, labwork, and X-rays, staff was thrilled to tell the family that Levi’s case wasn’t too far gone and a course of strong antibiotics and plenty of rest would bring him back to health.

The family left the hospital that day with Levi in their arms and tears in their eyes; this time, they were tears of joy.

Little Chi Chi was playing when another dog attacked her and, in the process, ruptured her eye. Her owner rushed her to a veterinary hospital where she learned that Chi Chi would need surgery. Unable to afford the costly procedure, she came to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay to see if there was any way we could help her beloved companion.

When she arrived at the Animal Hospital, staff helped her sign up for the Pet Assistance Grant while our veterinarian assessed Chi Chi’s injury. We were able to remove Chi Chi’s eye and send her home with all the necessary after-care medicines she needed. Chi Chi is now healing at home with her family.

LEVI CHI CHI

PETEY

Petey was abandoned next to a dumpster, locked in a crate with a few belongings. A Good Samaritan saw him and rushed this sweet boy to HSTB. He was underweight and brokenhearted, but showed a gentle, loving personality.

With some high-calorie food and lots of attention, it didn’t take long for his fun-loving, ball-obsessed side to come out, and he quickly became a staff and volunteer favorite.

Meanwhile, Kyle had recently moved to Tampa from Ohio and was really missing his family’s dogs. He decided to take a look at the shelter to see if he could find a companion. When he caught a glimpse of Petey smiling in his kennel, he was smitten. The feeling was mutual; as soon as Petey entered the play yard for the meet and greet, he ran straight to Kyle and sat right down in his lap. The deal was sealed!

This adoption happened in the middle of our kennel crisis (see page 6) but Kyle had no idea that adoption fees were waived! He decided to spend the money he’d saved for adopting to spoil Petey with toys and other fun stuff from our Retail Store. We’re so happy for Petey and Kyle, just look at those smiles!

Happy Tails

MACY

Macy was abandoned as a tiny, 10-week-old kitten. She found refuge in a garage and was found by the homeowner who, after seeing her eyes, brought her straight to the shelter. She’d suffered a horrific injury causing one eye to rupture and the other to have permanent scarring. We got her into surgery quickly to relieve her pain.

Despite having one eye removed and being partially blind in the other, Macy is a snuggly, loving, playful kitty who loves to be around people. She was adopted by two ladies who dote on her and make sure that she gets all the affection and attention she deserves after such a difficult start to life.

SNOW WHITE

Snow White was brought to HSTB as a stray with a harness embedded into her chest (see scar in photo at left). It had dug in so deeply that her skin started to grow over and around the fabric, causing painful sores to develop. Our veterinary staff quickly treated her wounds and provided comfort to the terrified pup. Once she had healed and settled in, it was time to find her a new home.

Kelly came to the shelter looking for a companion for her eight-year-old dog. She had been searching for over a year, but had not yet found the right fit. However, when she saw Snow White's big ears and goofy smile, she knew she had found a perfect match. Snow White was exactly what Kelly had been looking for in every way! She was so excited to bring her home and surprise her pup with her brand new fur sister. We know Snow White will live happily ever after with her new family.

On Saturday, October 8 th, more than 1,100 HSTB supporters gathered at the Tampa Convention Center to support homeless animals at Tuxes & Tails – Aegean Odyssey. The evening dazzled with drinks, dinner, dancing and lots of furry friends. Generosity flowed and the fund-raising goal was exceeded, bringing in much-needed funds for the animals. Additionally, 49 animals found their forever homes.

Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor, The Brink Foundation; Honorary Chairs, Glenn & Danita Dickman; and Mistress and Master of Ceremonies, FOX 13’s Cynthia Smoot and Russell Rhodes. Thank you to all our sponsors and attendees for making such a huge impact for homeless animals in our community .

The Brown Family Trust

Thank You, Sponsors

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Best In Show

Glenn & Danita Dickman

Johnson-Lancaster & Associates, Inc.

Ties & Tiaras

BlueGrace Logistics Fetch Periodontal Health Center

Paddle Sponsor

Tampa Coin / Gerry & Suzie Archibald

Program Sponsor

BMW of Tampa

Model Purrfect

Ava/717 South

Frank & Amy Agliano & Duke

Alltrust Insurance

Vern and Ann Barclay

Rick, Kristie & Sierra-Shae Brandt

Dorene Collier’s Event Show Productions

Columbia Restaurant

The Davenport Group /

Darlene Davenport

Laurin Farrior

Don & JoAnn Ferlita |

PropertyPro/

Nancy Newman

Liana Fuente & Manuel Garcia

Laurie & Al Greco

Steve & Suzanne Hearn

Hyde Park Village

Jan-Pro

IC Mechanical

Lakeland Automall

Greg & Meredith Balasco

Dan & Cheri Lombard

Margliano Team

Meat Market

Morris Massey

MÜV

New Age Reprographics

J.C. Newman Cigar Co.

Mindy King Ogden

Old Republic National Title Insurance Company

PNC Bank

Power Design

Michael & April Rosen

Skin Radiance Med Spa

Standard Title & Escrow

TD Bank

Laura Tatem

John Tipton

Beau Williams & Andrea Gonzmart

Williams

Zahn Health Solutions

Cherie & Harvey Schonbrun

Shumaker The Spofford Family Triad Foundation

VIP Champagne Sponsor

Bill Weller & Cynthia Smoot Weller

Volunteer Sponsor

The Dental Boutique Westchase

Pretty Paws

Bayshore Custom Homes

Bay Stage Live

Bravo K9 Tampa

The Adele S. Bernett

Memorial Fund /

Simon M. Canasi, Executor

Coastal Properties Group & Christie International

Coldwell Banker Cares

Covetrus

Downtown Dogs / The Working K9

Forefront Payment Processing

Zach & Sarah Glaser

Gunster

Image Depot

JM Fertilizer, LLC

Rob & Kim Lamke

Links Golf

LOFFKo - Italian

Decorative Lighting

Merck Animal Health

Morgan Stanley |

Wealth Management

PAR, Inc.

RELTCO Title

Rex

Mark & Mary Scott

Foundation

Bradford Sullivan

Triage Consignment Boutique

VIVIFY Plastic Surgery

Christina Wojcik & Kerry Fossum

In-Kind

AFR Furniture Rental

Bar Dog Wine

Cayman Jack

Cigar City Brewing

Connie Duglin Linen

Encore

Fiesta 360

Gold &Diamond Source

Kinship Productions

Mail Marketing

Nabors Media Group

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

White Claw & Mike’s Hard

Lemonade Seltzer

Vincent & Tampa Cigar Company

Alumni Updates

LOKI

Loki (previously known as Chip) was adopted in January 2022, starting the new year with a new family! He fit in immediately and became best friends with his canine sister, Hazel. His mom reports that not only is he a fun and playful cat, but he has also served as her emotional support animal. Exactly one week after adopting Loki, her father passed away. Loki instinctively stayed close and the love and comfort he provided helped ease her pain and grief. Who rescued who?

MONIQUE

Monique had been at the shelter for 152 days, making her the longest resident. Staff and volunteers worked hard to give her lots of attention and enrichment during her stay, even converting an empty office into a “living room” so she could decompress and relax outside of the kennels (see first pic with CEO Sherry Silk). Even with that level of care, the days dragged on and were beginning to wear on her spirit. Finally, her lucky day came and she found a new family who couldn’t wait to spoil her rotten! Staff and volunteers gathered in the adoption lobby to say goodbye with hugs, bittersweet tears, and a standing ovation as she left the shelter.

It is gratifying to know that this gentle, patient girl now has two parents and a grandma who love her, a comfy bed and plenty of toys, feline siblings to play with, and her very own, real living room. Our hearts are full.

Recognition & Thanks

VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER - STEVE ROVNER

In April 2022, after retiring from a successful 38-year career with Deloitte, Steve decided to volunteer as a way to stay active and “stay out of his wife’s hair!” Since that time, Steve has been a regular fixture at the shelter and has logged over 600 hours in just five months! He has become involved with special events, has worked at the adoptions desk, helped with adoption visits, and assisted customers in the retail store. Most recently, Steve has taken on leadership roles as a Mentor Volunteer and New Volunteer Trainer.

Steve is inspired by the dedication and hard work shown by HSTB staff and volunteers. He also loves working with guests and enjoys being a matchmaker for animals and people. Thank you, Steve for your fun-loving spirit and all you do for our homeless animals!

CORPORATE DONORS & PARTNERS

AGoldPhoto Pet Photography

Amazon Warehouse

American Construction Experts, Inc.

Armature Works

Beasley Media Group

BlueGrace Logistics

Canidae

Celebration Church

Century 21 Executive Team

Columbia Restaurant Group

Cory Lake Isles

CountryChase Veterinary

Creative Loafing

Dillard’s International Plaza

Doggy Noses & Yoga Poses

Downtown Dogs

Enterprise

Excel Title

FairyTail Pet Care

Feeding Tampa Bay

GRANTS

Florida Society of Association

Executives

Glazer Children’s Museum

Honor Thy Pet

Hyde Park Village

JPMorgan Chase

Kendra Scott - Hyde Park Village

Kerby’s Nursery

Learning Gate School

Lightning Foundation

MCC Tampa Food Pantry

Oblivion Games, LLC

PAWS at University of Tampa

Pet supplies Plus #4199

Petco Westshore

PetSmart Wesley Chapel

Pinellas Ale Works

Pour House Tampa

Power Design

PTF United Masonic Lodge

Royal Pets Market & Resort

Salon Centric South Tampa

Sam’s Club

Sigma Delta at University of Tampa

St. Clements Lutheran Church

St. Thomas Episcopal Church

Tampa Bay Bunco Babes

Tampa Bay Mom’s Group

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

Tampa General Hospital

Target

The Pub International Plaza

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Tractor Supply - Riverview

Two Shepherds Taproom

USF Black Leadership Network

Walker Middle Magnet School

Walmart

World of Beer - Brandon

The 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.

Scan for ways to volunteer

Scan for ways to partner with HSTB

Dolly’s Dream Florida Animal Friend

Junior League of Tampa Petco Love

Sophia’s Senior Pet Fund

FEBRUARY 11, 2023

11am – 3pm

Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa, FL

FEATURING:

1-Mile Walk • Adoptables

Dog Lure Course • Dog Pop-Up Park

Food Trucks & Libations • Music

Pet Costume Contest • Vendors

A benefit for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

CONNECT WITH THE ANIMALS