2025 Winter Making Tracks

W I NT E R 2 0 2 5

Humane Society of Tampa Bay

In Memory of Blessing who was gone too soon, but left behind a legacy of inspiration.

BLESSING, HOPE & SPIRIT

How three dogs sparked a movement for compassion and justice, pg. 4

LEADING THE WAY BECAUSE EVERY LIFE COUNTS™

IN THIS ISSUE 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 Amy Nelson Agliano Phil Nodhturft, III Jacalin Russo Scott Savitt

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LETTER FROM THE CEO

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FEATURE STORY — BLESSING, HOPE & SPIRIT How three dogs sparked a movement for compassion and justice.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS — QUIET HEROES Celebrating feral cat caretakers, HSTB volunteers and HSTB fosters.

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2025 TUXES & TAILS — BOLLYWOOD A magical evening for homeless animals.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS — PRESERVING FAMILIES HSTB Initiatives that keep pets at home and an update from Loran, who was featured in 2025 Summer Making Tracks.

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RAISE THE BARK — 2026 BARK IN THE PARK Form your packs now then join us February 7, 2026 for Tampa’s favorite pet-friendly festival!

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HAPPY TAILS Feel-good tales from the adoption floor.

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RECOGNITION & THANKS

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ANOTHER BLESSING – LET’S END ON A HIGH NOTE Angel – one of five dogs rescued with Blessing, Hope and Spirit – is home for the holidays.

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

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Editor: Regan Blessinger Layout and Design: Nash McCutchen Contributors: Gretel Harvey, Valerie Hogan, Cristina Klein Photography, Madison Kostka, Liz McCoy, Lisa Novorska, Sherry Silk, Ornella Varchi

Letter from the CEO

Happy Holidays!

This season, our hearts are full of gratitude and hope. In this newsletter, you’ll find stories of animals once abandoned, abused, or forgotten — and how, with the help of our dedicated team and caring community, they’ve been given a second chance at life. Each story is a testament to your compassion and the generosity that defines the Humane Society of Tampa Bay family.

During the holidays, we are especially reminded that none of this would be possible without our loyal donors, volunteers, and supporters. Whether you open your home to a foster pet, adopt a new family member, or make a gift to support our mission, you are the reason we can save more than 10,000 lives every year.

... thank you for From all of us at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, thank you for your kindness and your kindness and commitment to helping animals in need. We wish commitment to helping you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and love-filled holiday animals in need. season.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Chief Executive Officer SherryS@HumaneSocietyTampa.org

HSTB HOLIDAY HOURS NOVEMBER Wednesday the 26th: CLOSING at 3pm Thursday the 27th:

CLOSED

DECEMBER

lot of patience—can turn a scary moment into a story of hope and kindness. Sue, a tiny kitten, found herself stranded on I-275, darting for cover. She ended up

Wednesday the 24th: CLOSED Thursday the 25th:

This story reminds us how a few caring hearts—and a

CLOSED

Wednesday the 31st: CLOSING at 4pm

JANUARY Thursday the 1st: CLOSED

inside a stranger’s Subaru engine (hence her name, Sue) and would not be coaxed out. That is when a compassionate Airport Division Chief and firefighters from Truck 14-C answered the call for help. After a dramatic series of “engine escapes,” Sue the survivor was finally scooped up and taken to HSTB, where she’s now safe, loved, and receiving the care she needs.

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Feature Story BLESSING, HOPE, AND SPIRIT:

How Three Dogs Sparked a Movement for Compassion and Justice.

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very once in a while, a story comes along that stops us in our tracks, a story that lays bare both the depths of cruelty and the

heights of compassion that define our relationship with animals. For HSTB, that story came in the form of three dogs: Blessing, Hope, and Spirit.

Their journey — from unimaginable neglect to a wave of community action — has become a rallying cry for animal advocates everywhere.

A Cruel Discovery Behind a small gas station on U.S. 41, three Pointer/Hound mixes lay abandoned in the woods, fragile, filthy, and barely alive. Their bodies told the story before words could: starvation, neglect,

BLESSING

and suffering no being should ever endure.

When HSTB’s medical team first saw them, it was clear this was one of the worst cruelty cases they had seen in years. The mother, later named Blessing, was emaciated, soaked in urine, covered in sores, and suffering from parvovirus. She couldn’t lift her head. Her two adult pups, Hope and Spirit, hovered near her, malnourished but still fighting to live.

The Fight to Survive Blessing was placed under round-the-clock care, her weak frame surrounded by warmth, blankets,

HOPE & SPIRIT

and love. Hope and Spirit were stabilized and

Justice and Accountability

monitored closely. It was a slow, delicate fight for

In the weeks that followed, justice took shape

survival, and the HSTB team refused to look away.

when Michelle Carla Sanchez Diaz was arrested for animal cruelty and child neglect. She remains

Blessing fought with every ounce of strength

incarcerated. For HSTB and countless advocates,

she had, but her body had endured too much.

the arrest represented more than closure; it

One quiet afternoon, after being visited by her

represented progress. It was proof that advocacy,

pups and surrounded by the team who had been

when paired with persistence and public outrage,

tirelessly caring for her, Blessing passed away.

can drive real accountability.

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Continued on page 6

An innocent soul whose body could not recover from the ravages of human cruelty, but whose heart knew Love, Comfort, Kindness, and Peace during her final days at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

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Feature Story Ava’s Second Chance at Motherhood Just weeks later, another call came in. A stray, heavily pregnant spaniel mix was wandering near the Florida State Fairgrounds, searching desperately for a safe place to give birth. Workers at 2K Express watched as she tried to sneak inside the store, instinctively seeking shelter for her unborn puppies.

They called HSTB, and within hours, the rescue team arrived and brought the sweet expectant mother, now named Ava, to safety. Ava settled into the HSTB nursery, curled up in cool air conditioning and clean blankets, finally at peace.

Days later, she gave birth to eight healthy puppies, who grew strong under HSTB’s care and have since been adopted into loving homes. Ava’s story is the flip side of rescue, not of tragedy, but of compassion and care. It’s what happens when a community steps in before suffering takes hold.

Continued on page 7

AVA SEEKING SHELTER

AVA & PUPS SAFE AT HSTB

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Hermes: The Will to Live Then came Hermes. Found in a trailer park thrown out beside a dumpster, Hermes was the picture of despair. A black string was tied tightly around his neck. He was little more than skin and bones, with fleabitten ears and no muscle mass.

Hermes is now safe at HSTB, receiving the medical attention, nourishment, and affection he was cruelly denied. His recovery is slow, but his will to live is undeniable.

Between Hermes, Blessing, Hope, Spirit, and Ava, the HSTB team has seen both the worst and best of humanity this year.

HERMES WAITING FOR RESCUE

HERMES SAFE AT HSTB

This Holiday Season: Be Their Blessing As the holidays approach, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay is once again filled with animals in need, some broken, some lost, all deserving of love.

Each rescue call means another life saved, but it also means more medical bills, more shelter space, more food, more hours of care.

When you give to HSTB, you restore hope. You give dogs like Hermes a warm bed instead of a dumpster. You give mothers like Ava a safe place to bring life into the world. You ensure that every Blessing, every Hope, and every Spirit who comes through HSTB’s doors is met with compassion, not cruelty.

Your gift this holiday season can be their miracle.

Because behind every rescue, there’s a rescuer. And behind every rescuer, there’s you.

Give Now to support the rescue program and all of HSTB’s other life-saving initiatives that help homeless animals in Tampa Bay. H U MA N ESOCIETYTA MPA .ORG

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CHAMPIONS OF THE UNSEEN:

Celebrating Feral Cat Caretakers

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ach day quiet heroes move through alleyways, parking lots, and backyards, carrying bags of food, fresh water, and compassion. These are the feral cat caretakers, the unsung champions of community cats. They don’t do it for recognition. They do it because every life, no matter how wild,

deserves care.

Across our city, dedicated volunteers maintain hundreds of feral cat colonies. They ensure cats have clean food and water, safe shelter, and, most importantly, access to life-saving TNVR (Trap-Neuter-VaccinateReturn) programs. Thanks to their vigilance, countless litters of kittens have been prevented, and thousands of cats are living healthier, safer lives outdoors.

TNVR is more than just a humane solution to overpopulation — it’s a lifeline. When a feral cat is humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and returned to its home territory, the cycle of endless breeding is broken. Neutered cats no longer fight or roam in search of mates, and their health dramatically improves. Over time, colonies stabilize, and the number of homeless kittens entering shelters drops, a victory for both cats and the community.

But TNVR doesn’t happen without people. It relies on those who notice the stray behind the grocery store, the caretaker who feeds rain or shine, and the volunteer who spends hours setting traps just to ensure one cat gets the medical attention it needs. They are neighbors, retirees, students, business owners, ordinary people doing extraordinary work.

At the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, we see the difference these caretakers make every day. They are often the first to notice when a cat is limping, when kittens appear, or when something is wrong. They are our eyes, ears, and hearts in the field. And we couldn’t do this work without them.

This season, we celebrate them, the quiet caretakers who feed the forgotten and protect the unseen. Their compassion doesn’t make headlines, but it changes lives.

TNVR: The Solution to Cat Overpopulation Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return TNVR is the internationally proven practice of humanely trapping, spaying/neutering, vaccinating, eartipping*, then returning feral or free-roaming community cats to their neighborhoods. This method stops the cycle of reproduction, stabilizing cat populations. *Eartipping is the international sign that a cat has been sterilized. When an eartipped cat is brought to the county shelter, the cat is included in a “found” report sent to registered Caretakers who retrieve the cats and return them to their areas.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS – QUIET HEROES

Resources to Care for Cats and Protect Communities TNVR at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay HSTB’s TNVR Program has provided care for feral cats in Tampa Bay since 2007, lowering euthanasia rates in Hillsborough county and protecting the community from infectious disease. Find out more and learn how you can help support TNVR by scanning the code at right.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS – QUIET HEROES THE HEART OF HUMANE:

Celebrating Our Volunteers & Fosters

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very wagging tail, every healed paw, every second chance begins not just with the animals we serve, but with the people who

make it all possible: our volunteers and fosters.

They are the heart behind the mission, the hands that lift, clean, comfort, and carry. They are the reason every year thousands of animals, from the tiniest kittens to the most senior dogs, get the care, love, and time they need to heal and find their forever homes.

The Power of Volunteers Every day, HSTB volunteers show up – early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays – armed with nothing more than compassion and commitment. They walk dogs, socialize shy cats, clean kennels, transport animals, help at adoption events, and welcome the public with smiles that say, “You’re part of this, too.”

It’s not always glamorous work, but it’s sacred. They see the frightened faces of animals who have known neglect and help them learn to trust again. They cheer for every adoption, knowing they played a small but vital part. And they do it all without expectation, only the quiet satisfaction that comes from kindness in action.

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The Heroes Who Foster And then there are fosters — the lifeline between shelter and home. These generous souls open their doors (and hearts) to animals who need extra time and care: newborn kittens, medical recoveries, timid dogs, or moms nursing litters.

In their foster homes, these animals learn what it means to be safe and loved. Foster parents bottle-feed orphaned kittens through the night, coax fearful dogs into wagging their tails, and celebrate the moment a once-broken spirit learns to play again. Each animal they nurture makes space for another to be rescued.

Without fosters, we simply couldn’t save as many lives.

Gratitude Beyond Words There are never enough words to thank the people who give so freely of themselves. They are the heartbeat of every organization, the thread that holds this community together.

To our fosters and volunteers: your compassion transforms lives every single day. You are proof that love, multiplied, can change the world. Sign up to volunteer or foster at HumaneSocietyTampa.org/volunteer.

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TUXES & TAILS 2025 – BOLLYWOOD On October 18th at the beautiful Tampa Convention Center, more than 1,000 community leaders and supporters gathered to celebrate a mutual love for animals. Guests enjoyed a bright, colorful Bollywood theme with cocktails, dinner, a runway show with adoptable pets, traditional music and dancing, and a spirited afterparty. Attendees showed incredible generosity, and 38 homeless animals were adopted. We are grateful to all and give a special thanks to the event’s Honorary Chairs, Kurt & Kara Schafer for their hard work, and to actor, former wrestler, and animal advocate Dave Bautista for his generous support of 2025 Tuxes & Tails.

Save the Date for 2026 Tuxes & Tails, September 19th.

Thank You, 2025 Tuxes & Tails Sponsors!

PRESENTING SPONSOR The Brink Foundation

PADDLE SPONSOR Audi Tampa

Downtown Dogs & The

BEST IN SHOW SPONSORS Brown Family Foundation

PROGRAM SPONSOR Amy & Frank Agliano & Duke

Laurie and Al Greco

Rev1 Energy Cherie & Harvey Schonbrun Triad Foundation AFTER PARTY SPONSOR Frank Albert Realty VIP LOUNGE SPONSOR The Adele S. Bernett Foundation Simon M. Canasi, Executor

VIP CHAMPAGNE SPONSOR Bayshore Concierge Medicine VOLUNTEER SPONSOR Greg Margliano/Margliano Team MODEL PURRFECT SPONSORS Kevin & Valerie Bischoff Morris C. Massey New Age Reprographics

BRANDT

Shumaker

Andrew Thomas Fetch The Dental Boutique ADOPTION SPONSOR Scott & Kirsten Price BALLROOM LOUNGE SPONSOR Tito’s Handmade Vodka BAR SPONSOR Lakeland Automall – Greg & Meredith Balasco ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR Brandon & Tim Manka-Clemons HYDRATION OASIS SPONSOR Kay Jones

Donna Greeanacre Greenacre Properties, Inc. Image Depot Express INB Florida JM Fertilizer, LLC Mail Marketing Services Katie McCarey & Scott Savitt MUFG My Corporate Ally

Meat Market

TIES & TIARAS SPONSORS Boksen Family Foundation Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Working K9

New York Yankees PAR, Inc

PNC Bank

Dan Pease & Lisa Zarek Power Design

Mickey & Scott Silverstein

Reliaquest Bowl

TECO

Steve & Debbie Rovner

The Yerrid Foundation

Kurt & Kara Schafer

PRETTY PAWS SPONSORS 13 Ugly Men Acrisure Age-Less Medicine, Dr. Linda McClintock and Mayor Dick Greco Air Masters of Tampa Bay, Inc Anton Garcia Law Jennifer Baltic Osgood Osgood & Associates

BG Holmberg and Smith & Associates Real Estate Kristi & Paul Taylor The Sapphire Lounge Tampa Titan Medical Center Drs. Dene Williamson & Elise Zahn Woofie's of South Tampa

Covetrus Crown Automotive Charities / Hawkins Family Foundation

Yost, Shields, Martin & Weser - Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Dorene Collier's Event Show Productions

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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS:

Keeping Families Together

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he holidays are a time for love, gratitude, and togetherness, and that includes our pets. HSTB believes that no family should

ever have to say goodbye to a beloved companion simply because they’ve fallen on hard times. That’s why, every day, we work to keep families, both two- and four-legged, together.

And when pets go missing, our Reuniting Services work tirelessly to bring them home. From

Through our Pet Food Pantry, HSTB provides free

scanning lost pets for microchips to managing

pet food twice a week to families in need, ensuring

online lost-and-found postings, our team helps

that pets stay nourished and cared for. For those

reconnect hundreds of families each year.

unable to travel, our monthly at-home delivery program brings food and supplies directly to

This work embodies what the holidays are truly

their doorsteps, a simple act that makes all the

about: compassion, community, and the belief that

difference for seniors, individuals with disabilities,

love, not circumstance, defines a family.

or animal owners without transportation.

So this season, as we gather with the ones we We also offer affordable veterinary care through

love, we celebrate every family that remains

our full-service Animal Hospital, providing wellness

whole because of your support. Together, we can

exams, vaccinations, dental care, and more at

continue to keep pets in homes where they belong

prices designed to ease the burden on struggling

- safe, loved, and home for the holidays.

households. Because good health shouldn’t be a luxury, it’s a lifeline.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS – PRESERVING FAMILIES LORAN’S NEW BEGINNING:

From Neglect to a Life Full of Love

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ou may recognize Spring 2025 Making Tracks cover star, Loran! When her new owner first met Loran, she was tied to a tree — thin, anxious, and struggling to

survive. Only four years old, she had already endured more hardship than most animals should in a lifetime. Concerned for her well-being, her new guardian spoke with her previous owner and learned that Loran had been suffering from severe malnutrition for quite some time.

Determined to give her a better life, he brought her home.

One of his first stops was the HSTB animal hospital, where he worked with medical professionals to create a plan for her recovery. With patience, nutritious food, and daily care, Loran began to rebuild both in body and spirit.

As the months passed, her transformation was remarkable. Her coat grew shiny, her frame filled out, and her personality blossomed. The once-timid dog began to play, explore, and run freely across the ten acres of open land she now calls home. Fear had been replaced by joy.

Recently, Loran’s owner brought her to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay to be spayed through the Dolly’s Dream Sterilization Grant, which provides free spay and neuter services for ten bully breeds each month at HSTB’s Animal Hospital. This essential program not only helps reduce overpopulation but also ensures that dogs like Loran can live healthier, longer lives.

Today, Loran is thriving, healthy, happy, and full of energy. Her story is a testament to the power of compassion, commitment, and community programs that give animals a second chance.

Thanks to her loving owner and the life-saving resources made possible through HSTB and Dolly’s Dream, Loran’s days of struggle are behind her, replaced with sunshine, freedom, and love.

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HAPPY TAILS:

Stories from the Adoption Floor RABBIT Shakira Rowe and her partner stopped by the shelter with their sweet senior dog after seeing our adoption event promoted on TikTok. When they spotted Rabbit on the website, they knew instantly that she was meant to join their family. Their dog is 14 years old, and Rabbit, at 15, was the perfect companion.

Knowing that senior dogs are often overlooked, Shakira made it her mission to give Rabbit the loving home she deserved. The two dogs hit it off right away, playing together like puppies as if age had melted away. Shakira couldn’t wait to spoil Rabbit and give her the happy, comfortable retirement every senior pup dreams about.

JACLYN Tila Nguyen came to the shelter and chose Jaclyn out of all the kittens we had. Jaclyn had come to the shelter with a broken hip and was still recovering from surgery. Tila knew all about the extra medical attention and rest Jaclyn would need for several weeks and was ready and willing to take on her care. She fell in love with her because of her sweet and playful personality. She already had two other female cats at home and wanted to add one more to her family of girls!

STARLIGHT & MOONDUST When Lionhead sisters Starlight and Moondust arrived at HSTB as transfers from a Sarasota shelter, they were frightened and clung tightly to each other for comfort. Even after becoming available for adoption, the inseparable pair continued to find solace side by side, and everyone at the shelter hoped they’d find a home together. That wish came true when a wonderful family arrived looking for a bonded pair of bunnies, and Starlight and Moondust were the perfect match. After a sweet photo session in our cozy rabbit room, the soft, velvety sisters hopped off to their new home, ready for a life filled with Timothy hay, gentle snuggles, and endless love.

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RECOGNITION & THANKS CORPORATE DONORS, PARTNERS & VOLUNTEERS 1905 Family of Restaurants Community Harvest

Greater Good Charities

Petsmart Charities

Academy of the Holy Names

Greenacre Properties

Phans of Philly

Hadenreid Boutique

Philly of the South

Harry Hedman and Hedman Family

Photo Booth Rental & More

Health Mutt

Rakuten Advertising

Heapy

RK&K

Highwoods Properties

Shanna & Bryan Glazer JCC

Holland & Knight

Sophia’s Senior Pet Fund

Hyde Park Village

Southwest Airlines

Jabil

St. Clement’s Episcopal Church

Jeni’s Ice Cream

Subaru Loves Pets

Johnson & Johnson

Subaru of Wesley Chapel

Jon Gruden

Suffolk Construction

JP Morgan Chase

Sunbelt Staffing

Katie Sommers

Tampa Bay Lightning

Kendra Scott Hyde Park Village

Tampa Catholic High School

Kuducom

Tampa Museum of Art

Latham Foundation

Target

Lightning Foundation

Thrivent Community Action Team

Lilly Pulitzer International Plaza

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Lockton

Trane

Max Willett

USF Clubs and Organizations

MLB Players Alumni Association

USI Insurance

Moffitt Cancer Center

USL Soccer

Morgan Stanley

UT Clubs and Organizations

Justin Morrison

Vincent Zeoli

NACM Tampa

Vinik Sports Group

New York Life

Vistage Florida

One Touch Direct

White & Case LLP

Pampered Pets LLC/Banfield

Wholesure

Paws Club

Williams Middle School

Pedigree Foundation

Woofie’s Dog Grooming

Petco Love

Wounded Warrior Project

Advent Health AGold Photo Pet Photography Amazon/AWS Security Escalations American Landmark Apartments American Legion Anazao Heath ASPCA Bernice Barbour Foundation Beta Theta Pi USF Chapter BlueGrace Logistics Brandon All-Stars BRANDT, Inc. Brooksource CAPTRUST Tampa Carrollwood Day School CBG Building Company, LLC Center for Spiritual Living Centre Club - Tampa Charles Schwab Christine Swizdor Clear the Shelters / NBC Universal Cooper’s Hawk Wesley Chapel Dolly’s Dream / Levitetz Family Foundation Domain Homes Downtown Dogs Eagles Puppy Watch Feeding Tampa Bay Florida Animal Friend Florida College Florida Pet Services Association GH LABB

Petco Westshore

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truly deserves.”

can’t wait to spoil him like he

and the perfect fit for us. We

rough start. He’s polite, gentle,

never guess he had such a

such a sweet, calm boy—you’d

like Angel,” they shared. “He’s

for a while, but none clicked

“We’d been looking for a puppy

instantly fell in love.

came with a family who

But Angel’s new beginning

marking their fragile bodies.

nails and ammonia stains

emaciated, with overgrown

owner’s arrest, both were

were confiscated after their

he and his sister, Grace,

Blessing and her pups. When

investigation involving

five dogs rescued in a cruelty

weeks ago, he was one of

resilience and hope. Just

Angel’s story is one of

ANGEL

END ON A HIGH NOTE – Another Blessing

3607 N. Armenia Ave. Tampa, FL 33617