THE
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
Kevin Bischoff
Secretary
Scott Arnold
Member at Large
Meredith Balasco
Sierra-Shae Brandt
Ryan Cook
Michael Neff
Phil Nodhturft, III
Amy Nelson Agliano
Jacalin Russo
Scott Savitt
BOARD EMERITUS
Linda Reitz
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Greg Balasco
Simon Canasi
Mayor Jane Castor
Lisa DeBartolo
Nikki DeBartolo
Danita Dickman
Andrea Gonzmart-Williams
Commissioner Ken Hagan
Bobby Harris
Jeannine Hascall
Brad Lancaster
Sandy Murman
Scott Price
Kim Rogers
Cherie Schonbrun
Cathy Smith
Cynthia Smoot
Elise Zahn
IN THIS ISSUE
FEATURE STORY — THE LONG ROAD HOME
HSTB doesn’t give up on long-timers. Instead, we help them shine.
COMMUNITY FOCUS — BUILDING A HEALTHIER FUTURE FOR TAMPA BAY’S PETS
The Claude & Lydia Melli Animal Hospital expansion nears completion.
COMMUNITY FOCUS — KIDS AND COLORS
Critter & Career Camps, and new community mural.
BOLLYWOOD!
Join HSTB for Tuxes & Tails 2025
COMMUNITY FOCUS — PARTNERSHIPS
Powerful partnerships, and Second Shot with AGoldPhoto
FORE THE ANIMALS
Join HSTB for the 4th Annual Tees Fore Tails Golf Tournament
YOUR CRITICAL IMPACT
You help HSTB continue “Making Tracks” for animals.
RECOGNITIONS & THANKS
REUNITED – LET’S END ON A HIGH NOTE
Home at last- Woodrow is adopted!
Editor: Regan Blessinger
Layout and Design: Nash McCutchen
Contributors: AGOLD Photo Pet Photography (Cover photo and pages 5 and 12), Gretel Harvey, Valerie Hogan, Cristina Klein Photography, Madison Kostka, Liz McCoy, Lisa Novorska, Lon Savini, Sherry Silk, Danyelle Van Horn, Ornella Varchi
Letter from the CEO
At the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, we see every day how resilient animals can be. Most of the pets who arrive at the shelter are here because they need a second chance, and our team is committed to giving them that opportunity.
Each animal receives the medical care, nourishment, and attention they need to prepare for life in a loving home. We focus not only on meeting their basic needs, but also on helping them build confidence and trust again.
We are fortunate to have the support of people in the Tampa Bay community who share this commitment. Among the many incredible volunteers is photographer Adam Goldberg (pictured below), who uses his skills to perfectly capture the personalities of the adoptable pets. His photographs help future families see not just an animal in need, but a companion waiting for them.
Your generosity makes this work possible. Thank you for believing in second chances and for standing with HSTB to give every animal a brighter future.
Sincerely,
Chief Executive Officer
SherryS@HumaneSocietyTampa.org
We are fortunate to have the support of people in the Tampa Bay community who share this commitment.
Adam Goldberg is at the shelter monthly taking photos of our adoptable pets as part of the Second Chance program.
Feature Story
THE LONG ROAD HOME
HSTB
doesn’t give up on long-timers. Instead, we help them shine.
Every animal that comes through the doors of HSTB deserves a chance to find their forever home and most are adopted within a few days. But for some dogs, usually larger breeds, bully mixes, or seniors, that wait can stretch into months. These longtime residents may not catch the eye of visitors looking for a young, small, or purebred pet, but they are among the most remarkable animals we have the privilege to care for.
These dogs show incredible resilience and heart during their stay, becoming fast favorites among staff and volunteers alike. Their affectionate personalities, quirky habits, and soulful eyes remind us every day why they are worth the wait. Still, life in a shelter, even a loving one, is stressful, and it can be hard for these dogs to show their best selves to potential adopters when they’re in a kennel.
A New Perspective: Doggie Day & Night Out
That’s why we launched the Doggie Day & Night Out program earlier this year — to help the longtimers shine outside the shelter walls. Through this initiative, members of the community can take a dog out for the day or overnight, giving them a much-needed mental and physical
break. Whether it’s a stroll at the park, a nap on a couch, or just a few hours full of cuddles, these outings give the dogs a taste of what home feels like again. Even more importantly, they allow potential adopters to see a different side of these dogs, a side that can’t always shine through in a kennel setting. Outside the shelter, these big-hearted dogs often reveal their playful, affectionate, and relaxed personalities, making them even more irresistible to the right family.
Success Stories and Many More Waiting
Since launching the program, over 60 of our longtime residents have finally found their people, including Kovu, Bruce, and Hope (see photos top right!). Many adopters report that it was seeing how the dogs acted outside the shelter that made them fall in love.
But there are still many wonderful dogs waiting patiently for someone to open their heart and home to them. Bud, Brenda, and Brendal are just a few of our current long-timers who would thrive with a second chance. Each one has so much love to give and just needs someone to look past the label and see the amazing companion waiting underneath.
See Adoptable Pets
The shelter is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Still Waiting to Find Their Forever Family
COMMUNITY FOCUS – HOSPITAL EXPANSION
BUILDING A HEALTHIER FUTURE FOR TAMPA BAY’S PETS:
The Claude & Lydia Melli Animal Hospital Expansion Nears Completion
For more than 110 years, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay has been a cornerstone of compassion in the community. Since 1912, HSTB has adapted and grown alongside Tampa Bay, meeting the needs of animals and the people who love them. With Tampa’s population booming and the demand for affordable veterinary care skyrocketing, we’re thrilled to announce that the Claude & Lydia Melli Animal Hospital expansion is soon to be complete!
When the HSTB Animal Hospital opened to the public in 2012, it quickly became a lifeline for families who might otherwise struggle with the rising costs of pet care. Today, they care for more than 43,000 pets every year, but the current 10,000-square-foot, single-story facility simply can’t keep up with the overwhelming demand. Too many pets and their families are waiting for the quality care they deserve.
That’s why we broke ground on a major expansion last year: adding a second story and an additional 10,000 square feet of modern, functional space. Once completed, the newly expanded hospital will enable us to serve even more families, with advanced medical care and innovative practices, all while remaining true to our mission of making veterinary services affordable and accessible for everyone.
As an AAHA-accredited hospital, we uphold the highest standards of veterinary medicine, and this expansion reflects the ongoing commitment to excellence. It’s not just building a bigger hospital, but building a healthier and more affordable future for Tampa Bay’s pets and families.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for your support, because every life truly does count.
HSTB Director of Medical Operations, Dr. Karla Bard
CRITTER & CAREER CAMPS
A summer highlight at HSTB.
One of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s favorite traditions is welcoming kids to Critter and Careers Camp each summer! Designed for children aged 7–13, this exciting weekly program teaches campers about being responsible pet caregivers, staying safe around animals, and exploring the various career opportunities in the animal care field.
Throughout the week, campers get a behindthe-scenes look at what HSTB does for homeless animals in the community. They help with shelter activities, play games, create animal-themed crafts, and, of course, spend plenty of hands-on time with the adorable shelter pets. It’s a week of fun, learning, and compassion in action!
Don’t forget! We also offer humane education programs during winter break, no-school days, and more. Keep the fun and kindness going yearround!
COMMUNITY FOCUS – KIDS AND COLORS
COLOR
WITH A CAUSE HSTB adds powerful artwork to Tampa’s mural collection
Local artist Michael Vahl of ArtbyVahl worked with HSTB to bring vibrant color and creativity to the shelter! Michael designed and painted a stunning mural outside the Intake Department, celebrating the joy and hope every pet deserves. The painting process took place during the summer which allowed some Career Camp participants to learn about using art to make a difference and even to help with the painting!
The colorful artwork not only beautifies the campus but also welcomes visitors, staff, and volunteers with an uplifting message of compassion and community. HSTB is grateful to Michael for sharing his incredible talent and helping to make HSTB a more inspiring place for both animals and people alike.
COMMUNITY FOCUS – PARTNERSHIPS
POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS
From cars to cocktails to hockey pucks, HSTB partners help change lives.
It takes a community to save lives, and we are so proud of the incredible partnerships that help us do just that. Organizations like Subaru of Wesley Chapel, Tito’s Vodka, and the Tampa Bay Lightning have shown what’s possible when businesses combine their love of community with a deep dedication to homeless animals.
Thanks to these partners, we’re able to host impactful adoption events, raise critical funds through giveback programs, and even offer special training sessions on dog behavior to help pets succeed in their new homes. From playful pups finding families at a Subaru-sponsored event to Tito’s continued support for our mission, each partnership makes a real difference.
COMMUNITY FOCUS –
SECOND SHOT
How Adam Goldberg’s Photos Help Tampa Shelter Pets Find Homes
In the heart of Tampa, Florida, photographer Adam Goldberg is transforming the lives of shelter animals—one portrait at a time. Through his initiative, Second Shot, Adam captures professional photos of animals at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, replacing their initial intake images with ones that highlight their unique personalities. These compelling portraits have helped long-term residents find families, giving countless pets a second chance at finding their forever homes.
The impact of Second Shot is profound. With the support of sponsors and volunteers, Adam has increased the frequency of these photo sessions, capturing images of over 570 shelter pets in a single year. These photos not only enhance the animals' online profiles, but also inspire community engagement and support for local shelters.
At the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, the impact of Adam Goldberg’s work is felt every day. His photos help animals shine, showing potential adopters the sweet, playful, and loving sides that might otherwise go unnoticed. We are incredibly grateful for his dedication and artistry, which have helped so many pets find homes faster. Both our team and the animals are happier and more hopeful thanks to Adam’s ongoing support and generosity.
In addition to the photos pictured at right, Adam’s work is also featured on the cover and the bottom of page 5 in this issue of Making Tracks. See more of his work at AGoldPhoto.com
YOUR CRITICAL IMPACT
You Continue Making Tracks for Animals
At the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, everything we do, every life saved, is possible because of you . Your compassion fuels the mission; you are the reason we can keep “Making Tracks” toward a more humane community. You make it possible for HSTB to:
ANIMALS from suffering
PROVIDE MEDICAL CARE to sick and injured animals
This fall , as we continue to care for thousands of animals who rely on us, we ask for your help once again . Your donation today will allow us to keep saying yes to every animal who needs help , no matter how great their need. Thank you for being such a vital part of the community and for all you do for the animals. Together, we’ll keep “Making Tracks,” one paw at a time.
Make your special fall gift today.
Together, we can keep Making Tracks for animals in need. Use the enclosed envelope to mail in your donation or scan the code to make your donation online.
CORPORATE DONORS, PARTNERS & VOLUNTEERS RECOGNITION & THANKS
1905 Family of Restaurants
A-Lign
ABB
Academy of the Holy Names
AGoldPhoto Pet Photography
Allegrow
Amazon
American Legion Post 138
Amwins
AVE Apartments
Awfully Good Guild
Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation
Banfield/Pampered Pets
Barstool Sports and Jon Gruden
Baystage Live
Beck Architecture, LLC
Bernice Barbour Foundation
Bluegrace Logistics
Brkthru
Brookdale Senior Living
CAE USA
Cat’s Pride Litter
Citi Group
Community Foundation Tampa Bay
Convergint
Copperheads
Creative Loafing
CrossFit BNI
Deepwatch
Dolly’s Dream/Levitetz Family Foundation
Downtown Dogs
Enterprise Mobility
Everglades University
Excelsis Behavioral Health
Excite Health Partners
Exzeo
FairyTail Pet Care
Federal Express
Five Below, Valrico
Florida Animal Friend
Franklin Street Group
Frazier & Deeter
Hays
Heritage
Highmark Residential
Hillsborough County Aviation Authority
Hudson’s Furniture
Jackson Lewis, P.C.
Katie Sommers - 93.3FLZ
Kendra Scott–Hyde Park Village
Latham Foundation
Lockton Companies
Lootpaw
McKibbon Hospitality
menMD
Mercer Health
Morgan Stanley
NaturVet
New York Life
OneBlood
Pedigree Foundation
Pet Supermarket, Britton Plaza
Petco Love
Petco Westshore
Petsmart Charities
Pharmacy Quality Alliance
Rapid7
Raymond James
Revenue Management Solutions
Roland Park K-8
Salon Norrell
Shorecrest Prep
Snuggle Puppy
Softchoice
Southeastern Grocers, LLC
Southwest Airlines
SPCA International
St. Pete Pride
Steinbrenner High School Cross
Country Running Team
Strategic Wealth Designers
Structure Care
Subaru of Wesley Chapel
Suffolk
Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine
Tampa Fire Rescue
Tampa General Hospital LEAD
Tampa Theatre
Target
The Collective Genius
Thrivent Community Action Team
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Trane
USF Clubs and Organizations
UT Clubs and Organizations
Viirtue
Vinik Sports Group
Vistage Group
White & Case, LLP
White Whale Solutions
Whole Foods Midtown
Winn Dixie, Plant City
Woofie’s of South Tampa
Home At Last –Woodrow is adopted!
Woodrow is a fearful, heartworm positive dog who was at the shelter for more than three months. He was passed over many times during his stay at the shelter and only had a few visits. He finally found his forever home with an HSTB volunteer who took him on a Doggie Night Out. Here’s their love story: “I chose Woodrow for Doggie Night Out because I was told he had anxiety and needed a quiet, calm space. He was very nervous for a while, but we made him a safe spot in the bathroom that he would wander in and out of. I slept on the couch, hoping that he’d get a little more comfortable and start to explore, and my husband said when he got up this morning, he was sitting at my feet waiting for me to wake up! All morning, my husband kept hinting at what the next steps would be, and I knew I had to jump on the opportunity to rescue Woodrow! I don’t mind his heartworm treatment; our home is calm and never too rambunctious, and we understand needing some time to decompress and open up. We’re ready to give him all the love and patience he deserves. We’re very thankful for the Humane Society and the Animal Hospital for helping us take care of our new family member!”