2024 Summer Making Tracks

LEIA - rescued by HSTB after she and her siblings were thrown from the window of a moving car, see back cover.

SAVING LIVES

The remarkable work of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay Rescue Department, pg. 4

Humane Society of Tampa Bay

LEADERSHIP & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Sherry Silk

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sarah Glaser

President

Wyatt Castellvi

Vice President

Steve Rovner

Treasurer

Nancy Newman

Secretary

Morris Massey

Member at Large

Amy Nelson Agliano

Suzie Archibald

Scott Arnold

Meredith Balasco

Kevin Bischoff

Cord Christensen

Ryan Cook

Liana Fuente

Michael Neff

Phil Nodhturft III

Jacalin Russo

Jennifer Williams

BOARD EMERITUS

Linda Reitz

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Greg Balasco

Simon Canasi

Mayor Jane Castor

Lisa DeBartolo

Nikki DeBartolo

Lindsay Deignan

Danita Dickman

Commissioner Ken Hagan

Bobby Harris

Jeannine Hascall

Brad Lancaster

Sandy Murman

Scott Price

Kim Rogers

Cherie Schonbrun

Cathy Smith

Cynthia Smoot

FEATURE STORY — SAVING LIVES

The remarkable work of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay rescue department.

ANNUAL REPORT

Serving the community with transparency.

FORE THE ANIMALS

Save The Date: Tees Fore Tails

BUILDING BRIDGES OF COMPASSION Community Partnership highlight

GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

Pocket Pets highlight

HELLO TOKYO

Join HSTB for Tuxes & Tails 2024

NURTURING COMPASSION HSTB’s Pets-n-Tots Program

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Tips and checklist

IT’S NOT TOO LATE

Support homeless animals this summer

& THANKS

RESCUED – LET’S END ON A HIGH NOTE Luke & Leia’s story

Andrea Gonzmart Williams Editors: Regan Blessinger, Nash McCutchen

Layout and Design: Nash McCutchen

Contributors: Kaeli Hammer Photography, Gretel Harvey, Valerie Hogan, Cristina Klein Photography, Madison Kostka, Liz McCoy, Lisa Novorska, Sherry Silk, Danyelle Van Horn, Ornella Varchi, Robyn Walk Photography

Iam thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of the most important programs we have at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. The rescue department is saving lives and ending suffering for countless animals in the Tampa Bay area.

HSTB rescue work serves as a beacon of hope for animals in distress, like Leia and her siblings who are featured on the front and back covers. Sometimes a rescue results in humane euthanasia if the animal is suffering. Whether it’s a dog hit by a car, a cat trapped in a storm drain, or a raccoon dying of distemper, the team responds with urgency and expertise. One of the hallmarks of this important program is its swift and effective response to emergencies.

The impact extends far beyond individual animals. By rescuing and rehabilitating animals, we are also raising awareness about animal welfare issues and inspiring compassion in our community. The team’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and responsible pet ownership.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of HSTB’s rescue department, I encourage you to consider how you can support this lifesaving mission. Whether through a donation, volunteering your time, adopting, or spreading awareness, your involvement can make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals in need.

The [HSTB] Rescue Department is saving lives and ending suffering for countless animals in the Tampa Bay area.

You may ask, “why do we do it?” We do it because we believe in living our vision every day … because every life counts.

For The Animals,

The HSTB Rescue Team

Darlene Esposito and Adam Grimes , pictured at right, are available between 8am and 5pm daily . If you find an animal in distress, you can reach them via call or text at 813.625.0910 .

Feature Story

SAVING LIVES

The Remarkable Work of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay Rescue Department

In the heart of Tampa Bay, a team of dedicated individuals works tirelessly to save the lives of animals in need. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay rescue department is a beacon of hope for countless animals in dire situations, ranging from severe injuries to abuse and abandonment. Averaging more than 60 rescues each month, the HSTB rescue team makes a significant impact in the community.

HSTB rescue efforts encompass a wide variety of animals, from beloved cats and dogs, to ducks, pot-bellied pigs, and more. Regardless of the species, these beings share one thing in common: they are in immediate need of help. No matter the emotional toll, HSTB rescue team remains steadfast in their commitment to provide these animals with the care and compassion they deserve.

Every day, HSTB receives calls about animals in distress; they may be injured (many have been hit by cars), trapped, or in dangerous situations. Without intervention, their chances of survival are slim. Once a call is received and assessed, trained professionals equipped with lifesaving resources rush to the scene to provide immediate assistance. Whether it’s administering first aid to an injured animal or safely capturing a frightened stray, every rescue is handled with the utmost care, safety and expertise.

Once the animals are out of harm’s way and at the shelter, they receive comprehensive

medical treatment and rehabilitation. HSTB veterinary and animal care teams nurture and attend to each individual animal to help them recover physically and emotionally. If the animal(s)’ injuries or illness are too severe, they are humanely euthanized in order to end their suffering.

This critical program is essential to cultivating a humane culture in Tampa Bay. Not only does the program reunite lost pets with their owners, save animals from suffering, and prevent situations that could cause further harm to animals and people, but HSTB rescue efforts help create a sense of community between a diverse citizenship interested in animal welfare.

The rescue program’s impact extends far beyond the animals that are saved by raising awareness about animal welfare, public safety, and responsible pet ownership. This positive influence on the community would not be possible without the unwavering support of volunteers, donors, advocates, and caring citizens. Together, we can make Tampa Bay a more humane place where everyone thrives.

YTD RESCUE STATS

Rescues from January 1– April 30:

269 dogs, cats and wildlife

62 injured dogs

102 injured or sick cats

105 injured wildlife

Average 67 animals each month

Help the HSTB Rescue Team continue its critical work to save lives, end suffering, and keep the community safe by donating today!

DAISY

Daisy was found wandering on her own and struggling to walk because her paw had been impaled with a rusty screw. Knowing she wouldn’t survive with such an injury and probable infection, her finder called HSTB and the rescue team was sent to the scene. As soon as Daisy arrived at the shelter, she was taken to surgery to remove the screw, clean the wound and get started on antibiotics. Although some muscle and tissue was badly injured, no nerves, tendons, or bones were affected and Daisy was able to make a full recovery. Once healed, she was ready for adoption because no one had come forward to claim her. However, she never even made it to the floor; when staff called her finder to share that Daisy was healthy and ready to find a home, the Good Samaritan came straight to the shelter and adopted her.

DONALD

One morning on the Courtney Campbell bridge, a domestic duck with clipped wings was heartlessly abandoned! Some men working on the bridge had seen the perpetrators push him out of the car and drive away and they rushed over to save the panicked duck from traffic. Once he was safe, they called HSTB for help and comforted “Donald” until the rescue team arrived. The friendly duck went right into his carrier and, at the shelter, waddled around greeting staff like he owned the place. He was quickly adopted by a loving family with a farm and other animals to befriend.

BUCK

Buck’s story is a tragic one that is difficult but important to tell. Buck, a very old, blind shepherd who was unable to walk, was abandoned in a dog park to die alone. A very compassionate person called HSTB and the team went to rescue him. Unfortunately, back at the shelter it was clear to veterinary staff that he was in his final hours and beyond any heroic efforts. In these heartbreaking instances, HSTB’s main goal is to make sure the animal is not suffering and feels safe and loved. Buck was given medication for pain and enjoyed a tasty meal before being taken to a quiet room and placed in soft, cozy bedding and warm blankets. He settled into the arms of a staff member who petted him and whispered gently in his ear as he was humanely euthanized. Buck was finally at rest, no longer afraid or hurting. While this story does not have the ending we all desire, it is important to know that helping a dying animal pass over the rainbow bridge in a safe, quiet place without pain or fear is a necessary part of HSTB’s mission to ease suffering. Every life counts, especially at the end.

DUCKLINGS

A passerby noticed an adult duck quacking frantically and pacing around a storm drain. It didn’t take long to discover the source of her stress – a brood of ducklings was stuck in the drain. HSTB was called and the rescue team went straight to the scene, entered the drain, and retrieved the babies. Hearts were full as the family waddled to the water and swam away in a chorus of happy quacks. This was the third duckling rescue that week, with more to follow. If an animal is in need, HSTB will do its best to help them.

Saving Lives ... Rescue Department

PEPPER

HSTB was called to help a pig who’d been abandoned when her family moved away without her and she was running loose in the neighborhood searching for food. Pepper appeared to be very sad when she arrived at the shelter but received lots of love and attention from staff and volunteers and soon came out of her shell. In the meantime, Pastor Tim and his family, who own a farm with many other rescues, were looking for another soul to add to the mix. Pepper perked right up when she met her new family and is now living a happy life with them and the other animals in their care.

DELILA

The rescue team received calls from several people about a dog who’d been laying on the road all day. There was concern that she’d been hit by a car because she was unable to walk. Thankfully, the team quickly determined that there were no injuries or evidence of being struck, she was just very old, tired and arthritic. Meanwhile, a distraught Mr. Allen was at the shelter looking for his 15-year-old chocolate lab mix who’d escaped the yard. When the team returned with Delila he was overjoyed to see his girl had been found safe and unharmed.

Saving Lives – Rescue Department

CRICKET KITTENS

ARCHIE

Archie was rescued from neglect and starvation after HSTB received a tip about his situation. The stray dog was severely emaciated, with a protruding skull and claws so long they had deformed his feet. Despite his horrific experience, Archie was sweet and docile with staff, still willing to put his trust in people. After a month in foster care to gain weight and heal, he was adopted by an HSTB volunteer who reports: “Archie is everything you could ask for in a dog ... loving, goofy, energetic, and playful, but also knows how to chill and bond with his family.”

An employee of a Cricket Wireless store arrived at work one morning and found a box of four underage kittens who had been abandoned sometime during the night. They immediately called HSTB and the rescue team rushed to get the kittens, not knowing how long they’d been without food and exposed to the cold temperatures. Luckily, the team arrived in time to save the babies who were so young their eyes were still closed. Back at the shelter, the kittens were placed in an incubator in the nursery to warm up, hydrate and fill their tummies. Once stabilized, they went to foster care to heal and grow before being adopted.

ROME

HSTB rescued sweet senior, Rome, after being alerted that a large, black dog was cowering and trying to find safety on a busy Tampa boulevard. Because of his age and size, it took a couple of months to find Rome’s perfect match, but it was worth the wait. Rome was adopted by a young family with lots of energy and love to give. The sad eyes and flattened ears he’d had at the shelter were quickly replaced by a huge grin as his adoption paperwork was signed. Rome loped happily out of the shelter with his family, giving a quick look back and a tail wag as if to say “thank you and farewell!”

If you see an animal in distress and are unable to contain them and bring them to the shelter, please call the HSTB Rescue Team: 813.625.0910 . Rescue hours are daily from 8am to 5pm.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay receives calls about animals who are suffering and in dire situations every day. Your support allows the rescue team to bring them to safety, give them food and shelter, heal their wounds, and find them forever homes. In cases where an animal’s illness or injuries are beyond repair, HSTB comforts and cares for them by providing a quiet, pain-free and peaceful passing. By supporting HSTB’s rescue team, you not only make a difference in the lives of animals, but you help create a more humane community. Make your gift

91% save rate

87¢ per dollar goes towards the animals

43,669 owned pets seen at the hospital

4,121 feral and outdoor cats received TNVR services

20,554 surgeries performed at the hospital & shelter

201,026 pounds of free pet food given away to keep pets in their homes

244,982 volunteer hours given to the animals equivalent to 118 full-time staff positions

5,626 children active in Humane Education programs

CHANGES IN NET ASSETS WITHOUT DONOR RESTRICTIONS

REVENUES & SUPPORT

Contributions

Program services, net of discounts

Grants In-kind contributions

Other income

Product sales

Less cost of goods sold

Special events

Less direct costs of special events

Net assets released from restrictions

TOTAL REVENUES WITHOUT DONOR RESTRICTIONS

EXPENSES

PROGRAM SERVICES: Shelter / Adoption Center

Community outreach

Animal Hospital

Total program services

and development

Total support services

TOTAL EXPENSES

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS WITHOUT DONOR RESTRICTIONS BEFORE OTHER CHANGES

OTHER CHANGES

WITH DONOR RESTRICTIONS

return

assets released from restrictions

(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS WITH DONOR

2,291,639 (1,343,090) 948,549 1,824,061 (578,384) 1,245,677 143,098 13,429,168 2022 5,706,856 1,084,084 4,533,559 11,324,499 636,508 1,001,491 1,637,999 12,962,498 466,670 (1,034,990) 0 (568,320) 124,480 (17,812) (143,098) (36,430) (604,750) 26,447,630 25,842,880

BUILDING BRIDGES OF COMPASSION

An Exceptional Partnership

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay (HSTB) strives to forge meaningful community partnerships that benefit both animals and individuals. One such alliance is with the Caminiti Exceptional Students Center, whose members have returned for their second year of volunteering at the shelter. These dedicated students are part of the Hillsborough County School District's “Graduates Moving About the Community” program, which facilitates experiential learning and community engagement. Through their Community Work Exposure initiative, these students bring their enthusiasm and talents to HSTB, enriching the lives of shelter animals while gaining valuable skills and experiences.

On volunteer days, the students engage in various hands-on activities that directly impact shelter operations. From meticulously preparing syringes for medical procedures, to filling food bags for cat adoptions, to preparing dog treats for training sessions, these students gain a deep sense of compassion, responsibility and pride in their contribution to the animals’ wellbeing.

This meaningful collaboration exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives in fostering empathy, inclusion, and personal growth, while the commitment to holistic education and social awareness nurtures stronger connections between diverse communities and a more compassionate society for all beings.

ANIMAL HIGHLIGHT POCKET PETS

GOOD THINGS

Come in Small Packages.

Like many of the other animals that come to HSTB, a lot of the pocket pets come in as stray animals. When they arrive they receive medical attention, food, shelter, and occasionally ... a visit on a yacht! Thanks to our partnership with Sunburst Yacht Charters the two adorable bunnies pictured below got a taste of the sweet life. Pocket Pets are incredible companions.

THE PROS OF POCKET PETS

• Pocket Pets may be diminutive in size, but their capacity to provide companionship knows no bounds. For individuals living alone or families seeking additional warmth in their homes, these furry friends become constant companions. Rabbits are known for their curious and playful nature, often forming strong bonds with their human caregivers. Hamsters, with their endearing antics and round, furry bodies, bring smiles and laughter with their playful energy. Guinea pigs, gentle and sociable creatures, thrive on interaction and cuddles, fostering

a sense of closeness and belonging in their owners’ hearts.

• Therapeutic Benefits: The benefits of Interacting with pocket pets are welldocumented. Spending time with these animals can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, and boost overall mood.

• Classroom Pets: Pocket Pets add fun to the classroom while teaching students about responsible pet ownership and empathy towards others. Adoption fees are waived for teachers who adopt a pocket pet for their classroom.

• For Families: Introducing pocket pets into the household is a wonderful way to teach children about the importance of commitment and nurturing. Caring for their furry family members through feeding them, cleaning their habitats, and providing them with mental and physical stimulation supports a child’s sense of purpose and belonging within the family unit.

View Adoptable Pocket Pets!

Dodo and Cotton were welcomed aboard the Sunburst Yacht Charters by the company’s VP, Dustin Swope. Regan Blessinger (HSTB Marketing Manager) and Ornella Varchi HSTB (Chief Development Officer) also enjoyed the Easter festivities and helped raise awareness about pocket pets.

Michael Mallah & Jessica Stilley Mallah

Tokyo is more than just a city; it is an experience that ignites the imagination and inspires the soul.

You are invited to bring your imagination to an elegant evening to celebrate HSTB’s past accomplishments and look forward with creativity and commitment to saving even more lives in the future.

Please join our animal-loving community at Tuxes & Tails 2024 to support HSTB’s life-saving mission amidst the wonder and beauty of Tokyo.

NURTURING COMPASSION HSTB’s Pets-n-Tots Program.

In a bustling corner of Tampa Bay, amidst wagging tails and soft purrs, a heartwarming initiative called Pets-n-Tots is shaping the future of animal lovers. Spearheaded by the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, this program invites the youngest members of our community (children up to 4 years old) along with their parents, guardians, or nannies, to enjoy a delightful hour of “mommy and me” time.

At the core of Pets & Tots is a simple yet profound mission: to instill compassion and love for animals from the earliest stages of a child’s life. This program recognizes the pivotal role that early experiences play in shaping attitudes and behaviors towards our furry friends and the natural world.

What sets Pets-n-Tots apart is its holistic approach to humane education. By introducing children to a shelter environment at a tender age, the program demystifies the notion of shelters and helps children understand the unique role shelters play in caring for and rehoming animals in need. It cultivates a sense of empathy and responsibility towards animals, paving the way for a compassionate future.

The impact of Pets-n-Tots extends far beyond the walls of HSTB. Families who participate in this program often find themselves not just adopting pets but embracing a lifestyle centered on kindness and empathy towards all creatures, big and small.

Disaster Preparedness

June 1 st, the start of hurricane season, is right around the corner and the time to prepare is well before there is a storm on the horizon. Planning ahead helps to eliminate some of the stress when a storm actually forms, as you’ll have everything ready to protect yourself and your pets! The following tips and checklist will help you get ahead of any disaster that strikes this season.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS TIPS

Make a plan:

Decide whether to evacuate or shelter in place.

Google animal friendly shelters near you.

Microchip your pet ASAP to ensure that they can get home if they are lost in the storm. Microchips are $35 at HSTB’s Animal Hospital!

If your pet(s) is already chipped, make sure your contact information is current and registered with the chip company.

Stay informed:

Sign up for hurricane updates at HCFLGov.net/HCFLAlert

PET DISASTER KIT CHECKLIST

Your kit should contain important items you’ll need at a moment’s notice, such as:

County License Information

Crate/carrier for each pet

Current medications

Current medical records

Disposable litter and litter box

Food/water (7 days)

Food/water bowls

Microchip ID number information

Pictures of you with your pet(s)

Poop bags

Toys and treats

Trash bags

Vaccination records

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PET-FRIENDLY SHELTERS

Hillsborough County offers pet-friendly shelters during evacuation emergencies. Emergency shelters are announced prior to evacuation deadlines and the list will note which shelters are designated as pet-friendly. For entrance into a pet-friendly shelter, pets must be on a leash or in a carrier/crate at all times and you must bring the following:

Crate/carrier*, food, water, litter, treats, cleaning supplies, medicines, etc.

Proof of current rabies vaccination and license for dogs and cats

*Crates/carriers must be large enough for pets to stand up and turn around. Cat crates must also be large enough to contain litter, food and water.

Support homeless pets this summer by donating today!

It’s not too late!

On May 3rd HSTB kicked off National "Be Kind to Animals" week (May 5 – 11) with a dedicated Day of Giving to help raise crucial funds needed for the summer months when donations typically decrease while the number of animals brought to the shelter increases significantly.

Adequate funds are critical to ensuring that no animal is turned away.

If you missed HSTB’s Day of Giving, you can still help save the lives of animals this summer by Giving Today!

CORPORATE DONORS, PARTNERS & VOLUNTEERS RECOGNITION & THANKS

3C’s Catering

Academy of the Holy Names

Acquire Direct Acrisure

Amy Nelson Agliano

AGold Photo Pet Photography

Ardor Health

Association of Bridal Consultants

Ayres Associates

Greg & Meredith Balasco

Bay Stage Live

Bellalucia

Beta Theta Pi - USF Chapter

BluePearl Pet Hospital

Bonez & Pawz

Brandon All-Stars Kiwi Team

CAE USA

Central Pet Distribution

Cigar City Brewing

Creative Loafing

Crowe LLP

Davis Spine & Orthopedics

Lindsay Deighan

Donaldson Family

Downtown Dogs

Enterprise Holdings

Enterprise Mobility Foundation

FairyTail Pet Care

Fanatics

Federal Express

Fit City Adventures

Fox Fitness

GFWC Tampa Woman’s Club

Gilbert Garcia Group

Girl Scout Troop 32838

Grand Design RV’s

Henry B. Plant Museum

Home2 Suites Tampa Airport

Honor Thy Pet

Johnson & Johnson

JP Morgan Chase

Junior League of Tampa

JW Marriott Tampa Water Street

Kava Culture

Kong Company

Lake Magdalene Elementary School Lutz K- 8

FUNDING & GRANTS

Athletes for Animals

Bernice Barbour Foundation

Bissell Pet Foundation

Mantra Fitness

McKnight Law Group

Meat Market

Mediagistic

Miller Electric

Noble Crust

Oasis Opportunities

Pepsico

Petco Westshore

Pete Alonso Foundation

Petsupermarket Britton Plaza

Pfizer, Inc.

Pilot Delivers

Power Home Remodeling Group

Price Waterhouse Coopers

ProBrands

ReEmployAbility

Revenue Management Solutions

Ryan Nece Foundation

Shorecrest Preparatory School

Sickles High School

Sigma Pi - USF Chapter

Sila Realty Trust, Inc.

SkyLearn

Southern Belle Charities Inc.

Steinbrenner High School

Stinger Solutions

Subaru of Wesley Chapel

Sunburst Yacht Charters

Sunshine Market at Midtown

Tampa Bay Jokers, Inc.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa General Hospital

Tampa Preparatory School

Target

TECO

Tito’s Vodka

USF Honors College

USF Student Clubs and Organizations

UT Student Clubs and Organizations

Vein 911

Vinik Sports Group

WEDU

Whole Foods Market - Midtown Tampa

Wise

Woofies Mobile Pet Grooming

Community Foundation Tampa Bay

Dolly’s Dream

Oxbow Animal Health

Petco Love

Rotary Club of Tampa

Luke, Leia, and Paolo, 6-week-old German pointer mixes, were thrown from the window of a moving car late one night. Tragically, Paolo was run over and killed. Luke and Leia stayed loyally by his side until morning when HSTB was called to rescue them. Leia suffered a broken leg from the ordeal and both pups had minor cuts and scrapes. After a few weeks of rest and recovery, the sweet siblings found homes where they’ll be loved for the rest of their days.

LUKE & LEIA