spring 2018
CONTENTS
8
Polly, just one of thousands of animals transferred from Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center to our shelter each year. Polly found her forever home just in time for Christmas
6 Lulu and Cupcake, healthy and happy in their new home
Nick receiving care after being rescued with his three siblings
LETTER FROM THE CEO, 3 ALL ABOUT THAT PACK, 4 2018 Bark in the Park WILD ENCOUNTERS, 5 extending compassion to exotics
THEY LOOK TO US, 8 going the extra mile for EXTRAordinary pets
ADOPTIONS, 12
THEY LOOK TO US, 10 EXTRAordinary pets and how you can join us on the journey to save more lives
THANK YOU / EVENTS, 15
THE ARITHMETIC OF SAVING LIVES, 6 partnering to save more lives Sherry Silk, Chief Executive Officer SherryS@humanesocietytampa.org (813) 774-4309
2
Board of Directors President Mary Scott Vice President Suzie Archibald Treasurer Laura Tatem Secretary Diane Homa Member At Large L.M. Satcher Spring 2018 Making Tracks
10
Meredith Balasco Ryan Cook Mike Gratz Mary Kate Harrison, Ph.D. Stephen Hickey Ana Landis Morris C. Massey Kim Mello Michael Neff Nancy Newman Rachel Ridley Elise Zahn, DO, MBA, FACEOP-D Emeritus Board: Linda Reitz
VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER / EVENTS, 14
Front cover and top left photo by AGoldPhoto Pet Photography Advisory Council: Victoria J. Alvarez, P.A. Pat Antinori Greg Balasco Katie Busciglio Yvonne Yolie Capin Lisa DeBartolo Nikki DeBartolo Carol Funk Thomas Gonzalez Richard Gonzmart Bobby Harris Lindsay Milbourne County Commissioner Sandy Murman
Kim Rodgers Jacalin Russo Judge Tracy Sheehan Cathy Smith
Editor & Designer: Nash McCutchen NashM@humanesocietytampa.org (813) 774-4313 Contributors: Sarah Dale Valerie Hogan Liz McCoy Deanna Musso Mike Ozog Sarah Peterson Sherry Silk Reagan Singleton Scott Trebatoski Ornella Varchi
AGold Photo
LETTER FROM THE CEO
We are making dramatic progress, here in Tampa Bay, for animals and for the people who love them. Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center (HCPRC) recently released their numbers and the community and animal lovers throughout the county are celebrating. In 2008, HCPRC, euthanized 24,000 dogs and cats and had the worst euthanasia rate in the whole state with a dismal save rate of just 24%. However, as you will see on page 6, in 2017 they euthanized 2,175 animals earning a save rate of 87%!! What a huge accomplishment for their staff and volunteers under the leadership of Scott Trebatoski. His innovative programs and dedication have really turned things around in a very big way. I believe our partnership with HCPRC has helped increase the save rate in many ways. Affordable spay and neuter, as well as veterinary care for the public at our hospital, has made a huge increase in owners being able to keep their pets. Our TNVR (trap/neuter/vaccinate/return) program, free pet food assistance program, free shot clinics for low income citizens, transfer program from overcrowded shelters, housing of local stray animals, and our Animeals monthly pet food delivery program have really helped keep animals out of shelters and in homes where they are loved and cherished. That is our goal. Together, HCPRC and HSTB are working to give animals a second chance. Not only the normal, every day pets we encounter, but animals with EXTRAordinary needs, such as our four abandoned mange puppies featured on page 8, elderly pets, and pets with various health concerns. We will continue to improve and nudge those save rate numbers up even higher. It truly takes all of us to care and support programs that save lives. We certainly couldn’t do it without our loyal supporters, and we look forward to continue raising the bar for animal welfare as we begin the new year. For the Animals,
Sherry Silk Chief Executive Officer Making Tracks is a newsletter published quarterly for donors of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay
Humane Society of Tampa Bay
3
For a full list of our fabulous sponsors, visit BarkInTheParkTampa.com 4 Spring 2018 Making Tracks
HOSPITAL FEATURE
veterinarians, Dr. Justin Boorstein, is skilled with exotics and was able to help. Our SaveA-Pet Medical Fund covered the cost of the exam and X-rays so that Akira's caretaker could afford the medication needed to heal his slithery friend.
BCR provides them with the use of our surgical suite, equipment, and staff when we are able to accommodate. Noel came through her surgery well and is on the road to recovery and, hopefully, will be released back into the wild where she belongs.
pictured above left with HSTB Veterinarian Dr. Justin Boorstein
NOEL
JOSEPH
Akira's owner contacted our hospital after noticing a mass in the boa constrictor's mouth. Financial constraints kept him from going to a specialist but he was deeply concerned about the snake's welfare. Luckily, one of our
After being hit by a car on Christmas day, Noel found herself in the care of Big Cat Rescue (BCR). The severity of her fractures meant the young bobcat would need specialized surgery. Our partnership with
Joseph, a majestic African lion, is a permanent resident at Big Cat Rescue. We had the honor of caring for him when he wasn't feeling himself and needed X-Rays.
If you think sterilizing 13,000 companion animals a year and offering wellness services to 32,000 more is enough to keep us busy, think again! From time to time, we welcome wild encounters.
services and affordable veterinary care to owned pets so that they can stay with the people who love them. However, when resources allow, we are privileged to extend our circle of compassion to wild animals in need.
Our hospital's mission focuses on providing low cost spay/neuter
AKIRA
pictured above center being prepped for surgery
pictured above right with HSTB Director of Medical Operations Dr. Karla Bard
Humane Society of Tampa Bay
5
Helen, just one of thousands of animals transferred from Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center to our shelter each year. Helen was adopted by her forever family on December 26th.
6 Spring 2018
Making Tracks
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The math is elementary; two is greater than one. We can get more accomplished when we work together. That is the philosophy we share with Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center and our partnership continues to prove successful. Since 2012, we have focused our joint efforts on reducing the euthanasia rate in Hillsborough County through progressive initiatives that are saving lives:
We strengthened our partnership with a county-endorsed program to Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return feral and community cats. Feral and community cats brought to the county shelter are transferred to our facility for sterilization and vaccination, then returned to their neighborhoods to live out their lives. This has resulted in improved stabilization of the cat population as well as a decrease of 47% in the county's cat euthanasia rate.
We were sanctioned by the county to keep any stray animal turned in to us, rather then having to transfer them to the county shelter. Since implementing this procedure we have kept 4,235 out of the county shelter, We also continue to pull dogs and cats from their facility every week, as we have done since 2008. The extra space these two practices have provided has resulted in fewer animals at Pet Resource Center being euthanized for space.
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay applauds the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners and the management staff at Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center for their commitment to improving infrastructure and implementing forward-thinking programs that save lives. We are proud to assist with their efforts and wholeheartedly support and nurture our shared desire to end animal homelessness. There is much work yet to be done, but together we are making tremendous strides and putting Hillsborough County on the map as one of the nation's most revered areas for companion animal welfare practices. The proof is in the numbers.
90%
ANNUAL SAVE RATES
70% 50% 30% 20% YEAR
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
SAVE RATE
22%
26%
29%
33%
39%
49%
76%
84%
86%
87%
Humane Society of Tampa Bay
7
Imagine You are cold. You are hungry. Your skin is on fire, eyes swollen shut with infection.
In December, a month reserved for goodwill, fou were abandoned along road, unprotected from Thankfully, their hideou across the street from o and a passer-by who spo came straight to us for h
Grass and rocks prick your tender paws as you sniff the air for food; nothing. You scratch the earth for a soft place to rest and strain your ears for your mother's heartbeat; nothing. You hear only frightened whines from your siblings and the clatter of cars rushing by, so very close.
CEO Sherry Silk evaluates Joy at the rescue site
You hang your head. Then, new sounds. Footsteps quickening. Voices, urgent but kind, coming closer. You raise your bleeding face and catch the scent of safety as gentle hands touch you. You look. You see. Hope rises. 8 Spring Spring 2018 2018
Making Making Tracks Tracks
From left: Nick, Merry, Noel, and Joy. Photographed by AGoldPhoto Pet Photography on their second day with us
As we approached th foursome it was clear were very sick. Balding, and bleeding from hea the helpless pups had l suffering for weeks fro demodex mange, secon infections, malnourishm parasites. Their cond serious and we knew th not survive without trea scooped them up and work of longterm care.
Their first days with us J Noel, and Nick, were d and frightened, spendin their time in an exhaus But as nourishment fi starving bellies and soothed their itchy, crac they began to wag and y like normal little pups care in the world.
Joy (top 2 photos pg. 8) was the most severely ill. She suffered infections on both the outer layer of her skin and inside her eyes, which were swollen shut for days. Joy's new mom and dad (left) had been watching her story on Facebook from the moment of her rescue. When the day came for her to be adopted, they were first in line to take her home.
Joy, moments before her rescue
h typically ur puppies g a busy the traffic. ut was just our shelter otted them help.
As so often happens, a dedicated staff member took them home to foster for a month-long adventure of daily baths, coconut oil rubs, and endless TLC. She helped her fosterlings grow strong and confident as their wounds healed and their minds sharpened.
he forlorn that they , lethargic, ad to toe, likely been om severe ndary skin ment, and dition was hey would atment. We began the
Throughout their recovery, our executive staff worked closely with Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center to find and prosecute the perpetrators of this horrific neglect and abandonment, offering a $1,000 reward that was matched by a generous donor. To date, the case remains open.
Joy, Merry, depressed ng most of sted sleep. filled their medicines cking skin, yip and flirt without a
Shortly after the new year the fabulous four returned to our shelter with fuzzy coats of baby-fine hair, clear skin, bright eyes, and fiercely happy puppy personalities. Within one week, each of them had a forever home. As we sent these EXTRAordinary pets off with their families the additional time, money, and medical resources spent seemed irrelevant. In their darkest hour they looked to us, and we proudly met their gaze.
After hearing about everything she'd been through, Noel's mom could barely wait to fill out the adoption paperwork. Noel was the second of the four to be adopted and went home with a new pink collar and leash.
This loving couple fell hard for *Nick's rambunctious spirit. After living with three bossy females his whole short life, they looked forward to spoiling him as an only pup and King of his castle.
Last, but not least, *Merry was ecstatic to find a human she could claim all to herself and love unconditionally for the rest of her happy days. *A kind supporter saw on the news that Nick and Merry did not get adopted on the first day they were available so she generously covered their adoption fees. Humane Society of Tampa Bay
9
Sully came to us from an owner who was overwhelmed with 10 dogs. He arrived so severely matted that the only way to ease his suffering was to shave him completely. We knew he was underweight, but the shaving revealed serious malnourishment, protruding bones and a sunken stomach. To add to the misery, his face was covered in bite marks and he was infested with worms. Despite his horrible condition and past, he charmed us with affectionate cuddles and spirited play. His issues required several weeks in foster with follow up medical care. We're happy to report that he never left his foster family; their Christmas gift to him was a forever home.
These bonded sisters came to us when their owner moved. Sad and confused, they found the shelter environment very stressful and became ill (photo at left). We took extra care with them and moved them into a room where it was calm and quiet.
10 10 Spring Spring 2018 2018
Making Making Tracks Tracks
Because of their anxiety, they did not present well to adopters, and after several weeks we grew concerned. But, as fate would have it, a wonderful woman saw our Facebook Live video with them and came in right away. She had experience with shy cats and knew just how to give them the space they needed to acclimate and feel safe in their new home.
This beautiful Akita was brought to us when her owner was incarcerated. Although she appeared normal and healthy, a thorough exam revealed that she was suffering from Pyometra, a serious and life-threatening infection of the reproductive organs. Daisy's uterus was extremely inflamed and three-times the normal size. We can only imagine the pain she must have suffered. After several weeks of recovery in foster care, Daisy went home to a loving family. Her story is a perfect example of why spaying/neutering is so important for the well-being of pets. Some of the most marginalized animals in our society are feral and community cats. Through our aggressive Trap/Neuter/ Vaccinate/Return (TNVR) program, we are working to change that. Gil is one of our success stories who, after being brought to us for TNVR, was placed in our Working Cats program. He is now master of his own barn where he gets plenty to eat and enjoys surveying his kingdom from the rafters.
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is your local shelter, helping EXTRAordinary pets in need in your community. Can't adopt or foster? Here are some EXTRAordinary ways to join us on the journey to save more lives:
BE A MONTHLY PET PARTNER
PARTY FOR PETS
LEAVE YOUR LEGACY
START THEM YOUNG
Pet Partners are invaluable donors who commit to a recurring monthly gift, allowing us to plan efficiently and save more lives in Tampa Bay. HumaneSocietyTampa.org/petpartner or 813.774.4306 Ensure the care of animals for years to come as a member of our esteemed Legacy Society. Name HSTB in your estate as a beneficiary of your will, trust, retirement plan, 401K, insurance policy, and more. development@humanesocietytampa.org or 813.774.4311
Join Tampa Tails, our networking group for young professionals, to fundraise for and help our animals at several Yappy Hours and volunteer days throughout the year. TampaTails.com or 813.876.4150
Foster your children's love for animals through programs created just for them. From Critter Camp to birthday parties at the shelter to Paws for Literacy, we'll keep your tenderhearted tykes inspired. HumaneSocietyTampa.org/kids HumaneSociety Societyof ofTampa TampaBay Bay 11 11 Humane
ADOPTIONS
In this very same edition one year ago, we featured the 14 dogs who came to us from a dog meat farm in South Korea. Rosa was the most troubled of the pack and it took months for us to break through. Below is an update from the person who loved her back to life.
January 22, 2018 By Lori Smart, HSTB Volunteer and Rosa's mom "Happy one year anniversary to my sweet Rosa! What a difference a year makes ... One year ago tonight you arrived at Humane Society of Tampa Bay, scared, shut down and pregnant. You were too afraid to even look at humans, and curled in the back of your run. Your babies were born a week later, and you became fiercely protective of them. I started sitting outside your cage nearly every day only a few days after you arrived. You barked and snapped at me through the cage. You accepted your first treat from my hand, through the fencing, at week 2 - a McDonald's hamburger. But you pushed the french fry right back at me! So sassy, even then! It would be a long 4 weeks before I could join you in your run, and 6 weeks before you let me touch you (with a
12 Spring 2018
Making Tracks
long soft toy). I had to sneak my hand behind the toy, and it took you a long time to get used to touch. I hated seeing you cower in the corner but was so proud of your bravery! 65 days after you arrived, I was able to struggle a harness on you. When I came in the next day and you hadn’t chewed it off ... I decided it was time to get you out to the play yard. You were petrified, but you did it!
you proved them all to be wrong. You are where you were always meant to be, with me.
April 22 nd, 3 months after your arrival, you left the shelter and spent two months with your foster mom Lauren. Though you were scared and wouldn’t let her touch you, you showed moments of play that were so amazing to watch.
I’m so proud of how far you have come. You know so many commands, and you stay in the main room with me always even when there are visitors. I love how you bravely sneak up to them to give them a sniff or a muzzle punch, or to accept a treat.
June 28 th you came to your forever home. I had many reasons why my home wasn’t the right one for you, and
You are a very smart and special little girl, and I can’t wait to see what this next year brings for you!"
ADOPTIONS
"I am happy to say Grimm* has been the perfect addition to our family. He is a major snuggler and cuddles with his mom (me) every night. He is the sweetest little boy and has the most perfect personality ever. We may even look into getting him a sibling someday! Currently he lives with a dog that my roommate also adopted. Thank you very much and please enjoy this photo of him in his new home."
*EXTRAordinary. Grimm was one of our adoption office cats. He took some extra care and TLC because he was a very scared and skinny cat. Now look at him in his purrrfect furrrever home!
"Ava* is adjusting to her new home. She is a real sweetheart!! Feisty too and she is not a push over either!! I will keep you posted on her progress. Thank you sooo much for helping me adopt Ava."
* EXTRAordinary. Ava, (aka "Baby") came to us with a badly broken leg that had been severely neglected. She was an excellent patient and a staff/volunteer favorite. We are so happy she found a loving home with her new mom and two canine brothers, also adopted from HSTB!
"Little Gem* is doing great!! She’s adjusted well and loves to be held!! She’s a great addition to our family!! Thank you so much."
* EXTRAordinary. Pocket pets and rabbits typically take longer to get adopted simply because they aren't as popular as dogs and cats and often get overlooked. But, they make wonderful companions and we happily care for them, with plenty of places to burrow and healthy veggies to eat, until they find their forever homes. Humane Society of Tampa Bay
13
VOLUNTEERING AND EVENTS
Meg has been a volunteer with us for over two and a half years, and in that time has become an invaluable part of our team. Her first love is our dogs, and she comes in several days a week to walk and show them some love. However, Meg has taken on many more roles in her time with us. Meg is one of our volunteer trainers, leading new volunteers through their first day, as well as taking a leadership role during Saturday Dog Struts, a program where we take our shelter dogs on a walk through the neighborhood. In addition to walking dogs and training volunteers, Meg steps up to help with nearly every large event that we hold, and even opens up her home to foster our dogs in need. We cannot thank Meg enough for all the time she donates to our animals and the support she provides to our volunteer team!
JJR Photography
Isl a
nd
81BAY BREWERY DAY March 10, 12pm to 4pm 4465 W Gandy Blvd 14 Spring 2018
Making Tracks
Enjoy a drink and adoptables with 81Bay Brewery as they raise funds for our homeless pets
P a ws
PHOTO SHOOT FUNDRAISER March 10, 1pm to 4pm HSTB Shelter, 3607 N Armenia Ave
AGoldPhoto pet portrait session: 75% of the proceeds benefit our animals
SPECIAL THANKS
A very special thanks to Victor and Sanna Hedman for their donation of game tickets to thank our volunteers and support fundraising efforts, the Tampa Bay Lightning for hosting "Pucks for Paws", and the National Hockey League for inviting us to be part of the NHL All Star weekend.
Tampa Bay Lightning's Tyler Johnson (L) and Victor Hedman (R) attending the Players & Puppies event at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on January 26th. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
CORPORATE & GROUP VOLUNTEERS Bank of America Busch Gardens CRG Disabilities Rehabilitation Center Focus Events Grand Hyatt Tampa Greystar HCC Global Council
Home Shopping Network Keller Williams L.O.U.D. Runners MacDill Air Force Base Peace Volunteer Center at UT Salesforce Sheltair Aviation SPARK
Steinbrenner High School BossCross Boys' Cross Country Team SunTrust Tampa Bay Tech NHS Tampa Bay Tech NJROTC TransferWise USF Dade and Broward Club USF Environmental Service Fellows
USF Rotaract Club UT Better Together UT Paws for a Cause Walser Wealth Management Whole Foods
Humana Rollin' Oats Market Royal Pets Samantha Taylor Fitness Sheltair Aviation Sterling Ridge TGMG Transplant Team
Vetoquinol Villa Serena Wag Natural Pet Market Zymphony Technology Solutions
Gucci Kendra Scott
Petsupermarket Dwight and Laurie Raines
CORPORATE & GROUP DONATIONS Babe Zaharias Women's Golf Association Citrus Park Elementary - 5th Grade Green Team Citrus Park Select - 12 Little League Delta Airlines Docs 2 Dogs
Express Press Getty Images Green Locus Yoga Hillsborough Community College Radiation Therapy Club HJR Industries LLC Honor Thy Pet
FUNDRAISERS & OUTREACH PARTNERS 81Bay Brewery Clubcorp
Cyclebar Downtown Dogs
FOUNDATIONS & GRANTS Supports adoptions of square-headed dogs in our care
BARK IN THE PARK March 24, 11am to 3pm Curtis Hixon Park
Tampa's favorite fundraising walk and pet fest returns to the riverwalk for a barking good time
Provided food for our shelter animals
ISLAND PAWS April 20, 6pm to 11pm Tampa Garden Club
Spend a casual evening by the bay with adoptables, cocktails, dinner, silent auction and more.
Provides funding for free TNVR services for feral cats in the City of Tampa, and $10 spaying/ neutering for pit bull and bully breeds in Hillsborough County.
GIVE DAY TAMPA BAY May 1, 2018 GiveDayTampaBay.org
24 hours of online giving for our animals Humane Tampa and other charitiesSociety across of Tampa BayBay
15
CHAUNCEY is an eartipped* cat who came to our animal hospital after he was found with a broken leg. The nature of the injury required his leg to be amputated. Happily, he came through the surgery well and easily adjusted to being a tripod. Physical healing wasn't the only outcome of his surgery. Because of the sweet, sociable personality we observed during treatment, he was able to join our adoption program and quickly found a loving home.
*Ear tipping is the international symbol that a cat has been sterilized through a feral or community cat program.
For location, hours & other information visit
HumaneSocietyTampa.org The Humane Society of Tampa Bay (HSTB) is a private, 501(C)3 organization that receives no federal or state funding and relies on donations from individuals and private corporations. HSTB is not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA or any other national organization. Give local, give to HSTB!