TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Fundraiser strives to help stray animals

ADVERTISEMENT

By SHANNON BEHNKEN

sbehnken@tampatrib.com

Published: November 1, 2009

TAMPA - Three-year-old Jasmine had a rough start.

The spunky black-and-white pit bull was kept in a small crate on a second-floor balcony for most of her life. She escaped one day but fell over the balcony, hanging from her leash.

"A neighbor rescued her, but now she needs a home," said Marti Ryan of Hillsborough County Animal Services.

Jasmine and other dogs strutted their stuff Saturday morning at the Animal Coalition of Tampa's ninth annual Stride For Strays fundraiser at Al Lopez Park.

The goal is to raise money so the group can move into to a larger facility to better meet the growing demand for services, said Linda Hamilton, executive director.

Since the economy soured, interest in low-cost programs to spay and neuter pets has soared. Pet owners wait under tents for hours outside the coalition's office at 1719 W. Lemon St.

"People want to do the right thing for their animals," Hamilton said. "They just don't have enough money. Who does in this market?"

Participation in the spay and neuter program - which offers $10 surgeries - has increased 65 percent in the past year. That's 11,000 surgeries this year.

Hundreds of pet owners showed up at the fundraiser, which featured a pet walk, Halloween pet costume contests and vendors.

One major part of the event was adoption. Hillsborough County Animal Services was on hand with dogs and cats - most in costume - who were looking for homes.

Adoption is the key to reducing the number of animals euthanized, Ryan said. While adoption has gone up 124 percent in the past five years, about 70 to 80 animals arrive each day, all needing to be adopted.

They all have stories.

Jasmine, the pit bull, was recently named an ambassador for her breed. Animal Services gave her the title after numerous socialization tests. It means she's a shining example of what pit bulls are supposed to be.

"Pit bulls have a bad reputation, but these used to (be) the Labradors of American pets," Ryan said.

Hamilton said she hopes people who need help taking care of their pets will turn to the coalition.

"Fixing your pet is the real way to end unnecessary animal deaths," she said.

And as more people lose their jobs, the client mix is changing.

"It's everyone now," she said. "From waitresses to real estate agents are out of work."

Reporter Shannon Behnken can be reached at (813) 259-7804.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT