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Newsletter Spring 2024

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Paw Prints

SPRING 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

LETTER FROM DAVE

MEET THE LEADERSHIP

FUTURE OF HSP

2023 SHELTER IMPACT

RESCUE STORIES

KITTEN SEASON

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUPPORTER HIGHLIGHTS

3040 State Road 590

Clearwater, FL 33759

(727) 797-7722

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CONNECT WITH US

Kitten Season is Here Pg. 6

LETTER FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

For 75 years, the Humane Society of Pinellas has been instrumental in saving the lives of homeless pets who need our help and we could not have done this without the generous contributions and support of our community.

In 2023, we found homes for over 1,400 pets and so far this year we saved over 250. I am thrilled to share that the progress on our new facility continues, which will increase the impact we will be able to make. We are scheduled to officially open in summer of 2024. This expansion is not just about physical growth; it symbolizes our deep commitment to providing personalized care to every pet in our care and to our community. Our mission, as always, remains focused on offering needs-driven, community-based services, supporting animal welfare in our community with the utmost compassion and expertise

Thank you for your continued support as we begin this incredible journey of growth.

David Paloff, Chief Executive Officer

About David Paloff the Chief Executive Officer

David Paloff's dedication to public service began in 1997 in fire rescue and emergency medical services. Throughout his career, he has held roles from Lieutenant to Chief Emergency Medical Services Coordinator in New Jersey and the Tampa Bay region. His passion for animal welfare led him to serve as Assistant Director for a county animal services department. David holds a Master’s Degree in Administrative Sciences from Fairleigh Dickinson University, with a focus on public and nonprofit leadership. He also earned a certificate in Executive Leadership in Contemporary Animal Services from Southern Utah University with a scholarship from Best Friends Animal Society.

At the Humane Society of Pinellas (HSP), David plays a vital role in reducing animal homelessness and promoting best practices in animal welfare. Outside of work, he enjoys gardening on his 3-acre property and camping with his family in state and national parks.

MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Dr. Brenton GallasChief Medical Officer Andrew BellDirector of Operations

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Helen HenwoodBoard of Directors Chair David Paloff - Chief Executive Officer

FUTURE OF HSP

The Sjouwerman Adoption Center - Opening Summer of 2024

In 2021, the Humane Society of Pinellas began an exciting new chapter of growth and expansion by starting the construction for our brand new adoption center. This building will consist of three floors; the administrative offices will be on the upper level, the dogs and puppies will be on the main level, and all cats, kittens and small pets will be on the lower level. We are so excited as the project is nearing completion and will be ready for guests in the summer of 2024.

Features of the Sjouwerman Adoption Center:

• Approximately 15,000 square feet.

• Housing for up to 80 cats and kittens with five free-roaming cat rooms with enclosed, outdoor catios.

• Housing for 10-12 small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs.

• 39 spacious canine kennels for dogs and puppies with individual dog runs.

• Capability when in emergency situations such as hurricanes to temporarily double our housing.

• Air-cycling ventilation system designed to reduce illnesses among our pet population.

• Built to withstand the winds and impact of a category 5 hurricane with a generator to ensure complete power to all essential systems.

3 OLD HSP SHELTER - TAKEN DEC. 2020 NEW ADOPTION CENTER CONSTRUCTION UPDATE - MARCH 2024
SHELTER RENDERING CELEBRATING 75 YEARS

2023 SHELTER IMPACT

1,484 PET ADOPTIONS

CATS: 205, KITTENS: 536

99% LIVE RELEASE RATE

SHELTER INTAKES

1,566

PET FOOD PANTRY

PETS FED: APPROX.

FAMILIES ASSISTED:

LBS. FOOD DONATED: 450 377

30, 871

MEDICAL IMPACT

DOGS: 404, PUPPIES: 333, OTHERS: 6

SPAY/NEUTER TOTAL:

900 PETS

CATS: DOGS: 432 468

AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY: 10.7 DAYS

DOGS: 12.5

CATS: 8.9

SPECIALTY SURGERIES:

OF VACCINES PROVIDED

PETS CARED FOR IN FOSTER

SENIOR PET CONNECTION PETS FED:

HEARTWORM TREATMENTS INJECTIONS ADMINISTERED:

TREATED PETS:

Abandoned 242 Other 83 Cats Adopted 36.6% Still Listed 23.9% Dogs Adopted 23.1% Unknown Outcome Guinea Pigs 1.5%
VOLUNTEERS 124 *DOES NOT INCLUDE FOSTERS TOTAL HOURS 11,
ACTIVE
731
4 # OF LIVES SAVED: 1,601
TOTAL INTAKES HOME TO HOME PET OUTCOMES 132 PETS POSTED 64 DOGS 63 CATS 2 GUINEA PIGS 3 RABBITS FOSTER FAMILIES 327 755
LBS.
SENIORS ASSISTED:
OF FOOD GIVEN: 500 238 63,000
#
CATS:
4,598
DOGS: 3,911
FULLY
96
32
EX: AMPUTATIONS, HERNIA REPAIR, MASS REMOVAL, ENTROPION REPAIR, BLADDER STONE SURGERY, GI FOREIGN BODY REMOVAL/REPAIR, ENUCLEATION, ETC. 141 OTHER
DENTALS, URI, SKIN CONDITONS ETC. 259
MEDICAL TREATMENTS

RESCUE STORIES

GALE OUR THREE LEGGED KITTY

Gale is a 1.5 year old domestic shorthair cat that was transferred to HSP from our local municipal shelter. A good Samaritan first attempted to catch Gale when she was discovered hanging out in their yard, but they

were unable to do so. The next day they unfortunately found Gale with a severe injury to her left pelvic leg, most likely from trauma associated with being hit by a car. She was taken to a local emergency clinic for stabilization. She was then transferred to our county facility and then ultimately to HSP for treatment. Gale had extensive trauma to her left pelvic limb that was deemed not repairable. As a result, an amputation of the limb was performed by medical staff at HSP.

Gale recovered well from the procedure and was moved to a foster home after several days of hospitalization and monitoring in our medical facility. She continued to make improvements

and quickly adapted to navigating on three limbs. Her foster went on to adopt her after a slow introduction with the resident cat. Happy tails Gale!

BONNIE OUR SWEET SENIOR

Meet Bonnie, formerly known as Violet – a gentle senior golden who arrived at HSP with her four tiny, one-week-old puppies in tow. At 10 and a half years old, Bonnie was a picture of resilience despite facing severe neglect. She was severely underweight, battling painful skin and ear infections, and plagued by internal and external parasites. To add to her trials, Bonnie underwent difficult surgeries to correct her eyelids and remove a cancerous mass.

Yet, Bonnie's spirit remained unbroken. In the warm embrace of a loving foster home, she found the care and comfort she desperately needed. This home, filled with compassion, eventually became her forever family –officially adopting her in December of 2023. We are also elated to share that each one of her 4 puppies went on to find loving homes of their own!

Your donation today helps us continue to support dogs and cats just like Gale and Bonnie above. We cannot do it without YOU! Make a donation today to help our rescue efforts!

Gale in Foster Gale in Recovery Bonnie Prior to Eye Surgery Bonnie’s Puppy Named Magenta
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Bonnie at Adoption
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MAKE A DONATION

Kitten Season

Kitten season is the time of year, usually in the spring, where litters are born in large numbers and kittens are found almost daily. This time of year is exceptionally tough on animal shelters who receive an overwhelming amount of these precious babies. There is a lot you can do to help alleviate this in your community, but let’s start with how you can help if you come across a litter yourself.

What to do when you find kittens

Did you come across a litter of kittens and their mother is nowhere in sight? Before you act, take a moment to assess the situation! In many cases, whisking the kittens away is not the best response. Kittens under 4 weeks of age have the best chance of survival if kept with their mom. If the kittens appear to be in poor condition this is when you should intervene. If they seem healthy, wait a few hours to see if mom returns. If she does not return and you are able to take the kittens, please contact HSP at (727) 797-7722. HSP is always in need of fosters! During kitten season, we need you the most. We provide all the supplies and guidance you would need to help the kitten(s) grow. Are you not able to foster? No problem. Please contact HSP, another local rescue, or your local vet and consider donating to support.

HSP is proud to have cared for over 740 kittens and their mommas in 2023. We could not do it without dedicated staff, fosters and supporters like YOU! Below are some of the kittens we rescued in 2023.

How You Can Help

Spay/neuter your pets: Help us reduce the chance of surprise litters by always getting your cat spayed or neutered, even if they are strictly an indoor cat.

Donate: Supplies are used quickly to care for these babies and we are always in need of more. Whether it be in-kind gifts from our wishlists (Amazon, Chewy), or a monetary donation, we need you!

Volunteer: Help out at the shelter when you can. Any amount of time you can offer can make a difference in caring for these little guys.

Foster: It’s easy! Our team provides everything you need to help care of a litter of kittens and will give you all the guidance. Become a temporary home for a few cuties.

Adopt: If you’ve been considering adopting a new feline friend, this season is an excellent time to do it! Every pet adopted means we have the ability to take in another who needs our help.

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to Learn More
Scan Miso - Currently in Foster Sesame - Currently in Foster Baby - Nursing Mom Cat Stella - Nursing Mom Cat Feta and Havarti The Bean Kittens

Upcoming Events

04.18.24

Happy Tails

04.26.24

Bark in the Ballpark

08.23.24

Bark in the Ballpark

09.21.24

Walk for Whiskers

10.04.24

Paws for a Cause

Scan the QR code to view upcoming events.

Supporter Highlights - Bindi’s Buddies

Adam and Amy have donated over 36,000 lbs of food, litter, and toys since 2017 in loving memory and honor of their precious Corgi, Bindi.

In July of 2007, Bindi joined the family of Adam and Amy, changing their lives forever. She was the light of their lives. She loved playing with her tennis ball more than anything and they called her Bindi St. Louis because she was fast and agile, just like the Lightning’s Marty. But in September of 2016, they were dealt a devastating blow. Bindi had developed an electrical conduction abnormality in her heart and they wouldn’t have much time left with her. They lost Bindi on Amy’s birthday, March 7th, just a month before what would’ve been Bindi’s 10th birthday.

Anger and grief are bitter pills to swallow, so they decided to do something to honor their Bindi; they couldn’t save her, but they could try to help other people and their pets. They held a pet food drive with friends, colleagues, and family which collected over a thousand pounds total! But a funny thing happened – the donations kept coming….so they decided to just keep asking. This was the beginning of Bindi’s Buddies monthly pet food collection.

Thank You, Bindi’s Buddies for helping us help animals in need. Your story touches our hearts and your generosity is a beautiful way to remember Bindi. THANK YOU! Follow them on Facebook @Bindi’sBuddies to follow their journey.

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Donation Drop Off Jan. 2024
Paws for a Cause 2022 Bindi at the Beach Happy Tails 2023 Walk for Whiskers 2023
8 HUMANE SOCIETY OF PINELLAS 3040 STATE ROAD 590 CLEARWATER, FL 33759 Get Involved - Scan to Learn More! ADOPTDONATE VOLUNTEERFOSTER 3040 State Road 590 Clearwater, FL 33759 NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE P A I D TAMPA, FL PERMIT 3311

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