Hotels Roll Out the Welcome Mat for Pets and Their People
If your vacation dreams include Fido lounging by the pool…you are in luck! A variety of hotel and motel chains are not only pet friendly…but offer amazing services to ensure the comfort of your Fido or Felix! All that is left to do is get the all clear from your vet, learn your destination’s pet policies and hit the road.
Quality Inn & Suites near Ybor City and the Fairgrounds is a new hotel and they want to meet your pets! Quality Inn has a $25.00 pet fee and no weight limit. They have had cats, dogs and even a ferret or two sign their guest book. Quality Inn is part of the Choice Hotel group which includes other names you may know such as Sleep Inn, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Clarion and others.
Choice Hotels has over 2,500 pet friendly hotels across the country…so chances are, a Choice Hotel will be where you are vacationing. Their website also offers pet safety and travel tips. Visit: www.choicehotels.com.
Westin Harbour Island greets your under 40lb pet with a Westin Heavenly Bed, food mat, food bowls and a goody bag. Leave your collar, leash and food at home? They’ve got those items on hand!
Westin is part of the Starwood Hotel Group which is the parent company of Westin, Sheraton, W Hotels, Four Points and others. This world-wide company offers many pet friendly hotels. Visit their website to find one! www.starwoodhotels.com
Looking for a smaller, boutique hotel? Hotel Indigo is the one for you! The boutique hotel chain is part of the Intercontinental Hotel Group and offers 36 unique hotel experiences world-wide. The Hotel Indigo I spoke with is located in the heart of St. Petersburg and offers access to pet friendly restaurants, dog parks and more! Visit www.ichotelsgroup.com
If your idea of a vacation includes spa time, gourmet meals and a lot of pampering…and you want the same for your dog…you must visit either the glamorous Ritz Carlton or a posh Loews Hotel.
The Ritz Sarasota offers a Privileged Pup program wherein your under 20lb Fido can enjoy either a Therapeutic Swedish, Full Body Relaxation, Invigorating Sports or Senior pet massage. All massages are 60 minutes and cost $130. Organic meals prepared by request. www.ritzcarlton.com
Loews Hotels have a motto: Loews Loves Pets! And they certainly do. From spa packages at the Loews Don Cesar to Su ‘Ruff lessons at Loews Coronado Bay your pet will be nothing but spoiled. Loews has a low pet fee of $25 and no weight limit! www.loewshotels.com
State and local laws will dictate what each hotel can offer and allow. A quick phone call to your destination will give you all of the information you need for a fur fabulous vacation!!
The Origin of the Dog
July 25, 2010 by admin
Filed under Health & Wellness
There are varying opinions on when the first domesticated dog entered the world. The most recent studies have shown approximately 15,000 years ago. What most scientists agree about is that the closest ancestor to the domesticated dog is the Eurasian Grey Wolf. Prior to this, there were wolves, coyotes and yackals and most likely wild canines (which were not domesticated and probably were very different from what we think of a dog today).
The domesticated dog is part of the Canidae family, a diverse group of carnivores which contains 36 extant species. This first known family of carnivores came on the scene about 40 million years ago and includes wolves, jackals, and foxes, as well as the coyote, the maned wolf, the bush dog, the African wild dog, the Dhole and the racoon dog. Within this family, the dog is most closely related to wolves, jackals and the coyote, as these canines all have the same number of chromosomes and are all capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring. Although all of the above are potential ancestors of the domestic dog, after years of scientific studies and most recently the study of DNA sequences, it is believed that the wolf is the most probably relative. There is a high probability that dogs and yackals or dogs and coyotes interbred over time. Research has also shown that the domesticated dogs most likely originated from Asia.
Keeping in mind that domesticated dogs are only one species in the Canidae family, it is interesting to note that 35 species of wild canines can be found from the tropics to the tundra. Some include the maned wolf who lives in the grasslands, the fennec fox who lives in the desert, the arctic fox who lives in the arctic, the grey fox who lives in the forest and the coyote who is a jack of all trades. With the exception of the arctic the coyote can survive anywhere.
As natural selection governs life in the wild, domesticated dogs are governed by artificial selection. Beginning thousands of years ago dogs of many sizes and shapes appear in archaeological and artistic records. Dogs were bred for hunting, working, herding, protection, etc. Today there are over 400 breeds of domestic dogs and most were establish after 1850. The desire for pure bred dogs began around this time.
There is so much more I could write on this subject but just not enough room! The bottom line is whether you have a 2lb Chihuahua or a 200lb Mastiff they all are descendents of the wolf. They are pack animals who need a strong leader (YOU). It is important that you are the boss over your dog. This means you should always be able to take food away from your dog, put him in a down position, and handle every part of his body without his objection. This will develop a stable and happy pack.
If you are interested in the history of the dog I encourage you to visit the following websites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origin_of_the_domestic_dog
www.canidae.ca/dog
How to Choose a Good Trainer
How to Choose a Good Trainer
We know many of you added a new four legged friend to your family over the holidays. Now is the perfect time to think about teaching the new dog a few tricks and pleasant manners around people and other animals.
Training your dog should be fun! A skilled and professional dog trainer employs humane training methods which are not harmful to the dog and/or handler
A competent instructor will allow and encourage you to observe a class prior to making the decision to enroll. In a well-run class, dogs and people will be enjoying themselves and having a successful learning experience. Look for an instructor who is approachable and who encourages participants to have a good time. If space permits, an instructor should welcome and encourage all family members and others who interact with the dog to attend class.
A skilled class instructor will:
- Provide a clear explanation of each lesson.
- Demonstrate the behavior(s) that students will be teaching to their dogs.
- Give students ample time in class to begin practicing the day’s lesson.
- Assist students individually with proper implementation of techniques.
- A skilled and professional trainer will encourage dialogue and be courteous to both canine and human clients alike.
Remember, a well behaved dog makes a happy owner!
Article information courtesy of http://www.apdt.com/po/ts/choose_trainer.aspx
The Importance of the Walk
July 25, 2010 by admin
Filed under Excercise, Health & Wellness
If you are like me, by the time you get home from a full day of work and everything else you do after 5pm, the last thing you want to do is walk your dog. So, you resort to throwing the ball in your back yard a few times or wrestling the dog in your apartment to get out that pent up energy.
The dog may actually seem a bit tired after this minor activity….panting and frequenting his water bowl. Most likely, within the next 30 minutes your dog has just as much energy as he did when you first walked through the door. Trust me; he has MUCH more energy to get out of his system.
Unused energy can manifest itself in several ways. If, your dog is showing signs of anxiety, nervousness or aggression most of this can be remedied by walking. I know it sounds crazy and if you are a Caesar Milan fan you know with EVERY client he meets, the dog is not getting the exercise he needs.
If you consider that dogs are truly pack animals the idea of the walk makes sense. When their ancestors lived in the wild they were always on the go. Hunting and foraging for food and water was their daily routine. It meant survival. Walking as a pack gave them not only the exercise they needed but also a sense of purpose and an understanding of their role within the pack. Even though dogs have evolved over the years, they are still pack animals and need to maintain their rightful place within YOUR pack. Walking will create this bond with your dog and give him a sense of purpose.
Now, many of you are probably saying my dog pulls or my dog hates walking! The pulling part is easy to fix as is the hating the walk part. Here are a few recommendations:
- Use the correct leash and collar. I am not a big fan of the retractable leash. Especially when you are training your dog to walk nicely. Retractable leashes give the dog far too much reign over the walk and it can cause accidents to occur. I broke my hand a few years ago using one of these!
Small dogs seem to do well on a harness. If they where a collar and you are constantly pulling on it, you could potentially injure their trachea. Harnesses will apply pressure to the chest and not the neck.
Larger breeds can do well with a Halti, Gentle Leader or a prong collar. I know many people believe that a prong collar is cruel but I think it is just misunderstood. But, this is for another article!
Using a sturdy leather leash is better than nylon, cotton or other material. Leather leashes give the dog less room to pull and are very strong. These are highly recommended for medium to large breed dogs.
2. Consult a trainer. If you are really having trouble walking your dog, consult a trainer. Many of them will provide a phone consultation for free. There are group classes and private lessons that you can choose from as well. Interview a few potential trainers and go from there. It may only take a lesson or two to get you and your dog on the right track.
3. If your dog hates walking, begin going on short romps around the neighborhood and lure him with treats. After you return home, give him a lot of praise and a very special treat of some sort. In this way, he will begin to realize that walking means great rewards!
Collars, Leashes, Harnesses, Haltis, Gentle Leaders…Oh MY!
I have written in the past about the importance of the walk and some of the most common collars and leashes available to help you and your four legger make it around the block. As promised, here is more information on gear to control your wayward pooch!
Buckle Collar
The standard buckle collar if sized properly will allow for a secure fit around the neck and provides less of an opportunity for the collar to slip off during walks or play. These collars typically come in a variety of colors, styles and material and are great for attaching an identification or license. This collar is not necessarily good for a dog that is a constant puller while being walked. Often dogs that are pullers will gag or choke when exerting force against these types of collars. Special attention should be given to those feisty small breeds who insist on walking you! If pulled too hard, harm could be done to their windpipe.
Head Collar (Halti or Gentle Leader)
The head collar (not to be confused with a muzzle) fits around the bridge of the dog’s muzzle and neck. The head collar allows minimal force while allowing maximum control in moving your dog in the desired direction. This collar is excellent for those dogs that are pullers and for those owners who don’t feel comfortable with a choker or prong collar. The combination of this collar and proper training can do wonders in making your walks enjoyable for both you and your dog.
While initially your dog may seem uncomfortable with this collar (pawing at it or refusing to move) over time and patience they will adjust. If used incorrectly or if the dog is pulled with too much force strained neck muscles could result.
Martingale Collar
The martingale collar is a slip collar that has limited capability to tighten. (think of a choker collar covered with material). This allows the dog to be comfortable while still giving the owner some control. While the collar does not easily come off the dog’s neck even when back pulling, it is not very effective for those dogs that are constant pullers.
Harnesses
A standard harness wraps to a dog’s body and when fitted appropriately provides good comfort while minimizing pressure on the neck. The standard harness is typically effective for controlling little dogs that pull. It is not very effective however for big dogs since they can utilize the full force of their legs and chest to pull.
*There are certain no-pull harnesses available which vary pressure between the dog’s front legs and chest to provide the necessary control.
Choke Collar
Many trainers and owners use the standard Choke collar. To be used correctly, the timing and release of the correction must be mastered. It is a quick jerk that is applied at a correct angle, speed and with proper timing. Many trainers are able to use this type of collar flawlessly, but it is very difficult for the average dog owner to learn. If you are using a choke collar and notice that most of the time your dog is pulling and gagging…this may not be the correct collar for you.
Prong Collar
Widely misunderstood, the Prong Collar dates back 2,000 years to the Monks of New Skete. They used the collar as a training device as does modern day training phenom Cesar Milan. The concept of the prong collar is to apply pressure evenly around the neck which is much gentler and safer for the dog. The smaller the links the more effective the correction. It has limited tightening capacity unlike most choke and slip collars. Unlike the prong collar’s even pressure, Choke collars provide a quick jerk and impact. The standard buckle collar provides a steady, relentless pressure on the neck.
Of course prior to using ANY collar that has a tightening capability (Prong, Choke, Martingale or Slide) consult a trainer and learn how to use it correctly. In the wrong hands, a collar with unlimited closing capacity can cut a dog’s air off completely. Using a correctly executed and effective correction will work after just a few tries. Whereas, an ineffective correction will never train what you wish and can either harm or instill worse habits.
Everyone has their own experience. Some folks say that a harness works on their 85 lb lab and others effectively use a choke collar on a smaller breed. Use what works…just make sure you are using it correctly!
Greening Your Pets Environment
It seems that each day we are given more and more information on interesting ways to help save our environment. Reusable shopping bags, energy efficient cars, flooring made of environmentally friendly bamboo, fluorescent light bulbs, etc. In that vain, there is much you can do in the way of your pet supply purchases and daily pet care habits to ensure a safer tomorrow.
First and foremost…help eliminate plastic! When shopping at your favorite pet boutique or pet retail chain, consider reusing bags. I know many of our Wag customers comment that they have so many “Wag” bags at home and wish they had thought to bring them on their shopping spree.
I know that many of us use grocery store plastic bags to pick up our dog’s waste while walking. A more “green” alternative is to use biodegradable waste bags. There are many brands to choose from in this category. The newest and most innovative are made by Flush Puppies. They are biodegradable AND flushable. They actually dissolve in water and are large enough to use with dogs of all sizes.
Feeding organic treats is an extremely eco-friendly way to say “good job” to your favorite four legger. Organic products are made without the use of pesticides and hormones which are bad for the environment. If you don’t feed organic, at the very least feed all natural treats and food. Products labeled “all natural” do not use preservatives and have many of the same qualities that organic foods contain. Wagatha’s, Monzies and Smart Dog Treats are a few examples.
Toy manufacturers have really jumped on the earth friendly bandwagon. You can find toys that are made from recycled soda bottles; natural, non toxic rubber; recycled rubber from left over toy material and some are even made organically. Yes, that is correct, organic toys. The Simply Fido Toy collection is made from organically grown cotton! The toys are softer to the touch due to improved soil fertility and harvesting methods.
Because of its relatively short growth cycle of 100-120, Hemp materials are extremely eco friendly. Earth Dog and Planet Dog make a wonderful line of Hemp collars and harnesses for small to extra large dogs.
Shampoos should be made with all natural ingredients, chemical free and made from biodegradable products. AromaPaws, Earthbath and TheraNeem are a few recommendations.
The easiest thing to do is to recycle your pet’s gently used toys, collars and leashes. Donate last season’s “gear” to the Humane Society, Animal Services or other rescue organization. These groups are in constant need of supplies.
Stuff the Turkey Not the Dog
July 25, 2010 by admin
Filed under Health & Wellness, Nutrition
It is so tempting to “give a dog a bone”…or a piece of juicy turkey, or, gravy covered mashed potatoes or….you get the point. They look at you with those sad, sad eyes and there is absolutely food everywhere! I know! Although the average American gains a pound or two over the holidays, that shouldn’t hold true for our canines and felines.
The fresh aroma of turkey basting in the oven, along with creamy gravy simmering on the stove and pies on the table will have your dog drooling. During this month and the next, it is important to watch the health and safety of our pets. Here are a few tips to help avoid an unwanted trip to the emergency vet or a sick pet at the party.
- Keep your pet on their standard diet. Avoid giving them turkey or other meats, since this can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea, all of which can ruin the celebration.
- Keep aluminum foil, plastic wrap, plastic bags and wax paper away from pets. Disposing of these items properly can prevent accidental intestinal blockage while trying to lick the last morsel of gravy from the cover.
- While a wishbone may bring you a great wish, it can bring your dog an unwanted problem. Any brittle or splintering bone, wish or otherwise, can become lodged in their esophagus as well as puncture a hole in their intestines.
- Discourage friends and family from feeding your dog extra snacks and scraps. Snacks that are high in salt (chips and peanuts) and other fatty foods can cause Pancreatitis, which is a life-threatening condition.
- While chocolates may taste great, they contain theobromine which can be hazardous to your pet’s health. Baker’s chocolate is the highest in theobromine and can cause the most problems.
- As with any holiday, see that your pet has a safe haven to move to…away from the festivities. This will give your pet a much needed “Time-Out” from the hustle of the holiday.
- Make sure that your pet has their identification tags on during all parties or get togethers. With people coming in and out of the house it is very easy for your pet to wander through and open door. It is also helpful to get your pet micro-chipped. Most animal shelters have devices to scan for these chips and to identify the owner quickly.
Dogs in History
Our pets have made a significant impact on our lives and we know that just like the famous German Shepherd star, Rin Tin Tin, they should all have their own paw print on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
I have heard remarkable stories from many of you over the years… of your dogs helping when you were ill, alerting you of an unsafe situation, being featured in a movie or commercial, participating in pet therapy at local hospitals and nursing homes or simply having wiggled their way into your heart.
I thought for this month it would be nice to highlight a few pets that have made history. Some impressed us early on as our favorite childhood TV. icons. Others we have heard about on the news or read about in the paper. You may have not heard about a few of them…but they are all extraordinary.
Beginning with a dog we all know and love….Lassie. Lassie was originally a short story created for the Saturday Evening Post in 1938. The first major motion picture was produced in 1943 and Lassie hit the small screen in 1954. Who can forget the heart warming story of Lassie and her owner Timmy? Lassie, the Collie star, was a prime example of Sunday night wholesome family entertainment. A few interesting facts: There have been nine dogs that have played Lassie over the years….and they have all been male! Male dogs were used because of their thicker coats. During shedding season, male dogs retain a thicker coat than females therefore looking better on camera!!
Moving on to a very famous animated dog….Snoopy. Snoopy has certainly evolved over the years from his first appearance in the famous comic strip Peanuts in 1950. Did you know that he was a silent character for the first two years and uttered his first word via a thought balloon in 1952? He also started out on all fours and in 1956 began walking upright like a human. This soon became commonplace. Snoopy moved out of his doghouse to the top of his doghouse in 1958. From then on he rarely ventured back inside.
He is arguably the most identified character of the comic strip Peanuts and the following animated films. I read Snoopy’s wikipedia site to learn more about his history and I have to admit it brought back very fond memories and a ton of laughs. It is definitely worth a read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snoopy.
You may have heard the story about an Australian canine, Leo. This terrier mix saved a litter of kittens from being lost in a house fire just last month. A fire broke out in the home and Leo refused to leave the building. Firefighters found him guarding the kittens until help arrived and they were taken safely away from the building. Both the kittens and Leo lived and are back in their home. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27381659/
How about the Miracle dog, Isabella, that adopted three tiger cubs that were rejected by their mother earlier this year? This happened at the Safari Zoological Park in Kansas. According to an interview conducted by CBS News, Isabella, the Golden Retriever, doesn’t know the difference between her puppies and the cubs. She licks, cleans and feeds them as it they are her own. Amazing! http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/30/ap/strange/main4309195.shtml
One of the best stories of this year had to have been the story of Willie, a Quaker Parrot, who saved a toddler from choking. The child’s babysitter was in the other room when the toddler began choking on a pop tart. Willie began screaming and flapping his wings…saying Momma Baby Momma Baby over and over again. The babysitter thought that the cat must be after Willie, but upon entering the room realized it was the baby. She performed the Heimlich maneuver and the situation turned out fine. Willie had his 15 minutes of national fame! http://www.necn.com/Boston/Nation/Unlikely-hero-saves-toddlers-life-/1226511087.html
Interested to know who many consider the “Most Famous” dogs in recent history? If you are…read on! The list of the 10 Most Famous Dogs of the 20th Century include:
Fala- the beloved Scottish Terrier belonging to FDR
Togo- the famous sled dog who is responsible for Siberian Huskies being established as an official dog breed in the U.S.
Snoopy- famous comic strip character, “Yesterday I was a dog. Today I’m a dog. Tomorrow I’ll probably still be a dog. Sigh! There’s so little hope for advancement.”
Rin Tin Tin- the German Shepherd star of the big screen
Lassie- Of all of the fictional dogs in history, Lassie has probably had the longest run
Scooby Doo- everyone’s favorite Great Dane
Balto- the Alaskan Malamute sled dog that was part of the 1925 serum run from Nome to Anchorage
Eddie- the hit of the sitcom Frasier
Old Yeller- one of Walt Disney’s best loved films
Gidget- “¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!”
Even if your pet hasn’t performed an amazing feat to make the papers or even to get him off of the couch…he is terrific anyway and deserving of a lot of love this holiday season and in the new year ahead!
Fido’s Top Five
So it’s January 1st and you are probably still recouping from weeks of holiday parties and over a month of too much of this and too little of that. You most likely have made your list of resolutions for the year ahead or at least have thought about what you would like to get out of 2010. I know I have. Get back to the gym, limit desserts, lose at least two inches from my waistline…the list goes on and on. Baking a bag of cookies for each of my customers resulted in me eating all imperfect cookies and lots and LOTS of raw cookie dough. Yes, GROSS is right!
Well, I can tell you that your pet has his or her own ideas to kick off the New Year. I like to think that Fido’s top five go something like this:
- I resolve to make counter surfing an Olympic sport.
- I resolve to deconstruct every new toy…the stuffing is supposed to be on the outside right?
- I resolve to pull on every walk. C’mon…this helps build your muscles. Less gym time for you and more time for MEEE!!
- I resolve to welcome each person that visits our home by trying to lick them on the nose and sniffing them in all of the “right” places.
- I resolve to keep the furniture warm while you are away. I really like how my hair adds to the décor. It’s the furry look you’re going for…right?
If this resembles your dog take heart…there is help. Or, if you have brought a new puppy into your home over the holidays…this top five list probably feels more like a top twenty five. Puppies bring even more to the table including: puppy biting, potty training, socializing, sleeping through the night, learning their NAME, coming when YOU call them…etc.
There is a variety of training options out there but I encourage you to pick one and get to it! No dog is too old to train but the sooner you start the easier it is. Your training options are:
Read a book- there are plenty of them out there…just choose your style and get reading!
Group Class- classes are offered at large “box” pet stores, pet neighborhood specialty stores and trainers who use outdoor space e.g. a vet’s parking lot, etc. Classes can range in size from three dogs to fifteen or more.
Private Lessons- these can be done in your home or at a training facility. These are classes where your dog is the star student…because he is the only student.
Boot Camp- this is literally a doggie sleep away camp. You drop your pooch off and a couple of weeks later pick up a dog that has skills under his belt.
Whatever you decide to do, the most important thing is to be consistent, spend time practicing with your pooch and let others know that your dog is in training…so they won’t enable bad behaviors.
Prices range! You can spend a $100 or more for a session of group classes to a couple of thousand for a boot camp. Do a bit of research and decide what is right for you and your dog!
Need a recommendation? Please feel free to contact me at jennfadal@yahoo.com and we can discuss your pet’s particular needs.
A Look Inside Foster Rescue
July 25, 2010 by admin
Filed under Animal Rescue, Jenn's Columns
There are pet people and then there are PET people. I am so fortunate to work with some of the most amazing pet people in my line of work. Men and women that give not a second thought to rescuing one, two, three or more strays. Individuals that spend their weekends not lunching, golfing or resting but at adoption events talking up their brood to passersby.
The job that these dedicated folks do is called fostering. Or, the keeping of dogs or cats in need of adoption in homes rather than at a shelter until a permanent family is found.
Typically, fostered animals make wonderful pets. Issues, if any, are usually worked out while in their temporary home. This makes sense…they are living with other animals, learning to follow a routine and are handled by many at adoption events.
Sharon Espinola, the president of St. Francis Society Animal Rescue has been involved with rescue for years. She says that she has been with St. Francis so long that she can not remember how she learned about it originally.
How does St. Francis differ from other rescue organizations? According to Sharon, her group is the only rescue group in the area that cares for and adopts out dogs AND cats. Sharon says “We’ve been around a long time, since 1997, and we were the first organization that focused on no-kill, as the history goes.” In fact St. Francis found permanent homes for 904 cats and dogs in 2009 and early 2010!
A few important facts:
- Today, all foster groups in our area focus on no-kill
- Foster dogs come from shelters, owner surrenders and are often found abandoned on the side of the road
- Most groups work together to network dogs and find a good permanent fit
- Area veterinarians provide discounted rates to foster groups oftentimes
- Foster rescue organizations are run 100% by volunteers
- These groups are funded by donations and private grants
Dogma Rescue is a newer rescue organization founded by three young women who had been involved with other groups in the past. They decided to take everything they learned, put their own twist on it and see what happened.
Currently, 30 dogs are in foster care and Dogma has had great success adopting out their dogs on a weekly basis.
Amy Howland, one of the rescue’s founders, explains Dogma as an all-breed, all-shape and all-size dog rescue. They do not discriminate. She says that she and co-founders Melissa Weitzenfeld and Ann-Marie Pearson never really made a conscious decision to become foster parents to dogs in need but all had a life-long knack of finding and caring for strays. This eventually led to each woman getting involved with a reputable foster organization, learning the ropes and starting their own.
Amy has a message for anyone considering fostering: “The thing we hear people say most is that they are afraid to foster because they would keep the dog. But when you see a dog go to not just a “good” home, but an AMAZING home, where you know that dog is going to be the Center of the Household Universe, you really can do it! The family is forever grateful to us for their dog and we are forever grateful to them for opening up their hearts and home to a rescue dog.”
When you speak to either Sharon from St. Francis, Amy from Dogma or the men and women from any other rescue organization, the heart warming stories abound. At the same time, their needs are great. EVERY rescue group needs foster parents; EVERY group needs funds to operate.
To get involved with either of these wonderful organizations, whether as a volunteer, foster parent or to financially support, please see their contact information below:
St. Francis Society Animal Rescue
PO Box 261614
Tampa, FL 33685-1614
813-830-7251
Dogma Rescue
533 S. Howard Ave, Ste 8
PMB 42
Tampa, FL 33606
I’d like to leave you with this sentiment:
“I’ve been involved with the organization eight plus years….I love the work. It’s the eyes of the dogs and cats we care for…that’s what gets me and has kept me involved. When I stare into the eyes of a homeless dog or cat I see something that is hard to put into words, but I’ve often said it’s in those eyes that I see hope. There are no judgments, only the desire to be loved,” Sharon Espinola, St. Francis Society Animal Rescue.
Won’t you consider fostering?
