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SPCA Suncoast Gets Makeover, Plans Events

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By CARL ORTH, The Suncoast News

Published: September 15, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - The 44-year-old Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals chapter here has been facing something akin to a midlife crisis.

Because of a cash crunch, six part-time employees were let go last week, director Martha Murray said, leaving the 15 full-time staff members to pick up the slack.

The nonprofit organization, which recently changed its name from SPCA of West Pasco to SPCA Suncoast, still continues to find homes for about 150 dogs and cats a month.

The headquarters at 7734 Congress St., just south of Orchid Lake Road, got a makeover in recent months with fresh paint and some interior redecorating.

To help ease the financial pressure, the SPCA is launching a series of fundraisers that include a student carwash and a PetSmart adopt-a-thon, both today; a hurricane preparedness drive Wednesday; a Sept. 25 wrestling card preceded by a picnic buffet and a dog costume contest; and an Oct. 6 cookout.

'We made a lot of changes,' said Murray, pausing to check her cell phone, which barks rather than rings. 'You do what feels right from the heart.'

For example, SPCA officials spent more than three weeks tracking down the owner of a lost dog named Calley. The 13-year-old canine's microchip was traced back to California, but SPCA staff met several dead-end leads.

It turns out the dog's owner had moved from California to the Holiday area, and Calley had bolted because she's afraid of thunderstorms.

To ensure more happy endings like that, SPCA officials are counting on the community's help. The agency operates solely on estate bequests and smaller donations.

More trust fund money should become available by 2008, Murray noted. Until then, SPCA Suncoast finds itself in the same situation as many residents - being a cash-poor homeowner.

'July was a tough month,' treasurer Betty Moore said. The electric bill alone can run as high as $3,000 a month during the summer, for example.

The SPCA earns about $3,500 a month for services it provides to cities. Negotiations continue toward possibly expanding New Port Richey's low-cost spay and neuter program for pets within city limits.

Murray has been adding services such as microchip ID clinics with online registration, and heartworm testing and treatment.

Improvements to the grounds and facilities started with the landscaping of a 'memorial walk.' Travis Gall pitched in as part of his requirements to become an Eagle Scout.

In addition, dog kennels were repaired and renovated and, with the help of the Keystone Rotary Club, the 'Kitty Kabana' was remodeled, too.

Free-roaming socialization rooms were created, the walls were painted and new kitty trees were purchased. A washer and dryer were also included in the Rotary donation.

Traci Theis, director of shelter relations and a trainer for PetsIncredible, and her husband, Eric, helped implement the Open Paw for positive reinforcement and behavioral training for dogs. The couple also donated Kuranda cot-style beds for all the kennels to give the pooches a comfortable place to snooze.

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