People Become Angels For Pets

Some animals arriving at the county animal shelter on Falkenburg Road show up with nothing that can comfort them during their stay.

"When we bring in 30, 40 or 50 animals that don't have so much as their own body fat to keep them warm, they need something soft," said Hillsborough County Animal Services Community Coordinator Marti Ryan.

That is where the public's generosity comes in.

And this year, those who read about the Animal Angel Tree at the shelter stepped up and delivered for hundreds of abandoned, neglected and lost pets.

Soft, cuddly toys - some made by hand - warm blankets, cozy beds and bags of food poured into the shelter.

"It's been unbelievable," Ryan said. "The toys and treats help keep their minds enriched. It's all about comfort and humane, compassionate care."

Audrey Schinske of Brandon e-mailed a newspaper article about the animal angel tree to about 100 friends, then showed up at the shelter Dec. 30 loaded down with soft toys and beds for the dogs and cats - and $50 for a medical fund that helps pay for treatment of abused animals.

None of these items are funded through the county budget, Ryan said. "We are completely dependent on donations."

For Schinske, it's all about the love of animals.

"It's kind of like a circle," she said. "I've worked with therapy dogs at Moffitt Cancer Center, the K-9 unit (with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office) and I come here and learn about this and you want to help."

Seniors in Town 'N Country donated old shirts, and youngsters at the Town 'N Country parks after-school program fashioned them into pull toys. Girl Scouts made "happy socks" filled with catnip.

And people like Jim Wineinger of Seffner dropped off food.

"Every year, employees at the Mango Dog Park come in with stuff," Ryan said. "And a lady from Zephyrhills ordered $95 in toys online for the animals. It's amazing."

Although the shelter is loaded with enough toys to last for several months, it still lacks money for emergency medical treatment. Anything beyond spaying and neutering isn't typically covered by the county, Ryan said. Donations pay for surgeries, X-rays and other medical procedures, without which a number of animals would have to be euthanized.

Checks for the medical fund can be mailed to Hillsborough County Animal Services at 440 Falkenburg Road, Tampa, FL 33619. Make checks out to BOCC and put "animal services" in the subject line.

Call (813) 744-5660 for information.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The Hillsborough County Animal Shelter needs money for treating animals that require emergency medical treatment. Checks for the medical fund can be mailed to Hillsborough County Animal Services at 440 Falkenburg Road, Tampa, FL 33619. Make checks out to BOCC and put "animal services" in the subject line.

INFORMATION: (813) 744-5660