summer 2018
CONTENTS
8 Buster, a "deathrow dog" who was transferred to us from an overcrowded shelter, now serves as a PTSD service dog and faithful companion. Animals like Buster help define our cause.
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Progressive initiatives such as affordable veterinary care, low-cost spay/neuter, and free shot clinics position us as leaders in companion animal care.
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Macy
LETTER FROM THE CEO, 3 BARK IN THE PARK, 4 A successful day for the animals WE ARE HSTB, 6 How the animals define us
WE ARE HSTB, 8 Macy's story: our Core Values ADOPTIONS & ALUMNI UPDATES, 10 ISLAND PAWS, 11 Event achievements and photos
Board of Directors President Mary Scott VP for Community Affairs Suzie Archibald VP for Strategic Oversight and Development Stephen Hickey Treasurer Laura Tatem Secretary Diane Homa
2 Summer Making Tracks Member2018 At Large L.M.. Satcher
TUXES & TAILS SAVE THE DATE, 13 'EGGSTRAVAGANZA / EVENTS, 14 SPECIAL THANKS / EVENTS, 15
WE ARE HSTB, 7 Vision and Mission in action Sherry Silk, Chief Executive Officer SherryS@humanesocietytampa.org (813) 774-4309
VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER, 12 Plus, HSTB Volunteers featured on "Charley's World"
Front cover photo by AGoldPhoto Pet Photography Members Meredith Balasco Ryan Cook Mike Gratz Mary Kate Harrison, Ph.D. Ana Landis Morris C. Massey Kim Mello Michael Neff Nancy Newman Rachel Ridley Elise Zahn, DO, MBA, FACEOP-D Emeritus Board Linda Reitz
Advisory Council Victoria J. Alvarez, P.A. Pat Antinori Greg Balasco Katie Busciglio Yvonne Yolie Capin Lisa DeBartolo Nikki DeBartolo Lindsay Deignan Carol Funk Thomas Gonzalez Bobby Harris Commissioner Sandy Murman Kim Rogers Jacalin Russo Judge Tracy Sheehan Cathy Smith Andrea Gonzmart Williams
Editor & Designer: Nash McCutchen NashM@humanesocietytampa.org (813) 774-4313 Contributors: Sarah Dale Pamela Duval Valerie Hogan Liz McCoy Sherry Silk Reagan Singleton Kimy Valdiviezo Ornella Varchi
#WeAreHSTB
LETTER FROM THE CEO
As summer approaches, we decided to devote part of this newsletter to helping our supporters distinguish what sets us apart from other humane societies and SPCAs. We are a managed admission, “no kill for space” shelter. That means we will never euthanize an animal to make room for another. However, we are not a sanctuary. We do not have the space or financial resources to let animals live out their lives in the shelter until they pass on. We feel that to do so would be inhumane; no animal should live in a cage for the rest of its life. Consequently, we will not adopt out an animal we that we deem unadoptable; for example, one that is suffering from an illness or injury that we can’t treat. Nor will we adopt out animals that are a danger to our community. We do not want one of our pets to be the cause of a person or other animal being seriously maimed or possibly killed. We do a wonderful job of finding homes for 92% of the animals that come through our doors. Nationally, any shelter that saves 90% or more of the animals it takes in is considered to be “no kill”. We are proud to have achieved this distinction but we also know that "no-kill" related issues are emotionally charged and complex. If you have questions or concerns about our policies, or simply want to learn more about them, I hope you will reach out to me personally. It would be my pleasure to speak with you (813.774.4309 / sherrys@humanesocietytampa.org). Every shelter and rescue group is quite different, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. After more than 100 years of success saving animals in Tampa Bay, we live by the following core values each and every day: Compassion (compassion and respect for all, each other and animals); Community (serving the community with optimism and integrity) and Commitment (commitment to lead the way in animal welfare). As you read the story of our beautiful Macy (pg. 8) I think you will agree, that she exemplifies these values and all that we do for animals in our community. She is a very lucky girl to have come to our shelter. I am so proud of what we do and hope that you will continue to support the meaningful work that goes on every day at our organization. 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
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PARty Animals $8,425 raised
The Bark Squad $4,915 raised
Terri Wilson of Team 22 $3,954 raised 4 Summer 2018
Making Tracks
Photos by JJR Photography
Humane Society of Tampa Bay
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ManagedAdmission WE ARE HSTB With so many words, phrases, and ideas being used to describe animal sheltering it is easy to get confused about "who does what". As treasured stakeholders we want you to know exactly where we stand and how our vision, mission, and values are saving the lives of animals in Tampa Bay. WE ARE NOT • A county municipal shelter • A Rescue • A Sanctuary • A law enforcement agency WE ARE MANAGED ADMISSION Also known as "no-kill-for-space" managed admission shelters adhere to the policy that no animal is ever euthanized to make room for another animal. What this means: • Once animals are accepted into our adoption program they stay with us until adopted • We are limited by space and must turn animals away when capacity is reached • We must euthanize animals suffering from illness, injury, or behavioral issues beyond our ability and resources to treat
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WE ARE A PRIVATE SHELTER • The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is not an arm of or funded* by the Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA, or any other national animal welfare organization • The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is not funded by the government and does not receive state or federal taxpayer dollars • The Humane Society of Tampa Bay relies on the generosity of individuals and organizations to support our work. WE ARE A VETERINARY HOSPITAL Offering affordable** veterinary care and spay/neuter services to the public supports our mission and core values. It is our goal to prevent pets from being surrendered to a shelter simply because their owner cannot afford their medical care. Our animal hospital is: • Florida's first non-profit animal
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• Our current save rate is 92%; The accepted, national standard to be considered "no-kill" is 90%.
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hospital to be accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association a full-service veterinary hospital open to the public open 7 days a week
WE ARE COMMUNITY MINDED • We accept thousands of stray animals every year to help alleviate the burden on the county municipal shelter • We provide free pet food to struggling, homebound, and elderly pet parents so that they can keep their pets • We provide free vaccinations to pets in disadvantaged neighborhoods • We offer humane education and resources through hundreds of outreach events and innovative children's programs each year *We sometimes receive grants from national animal welfare organizations for special projects and initiatives **Any proceeds from our animal hospital benefit our homeless animals and outreach programs.
#WeAreHSTB
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Pictured here and below are photos from our most recent free shot clinic, held April 28th at Perry Harvey Sr. Park
LEADING THE WAY BECAUSE EVERY LIFE COUNTS™ It isn't just the homeless animals in our community that define us, it is every animal in need who crosses our path. One way we lead is by offering solutions to problems pet owners face. To meet the challenge of expensive veterinary care, we offer low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and affordable, full-service care to the public at our animal hospital. We also offer two free vaccination clinics every year. These events, funded by generous supporters Jim and Nancy Parker, are held in disadvantaged neighborhoods and help prevent the spread of disease while keeping pets healthy and in their homes.
DEDICATED TO ENDING ANIMAL HOMELESSNESS AND PROVIDING CARE AND COMFORT FOR COMPANION ANIMALS IN NEED So many animals just need a second chance. They don't have an extraordinary story or tear-jerker circumstance; they are just ordinary "companion animals in need." These sweet souls, who have found themselves without a family, have nowhere else to turn. They define us because their "ordinary" lives matter. So it was with Sebastion. He came to us as a stray, just another brown tabby looking for help. He also had a chronic condition that would require a lifetime on medication. Being ordinary and slightly "special needs" didn't make him the most exciting choice for adoption. But he showed such personality and charm that he won the hearts of a family looking for a superior cuddler and constant companion. As an added bonus they got an expert lounge lizard and consummate clown. They couldn't be happier. #WeAreHSTB Humane Society of Tampa Bay
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MACY While every animal we serve is special, every so often one comes along who touches us deeply. Macy stirred in us anger and despair at the cruelty she'd certainly endured, then tempered those dark emotions with her sweetness and resilience. Her soulful eyes implored us to remember our values and put them to work. 8 Summer 2018
Making Tracks
COMPASSION Macy couldn't stand on her own. The weight of a full-term pregnancy was too much for her severely injured hips (photo 1). One was completely shattered, likely from blunt force trauma. In the other hip a bullet was lodged deep in the tissue, a constant, painful reminder that she'd been despised and unwanted (photo 2). Neither wound had ever been treated and the
suffering she must have endured is unfathomable. Though in pain and unable to walk, she remained docile and trusting, drawn to humans and eager to connect. In fact when we'd put her in a soft, comfy bed to help take the pressure off her hips she'd drag herself out and over to whomever was closest. ŠAGold Photo
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The 9mm bullet that was lodged in Macy's leg
3 Still, Macy's condition was precarious; with bad hips, giving birth would be complicated. If she made it through that, she would still need extensive surgery to make her hips usable again. But this quiet, unassuming little hound mix had ignited our compassion and there was no turning back.
out to us for help and we were able to accommodate.
COMMUNITY "We rise by lifting others". - Robert Ingersoll
to every place where there is an animal in need.
Many shelters don't have the supportive community and resources we do and frequently find themselves overcrowded, underfunded and in desperate need of help. Macy came from such a place; a low-resource, rural shelter that didn't have the medical equipment or space to properly care for her. They reached
While 85% of our animals come from local sources, we are part of a greater good, the companion animal welfare community. Our compassion reaches beyond borders and our commitment to community extends
COMMITMENT In the wee hours of a Sunday morning Macy's foster mom, also an HSTB veterinary technician, awoke to the pup's pained laboring. Recognizing that Macy was in serious distress she called our shelter veterinarian and the two met at the shelter to perform an emergency Cesarean. It was a long night, but Macy
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4 made it through surgery and gave birth to six healthy pups. She was a natural at motherhood, nursing and cleaning her babies right away (photo 3). Macy and her pups stayed in fostercare until the babies were weaned and adopted; all six went to loving homes!
Once Macy recovered from motherhood she underwent surgery on her hips. Unfortunately, one of her legs could not be saved but she adjusted quickly to being a tripod. As fate would have it, true love sent Macy right back to her foster home and into the arms of our staff member Kimy Valdiviezo, this time as an official member of the family (photo 4). #WeLoveFosterFailures #WeAreHSTB Humane Society of Tampa Bay 9
ADOPTIONS & ALUMNI UPDATES
A year ago to the very day, I adopted Carmalita (we didn't change her name) from you guys! We came in for another dog that had already been adopted and out of the 15+ dogs there, she chose us. She was the only dog who greeted us at the crate door and she just kept licking our hands and we knew she was ours. Then when we got her, she wouldn't fall asleep unless we were right next to her and ever since, she gets to share our king sized bed with us. Squeaky toys are her favorite toy but she always finds the squeaker and breaks them. Her favorite things are laying out in the sun and getting cuddled. She is the biggest, sweetest baby in the world and she just turned 3 on April 6! - Rachel Hutton
This adorable little girl had been wanting a bunny for so long. Her very wise parents wanted her to learn responsibility before becoming a pet parent and so she waited an entire year to come to the shelter and meet her new best friend. She was SO excited when she found Scotty and listened intently to all the information we gave her about how to care for a bunny. Once the adoption papers were signed she couldn't wait to get home and start her new role as a loving bunny mom. We don't think Scotty the bunny could've asked for a better home!!
This is Ginger (Chet at HSTB) [snuggling with his sister] and playing with his best friend, Ralph! Ralph was also adopted from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay! He joined our family in September of 2016! -Jessica Boksen
10 Summer 2018
Making Tracks
#WeAreHSTB
EVENTS & OUTREACH
Gretchen was the first to be adopted at the event
The Tampa Garden Club provided an elegant setting
Volunteer Margaret Basco and adoptable pup Kira
A lovely evening by the Bay
5TH ANNUAL ISLAND PAWS - $73,000 RAISED
From left: Jessica Muroff, Jonathan and Victoria Moore, Katie Sabine
Tracey Ballard and Tina Worrall with adoptables Edith and Hazel
Elena Cifuentes, Cheryl Ciccarello and Randall Stack Event Committee: Jenny Allebach, Suzie Archibald, Meredith Balasco, Sarah Dale, Lindsay Deignan, Jennifer Fadal, Elizabeth Harris, Parker Homans, Hope Marshall, Nash McCutchen, Letitia McKibbon, Samantha Mellen, Nancy Newman, Karen Ryals, Katie Selman, Sherry Silk, JoAnn Strober, Jane Sultenfuss, Brenda Trayner, Nancy Turner, Ornella Varchi, Christi Winsor, Andi Woolf-Parker, Walter Woolf Humane Society of Tampa Bay 11 Photos by Marc Edwards and The Dashing Ginger
VOLUNTEERING
Michele has been a volunteer with us for just under two years, and in that time she has become an integral part of our Animal Intake team. Michele comes in every Saturday at 6:30am to help our Intake staff open up for the day, and then stays throughout the day to provide invaluable support to the staff. We can sometimes take in as many as 30 animals on a Saturday, and Michele helps keep cages prepped to accept new animals, helps hold animals so our staff can examine them, and gets them cleaned up and settled in at the shelter. She also prepares and administers medications for our shelter animals and makes sure that animals are properly transported between buildings when needed. Michele trains and oversees all new volunteers who come to Intake on Saturdays, making sure to pass along her wonderful knowledge. Our Intake staff knows that any time Michele is there to help, they have another set of very capable hands on which to rely. Thank you, Michelle, for your tireless commitment and love for the animals. You make a difference!
HSTB VOLUNTEERS TAKE CENTER STAGE ON "CHARLEY'S WORLD"
On April 16th, to officially kick off National Volunteer Appreciation Week, FOX 13's Charley Belcher visited us to broadcast his popular morning segment live from the shelter. Staff and volunteers rallied to get the place in tip-top shape by 6:30am, long before our typical weekday noon opening. Charley spent the morning documenting the selfless and life-saving work our volunteers do over the course of 11 segments that aired well into the noon news hour. From caring for underage litters to dog playgroups to surgery snuggling and assistance, our volunteers shone as Tampa Bay learned about the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. And, while we've always known the incredible gift we have in our volunteer corps, it was nice for the world outside our doors to get a glimpse of just how amazing they are.
To view the clips from Charley's World, April 16, 2018, visit our YouTube page at youtube.com/HSTBmedia 12 Summer 2018
Making Tracks
#WeAreHSTB
presents
10.13.18
5:30PM to 12:00AM, Tampa Convention Center
HONORARY CO-CHAIRS Lisa & Nikki DeBartolo SPONSORSHIP & TICKET INFORMATION: 813.876.4150 specialevents@humanesocietytampa.org TuxesAndTailsTampa.com
Benefiting the homeless animals of the Humane Society of Tampa BayBay Humane Society of Tampa
13
ŠLifelong Photography Studios
OUTREACH AND EVENTS
Egg hunts and photos with the Easter Bunny brought pets and children out to the shelter in record numbers on Saturday, March 31. Our shelter pets loved having so many visitors!
2019 PHOTO CALENDAR CONTEST July 1 - 31, 2018 HumaneSocietyTampa.org/2019Calendar 14 Summer 2018
Making Tracks
Save The Date! Your pet could be our next cover model! Enter their photo to win a coveted spot in our 2019 calendar
SPECIAL THANKS
CORPORATE & GROUP DONATIONS Avila Tennis Club B & W Structural Design Bryant Elementary Cat's Pride Cat Litter Dancing for Donations Delta Airlines Doc's 2 Dogs Epicurean Hotel/Mainsail Corp. Enterprise Holdings Fairfield Inn and Suites/Marriott Feeding Tampa Bay Fraternity & Sorority Life UT Good Kids on the Block Charity Honor Thy Pet Implementation Scientists LLC
MacDill Tinker Elementary 1st Grade Making Lives Better with Alorica McKitrick Elementary School Moffitt Cancer Center Nobles Animal Rights Club Progressive Insurance RHS National Honor Society Rollin' Oats Market Ryan Companies US, Inc. Sam's Club Sickles High School Starbucks TBCRC Vetoquinol Willis Towers Watson
The Seminole Hard Rock donated proceeds from the sale of these exclusive bracelets to our animals!
CORPORATE & GROUP VOLUNTEERS Air Force ROTC at USF Alpha Phi Omega, USF Chapter Alter’d State at International Plaza Arbitration Forums Arete at HCC Avenida Suites CDW Citi Group Darrigo, Diaz and Jimenez Delta Zeta, UT Chapter Disney Store at International Plaza Flood Gate Medical Front Burner Grand Hyatt Tampa Seminole Hard Rock Hotel &Casino IT Authorities JCPenney
Laser Spine Institute LOUD Runners Microsoft Store at International Plaza National Association of Women in Construction PEACE Volunteer Center at UT Price Waterhouse Project Helping Ready Realty USF Environmental Service Fellows UT Better Together UT Environmental Coalition UT Paws for a Cause UT Pre-Veterinarian Club WellCare Whole Foods Zeta Beta Tau, USF Chapter
The Good Kids on the Block Charity raised money for our animals!
FUNDRAISERS & OUTREACH PARTNERS 81Bay Brewery AGoldPhoto Boho Hunter Bottle and Bottega C.1949 Ciccio Water Chipotle CycleBar South Tampa Downtown Dogs The Dubliner Gasparilla Distance Classic Jenna Ellis Kendra Scott Orange Theory Fitness Quest Diagnostics Sigma Pi at USF Tampa Theatre
#WeAreHSTB
CycleBar South Tampa held a fundraiser for our homeless pets
Cat's Pride Cat Litter donated litter to our cats as part of their "Litter for Good" program
PHOTO SHOOT FUNDRAISER July 8, 2018 Hosted by AGold Pet Photography
Support homeless animals with a professional portrait of your own precious pet
Buddy Brew donated sales from their Brew Good Do Good coffee to our homeless pets
Alorica held a food drive for our animals
TUXES & TAILS- NORDIC NIGHTS October 13, 2018, 5:30PM to 12AM Tampa Convention Center Our biggest event of the year; a Black Tie Fundraising Gala
Humane Society of Tampa Bay
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ABRAHAM
One of the thousands of pets who help define our vision, mission, and core values. Abraham was taken in as a stray by a Good Samaritan who couldn't keep him because of allergies. After just three days with us, he was adopted and on his way to a new life.
ŠJJR Photography #WeAreHSTB
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!