2022 Summer Making Tracks

2022 Summer Making Tracks

SUMMER 2022

Humane Society of Tampa Bay

A SHATTERED LEG DID NOT SEAL HIS FATE Read how HSTB gave Snowflake a second chance at life and love, page 4.

LEADING THE WAY BECAUSE EVERY LIFE COUNTS™

IN THIS ISSUE

LEADERSHIP & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Sherry Silk BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mary Scott President

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LETTER FROM THE CEO

Sarah Glaser Vice President Phil Nodhturft III Treasurer Nancy Newman Secretary Morris Massey Member at Large Suzie Archibald Meredith Balasco Wyatt Castellvi Ryan Cook Liana Fuente Steven Hearn Diane Homa Rachel Ridley Jacalin Russo Laura L. Tatem Elise Zahn, DO

FEATURE STORY — SNOWFLAKE: A SHATTERED LEG DID NOT SEAL HIS FATE Beloved community cat with severely injured leg is saved by our veterinary staff and adopted into a loving forever home CARING FOR A COMMUNITY IN CRISIS The effect of the economic downturn on animals and how HSTB is helping

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Animals in Crisis , pg. 6 Hope and Healing, pg. 8 May All Be Fed , pg. 10 Safe Haven , pg. 11

HAPPY TAILS Adoption stories and alumni updates

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AN EVENING TO REMEMBER 2022 Island Paws Party

BOARD EMERITUS Linda Reitz

THANK YOU, VICTOR HEDMAN for defending animals on and off the ice

ADVISORY COUNCIL Pat Antinori Greg Balasco Mayor Jane Castor Lisa DeBartolo Nikki DeBartolo Lindsay Deignan Danita Dickman John Dingfelder Carol Schwartz Funk Commissioner Ken Hagan Bobby Harris Parker Homans Sandra Murman Kim Rogers Cherie Schonbrun Cathy Smith Andrea Gonzmart Williams

VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER / RECOGNITIONS

ASK ROVER Answers to pet parents’ most pertinent questions

SAVE THE DATE 2022 Tuxes & Tails – Aegean Odyssey

Making Tracks Editor: Maria Polins Layout and Design: Nash McCutchen Contributors: Gretel Harvey, Jeff Kanz, Valerie Hogan, Madison Kostka, Liz McCoy, Christine McLarty, Lisa Novorska, Sherry Silk, Ornella Varchi, Robyn Walker Photography, LLC

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Letter from the CEO

In the past few months, we have had quite a few people pull into our parking lot with all of their belongings in their car because they’d lost their homes and were living out of their vehicles. Then, they show us their beloved pet(s) who is living with them in the car. It is a heartbreaking sight and we are doing our best to keep up with

the demand of animals coming to our shelter due to these trying times. Owners like these do not want to give up their pets but they have no choice. The increase in the number of both stray animals and owned pets being brought to the shelter is a mounting problem and we are struggling to accommodate the influx. We have even had to turn some of these animals away due to all of our cages and runs being occupied. We aren’t alone, many other shelters are dealing with the same challenges. As you read through this newsletter you will learn about some of the programs we have put in place to help people who are struggling. I am asking our loyal supporters to please bring us any gently used dog and cat items such as leashes, collars, bedding, bowls and toys. When you are shopping, please pick up an extra bag of dog or cat food, if you can afford it, so we can share it with pet owners who are truly in desperate need. I realize that the economy is cyclical and things will improve, but the animals could really use your help now. We feel so fortunate to be located in this community where our dogs and cats are still being adopted every day, opening up cages for other animals who would otherwise be homeless. Thank you for your support as we continue in the hope that better times will come sooner rather than later, and thank you for caring for people and their pets.

The increase in the number of both stray animals and owned pets being turned in to the shelter is a mounting problem and we are struggling to accommodate the influx.

For the animals,

Chief Executive Officer [email protected]

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Feature Story

examination, it was clear that the injuries were so extensive that the leg could not be saved. His caretakers were concerned about his well-being and how he would survive outside with only three legs, so they decided to surrender him to our adoption program so that he could find a safe, indoor home where he could heal properly and thrive. Despite the pain he was in, Snowflake was a perfect patient, allowing us to handle him without protest and showing us lots of affection. He came through the surgery with flying colors and was up and moving with ease in no time. It didn’t take long for this handsome, gentle boy to find a loving family. His parents report that he doesn’t even realize he’s a tripod. He loves to do zoomies around the house before settling down on the couch for snuggles. Snowflake’s family recently brought him back to the shelter to get his staples out and he was still the flirtatious, patient boy we knew, but with a little extra pep in his step!

SNOWFLAKE HSTB steps in to heal and rehome a severely injured community cat. Snowflake, a free-roaming community cat, was a beloved member of one Tampa neighborhood. He was lovingly cared for by several residents and repayed their kindness with affectionate greetings and silly antics. One day, he showed up at a caretaker’s home with a shattered hind leg. It is impossible to know exactly what happened, but the injury was consistent with the kind of trauma sustained from being struck by a vehicle. With the current state of the economy, Snowflake’s caretakers could not afford veterinary care, so they brought him to the animal hospital for help. After

Photos from left to bottom right: Snowflake arrived at the shelter in pain and depressed; X-ray showing fracture in left hind leg; Snowflake’s post-amputation incision.

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Photos from top to bottom right: Snowflake getting post-surgery snuggles from an HSTB volunteer; Snowflake heads home with his new mom and dad; Snowflake takes selfies with his mom; Snowflake being a very good boy while staples are removed.

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was called to a grizzly scene where dozens of guinea pigs had been dumped behind a Walmart. Many of them, huddled together, died from exposure and starvation. It was a horrific scene that left our seasoned team shaken. While we don’t know the details of what happened, it is clear that someone had gotten in over their head with pets and was unable to care for them. Unfortunately, they made the inhumane and illegal decision to abandon these domesticated creatures, leaving them to fend for themselves in the wild. We understand the immense pressure of these troubling times, but this kind of action is never acceptable or excusable. Luckily, 14 of the guinea pigs survived and were treated at the shelter for dehydration, starvation and parasites, but were otherwise healthy enough to be adopted. We are thrilled to report that all 14 have recovered and been adopted

ANIMALS IN CRISIS The current economy is hitting the nation’s pets and shelters with a vengeance. During an economic crisis some of society’s most vulnerable citizens — the animals — are deeply affected. As loving pet owners struggle to make ends meet, many find themselves unable to afford basic veterinary care or pet food and are forced to make the difficult decision to surrender their animals to a shelter. Recent statistics show that shelters all over the United States are experiencing overcrowding. Even more disturbing is the uptick in animals being abandoned by desperate owners. Recently, the HSTB Rescue Team

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Caring for Community

into loving homes. An investigation into the abandonment is ongoing through Hillsborough County Animal Control. Additional examples of the economy’s devastating effects on pets and how the Humane Society of Tampa Bay is helping, can be found on pages 8 – 11. Photos clockwise from left opposite: 14 guinea pigs were rescued; images from the grizzly scene; HSTB Community Outreach Coordinator Liz Colley (left) and a Hillsborough County Animal Control Officer rescue the living pigs.

IF YOU NEED HELP CARING FOR YOUR PET Visit HumaneSocietyTampa.org or scan the flowcode on page 13 for information about: PET ASSISTANCE

Affordable Veterinary Care Free Pet Food and Supplies

PET REHOMING

Resources if you can’t keep your pet

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Caring for Community

JADA Jada’s mom called the Animal Hospital in distress because she was sure Jada was suffering from a blockage caused by a foreign body. She had recently lost her job and had been calling everywhere for help, but no one would see her without money. HSTB Director of Hospital Operations, Gretel Harvey, told the tearful dog mom not to worry about money and to come to the hospital right away for X-rays so we could get to the bottom of what was wrong with Jada. Just as her mom suspected, Jada had ingested several items, including metal shards, pieces of plastic and part of a drone! Without surgery, Jada’s life would be in serious danger. Our specialty surgeon, Dr. Justin Boorstein, worked on her right away to remove the objects, and the surgery was a success. Jada stayed in the hospital for a few nights so that

HOPE AND HEALING Providing affordable veterinary care for animals in need. The rising cost of veterinary care has been a challenge for years, but in this economic climate it has become catastrophic for families seeking medical help for their pets. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay has offered affordable veterinary services to the public at our Animal Hospital since 2012. We continued service throughout the global pandemic when many other animal welfare organizations were forced to close their doors. We will see this current crisis through, thanks to the generosity of our supporters and community. The stories on these pages illustrate just some of the ways HSTB is helping to keep pets in their homes with the people who love them.

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we could monitor her after the extensive procedure. She came through it all like a champ and when her mom came to pick her up there were smiles, hugs and tears of joy.

Photo opposite page: Animal Hospital staff fell in love with Jada’s sweet disposition. Photos below: The ingested debris that was causing Jada’s blockage; a smiling Jada and mom head home from the hospital.

Christopher and Ube reunited.

UBE Christopher and Amber adopted Ube from the shelter. When he stopped eating and started having blood in his urine, they brought him to the Animal Hospital for help. Diagnostics showed a diaphragmatic hernia. The surgery required to correct this condition is not something we regularly perform, but his owners could not afford a specialist, and without treatment, Ube would not survive. Dr. Boorstein agreed to operate and the cost was covered by our Save-a-Pet Medical Fund. The surgery was a success and Ube is now back at home – happy, healthy, and with his family.

Help us save the lives of pets like Jada & Ube: Scan to donate to HSTB’s “Save-A-Pet Fund.”

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MAY ALL BE FED HSTB Pet Pantry offers

food and more to families in need.

In order to meet the increasing need in the community, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay has expanded our already extensive food assistance services to include more hours and the addition of pet supplies. The “Pet Pantry – Food & More” is stocked with items donated from the public. You can help us continue providing this critical service by donating new or gently used items such as:

Food Toys Beds Crates Collars, Leashes & Harnesses Bowls

Donations are accepted daily from 9am to 5pm at the shelter and can also be placed in bins located around the shelter after hours. HSTB Pet Pantry – Food & More is open to the public every Tuesday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm in the shelter’s lower-level garage.

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Caring for Community

After a few weeks of rest, recovery and some socialization, Snow and both litters of puppies came back to the shelter and were quickly adopted. At seven years old, Gypsy needs a little more time in foster care to recuperate from what has likely been years of overbreeding and neglect. We are confident that it won’t be long until she returns to the shelter and finds a loving home. We are so glad that these beautiful families have left their troubled past behind and are well on their way to

SAFE HAVEN Two nursing moms and their puppies surrendered by owner who could not afford their care. Gypsy (top left) and Snow (top right) and their puppies (bottom) arrived at the shelter dirty, scared and covered in fleas. The bully breed mixes had clearly been neglected and would have been turned away by many shelters without the resources to care for them. Thankfully, our dedicated nursery and strong network of fosters allowed us to give these families save haven and nurse them back to health.

happily ever after. Donate to help us save more animals who have no other place to go.

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Happy Tails

COPPERTOP is one of the 14 guinea pigs* rescued from the horrific abandonment and abuse described on pages 6 and 7. The Velez family heard about the story on the news and came to HSTB to look at the little rescues. It didn't take long for Coppertop, who now goes by Gilbert, to win their hearts! He now gets to spend the rest of his days snuggled up with his very own girl, loved and safe from harm.

*All 14 guinea pigs were rehabilitated and adopted!

CHAMP is a deaf pup who was surrendered to HSTB when his family could no longer take care of his special needs. As fate would have it, Davelis Goutoufas came to the shelter looking for the perfect companion. When he saw Champ and learned about his circumstances, he knew that it was meant to be; Davelis is also deaf! Because Champ’s family had taught him some commands in sign language, the two were able to communicate immediately. The instant bond was a beautiful thing to see and we are so happy that Champ has found his person.

RAMBO came to HSTB when his owner became ill and could no longer care for him. Though he was gentle and loving with people, he did not get along well with other animals and was adopted and returned twice for this reason. During his last stay at HSTB, the sweet senior sat in his kennel for more than two months waiting to find a home where he could belong. When Goeryna and her children spotted Rambo on the website and read his story, they knew he was just the pup their home was missing!

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TABITHA was Juliette’s first cat and a treasured

companion for four wonderful years. From the moment they met at HSTB, Juliette and Tabitha were inseparable. The 12-year-old girl felt so lucky to have found such a sweet, snuggly cat who followed her around like a shadow. The one-year anniversary of Tabitha's death recently passed, and Juliette emailed us to share her story and to let us know we’ll be seeing her soon at the shelter. Although she is missing Tabitha dearly, Juliette is ready to honor her sweet companion by adopting and loving another one.

RESOURCES TO KEEP PETS IN THEIR HOMES HSTB understands that sometimes situations can force families to make the difficult decision to surrender a beloved pet. When that happens, HSTB is here to help care for, and place, these pets into new loving homes. However, our first objective is to keep animals OUT of the shelter and with the families that love them. To that end, there are several programs that were created to help people in our community keep their pets, even during difficult times. These programs include: FREE FOOD AND SUPPLIES through our Pet Pantry & Animeals Delivery Service FREE VACCINATIONS through annual community shot clinics AFFORDABLE VETERINARY CARE at our AAHA-accredited Animal Hospital

Scan for more information

If you find that you still need to rehome your pet, please consider one of the following rehoming services instead of surrendering your pet to a shelter. You will be able to create a profile for your pet and will have the opportunity to screen potential new homes to find the best fit for your pet. These services include:

HOME TO HOME: home-home.org ADOPT-A-PET.COM: adoptapet.com GET YOUR PET: getyourpet.com

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2022 ISLAND PAWS PARTY was a night to remember! More than 600 animal lovers came out to celebrate their support for HSTB. Amy Nelson was the Honorary Chair of the event and helped lead the most successful Island Paws Party to date. Thank you to all of the event sponsors who made the evening possible (listed on page 15). Their generosity helped raise the critical funds which allow us to care for homeless animals in the Tampa Bay community. SAVE THE DATE Join us for Island Paws 2023 on April 28 th at Water Works Park, overlooking the Hillsborough river and beautiful downtown Tampa.

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THANK YOU SPONSORS The Antinori Family Bubbles & Blowouts Beauty Lounge PNC Bank Scott Price & Kirsten Martinez TOP DOG

TOP PET

3 C’s Catering Frank Agliano, Amy Nelson & Duke

Cherie & Harvey Schonbrun Zahn Health Solutions

CONSTANT COMPANION

Wayne Altman at Woodbury Financial Greg & Meredith Balasco/Lakeland Automall Cheryl Ciccarello & Randy Stack Marlyn Cook & Ben Pethe Downtown Dogs Greenacre Properties, Inc

Live & Learn Compounding Pharmacy John & Letitia McKibbon Nancy Newman Phil & Melissa Nodhturft Mindy King Ogden Shumaker Karen Friedman & Tina Worrell

GTE Financial Diane Homa

TAIL WAGGERS

Gerry & Suzie Archibald Vern & Ann Barclay Blo Blow Dry Bar Jack & Yvette Boggs First Horizon Foundation

Al & Laurie Greco John & Ashley Guyton William P Hartwig Steve & Suzanne Hearn Lynn Moscinski

Murphy Family Enterprises The Davenport Group The Fountain Group

SUPPORTERS

AGoldPhoto Pet Photography Manny & Shannon Aguilar Alltrust Insurance Ava Restaurant Bella’s Italian Café Bravo K9 Tampa Davis Island Apartments Brian Deignan - Baycare Pediatric Orthopedics

Nelson & Kathy Diez Donica Law Firm, P.A. Sherry & Fred Dorsey Sarah Glaser Harris, Hunt, & Derr, P.A. Hyde Park Veterinary Clinic INVST - Branden Bunch Deborah Kent’s

Rob & Kim Lamke Steven & Ashley Lay Lou Lipari Katie & Tom Nealon Pappy-Jacks Custom Motorcycle Windshields Phil & Jacalin Russo

IN-KIND SPONSORS

81Bay Brewing Co. AFR Furniture Rental Allon Sams - Studio A of Tampa Bay Bay Stage Live

District South Dorene Collier’s Event Show Productions Hot Rocks Pizza Johnson Brothers of Florida Mike’s Hard Lemonade

Rey & Azul Rock & Brews St. Petersburg Distillery The Poke Company UDream Events White Claw

Cigar City Brewing Connie Duglin Linen

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THANK YOU, VICTOR HEDMAN for your eight-year partnership with HSTB

There are not words to adequately express our appreciation for Victor

Hedman's partnership and all that he has done for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. In 2014, he did the “Tough Guys Need Love Too” campaign to promote adoptions for bully breed dogs (scan below to watch commercial). In 2017, Victor, Steven Stamkos, and Bolts Better Halves led the Barks & Bolts calendar fundraiser. Victor chose HSTB as the recipient of donations from his custom T-shirt and hat sales, as well as several other donation drives over the years. Victor and his wife, Sanna, just completed their 2022 campaign to raise awareness and funds for HSTB. In addition to his fundraising support, Victor and Sanna have fostered puppies for us and promoted fostering to other Lightning families and fans. He has also been generous with his time, donating meet and greets to HSTB volunteers, staff and donors.

Scan to watch the commercial “Tough Guys Need Love Too” with Willy the dog and Victor Hedman

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Recognitions & Thanks

VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER - JULIETTE MICHIA

Juliette has been volunteering with HSTB since August 2021. She tried her hand at several different positions, but found her niche working at the Adoptions Desk. She volunteers 3 - 4 days per week and does so with amazing professionalism, compassion, and care. She has a sunny disposition and a contagious smile that makes every person feel seen and understood, from volunteers and staff to adopters.

One patron called with a glowing review: “Juliette was really helpful after our dog passed away. She was very supportive and she actually asked me for my name and number and at the end of the day, she actually called to check on me. She talked to me about coming back when I was ready to get a new puppy. So I definitely wanted to reach out and say, thank you guys for your support and thanks to Juliette! We will be coming back when we are ready for the next dog!”

Thank you Juliette, for your positive spirit and generous commitment to HSTB’s mission.

CORPORATE DONORS & PARTNERS

3C’s Catering 81Bay Brewing Company 93.3FLZ Abercrombie and Fitch AFR Furniture AGoldPhoto Pet Photography Ally Lamb Alpha Epsilon Pi, UT Chapter American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC) Anthem, Inc. April McCarty Ariela Rebman Boutique Baldwin Risk Partners Banko Overhead Doors Bay Stage Live Bayard Advertising Beach Bank BHHS Florida Properties Group Bridging Freedom CAE CBIZ Central Garden and Pet Cigar City Brewing Clover Investment Properties: Contractors, Closers and Connections Delanie’s Café Delanie DAS Health GRANT FUNDING Dolly’s Dream Armature Works Ashley Furniture

Davis Island Living Davis Spine Delta Zeta, UT Chapter Downtown Dogs The Dubliner Edward Jones Region 318 Elite Rewards Encompass Health FairyTail Pet Care Fanatics Fisher Investments Florida Eye Florida Museum of Photographic Arts Franklin Street The Fuente Companies General Mills Grand Dentistry Henry B. Plant Museum Hidden Springs Ale Works The Home Loan Expert Honor Thy Pet Ikea Invitation Homes JP Morgan Chase Junior League of Tampa Kathy Maxie Petsitting, LLC

Lake Magdalene Elementary Life’s Treasures Thrift Store Lightning Foundation Lithia Motors MacDill AFB Make-a-Wish Tampa Max Health McKnight Law Meat Market Meeting Professionals International Meredith Balasco NB Home Team Nestle Purina Pet Care Offerpad Tampa PAR Pet Supplies Plus Petco – Westshore PetSmart – Wesley Chapel Postcard Mania Power Design PPK Advertising Rare Drop Co. Rent It Network Rotary Club of Tampa Foundation Royal Canin Royal Pets Market & Resort RPh on the Go, LLC Sam’s Club SBF, CPA

Schwarzkopf Elementary Snell Island Living Stetson Law Tampa Campus Syniverse Tampa Elks Lodge 708 Tampa General Hospital Target

Tender Touch Pet Care Three Oaks Hospitality Tito’s Vodka Topgolf Total Quality Logistics

TransferWise Turning Point

US Coast Guard Tampa USF Federal Credit Union Victor and Sanna Hedman Wakely Wal-Mart Pharmacy Walker Middle Magnet School WEDU WellMed White Claw World of Beer Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla Ye Mystic Krewe of Nautilus

Katie Sommers Kendra Scott –

Hyde Park Village Krew of Les Belles Femme

Petco Foundation

Petco Love

PetSmart Charities

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is a 501c3 organization and does not receive funding from the state, federal government, or any national animal groups, including HSUS and ASPCA.

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Dear Rover

DEAR ROVER: How can I get my puppy to stop biting? -WOUNDED

Dear Wounded: Though biting is normal behavior in teething puppies, it is important to train them not to bite or the behavior will become more dangerous and difficult to correct when they reach adulthood. Redirect the behavior by giving your puppy chew toys, tug ropes, and balls to alleviate their need to chew. When biting occurs - stop play and all attention immediately, and leave for a short time, then come back and resume play and attention. If biting occurs again, repeat the exercise to teach your puppy that playing “nicely” gets rewarded. DEAR ROVER: Why does my cat keep going to the bathroom everywhere but in the litter box? -SMELLY HOUSE Dear Smelly House: There are several reasons why your cat might be eliminating outside of the litter box. Here are the most common reasons: 1. MEDICAL ISSUE - have your vet examine your cat and do a urinalysis. 2. MULTIPLE SPECIES - other cats, dogs and even small children can cause cats to avoid their litter box. Make sure your litter boxes are uncovered and away from other animals, even the human kind. 3. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION - real estate matters. Make sure the litter box (or boxes) is located in a socially significant spot in your home, as it defines territory to a cat. And remember, you will need to have at least one litter box per cat.

ROVER A loveaBULL pet care expert!

DEAR ROVER: I am looking to adopt a dog, and I have noticed a lot of pit bulls in my local shelter. I have heard that they are aggressive dogs. Is that true? -CANINE CONFUSED Dear Canine Confused: Great question! I can tell you, from personal experience, that pit bulls are not innately aggressive. ALL dogs are a product of their environment; studies have found that only 9% of behavior is attributed to their breed. All dogs, no matter the breed, require a daily, family commitment to training, socializing and compassion, in addition to proper diet, medical care and shelter. Meeting their needs as one of your family members will ensure a happy addition to your pack.

Have questions for Rover? Submit them to [email protected] with “Dear Rover” in the subject line.

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HUMANE SOCIETY OF TAMPA BAY presents

An evening benefiting the animals of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay

PRESENTING SPONSOR

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE: 813.876.4150 | [email protected]

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The Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s Retail Store has everything a doting pet parent needs! FROM • Food, Bowls & Toys • Cat Litter & Dog Waste Supplies • Bedding & Crates • Leashes, Collars & Clothing • Shampoo, Grooming Tools & Flea/Tick Preventative TO • Exclusive HSTB Merch for animal-loving humans of all ages

OPEN 10AM – 5PM DAILY in the Shelter Lobby or scan below to purchase items online

SUBSCRIBE Bring this coupon to the HSTB Retail Store or use code SUMMER22 online.

Expires August 31, 2022 Non-transferable | Not redeemable for cash

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