Making Tracks Summer 2010

Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Summer 2010

The Transformation of Charlotte

Photo Courtesy of South Tampa Photography

Inside This Issue

Charlotte’s Story Page 3 Update on Casper Page 5 Fostering for Life Page 7

Sherry Silk Executive Director Sherrys@humanesocietytampa.org (813) 774-4309

Letter from the Executive Director People say statistics can be boring and they really don’t care about numbers. But I think our loyal supporters are going to care about the chart that is located at the bottom of this page.

We recently compiled our “community statistics” for a grant that we applied for. These are the statistics from HSTB, our partners at Hillsborough County Animal Services, the Animal Coalition of Tampa, an affordable sterilization clinic, and No More Homeless Pets, a group that represents our area rescue groups.

Board of Directors President: Holly O’Brien Vice President Connie Johnson Treasurer: Audrey Hirst Secretary: Mary Birrell Trenton H. Cotney Tara Hood Michael Neff Bob Reina Linda Reitz Allison Roberts Patti Sutherland Cynthia Sarff Advisory Board: Victoria J. Alvarez, P.A. Councilman John Dingfelder Commissioner Rose Ferlita Richard Gonzmart Callum Hay, D.V.M. Dennis McCullough Dominque Mellow Melissa Mueller, D.V.M. David Rieth Susan Rieth Karyn Ringhaver Cathy Smith Bill Zingalie, D.V.M. Editor: Lisa Knight lknight@humanesocietytampa.org (813) 367-2078

What you will see in this chart is that the numbers for Hillsborough County dogs and cats are going in the right direction. As a community, our adoption numbers are increasing dramatically, as are the animals that are being sterilized. Because of those two activities, our community euthanasia numbers are going down dramatically. In 2003, our community euthanized over 35,000 dogs and cats. In 2009, that number dropped to just over 19,000. We want to continue to see that number drop even lower. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is doing our part to aid the community by offering a great adoption program, an affordable spay/ neuter and wellness clinic and the continual commitment to take at risk animals from high intake shelters.

So even though numbers can be dry, these are numbers that should be celebrated!

Sherry Silk Executive Director

Hillsborough County 2000 - 2009

Contributors: Sherry Silk Pam Backer Dr. Karla Bard Cathy Bellatin Brandi Burket Nancy McCall Ben Moehnert Stephanie Surber Layout & Design: DebraRobertsDesign,LLC.

Making Tracks is a newsletter published quarterly free of charge to our donors by the Humane Society of Tampa Bay located at 3607 N Armenia Ave, Tampa FL 33607.

For further information please contact the Editor: Lisa Knight 813-367-2078 Page 2

Reporting agencies: HCAS, HSTB, ACT & NMHP Making Tracks • Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Charlotte’s Story

By Sherry Silk When an elderly Chihuahua was picked up as a stray from Hillsborough County Animal Services in February, who would have thought she would end up 6 weeks later having her very own photo shoot? She has somewhat of a unique story. When her 5 day stray-hold was up at Animal Services and no one came to look for her, we received a call from one of their staff. They asked if HSTB would please find a special home for the elderly dog. Pam Backer, our Director of Operations, agreed to take her into our adoption program.

When she arrived at HSTB, I was instantly in love. She was very sweet and would come up to the front of the cage and lick my finger. When I opened the cage door, she would jump into my arms. I named her Charlotte. When I brought her over to my office that was the first time that I saw her disability. I was shocked to see how badly bowed her back legs were. They were extremely deformed and when she sometimes walked, she would hoist her back legs over her back and walk on her front 2 legs. Our veterinarian felt like she either had a severe untreated injury when she was younger or she was born with this disability. She had adapted quite well and it did not slow her down at all. She was not in any pain when she ran down the hall. On top of that problem, she also had a skin condition with thinning hair and a tumor on the top of her head! She had been bred many, many times so that her abdomen was sagging. Our veterinarian spayed Charlotte and removed the tumor from her head and stitched her up. She came through surgery with flying colors.

Next, we enlisted Lisa Presnail from South Tampa Photography to do a full photo shoot for Charlotte.

We figured she would need all the help she could get to find a home. Then we found her a wonderful foster home to keep her until she was medically released for adoption.

Charlotte posing on her well deserved day of beauty!! Thanks to Martha Murray for her lovely outfit!

Bonita, the foster mom, also had a Chihuahua. It wasn’t too long before we got the call that this family, and their resident dog Quentin, loved Charlotte and they weren’t bringing her back. She had found her special home, Bonita was adopting her!

This is just one story of a dog that was unwanted and now is loved. These are the stories that make my job such a pleasure. I am so lucky to work for an organization that gives thousands of animals a chance at a new life and Charlotte is just one of those stories.

I hope you will attend Tuxes and Tails this year. Charlotte will grace our runway so you’ll get a chance to meet her!

Photos courtesy of South Tampa Photography

Charlotte at her new home with her brother Quentin and in their Easter outfits.

Making Tracks • Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Page 3

Bark in the Park 2010 BARK IN THE PARK – “Bark O’ The Irish” RAISES OVER $64,000 FOR THE ANIMALS!

2010 Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Hundreds of Humane Society of Tampa Bay supporters joined us at Al Lopez Park with their furry friends dressed in their best Irish attire for the one mile walk on Saturday, March 6th. The fun filled day included pet demonstrations, a dog treat hunt, a Kiss Me I’m Irish Booth, a Dog wash and pet costume contests. Over 70 sponsors and vendors showcased their products and services. Thank you to everyone who participated, and we look forward to seeing you again in March 2011!

A Big Round of a Paws!!

Top Packs

Top Individual Walkers

PARty Animals Team Barkin’ Poochies Pack

Allison Fentriss Moria Kenyk Carolyn Mourey

Thank you to the 2010 Bark in the Park Sponsors: Pet Supermarket, Florida Investment Advisors, Wag Natural Pet Boutique, Island Walk/Vintage Lofts at West End, PAR, INC., Publix Super Markets Charities, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP., Tailored Pet Sitting, Progressive Insurance, Adcock Financial Group, PETCO, Downtown Dogs, Freedom Health, Groovy Cats & Dogs, GTE Federal Credit Union, Beyond the Walk, Dog Training Club of Tampa, St. Pete Times, TBT, South Tampa Community News, The New Barker, Tanya Sharkey Photography, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Starbucks Coffee, Ultra Pure Water

Thank you to Our 2010 Bark in the Park Vendors: Brandon Pet Care, Westchase Veterinary Center & ER, Almost Home Pet Resort, VIP Pest Control, Banfield, The Pet Hospital, The Lodge at New Tampa, Massage Envy, The Dog House-Daycare & Boarding Center, Pebble Creek Animal and Bird Hospital, Canine Comfort Pet Massage, New Tampa Pet Resort, Canine Caviar Pet Foods, Courteous Canine, Inc., Central Bark Doggy Day Care, Collar Planet, Florida Veterinary Specialists, A Pet’s Best Friend, Paw Prince Pet Resort, Green Dog Wash, Camp Bow Wow, Dog Training Club of Tampa, Inc., Ybor City Yums, Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice

Ready, Set, Walk!

Page 4

“Bailey” at Bark in the Park. She was adopted at HSTB and Voted Most Lovable Pet in America by Wheel of Fortune!

Top Pack – PARty Animals

Making Tracks • Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Free Shot Clinic in Wimauma

By Nancy McCall It was cold, it was wet, and it was raining, but no one complained. They waited patiently in line with their pets to get free shots on February 28th in Wimauma, FL. The event was sponsored by the Community Foundation of Greater Sun City Center, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, and Hillsborough County Animal Services. The event was a huge success with 885 animals vaccinated (783 dogs and 102 brave cats), 350 Hillsborough County Spay/Neuter Vouchers distributed, and 762 pet licenses issued by the County.

Special thanks to the staff and volunteers who endured the weather in their raincoats, gloves, and wet shoes. The pets and people in Wimauma appreciated the help. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay plans to do another Free Shot Clinic in the fall of 2010.

Check on our website later this summer for more details.

Registration tables

2 brave cats waited patiently in the rain

The line stretched nearly 500 yards with pets waiting for their shots

Pet lovers waited patiently for the veterinarian

An Update on Casper and renaming our Food Assistance Program in His Honor…

By Sherry Silk Wilmer Fernandez and Aiza Rodriguez were in court on Friday, March 12, 2010 for nearly starving to death their 3 year old pet boxer who was later named Casper. Judge William Fuente ruled as follows: Aiza Rodgriguez was sentenced to 300 hours of Community Service, five years of probation and is not allowed to own a pet while on probation. She is to undergo psychiatric evaluations. Wilmer Fernandez was sentenced to 15 months in jail and 45 months of probation with the option to file an appeal which has already been processed.

He was released from prison just a few days after the trial on a $2500 bail, but we are happy to report that Judge Fuente held Casper’s previous owners accountable for what he called “incredible neglect of an animal”.

Sherry Silk talking to the press about “Casper’s Cupboard”.

To remember Casper’s struggles and to make sure that no dog or cat ever has to go hungry, we renamed our “Food Assistance Program” to “Casper’s Cupboard”. The media covered “Casper’s Cupboard” (photo above) and the need the Humane Society of Tampa Bay has to continue receiving food donations for this program. Please drop off an extra bag of dog or cat food or treats, so that we can continue to give away food to the hungry animals.

Making Tracks • Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Page 5

Coby & Betty Boop Follow Up…

By Lisa Knight A happy ending to last issue’s cover story – Coby and Betty Boop were adopted together by a wonderful family! Both dogs are now at their desired weight and Coby finished his heartworm treatment successfully. Thank you so much to the Tomberlins for adopting them together and to their wonderful foster mom Ornella, for helping nurse them back to health!!

B E F O R E

A F T E R

Please Join Us...

Page 6

Making Tracks • Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Fostering for Life...

By Stephanie Surber As Foster Care Coordinator for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, I am pleased to announce a new program we have started. We have partnered with the ASPCA to create the “Foster for Life” program.

With this program, we are able to provide foster parents of nursing dogs with puppies, or puppies alone, with a monetary reward in the form of gift cards, either from Wal-Mart or Publix. The guidelines are as follows: the animals must be transfers from Hillsborough County Animal Services to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. If it is a mother dog with puppies, she must be thirty-five pounds or over, since it is much harder to place this size animal in a foster home. The compensation for this would be $100 per week, for every week the foster parent has the mom and pups. If it is puppies alone, with no mother, there must be at least four, and the compensation would be $50 per week for every week the puppies would need to be fostered. A week is defined as a period of at least five days. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay will provide all of the necessary items needed to house these fosters, such as food, crates, bowls, toys, and bedding. All medical care will be provided, and foster animals will come in bi-weekly for vaccine updates, de-wormings, etc.

I am very pleased to be able to offer this program, and hope that with it we can save even more lives in Hillsborough County. All that is needed to make it a success is people like you to open their hearts and homes to give these wonderful animals a second chance. It is for a limited time, so please, if you would like to help and earn some money in return, contact me at (813) 625-2858 or fostercare@humanesocietytampa.org. I hope to hear from you soon!

Memorial and Honorary Plaques are Now Available!

Looking to memorialize the loss of a pet? Nothing can bring your loved one back, but sometimes remembering in a very special way helps us heal.

HSTB offers memorial plaques which are placed on a cat cottage or a dog run and serve as a tribute to your beloved pet. Plaques are also available to commemorate a special occasion. Honor the pet lover in your life with a plaque to celebrate a Birthday, Anniversary, Wedding Proposal, or any special

In MemoryPLofE Oreo SAM 1993-2009 Cost for the plaques: $500 for one year or $250 for six months.

Monthly payment options are available. For more information please contact Jeanette at (813)774-4306 or jwilson@humanesocietytampa.org.

occasion. Be creative and give them something truly unique!

Making Tracks • Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Happy 20th Anniversary, Lori LE P M All my SALove, Steve

Page 7

Successful Adoptions I got Otis (previously Huxley) about 2 months ago and he is such an awesome, loving, funny, and healthy dog! I want to thank everyone at the Humane Society of Tampa for making his adoption possible. His under-bite cracks me up every day, he never gets in “trouble” because of it. He is sitting in my lap right now as I am typing this email!

Otis goes to my parents house twice a week for “doggy daycare” and plays with their Hairless Chinese Crested (his best friend). He sleeps in bed right next to me and paws at me in the morning when he needs to go out! I have attached some pictures of Otis that I would like to share with everyone at the humane society.

-Mica Rosier & Otis

So I’m sitting here with my wonderful cat purring loudly by my feet and I couldn’t wait to share my appreciation with you. Louie has already taken over my apartment and I couldn’t be happier. I also wanted to say that the staff today, although very busy, was kind and extremely helpful in my search for the perfect kitty. I didn’t know exactly what I was looking for when I walked in but I was led down the right path. I think you all do such a wonderful job and God Bless you! I’ve got some pictures ready because I wanted to show you how well and how quickly Louie adapted to his new home. Here he is lounging on my son and subsequently taking over my couch ;) Hope you like them.

- Thank you! Julia Haver

We would like to thank all of you for allowing us to adopt the most wonderful dog, Ruby.

She is a joy. She is adjusting well and is already house-trained . Buddy is teaching her the ropes and she has taught him a few things as well. All of you should be proud of the great job you have done with Ruby. Without the Humane Society of Tampa Bay there is no way of knowing what would have become of such a wonderful dog. I have attached some photos of her in her new home.

- Thank you again, Laura, Jim and Buddy Johnson

Rocky (Banjo when adopted) is amazing. He is truly a blessing in our home. He adores our 6 month old baby girl and gives her gentle kisses. He loves his tennis balls and daily round of fetch. Oddly enough he’s the only dog I’ve ever met who doesn’t like rawhides. But that’s fine.

He’s got one if he ever wants one. He is crate trained and loves his “castle”. He now knows paw, down, and still sits on command every time. He loves to try and play with our cat, which is not always a good idea. But when Rocky gets too excited for play time the cat just rubs on his nose a little to let him know to play nice. It’s adorable. Thank you so much for saving him.

Here are some pictures from thanksgiving and daily life. Editor’s note – Looks like Rocky is camera shy!

- Diana Upp

Page 8

Making Tracks • Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Volunteer of the Quarter...

By Ben Moehnert Corinne Mueller is our volunteer of the quarter. Corinne has been a volunteer for almost four years and has over 1,300 volunteer hours!

Corinne volunteers in the Spay/Neuter clinic assisting the vets and vettechs and will be starting at the front desk. Corinne has also fostered for HSTB as well. We are very lucky to have her as a volunteer. Thank you Corinne and keep up the good work.

Corinne with Maddie.

It Takes a Community...

By Lisa Knight On January 6th the Humane Society of Tampa Bay was proud to help save 45 dogs and 7 cats from a high-euthanasia shelter in Georgia. Five volunteer pilots with Pilots N Paws flew from Atlanta to Tampa with 52 grateful pups and cats. Two wonderful volunteers then drove them from the Tampa airport to HSTB. A special thanks to Bonnie Duprey for coordinating the rescue! All the animals were so happy to find a warm, loving home!

Pilots with animals loaded and ready for take off!

Two pups from Georgia going home!

Scratchers Needed...

Please consider purchasing some scratchers for your feline friends at HSTB! The cats at HSTB love these little scratching posts! They attach right on to the cage and are also great for the cats to rub against. For ordering information please visit: http://stretchandscratch.com/ Also, HSTB is always in need of new toys for our cats and dogs!

Making Tracks • Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Page 9

Community Cats…

By Sherry Silk The Humane Society of Tampa Bay has had an active TNR program for nearly 3 years. Our clinic sterilized over 4000 feral cats just last year. We have referred to this program as our feral cat program but have now renamed it our “Community Cat Program” since this is a community problem. It is estimated that there may be nearly 200,000 Community cats in our county. We know that if these cats are not sterilized, they will continually reproduce. The cat experts tell us about 75% of the kittens born in the wild will die. The remaining will get pregnant and add to the overpopulation problem. We also know that the majority of these cats are brought in to animal services and are humanely euthanized because the majority of them are not social.

As a humane organization, we feel responsible to help other cat lovers who want to cut down on this problem. We offer our TNR program so that these cats can live out their lives in peace. All they need is a responsible care taker who will provide food for the cats once they are sterilized.

There are plenty of humane people who want to care for these cats and do not want to see them suffer or be destroyed. If you have a “community cat” question, please check our website. If you need to rent traps, or have additional questions, please contact Mary Ann O’Donnell at 625-0910 or email her at cat.spay@humanesocietytampa.org. If you are interested in receiving our quarterly “Community Cat newsletter” please send your email address to bburket@humanesocietytampa.org.

Scabies…An Itchy Problem

By Dr. Karla Bard Scabies is the common name for the infestation of Sarcoptes mites in dogs and Notoedres mites in cats. These are burrowing mites that create a very intense itchiness. The adult mites can be readily spread to other animals and humans, but they can only reproduce and set up long term infestations in the same species. The mites cannot live very long off of the animal host, so treating all exposed animals for the full treatment course recommended by your veterinarian should eliminate the condition in your household. Washing all bedding, collars and leashes may help speed resolution when performed during treatment of the pets. The mites can be challenging for your veterinarian to find and will require multiple skin scrapings performed as your veterinarian tries to identify the mite under the microscope. Several treatments are available which will eradicate the mites from your dog or cat, but all require administration of medication multiple times. If your dog or cat remains itchy after treatment for Scabies, discuss with your veterinarian possible sources of re-infestation, such as contact with untreated animals, roaming animals or wildlife. Other conditions, such as ringworm, food allergy, flea allergy or atopy, may be present in your pet and will complicate the resolution of skin disease. Your veterinarian will suggest diagnostic tests that are needed to rule out these other conditions when addressing a possible Scabies infestation. Whenever your pet experiences hair loss, you should see your veterinarian.

Page 10

Making Tracks • Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Special Thanks!

Thank you to the following groups for hosting a Food Drive/Fundraiser for HSTB!

Zoe Schaffel collected donations for her Bat Mitzvah.

Girl Scout Troop #455 assembling cat food gift bags for Casper’s Cupboard.

Café DuFrain Christ the King Catholic School - Diane Vivian, students and faculty The Dubliner North The Dubliner South Girl Scout Troop #455 Alex Gregory and the GAGME Bowling Tournament participants HSBC - Donna Allen and coworkers International Academy of Design & Technology Online - Kristine Creely and coworkers JJ Taylor Jefferson High School - Amanda Ingram, students and faculty The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. Carolyn Orihuela and her daughter Pineview Elementary - Amy Alexander, students and faculty Real Life Church – Kimberly Andrade Zoe Schaffel and the entire Schaffel family Shiloh Charter School - Elizabeth Gatz, students and faculty South Tampa Magazine

Kitten & Puppy Season Wish List • • • • • • • • • • •

Dry Kitten & Puppy Food Canned Kitten & Puppy Food KMR milk replacement for kittens Esbilac milk replacement for puppies Clay Cat Litter (non-clumping) Small fleece Cat beds Cat (soft) & Dog (soft & hard) Toys Gift Card Donations (Walmart, Pet Stores, Home Depot) Used Towels Bleach and Simple Green Paper Towels

Making Tracks • Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Page 11

Dedicated to ending animal homelessness and providing care and comfort for companion animals in need.

Humane Society of Tampa Bay 3607 N Armenia Ave. Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 876-7138 Adoption Hours: Sunday Noon - 5:00 p.m.

Monday Closed Tuesday & Wednesday Noon - 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday Noon - 5:00 p.m.

Spay/Neuter Clinic Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

(813) 870-3304 Wellness Clinic Friday – Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm (813) 870-3304 Call for an appointment

Calendar of Events April, 2010

Largest Pet Adoption Expo in Florida!

Saturday, April 24th from 10am-4pm Florida State Fairgrounds Special Events Center Hundreds of homeless pets will be available for adoption and pet friendly vendors will be set up to receive visitors during this huge adoption expo. Please join us…there’s a good chance you will leave with a new, 4 legged addition to your family. Admission is FREE, parking is available for $5.

May, 2010

Tuxes and Tails Saturday, May 15th 6:00pm-11:00pm Tampa Convention Center Tickets are $125 per person.

Join us as celebrity models team with their pets or with a Humane Society of Tampa Bay adorable adoptable to strut their stuff on the catwalk. In addition to the fashion show, attendees will be treated to an evening of live entertainment, a high end silent and live auction and a sumptuous dinner. Corporate tables and sponsorships are available. Contact Cathy Bellatin at 813-876-4150 for more information.

14th Annual Scratch My Back Concert Sunday, May 30th at Skipper’s Smokehouse 910 Skipper Road in Tampa Time: TBD Join us for live music and drawings for great prizes. The “Scratch My Back” concert features The Quivering Rhythm Hounds, The Third Band and Coo Coo Ca Choo. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Check our web calendar by visiting www.humanesocietytampa. org/special-events-calendar for updates.

June, 2010

SOHO Leisure Group has chosen the Humane Society of Tampa Bay as their charity for the month of June.

25% of all food sales on Thursday evenings in June will be donated to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. HYDE PARK CAFÉ- 50 cents of every beer sold Tuesday through Saturday in June will be donated to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay Block PAWty in Hyde Park Village Thursday, June 17th from 6pm-8pm Proceeds Benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay You and your 4 legged friends are invited to join us for a yip-yapping good time at the courtyard area outside of Downtown Dogs, located at 1631 West Snow Circle in Hyde Park Village. You’ll have a chance to win great prizes while enjoying drink specials and give-aways/discounts at participating Hyde Park establishments for you and your furry friend(s).

July, 2010

4th Annual Bark at the Ballpark Saturday, July 10th at George M. Steinbrenner Field Bring your whole family, including your fourlegged friends to the baseball game! Pet Friendly vendors will be open for business 2 hours prior to the first pitch. Start of game TBD. Check our web calendar by visiting www.humanesocietytampa. org/special-events-calendar for updates.

Special Events are added frequently so please check our web site for updates: www.humanesocietytampa.org/special-events