TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Group Strives To Comfort Shelter Animals

ADVERTISEMENT

By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

IN THE LOOP

Published: December 24, 2008

At any given time, some 200 dogs and cats call the kennels at Pasco County Animal Services home. While they are fed and medically cared for, the four-legged residents lack the extras that can make their stay more comfortable.

This is the precisely the need that the Friends of Animal Services of Pasco County wants to address.

Abbey Cox, president of the nonprofit organization, said she and the other members of the Friends are trying to make life better for the animals by providing items like toys, bedding and blankets.

"We raise money for things the county is not allowed to buy or can't afford to buy for the shelter," Cox said.

Last year, the organization had a Toys for Tails dog and cat toy drive, which netted more than 200 toys and the group is hoping to be able to do the same this year. Boxes for donations will be at various locations throughout Pasco County until mid-January.

"The last thing they can afford is to buy toys for the animals, but they are good because they help the animals to be more adoptable," Cox said. "The dogs can burn off steam by playing with the toys and then when families come in they are better behaved."

Since the shelter animals typically only get one toy, Rosemary Lyons, education coordinator and Friends liaison for the county, said it is better if the toys are practically indestructible. She said it's best to steer clear of stuffed toys or those that have glitter on them.

The best are "rubber toys that are very durable" for all sizes of dogs and cats, Lyons said.

In addition to the toy drive, the organization has also helped animal services in other ways. For example, it raised $3,000 to build a 10,000-square-foot enclosure to enable the dogs to exercise. Dubbed the Shelter Pets Run & Exercise Enclosure, or SPREE for short, the addition has made a big difference at animal services, Lyons said.

Once the toy drive is over, the friends group will set its sights on the Pet Fair at the Shelter, which is set for Feb. 14.

The fundraiser is being held to raise money for heart-worm treatment medication.

Festivities will include pictures with pets, a kissing booth and the friends will pay $10 towards any adoptions made that day.

For more information about Pasco County Animal Services, visit pascocountyfl.net or for more information about the Friends of Animal Services for Pasco County, visit fpcas.org.

The shelter is located at 19640 Dog Patch Lane in Land O' Lakes.

Reporter Suzanne M. Schmidt can be reached at (813) 948-4288 or sschmidt@mediageneral.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT