Making Tracks Spring 2012

Largest Donation in HSTB History Page 3Life Saving Milestone for Cats Page 5Help Us Build/Fill the Building Page 7Bark in the Park Page 8

Inside This Issue

Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay Spring 2012

Page 2 Making Tracks • Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

This is a very big year for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. We turn 100 years old so Happy Birthday to us! Over 1 million animals have come through our doors over the last century. We continue to look at new ways and innovative programs to help the animals and people of the Tampa Bay area. This organization will never be satisfied until all adoptable animals get a second chance at finding a home. Our emphasis has been to do everything we can to help lower the euthanasia in our community and we know we can’t do that just by our adoption programs. Now I am asking our loyal supporters and donors to help us build our new Animal Health Center. This 10,400 square foot

building will help us reach our goals. By providing affordable health care for owners who love their pets and sterilizing even more animals, we will continue to see the death rate of animals decrease.

This new hospital will also benefit our shelter animals. We will have the capability of running blood work and doing x-rays and dentals for our shelter animals. The animals will benefit greatly once this hospital is open. Additionally, after all hospital operating expenses are covered, any and all remaining revenue will benefit our mission and programs.

We are already making progress. In 2011, for the very first time in Hillsborough County, more cats were sterilized than euthanized! Our trap-neuter-return program had a lot to do with that decrease. We are devoting a whole feral cat area in our new building to sterilize even more community cats. So please consider making a donation to our Animal Health Center and watch the save rate in our community go even higher.

Sincerely,

Sherry SilkExecutive Director

Sherry SilkExecutive Director

[email protected](813) 774-4309

Board of DirectorsPresident:

Connie Johnson

Vice-President:Mary Birrell

Treasurer:Michael Neff

Secretary:Patti Sutherland

Brian Funk Mike GratzTara Hood

Morris MasseyBob Reina

Linda ReitzAllison Roberts

Cynthia SarffChristopher Stephens

Advisory Board:Victoria J. Alvarez, P.A.Sheila Sims Anderson

City Councilwoman Yvonne Yolie CapinJohn Dingfelder

Rose FerlitaCarol Funk

Richard GonzmartCallum Hay, D.V.M.

Stephanie MastroDennis McCulloughDominique Mellow

County Commissioner Sandy MurmanKaryn Ringhaver

Cathy SmithBill Zingalie, D.V.M.

Editor:Lisa Knight

[email protected](813) 367-2078

Contributors:Sherry Silk

Nancy McCallLisa Knight

Danyelle HoLayout & Design:

Debra Roberts Bellanti

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

Letter from the Executive Director...

Meeting our Goals…

Making Tracks • Newsletter of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay Page 3

BOB REINA –THE MAN BEHIND THE MILLION DOLLAR GIFT

In December, The Humane Society of Tampa Bay was fortunate to receive a one million dollar pledge from Brandon-based video communications solution company Talk Fusion to help build our organization’s new Animal Health Center. “We are delighted to help make a difference,” said Talk Fusion Founder & CEO Bob Reina of the contribution. “I know that this undertaking will save thousands of lives by reducing companion and homeless animal euthanasia, as well as

improving the quality of life of Tampa Bay pets and their owners.” Reina, a former Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy who believes in giving back to his community, is a longtime supporter of the Humane Society and currently sits on the Board of Directors.

“I’m just a big animal lover, and always have been my whole life,” Reina said. “Animals can’t help themselves though. There are a lot of great causes in the world, but I have an affinity for pets and always have.”

Reina is a former Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputy who started a small technology company called Talk Fusion. Talk Fusion has given Reina the opportunity to donate to animal causes in a big way.

Bob shares his home with three basset hounds: Presley, Blue Bell and Stormy. There’s also Bindi, rescued by Reina after the pup lost a leg to an alligator attack (pictured above with Bob) and a Labrador mix, Sport, and Bernie who “looks like a giraffe,” Reina says, with a tiny head and long legs and neck. The dogs and Reina also share the house with five stray and rescued cats: Scrappy, Mystery, Chance, Madison and Lucky.

“This is a dream becoming a reality in the Tampa Bay community,” said Sherry Silk, Executive Director of HSTB. “We’ve been planning to build the Animal Health Center and Talk Fusion’s generous donation helps immeasurably in putting that plan into action.”

The groundbreaking for the new Animal Health Center was held on December 12, 2011 with many local politicians and news media on hand to share in the excitement! The grand opening is expected to be held in the fall. Stay tuned for exciting updates!!

Largest Donation in HSTB’s 100 Year History!

The entire HSTB Board of Directors helped move the first mound of dirt for the new facility.

Board members Bob Reina and Allison Roberts at the Talk Fusion Animal Health Center dedication.

Photography by Fred Bellet


Why does HSTB take Puppies from Other States?...

You may wonder why we receive so many calls requesting that we take at-risk puppies. At Hillsborough County Animal Services, whatever puppies they receive, they adopt out. We still take adult dogs (and sometimes cats) from them several times a week. When they have underage puppies with nursing moms, we take those too when we have foster homes available. We are fortunate to live in a community that offers affordable spaying and neutering of dogs. Many other communities do not have low cost spay/neuter clinics and unwanted puppies fill those shelters. Weekly, puppies are euthanized due to lack of homes. These are the shelters that we help.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay recognizes that some people will only adopt a puppy and therefore is committed to helping other shelters that don’t have successful spay/neuter programs in place. In fact, many of the rural shelters we pull from have a save rate of only 15%. In other words 85 out of 100 puppies are euthanized.

So while we encourage everyone to consider adopting an adult dog, for those who want a puppy, know that you are still saving a life! It’s just a life from another state.

Two puppies arriving from Mississippi that will now have a home!

The impressive vehicle Loving Friends Transport uses to transport puppies to HSTB.

One of the generous pilots, Jeff Bennett, pictured with 2 puppies flying to Tampa.


In the last 5 years, as you can see from the chart below, 65,806 cats have been euthanized in Hillsborough County. These statistics are grim but we have noticed a change in the past several years since the TNR (trap/neuter/return) programs have been growing in our community. In 2006, 18,213 cats were euthanized. In 2011, the number dropped to 9,047. For the first time the number of cats sterilized was more than the number euthanized! So whether you are a cat lover or a bird lover, you should be celebrating this trend. There will be less outdoor cats due to the increased spay/neuter of these wonderful animals. We hope if you want less cats being born in your neighborhood you will join us in our fight for lowering euthanasia. Please contact our TNR Manager at 813-625-0910 or [email protected], or check out our website www.humanesocietytampa.org for more information.

The Effect of TNR on Cat Euthanasia in Hillsborough County

A Life-Saving Milestone for Community Cats…




Leave Your PawPrint

Collect donations as a “pack” or individual walker to help provide care for the thousands of animals that go through our shelter each year. The goal for each walker is to raise at least $50!

Form your “Pack” and create a free fundraising page or register as an individual at:

BarkintheParktamPa.com

food fun

GET YOUR BARK ON!

ScheduLe of eventS

8:30: Event BeginsRegistration, demonstrations and

sponsor/vendor booths open

10:00: Walk for the Animals

One mile walk around Al Lopez Park

10:30: Walk Party Pet Costume Contest and activities

will continue until noon

MARCH 108:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Al Lopez Park

For questions about registration, sponsorship or event details, contact Shannon Sellards, Special Events

Coordinator: 813.876.4150 or [email protected]

visit us at humanesocietytampa.org

dogtown uSa

This year visit our doggone good neighborhood where you’ll find something for everyone. Areas include:

• Adorable Adoptables Corner• Canine Couture Mall• Canine Curves Agility Gym• Delights Food Court• Doggie Day Spa• Doggie Decor Craft Station

...and much, much more.

fur

family

BARKINThEPARKTAmPA.cOmEmceed by FOX 13’s Charley Belcher

Live Radio Broadcast by Paul “Pipes” Porter


Ornella Varchi has been a dedicated volunteer of HSTB for over 6 years. Ornella has donated her time as a foster mom, helping with adoptions, supervising the Animeals program, working at special fundraising events, mentoring new volunteers and whatever else is asked of her! As a foster mom, Ornella has donated thousands of hours to helping some of our “special needs” dogs by taking them into her home until they are ready to be adopted. She is so compassionate to the animals and passionate about helping them. Thank you Ornella for being a voice for the animals and for your many years of selfless dedication to HSTB!

Volunteer of the Quarter…

Tuxes and Tails...


Successful Adoptions…

Hi, All! Charlie, here! I hope you guys still remember me. I spent a few months with you earlier this year. I’m sending a new picture of me, but you might not recognize me now that all my hair’s grown back. When I left, my fur was shaved because it was so matted from being at that “other place” before you found me. I get brushed all the time now and I really like it when people tell me how pretty I am.

I just wanted to get back in touch to say I’m a pretty happy guy these days. I hope the New Year brings forever homes to all the cats and dogs in shelters everywhere.

-Your friend Charlie

We got Oliver from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay on April 1st, 2009. There was a sign posted that said that black cats & dogs often were the last ones to get adopted, so I decided to choose a black cat, the one that had been there the longest.

Oliver seemed pretty terrified of us at first, but after a few minutes he let us pet him lightly. He was shy at home for a while, but eventually showed his true personality, which is that of a “sidekick.” He follows me around everywhere and is very fun and loving. He loves going on vacation with us & his sister Torbie (who came from the Oregon Humane Society). We love our kitties & we love the Humane Society of Tampa Bay!!!

-Maria Savin

I adopted a Yellow Lab/German Shepherd puppy two days before Christmas last year from the HSTB. He was named “Copper” but the moment I got him in my arms (and was told this 6lbs puppy would soon be 80lbs) I knew he was MY Bear! I walked out with him that day, and have been so thankful I went into the shelter every day since.

I just wanted to share my thanks to HSTB for doing such a wonderful thing for all the animals that are there. Bear has been my side-kick whether it is just for a car ride, to the beach (where I have to drag Bear out of the water), or my soccer games (Bear is the team mascot). He is my buddy and I wanted to thank the Humane Society of Tampa for giving me the opportunity to have such a wonderful family member!

-Jennifer Copeland


A Special Thank You to our Supporters…

Achieve GlobalAlpha Phi Omega – USF

ASPCABanfield Charitable Trust

Bloomingdale Ice Bulls Hockey TeamBoston’s RestaurantBovis Lend Lease

Burger 21Carlton Fields

Centennial Middle SchoolCIBER, Inc.

Clear ChannelThe Columbia

Community Foundation of Tampa BayFlash & Co.

Laura and JT FletcherHill Ward Henderson

Hyde Park VillageHyrdodog Mobile Pet Grooming

International PlazaJacarlene FoundationJacobs Technology

The M. David Katz CompanyL-3 CommunicationsMacDintons Irish Pub

Mastro SubaruMerck Animal Health

New York LifePCL Civic ConstructorsPedigree Foundation

PetCo FoundationPetSmart Charities

RescQueMeRoyal Pets Market

Save-A-PetSeminole Electric Cooperative

Sickles High School Optimist ClubSouthwest Airlines

SuperBoochTampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders

Tampa Bay LightningTampa Bay Society

Tampa Bay Times ForumTampa Westshore Association

Trenam KemkerUniversity of Kentucky Alumni - Tampa

Bay ClubWells Fargo Foundation

Wine ExchangeYard of Ale

Young Professionals of Tampa Bay

Thank you to Ameriprise Financial for donating dog and cat food to Casper’s Cupboard!

Thank you to the folks at Get a Grip Fitness! They hosted a fundraiser for HSTB in memory

of their beloved colleague, Barbara Milburn and raised $550 and lots of pet food!

Thank you to the Laser Spine Institute for sponsoring their Holiday Facebook contest. HSTB was the grand prize winner of $4,000.

Thanks to the Tampa Bay Bucs Cheerleaders for donating a day of work to HSTB!

Volunteers from Achieve Global volunteered to spread some much needed mulch in our doggie

play yards. Thank you!

A special thanks to Santa and all his elves for helping to take pictures with Santa. HSTB

received almost $2,000!

MaRCH 201225th annual BaRK in the PaRK Fundraising Walk for the animalsSaturday, March 10th; 8:30am - 12 noon At Al Lopez Park You can make a difference! Collect donations as a “pack” or individual walker to help the Humane Society of Tampa Bay provide shelter, food, spay/neuter services and medical care for the thousands of animals that are relinquished to our shelter each year! For more information, visit barkintheparktampa.com where you can create your own FREE website to collect donations for HSTB!

Block PaWty in Hyde Park Village Thursday, March 15th; 6pm- 9pmProceeds Benefit the Humane Society of Tampa BayHyde Park Village 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).

Mega Match-a-thonSaturday, March 31st; 9am to 9pmForget March Madness, we are gearing up for a Mega Match-a-thon! On March 31st from 9 am to 9pm, HSTB is teaming up with the ASPCA and other shelters across the country to hold a major adoption event! Local rescue groups will partner with us during these 12 hours devoted to supporting pet adoptions in Tampa Bay. Hillsborough County Animal Services will also be participating at their location.

aPRIL 20127th annual Taste of South TampaSunday, april 15th; 1pm - 5pmHyde Park VillageTickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door (per person). Enjoy food and beverages from 40 local restaurants and live music. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Please visit www.tasteofsouthtampa.com to purchase your tickets ahead of time. We will be accepting dog and cat food donations at our Mobile Adoption Center at this event.

May 201210th annual TUXES & TaILS Saturday, May 5th; 6pm – 11pmTampa Convention Center. $125.00 per person Join us for one of Tampa Bay’s favorite events made more special this year as we celebrate our Centennial! Enjoy a star-studded fashion show featuring local celebrities and adorable adoptables from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, silent and live auctions, live music, and cigar bar along the water in beautiful downtown Tampa.

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) 876-7138www.humanesocietytampa.org

Adoption Hours:Sunday

Noon - 5:00 p.m.MondayClosed

Tuesday & WednesdayNoon - 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Friday, SaturdayNoon - 5:00 p.m.

Spay/Neuter ClinicMonday - Friday

7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.(813) 870-3304

Wellness ClinicMonday 2:30pm – 7pm

Tuesday-Sunday 8:30am – 3pm(813) 870-3304

Call for an appointment.Walk-ins also accepted until 2pm.

For more information on upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Special Events at 813-876-4150 or [email protected]

2012 Calendar of Events

Making Tracks Spring 2012

Documents

tampa bay area

shelter animals

building page

tampa fl

cats page

adoptable animals

death rate of animals

park page