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MEET MARTIN, WOUNDED AND ABANDONED
Read how we brought him back from the brink, page 4. Warning: graphic photos
LEADING THE WAY BECAUSE EVERY LIFE COUNTS™
HUMANE SOCIETY OF TAMPA BAY LEADERSHIP & BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Sherry Silk BOARD OF DIRECTORS Morris Massey President Suzie Archibald Vice President Laura L. Tatem Treasurer Nancy Newman Secretary Meredith Balasco Yvette Boggs Ryan Cook Liana Fuente Sarah Glaser Diane Homa Michael Neff Philip Nodhturft, III Rachel Ridley Mary Scott Elise Zahn, DO BOARD EMERITUS Linda Reitz ADVISORY COUNCIL Pat Antinori Greg Balasco Mayor Jane Castor Lisa DeBartolo Nikki DeBartolo Lindsay Deignan Danita Dickman Carol Schwartz Funk Commissioner Ken Hagan Bobby Harris Parker Homans Sandy Murman Kim Rogers Jacalin Russo Cherie Schonbrun Cathy Smith Andrea Gonzmart Williams 2 MAKING TRACKS
IN THIS ISSUE
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LETTER FROM THE CEO
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FEATURE STORY — MARTIN Suffering from a horrific neck wound, Martin makes a comeback
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RESCUE AT HSTB A new division for saving the lives of dogs, cats, and beyond
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SAFE HAVEN Pets we’ve helped, healed and rehomed ON THE ROAD Our Transfer Program allows us to save as many lives as possible THE SHELTER LIFE A behind-the-scenes look at everyday life at HSTB BARK IN THE PARK A virtual success, thanks to you VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER, RECOGNITIONS & THANKS WHO RESCUED WHO? Stories about humans who were lost until meeting a shelter pet
Making Tracks Editor: Maria Matlack Layout and Design: Nash McCutchen, Darren Clark Contributors: Sarah Dale, Valerie Hogan, Liz McCoy, Nash McCutchen, Lisa Novorska, Sherry Silk, Ornella Varchi Cover photo and profile photo of Martin on page 5: AGoldPhoto Pet Photography
LETTER FROM THE CEO
I am very proud of the work that HSTB does day in and day out, seven days a week. As you read through this issue, I think you will feel the same.
I have shared my office with Martin for about six weeks now as he heals. He is a delightful cat and, as you see by the pictures on the next page, he owns the place. Martin (aka Marty) is one of the reasons that we started our Animal Rescue Division. We were getting so many complaints from the public about animals who were severely injured or in imminent danger that were not being helped. This has been especially true since March 2020, when COVID hit. Our Rescue Division concentrates on those animals that have been hit by a car, are severely wounded like Marty, or are in distress like the kittens that fell from the attic and were stuck in a wall (page 6). At this point, we only have one-and-a-half staff members who are assigned to this department. I am hoping that as contributions and interest from the public grow for this new department, we will be able to hire additional staff.
Please remember that if you see a stray dog that is mobile, we cannot respond to those calls. You need to contact Hillsborough County Animal Control. It is their job to pick up those animals and house them at Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center. The goal is for those animals to be reunited with their owners or adopted into new homes. You can contact them by calling 813-744-5660 or emailing them at AnimalControl@HCFLGov.net. HSTB also can house stray animals for the County if a citizen brings those lost dogs or cats to us. If you see an animal in serious trouble, please contact our main number (813-876-7138) and, if we have the staffing available, we will do our best to rescue that animal during our normal business hours. I urge everyone to be the voice for those homeless animals who are lost or abandoned. It takes all of us to protect the animals in our community.
“It does my heart good to know Marty is healing, thriving and loved. His neck looks so much better than it did the day I found him. That was a sight I will never forget. Thank you to all his caregivers, sponsors/donors and for the prayers. I am just thrilled that he will get to experience the love he has craved and his forever home.” -- Marcia Brownell Rendueles, the Good Samaritan who found Martin and called us for help
For the animals,
Chief Executive Officer SherryS@HumaneSocietyTampa.org HUMANES OC IET YT AMPA.ORG
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FEATURE STORY — MARTIN
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ur Animal Rescue Team received a call from a concerned citizen reporting that she saw a cat with a bloody neck in the woods located behind her property.
Martin was trusting and sweet from the beginning.
The wound on his neck was deep, infected, and very painful.
Martin was such a brave, good boy during the initial examination.
The damage was so extensive and inflamed that we had to put Martin under anesthesia to clean the wound. He came through the surgery well and was a star patient.
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We were able to successfully trap the badly wounded cat. Despite what must have been horrific suffering, he was very friendly and loving towards his rescuers, even placing his head against the trap to receive pets. Perhaps he sensed that we were there to ease his pain. We named this sweet boy Martin. The veterinary team at our Animal Hospital was shocked at the severity of the lacerations around Martin’s neck and began treating them immediately. It appears a collar was placed around his neck at a young age and was never replaced as he grew. As a result, the collar became deeply embedded, cutting through flesh and muscle as the tissue grew around it. We suspect the collar was eventually removed by his previous owner and Martin was then abandoned in the woods. We can’t imagine the pain he endured both from the embedded collar and its removal. In fact, he’s lucky he survived the ordeal, as the collar had nearly sliced open his jugular vein. We took extreme care with the wound, cleaning it and removing dead and diseased tissue while Martin was under anesthesia so he wouldn’t have to endure more excruciating pain. It was touch and go while we waited to see if Martin’s body would respond to the antibiotics and fight the raging infection caused by the untreated wound. Luckily, he’s a fighter and pulled through; Martin is only 3-years-old and has a long life ahead of him. It has taken a few weeks but we are happy to report that Martin is doing much better! He is currently living with our staff at the shelter and is fondly known as Marty. He spends most of his time with our CEO, helping keep her calendar and answering the phone. He especially enjoys pets, treats, making biscuits and snuggling on the Tampa Bay Business Journal (see right). He will need a few more weeks of treatment before he is ready for adoption, until then he will be royally spoiled! We apologize for the graphic photos, but we feel it is important to tell his story and bring awareness to this issue. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for supporting animals like Martin.
Martin is now the keeper of our CEO Sherry Silk’s calendar and loves helping her with administrative tasks!
“New phone, who dis?”
“All tasks finished, head scratch, please?”
“Excuse me, in position for head scratch!”
Martin’s wound is healing nicely but, because of the severity of the lacerations, it will take months for the muscle, skin, and hair to regrow. There may be permanent scarring, but we’re just happy he survived. “Yessss, gurl!”
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RESCUE TEAM - NEW DIVISION AT HSTB
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Covered in drywall from being stuck inside a wall, this kitten enjoys a full belly for the first time in at least a week.
e often receive calls from the public asking for help with animals who are stray and in distress. Typically, these cases are handled by Hillsborough County Animal Control but we help when we can. Our Rescue Division was created to prioritize this life-saving work. Recently, the Rescue Team saved the kitten (pictured above), and his four siblings, who were stuck in the drywall of a rental home. The landlord did not believe the tenants’ story about hearing cries in the wall, but they did not give up and kept reporting their concern. After nearly a week, we were contacted and sent our Rescue Team out to free them from the wall. These poor babies were starving, dirty and dehydrated. We fed them, cleaned them up, and placed them in a loving foster home until they were old enough for adoption. If you suspect that an animal is in trouble, please step up and be their voice. Like the tenants in this story, you might just save a life ... or five!
At the shelter Wilbur was very social and loved playing with the football we gave him.
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We are thrilled that he now has a home with other piggy pals and toys to play with.
Archie was curious and happy at the shelter and didn’t let his minor leg injury cramp his style.
He is now in hog heaven with a doggy sibling who plays chase and a human sister who adores him.
illsborough County Animal Control also calls us when they encounter animals in need. We recently received two separate calls about abandoned pigs. The first was an adult Pot Belly (Wilbur, pictured above left) who was wandering alone with overgrown tusks and other signs of neglect. The second was about a baby Pot Belly (Archie, pictured above right) who was stuck in a ditch and appeared to be injured. We created makeshift barns in two of our play yards and welcomed them to the shelter. It took less than a week to find them both homes with loving owners and other animals to play with.
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SAVING THE LIVES OF DOGS, CATS & BEYOND
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obby and Marley (donkeys pictured below) were surrendered to us because their owner no longer had the time or resources to care for them. As soon as we heard they were coming, our team went to work to build them a private space that included two shelters, hay, toys, food and treats. We loved having them here, but it didn’t take long for them to find a home together on a lovely farm. Their adoptive family reports that although they were shy at first, they soon adapted and began to play, climb on dirt piles, and socialize with the farm’s goats and miniature horse. The family’s adorable 3-year-old daughter took Bobby under her wing and decisively renamed her “Molly” because “Bobby is not a good name!” Meanwhile, Marley has bonded deeply with his new human dad and brays out a love song every afternoon when he hears his truck coming up the drive after a day’s work. The family affectionately calls the pair their “pocket pets” because “they follow us around and never leave our side.”
HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A HEDGEHOG SMILE? READ ON!
Bobby (left) and Marley at the shelter.
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incent had been researching how to adopt and care for a hedgehog for a long time. He had everything ready in his home and was just waiting to find a hedgehog (or two!) to add to the family. When he saw the pair we had available on our website he couldn't get here fast enough; he was so excited. He told us all the things he'd learned, like how they prefer to be held, their favorite treats, and more. It was heartwarming to see him beam with joy when he was finally able to meet and adopt them both. As you can see below, Vincent wasn’t the only one beaming after the adoption papers were signed.
The pair loves to run and play with the baby goats.
Shy Marley has fallen fast and hard for his new dad.
The happy family, minus one camera-shy hedgehog.
You’ll never want to unsee this hedgehog’s smile.
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SAFE HAVEN — PETS WE’VE HELPED, HEALED & REHOMED
Lucy was forced to live in her own filth for months.
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Burns and ulcers had stripped the hair from her abdomen.
After her bath she wriggled and squealed with delight.
Lucy was adopted by a family who has lots of experience with piggies.
ucy, a 3-month-old Guinea Pig, was brought to us in a cage covered in fecal matter and urine. The acidity from the waste had burned the hair off her belly and she had several painful ulcers on the exposed skin. The severity of her condition led us to believe she’d been living in her own filth for most of her life. We immediately gave her a thorough, soothing bath, dressed her wounds and gave her a soft, clean towel to rest on. Silent throughout the process, the moment she settled onto the towel she began squealing with delight. Despite the neglect she has suffered, she was friendly and trusting. Lucy’s new family saw her story on social media and after hearing she’d be available the next day, went out to pre-purchase a cage and goodies for her. They had a 3-month-old Guinea Pig at home and were excited to adopt another. They arrived at our shelter extra early in the morning and were first in line for Lucy. We are so happy that this gentle little one will now be loved, cared for and spoiled for the rest of her life.
S Sarge is the poster boy of a good dog; sweet, goofy, loyal and fun.
This bullet was found lodged near a mass in Sarge’s abdomen. 8 MAKING TRACKS
arge, a very special boy, came to us from a local rescue group to find a new home. His intake exam revealed a large mass on his abdomen. During the surgery to remove the mass, our veterinarian was shocked to find a large bullet lodged there as well. Sarge is a true "good boy," who is very intelligent and loyal; we could not imagine who would do this to him and what he must have gone through! Karuna saw Sarge's story on the news and felt an immediate connection. Karuna is a 22-year Army veteran who was shot during his service. He came to the shelter early the next morning to meet Sarge and it was a perfect match! A few days later, he and Sarge Sarge found his soulmate in an returned to participate in another news story Army veteran who was shot in and their bond was immediately apparent the line of duty. and heartwarming to see. Karuna reported that the pup is a huge love bug and was already adored by the whole family. We could not be more thrilled that these two wounded warriors found each other and a second chance.
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his beautiful 4-month-old Australian Shepherd was tied up to the door of our Intake Department. When our staff found him there early one morning the poor baby was shaking and confused. We have no idea how long he had been there waiting for his family to come back. It broke our hearts. We named him Ashe and our Behavior and Enrichment Team began working with him right away. Aussies are highly intelligent dogs who have boundless energy and need a “job” to keep them mentally healthy. We set him loose in our enrichment play yard and began teaching him basic commands. He loved running around and soon began to relax and acclimate. After a few days with us, Ashe found a wonderful family. They report that he and his human sister are inseparable (pictured right), and that he plays tenderly with the 89-year-old grandmother who lives with the family. Bridgett, his adoptive mom said, “It’s as if he understands how fragile she is and how much she loves to play with him ... I think he was truly meant to be a part of our family.” We couldn’t agree more.
From left behind ... ... to loved!
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illie came to us extremely emaciated and covered in fleas after being found wandering alone. She didn't know how to play with toys, and we had to monitor her constantly because the starving girl would eat anything she could get her paws on.
Millie was severely emaciated when she arrived and needed several weeks on a highnutrient diet to regain health.
Millie now has 3 sisters and a Mom to love forever.
We used lots of play and positive reinforcement to teach her some basic commands and doggie manners, which she learned quickly! We also put her on a high-calorie, nutrient-rich diet to help her regain weight and health. After weeks of this TLC, she was ready for adoption and quickly found a loving family. She is going to be “just one of the girls” and could not wait to get home and on with her new life. Just look at that happy tongue-out smile!
Ashe and his human sister (above) are constant companions and he goes everywhere with the family.
Help us spread the word that abandoning animals is not only cruel and unsafe, but it is against the law! Our doors are open daily from 8:30am to 5pm for pet surrenders. We are a judgment-free zone; let us help.
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ON THE ROAD TO LIFE Did you know that HSTB partners with local and out-of-state rescues, organizations and shelters that struggle to adopt out their animals?
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he goal is to save as many animals as possible! Happy Tails to the 45 pups who took their freedom ride from Georgia to Tampa! Big dogs, little dogs, mommas and their puppies, they all came to the Sunshine State for a second chance. We are thrilled to report that every one of them was adopted!
Special Thanks This pup wasn’t just along for the ride, he was large, in charge and ready to meet his forever family. He is just one of thousands of lives saved through our transport program, thanks to HSTB volunteer driver Ben Pethe. Ben takes our van all over Florida and beyond to pick up homeless animals when our partner shelters call us for help. He is making a difference, mile by mile, and we could not be more grateful for his service to animals. 10 10 MAKING MAKINGTRACKS TRACKS
SAVING AS MANY LIVES AS POSSIBLE Our Transfer Program helps us move closer to our goal of saving as many lives as possible. Twenty-four dogs came to us from the Bahamas; each one infected with deadly heartworms.
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eartworm treatment isn’t cheap. On average, it costs $600-$850 per dog. It takes lab-work, three separate injections of Diroban, pain medication, antibiotics and Tri-heart meds to completely heal a dog from the disease.
KING! Adoption photo below.
We could not be more grateful to everyone who contributed to our “Mend-a-Heart” campaign which helped offset the cost of heartworm treatment for these dogs.
ROXY! Adoption photo below.
BRANDY! Adoption photo below.
JASMINE! Adoption photo below.
LADY! Adoption photo below.
All of these pups have been adopted and are continuing their treatment through our Animal Hospital. Below are a few adoption photos to show the impact of your generosity.
Jasmine, Adopted!
Roxy, Adopted!
King, Adopted!
Brandy, Adopted!
Lady, Adopted!
Special thanks to Meredith Balasco, Beth Elbert, Al and Laurie Greco, Letitia McKibbon, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka for sponsoring this campaign. HUMANES OC IET YT AMPA.ORG
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THE SHELTER LIFE – A LOOK BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Zane was withdrawn and anxious the first time he stayed in the office.
After just a few hours, he was relaxed and willing to connect, an incredible change.
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ane came to us from a hoarding case in Louisiana. He was fearful of people and didn’t want to be touched. He was slowly learning to trust and was walking well on a leash. To help him decompress from the stress of the shelter, he spent several afternoons in our Behavior Enrichment Manager’s office. We created this comfortable spot for dogs who are fearful so that they can relax and unwind in a quiet space. We let them lounge on the couch or snuggle in a cozy kennel, whichever they choose! We also present them with treats and let them watch episodes of The Golden Girls, because who among us doesn't need a good laugh to brighten the spirit. As you can see from the photos above, a little bit of peace and quiet can do wonders for the doggie soul.
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nother way we help animals adjust to the shelter stay is through the power of gentle touch. We often partner with licensed massage therapists who are willing to volunteer at our shelter to massage our dogs! Massage can be very helpful to dogs who are fearful or stressed as it acclimates them to touch and teaches their bodies and minds how to relax.
Moochie (featured in our last issue) absolutely loved getting her massage from therapist Jo Bakal. 12 MAKING TRACKS
We are grateful that we have wonderful volunteers to provide this service to our homeless dogs and think it is safe to say that they thoroughly enjoy it!
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t HSTB, homeless dogs get to stop and smell the roses! Our sensory gardens, placed throughout the play yards, provide safe, outdoor spaces that encourage dogs to use all of their senses for pleasure. Not only do the gardens provide mental stimulation, but they help dogs build confidence in their innate abilities and counteract the stress of a kennel setting. Nemo, a fearful dog in the shelter, felt safe to explore and sniff in our sensory gardens.
Herbs included in the gardens are dill, sage, basil, mint, parsley and rosemary. Plants include sun queen ferns, areca palms, lavender, yellow petunia and marigold.
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n addition to the sensory gardens in our play yards, we've installed sand pits for the pups. Digging is a natural instinct for dogs. Our sand pits help them release energy, reduce stress and simply have some good old fashioned fun during their stay with us. We love providing this kind of enrichment and appreciate the volunteers who help maintain the gardens and sand pits in our yards. Digging is a natural instinct for dogs and helps them relieve stress and release energy.
Running Partners
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oach Ennis was the crosscountry track team coach at Steinbrenner High when we started the running program where track team members take our highenergy dogs on runs. Even though Coach Ennis is no longer teaching, he comes in early every morning and takes a dog running at Al Lopez Park. He helps the dogs feel comfortable by spending time with them for an hour or so before the run; that is a huge commitment of time and love! It gets better ... Coach always asks who is our longest resident and who has a lot of energy and loves to run so that he can ensure they get the enrichment they need. This is one Hall of Fame worthy coach in our minds! HUMANESOC OCIET IETYT YTAMPA.ORG AMPA.ORG HUMANES
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This year was a difficult one for us as we were unable to host Bark in the Park in the same fashion we’ve done in the past. Because of your hard work and generosity you successfully raised a substantial amount for the homeless animals at HSTB.
s r e n n i 2021 W TOP PACKS
1st Place:
PARty Animals
$11,072.20 Raised
SAVE THE DATE:
BARK IN THE PARK
2.12.22
3rd Place:
2nd Place:
In Loving Memory of Niko & Poochie
The Bark Squad
$10,311.52 Raised
$4,853.90 Raised
Thank you to our
TOP SPONSORS Joanne Hubert
$1,541.50 Raised BlueGrace Logistics Grow Financial Federal Credit Union Merrill Lynch Rhyno Glass Action Air Conditioning Honor Thy Pet Cremation & Funeral Service Audi Tampa Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Arbitration Forums, Inc. Catalina Charitable Foundation Julius-K9, LLC.
Buck McInnis Merck Animal Health Fran and Dick Powers PAR, Inc. Cherie Schonbrun Veterinary Emergency Group Lenny & Cheryl Chew Alligator Attraction Bayonet Plumbing, Cooling & Heating FairyTail Pet Care Farkas Chiropractic Clinic
Flonase Greenacre Properties Inc Grey Goose K9Grass by ForeverLawn Plantation Animal Hospital Royal Pets Market & Resort Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union Two Shepherds Taproom Zahn Health Solutions
RECOGNITION & THANKS VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER - MIKE JOHNSON Mike Johnson has been volunteering with us for less than a year but has already become a wonderful part of the HSTB Volunteer family! Mike started out as a terrific short-term volunteer: washing dishes, cleaning, doing laundry and virtually anything else the kennel staff needed during the transition to the new shelter building. He then became one of the first long-term volunteers trained when the new building opened. Mike helps in almost every area of the shelter; you have probably encountered his smiling face when he greeted you at the front door or helped you with your purchase in the HSTB Retail Store. Mike is also a cat lover, and he volunteers every Monday on the TNVR patio helping with the feral cats. He socializes our shelter cats as a Cat Companion and takes care of the cats up for adoption at Petsmart as well. He also assists with events, Humane Education programs, and special projects. His favorite saying is “I’ll help wherever you need me.” Mike’s enthusiasm for the shelter is infectious and his desire to help the animals shines through in everything he does for HSTB. Congratulations, and thank you, for being an awesome volunteer!
CORPORATE DONORS & PARTNERS 3 Daughters Brewing 3 C’s Catering 81Bay Brewing Company Aerial Innovations AGold Pet Photography Alexandra Rose Alpha Epsilon Pi at the University of Tampa Amy Nelson Ark Naturals Barriehaus Beer Co. CAE USA, Inc. Cali – South Tampa Central Pet Distribution Center Cigar City Brewing Club Pilates – Carrollwood Controls & Weighing Systems Delanie’s Lemonade Stand The Dental Boutique Westchase Doctors Hospital of Sarasota
Doggy Noses and Yoga Poses Don Me Now Downtown Dogs Dubliner Irish Pub Emma Tejada FairyTail Pet Care Farkas Chiropractic Clinic Feeding Tampa Bay Florida Instructional Materials Center The Fox Fund GFWC Tampa Women’s Club Grimaldi’s Pizzeria Honor Thy Pet Kerrigan Holdings, Inc. Luxe Fashion MacDinton’s Maria Palmer MPI Tampa Bay Area Chapter New York Life
Paws at the University of Tampa Pet Supplies Plus PetCo – Wesley Chapel Plant Museum Poké Company Royal Pets Market & Resort Saint Lawrence Catholic School Salt Shack Sam’s Club Sarah Tibbitts Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk St. Petersburg Distillery Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine The Tree House Two Shepherds Taproom World of Beer – Fowler Avenue
Central Pet Supply donated 2 full pallets of canned cat food; a wholesale value of more than $6,500! This food is being used for our shelter kitties, Food Assistance, Animeals, and TNVR programs. Cats from all over Tampa Bay thank you!
GRANT FUNDING The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, is a 501c3 and does not receive funding from the state, federal government, or any national animal groups, including HSUS and ASPCA.
Junior League of Tampa
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aze didn't know this family was here to adopt and she didn't know that Sonja had never had a dog before. But her sweet doggie spirit did sense that Sonja was shy and needed some help feeling comfortable. So she inched her way over and gently sniffed to let Sonja know she was not a threat. That's when the magic happened; as soon as Sonja put her hand on the pup's head, Maze knew that she was her human. Maze began to run and jump with joy, showering Sonja with kisses until any trace of shyness was gone. We predict a happily-ever-after.
“When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.” ~Falstaff
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rom the moment Rosie laid eyes on her boy, she was smitten. We’re matchmakers.
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