Our 6th Annual Hot Dogs & Cool Cats “Laugh Your Paws Off” event was a resounding success! Co-Chairs Amie Boyle and John Raleigh welcomed over 200 guests to the beautiful Sarasota Yacht Club on Saturday, December 3, 2011 for an evening of unrivaled fun and heartfelt generosity. Thanks to the support of our presenting sponsors, Jeff and Joanne Roberti with Juice Plus+ and Raleigh and Associates, it was a dazzling evening filled with twinkling holiday lights and loads of belly aching laughter!

Event guests stepped into the stunning waterfront venue and were immediately greeted by beautiful holiday decorations and an outstanding gallery of precious shelter pet photos! Following welcome cocktails, guests were seated in the club’s dining room with panoramic views of the beautifully decorated yachts.

After a wonderful dinner service, the inimitable hometown comedy team of Les McCurdy and Ken Sons kicked off the evening of comedy. While the dining room was roaring with laughter, the fabulous duo caught fire with their auctioneering skills! The auction finale found Jeff Roberti engaged in a fierce bidding contest with another guest to see who could give “Rudolph,” an adorable shelter puppy, his fur-ever home. Jeff prevailed with the winning bid and in the surprise move of the evening, gave the pup to his friend Ron Soto! That kind gesture brought tears to Ron’s eyes. It was definitely a moment celebrating the human-animal bond that we all cherish! “Rudolph” is now lovingly known as J.R. and is thriving in his new fur-ever home.

Our headliner, Animal Planet’s comedian and veterinarian Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, took the stage and brought the house down concluding his act with a hilarious turn at tap dancing! Following his performance the generous Dr. Fitzgerald visited with gala guests and signed many autographs!

Thanks to the generosity of all those in attendance, the event raised over $50,000 for our beloved shelter pets. These much-needed funds allow us to continue our mission to provide abandoned pets with compassionate care and shelter while promoting responsible pet ownership and securing permanent homes.

6th Annual Hot Dogs & Cool Cats “Laugh Your Paws Off” Event a Success

fur the recordSpring 2012

HUMANE SOCIETY OF SARASOTA

COUNTY

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Rudolph finds his fur-ever home.

HSSC Board of DirectorsChris VoelkerPresident

John Compton Vice President

Pam Tenaerts, MDVice President

John RaleighTreasurer

Amie BoyleCorresponding Secretary

Catherine Ellis Recording Secretary

George AdleyJohn W. Chapman, Jr. Christina CraneWard DementRick GomezRon GordonLiz LoganNanette Rosenberry, DVMF. Scott Westheimer

Kristi BratzkeInterim Executive Director

Mission Statement: The Humane Society of Sarasota County provides abandoned pets with compassionate care and shelter while promoting responsible pet ownership and securing permanent homes.

Humane Society of Sarasota County, Inc.2331 15th StreetSarasota, FL 34237Phone: (941) 955-4131www.hssc.org

The Humane Society of Sarasota County, Inc. is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (SC-00239), and receives 100% of all donated funds. A copy of the offiial registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (800) 435-7352 within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.

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It is not usual for this publication to carry a message from the Board of Directors, so I am honored to have been asked to share shelter views from a different perspective.

To begin, however, I’d like to share a little information about me so you know a bit about the Board Chair. I have volunteered, primarily in fund-raising activities, over the past seven years. Someone recently asked how it was that I elected to volunteer for the Humane Society of Sarasota County and my response was quick and heartfelt. I have loved animals all my life! I remember that as a child, when I felt the whole world was against me, I would lay down with my only true friend, my dog Boots.

So when I came to a time in my life that I could help my beloved animals as well as the community as a whole, there was only one place for me to go. I chose to support the premiere animal welfare organization in the area.

As with any other charitable organization in the area, we face the financial challenges of constantly balancing the care we provide to our beloved charges with the ever-escalating increases in expenses. To address revenue we have recently instituted a fresh, holistic program aimed at refining and improving our fundraising efforts. With regard to expenses, we’ve taken a surgeons scalpel to the task, ensuring that we will not ever compromise the quality care for which we are renowned.

While our primary goal is to find loving homes for the animals that have been surrendered to us, we also touch many lives beyond our doors. We educate school children so they may become responsible, kind, generous adults. And provide the elderly and infirmed with a ray of sunshine through our pet therapy programs. The Humane Society of Sarasota County has safeguarded the companion animals in its care, served the greater community through its many outreach programs and substantially improved the lives of those who’ve adopted new family members for 60 years!! All of this was made possible solely through generous donations. We receive no funds from the state, city, or county. And though I’ll admit it may be confusing, nor do we receive any funds from the National Humane Society.

I am very proud to serve as President of the Board of Directors and I know our future is bright because I am certain that we are building a strongly proactive organization with its heart and head turned in the right direction!

Warm regards,

Chris VoelkerBoard President

Note from the President

“The results of philanthropy are always beyond calculation.”

- Miriam Beard

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Grateful Candy

Hi there, I’m Candy! I’m about to turn three and I was recently adopted. Nowadays I spend my time stalking squirrels (through the window of course!) or lounging around waiting for the sun to shine through just right. Whenever my mom sets down a fresh glass of water I always try to sneak a sip, so now she brings one for me too! I can’t wait for her to get home from work every day and she always greets me with

a big smile and a hug. Then it is play time! My favorite part of having a home? I get to cuddle with someone who is as thankful for me as I am for her! See, just like me, my ‘grown up’ friends at the shelter have just as much (if not more!) personality and love to give, and there is no better feeling than getting that chance for a ‘fur-ever’ home. Every morning, the first thing I say to my mom is ‘thanks!’ and I’m so glad she didn’t pass me by!

xoxoCandy and Caroline

Roxy

Dear Cat and Katelyn,

I wanted to let you know that Roxy is an incredible addition to our family! For the life of me I can’t understand how she wasn’t adopted sooner. Selfishly I’m glad I found her but regret she had to wait so long. Roxy came to live with us a week ago and she’s amazing! She loves to ride in the car and goes daily. She’s been boating and will leave for the Keys this Thursday for a four-day diving trip. Roxy has been to the fire station where her “dad” works and made herself at home.

Our home has a large double lot that’s fenced in, but knowing how tenacious Jack Russells can be, we installed an invisible fence just under the fencing so she wouldn’t dig out and she learned her boundaries quickly! But I believe her two favorite things to do are going for a walk with her family and cuddling on the couch.

Many thanks for all you do with the HSSC, Desiree Kiswiney

Happy Tails By Cat WelchAdoption Manager

Candy

Roxy

Bandit

Bandit

Dear Ginny, HSSC staff, and volunteers,

Finally sending the follow-up we promised after visiting you recently with Bandit, whom we adopted four weeks ago.

I don’t exaggerate when I say Bandit is the perfect dog. I really don’t know how he could be any better. He is a humble, eager-to-please, exuberant, social, merry dog. We had a pretty good idea about his excellent personality when we adopted him, but we didn’t realize that he had received training at HSSC. We were thrilled to see that he sits, stays, comes, and stays “off ” anything we don’t want him on. He also goes happily into his crate at bed time and whenever we leave the house. He respects the hierarchy in the house and defers to the resident cat.

He has made a huge impression on our neighbors, most of whom have small purebreds they purchased as puppies from breeders. They see in Bandit the advantages of adopting a mature dog. We went to a party last night, and everyone was asking about him and singing his praises.

Bandit’s health is excellent, although our vet said he needs to lose a few pounds. He’s already slimming down, taking two walks a day, visiting the dog park about once a week, and supplementing his dog chow with low-cal green beans and carrots. He is excellent on the leash. His preferred pace is a jog, another surprise from an old dog. We like it because we like to walk briskly for exercise. But Bandit does heel whenever we need him to.

We were surprised on adoption day to be told there would be no fee for Bandit because he is a senior dog. It’s ironic because we wouldn’t give him up for a million dollars!

Thanks for the great work you all do.

Sincerely, Janet, Jim, and Bandit Schroeder

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In Honor of PersonWilliam Martin & Caryl MagnusMr. and Mrs. Herbert & Ursula Schiff, Jr.

In Honor of PetOur beautiful rescue, GracieMr. and Mrs. Perry Judith AffeldtPuffyMr. Dean AndersonGingerMs. Karen BoguesThe wonderful, beautiful LacyMs. Gail ColellaJakeMs. Barbara CroopOur PoodlesMs. Allison GreeneGoldie’s 9th BirthdayMs. Pat KolodgyCaliMs. Fern Segerlind

In Memory of PersonFond Memory of Grace GrienerMs. Patricia AnjeskyTheresa DrakeBank of America FriendsMr. James O’KeefeBeneva Pines Homeowners Assoc.Wanda MuhlkeMs. Deborah BerkCarol Wolfson LampmanMs. Joanne Therese BeversDonna ChenMr. and Mrs. Ronald and Rebecca BizickHattie MayoMs. Kathleen BobbittWilliam S. TowersMr. & Mrs. Frank and Carol BogaertMidnightMr. Warren BoyleSheryl JonesMr. & Mrs. Dick and Betty BreithauptWilliam PinneyMs. Gertrude BrownMary GordonMs. Sue BrownJim BrownMs. Sue BrownHelen SnyderMs. Frances BryanDorothy SchottMr. & Mrs. Dave and Beatrice BryentonDonald VineburgMrs. Marilyn BurkeIrene IrelandMs. Diane BurmesterHelen Brackett SnyderMr. and Mrs. Fred and Joan ButteryTucker LeeMs. Susan ByronHelen Snyder Cancer Support Center FriendsWilliam PinneyMr. and Mrs. Hugh and Elizabeth CannonWilliam PinneyMs. Jan CarmienHelen SnyderMr. & Mrs. Jack and Carlene CarragherHeather OakleyMr. Ray Carris

Donna ChenMrs. Geraldine CattoggioFrances O’LearyMs. Jody ChamberlainHeather OakleyMs. Claire ClaremontWilliam PinneyMs. Ann Willard ClarkCarol Kessler-KnappMs. Judy ClineBill PembertonMrs. Diana CohenMarie T. “Mimi” CastelMs. Shirley CohenHelen SnyderMr. and Mrs. David and Shirley CookDonna ChenMs. Stacey CotugnoDonna Lee ChenMs. Ann CramerMarsha SlugaMs. Ellen De MaioHeather OakleyMs. April DickHeather OakleyMs. Laverna DunbarGrace GreinerMr. & Mrs. Albert and Gertrude DurandJoseph HoustonMr. & Mrs. Robert and Marguerite EdwardsBrent RozzelleMs. Kevin ElcookHarry ElliottMs. Claudia ElliottDonna ChenDr. & Mrs. Edward and Edna EllisBill DurgunderMs. Doris FellowsOur daughter, DonnaMrs. Lynne FellowsHelen SnyderMs. Nancy FerraroBarbara BenditMr. Donald FischerLee Faye BiermanMrs. Helen FlattBrent Rozzelle, Jr.Ms. Margie FornerDonna ChenMs. Gloria GaitherAnna LawrenceMs. Shirley GardnerMax HaufeMr. and Mrs. Paul and Jeanne GartenbergHayden GinsburgMr. and Mrs. Arthur Laurie GinsburgHelen SnyderMr. and Mrs. Len Kay GionfriddoBrent RozzelleMs. Garcia GiselaJack PaxtonMs. Cynthia PaxtonFrank W. Milburn, Jr.Ms. Eugenia GlasserDonna Lee ChenMs. Kathleen BrownGulf and Bay ClubChristine HillFriends Gulf Gate Garden Homes Assn. Inc.Bill PinneyMr. and Mrs. Henry and Sally HaerEarl HallmanMs. Elizabeth HallmanDonna ChenMr. & Mrs. Lee and Teresa HarrisonStephen Brent RozzelleMr. and Mrs. Peter and Katherine Hayes

Magdalena M. Hesse & LadyMs. Karin HesseDonna ChenMr. & Mrs. Gordon and Jacqueline HesterBenedict SqueoMs. Caroline HogbergJoseph CasinelliMr. and Mrs. John and Loraine HolakStephen Brent Rozzelle Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Gregory and Patricia HomisonBrent RozzelleMs. Ruth HutsellBobby Lou HubbsMs. Lisa JenningsDonna ChenMr. Vern JohnsonWilliam PinneyMr. & Mrs. William and Joan KaiserDonna ChenMs. Kim KaneSidney LenettMr. & Mrs. Irwin and Pat KaplanWilliam PinneyMr. & Mrs. Mark and Cheryl KaplanDonna ChenMr. & Mrs. William and Susan KennedyMary Alice FaggMs. Rita-An KielyDonna ChenMs. Beverly Koczersut Daisy’s Dance and Fitness WearElizabeth McHaleDr. and Mrs. Andrew and Gina KrinskyDonna ChenMr. & Mrs. Harold and Judith KulmanDonna ChenMr. & Mrs. Michael and Kathy Lamensdorf, Eye SpecialistsWilliam PinneyMr. John LawrenceWilliam PinneyMs. Cathy LaytonMary K. HowdenMr. Paul LeichterDonna ChenMrs. Margaret LewisGloria ThiersMs. Judith ListonEvelyne WinansMs. Eliza LittellDonna ChenMr. and Mrs. Sam and Elizabeth LoganEvelyn JeterMrs. Sallie LutzMarsha SlugaMr. and Mrs. John and Dorothy MacFarlaneWanda MuhlkeMs. Chandra ManningMiller Stratvert Law OfficesDonna Lee ChenMs. Lisa MarquartStephen Brent RozzelleMs. Jane McGinty Wachovia Securities, LLCHeather OakleyMs. Patricia MicalDon VineburgMs. Peggy MillerWilliam PinneyDr. & Mrs. Fred and Molly MoffatCharlie MorrisMr. Charlie MorrisHelen SnyderMs. Sherryl MullinsBill PinneyMs. Joan NixonBernard BurgunderOppenheim Family

Donna ChenMrs. Barbara OrbanMarvin RothbergDr. & Mrs. Alan and Francis PennBill PicotteMr. William PicotteWanda MuhlkeMr. & Mrs. Wesley and Virginia PittsCharlie & ZoeMs. Barbara PriceHelen SnyderMs. Betty PrinceBrent RozzelleMr. and Mrs. Robert Marjorie RamsdellWilliam PinneyMrs. Barbara James ReeseWilliam T. PinneyMr. Howard Reinheimer, Jr.Betty Watson & SabrinaMs. Bernice RhinehartHeather OakleyMr. & Mrs. Ronald and Diane RiefPearl Mary MagrannMr. and Mrs. Michael and Dawn RolphMonika Ross’s FatherMr. Larry RossBrent RochelleMr. and Mrs. Robert and Terri RuebuschMary Alice FaggMr. & Mrs. Richard and Margaret RupertBrent RozzelleMs. Lynn RushWanda MuhlkeMs. Jenifer RussinTeddy BrodyMr. & Mrs. Vernon and Renate SawyerJerry YellowMs. Margaretta ScullyHelen SnyderMs. Mary SerklandDonna ChenDr. and Mrs. Michael and Susan ShroderBetty KelloggMs. Carolyn SimmonsDonald VineburgMr. & Mrs. Eugene and Carol SkiestDonald VineburgMrs. Karolyn SklarJean GarrisonMs. Lee SnellDon VineburgMrs. Florence SousaDonna ChenMrs. Lynn SoussouRobert DurhamMs. Lucinda SpaudingJoan StearnsMr. Robert StearnsLee Ann SchwartzMs. Suzanne StepekHelen Jean SnyderMrs. Jane StoreyBill BurgunderMs. Anne SwainWilliam PinneyMr. & Mrs. Daniel and Jane SweeneyBrent RozzelleMs. Misty SwindleLee Ann SwartzMr. Anthony SypulaLila NissenbaumDr. & Mrs. Stanley and Judith TeplinKaren Jayne ReedFriends The Law Office of Lobeck & Hanson, P.A.Sheryl JonesThe Oaks ClubBrent RozzelleMs. Kathleen Theodoratos

Memorials And Honorariums l August, 15, 2011 - March 15, 2012

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Memorials And Honorariums l August, 15, 2011 - March 15, 2012William PinneyMr. & Mrs. Thomas Suzanne TowlerEvelyn JeterMs. Ursula TullBrent RozzelleMs. Regan TutoloDon VineburgMrs. Jean VineburgWilliam PinneyMs. Martina and Eric Waluk-GaertnerBill BurgunderMs. Bernice WeissBill PembertonMr. & Mrs. Tom and Toni WelickiEberhaud Heinz & Max HaufeMrs. Ann Pech, Whenever CommunicationsDonna ChenMr. Raymond WhiteDon VinebergMrs. Beverly WibergRobert DurhamMr. Karl WisnerGrace GreinerMrs. Helen WohnusBeth Arnold Miss You! Lisa Lou, Lisa, Linda, Maria, Laura & Bernie

In Memory of PetCleoMs. Kelli AndersonToby and TimmyMs. Nona BowersDajaMs. Helen Earley BradshawIn loving memory of LukeMr. and Mrs. John and Janet BrisbinBenjaminMs. Michele ChapdelainSandyMr. and Mrs. Paul and Hilary CherryTannerMr. and Mrs. Thomas and Beverly ChiottiKahluaMr. and Mrs. Rick and Johanna ChuchroMulliganMrs. Diana CohenMaxMs. Kathryn CoronaWelsh Corgi “Mabel”Mr. & Mrs. Frank and Anita CountrymanMy Little Luv, Pessy B.Marjorie CullumBearMs. Kathy DelamaterOur Beloved BusterMr. and Mrs. Mark and Dianne DeLetteraZitaDr. & Mrs. John and Linda FinchThe world’s coolest cat, CookiMs. Brenda FosterAlex the catMs. Ellen FoxLuLuMr. & Mrs. Roland and Vera FreemanBellaMs. Stephanie GuidoPeanutMs. Ronda HayesHeroMr. Chip HooverBeloved Eddy the Scotch TerrierMrs. William and Lillian HowardAngelMr. and Mrs. Thomas and Susan KaiserPoohMs. Beverly Koczersus

SadieMr. and Mrs. Ronald and Carolyn KovilaritchGail, Jack, Patches & JinglesMr. and Mrs. Ronald and Judith KurlanderMaxineMs. Susan Lenny LandauMaggie, Joy & PepperMr. & Mrs. William and Judith LuffMaxwell RussethMr. and Mrs. Richard and Georgia MeyersonMy beautiful cat, MollyMs. Patricia MorrisonBoomerMs. Carin MoylesSlimMr. & PedroMs. Elanda FazenbakerGamaielMs. Karen PittsLuLuMr. & Mrs. Paul and Virginia PrimamoreMy loving cats Voodoo & Amore’Ms. Pamela David RevelsTwiggyMr. Coyn RichardsonMaggieMr. & Mrs. Stanford and Rona RossJordyMs. Sue SchellhousOtis & TuckyMs. Carolyn SimmonsBusterMr. and Mrs. David and Cathy SimmonsBuddy ScherstenMs. Maureen SimpsonTahoe, a beloved family petMr. & Mrs. Kerry and Ellen SlagleBoothMs. Cleo SpringerMulliganMrs. Bernice SternMy Kitty, AshleyMs. Lisa TichenorSmokey TurnerMr. & Mrs. James and Toni Turner

In loving memory of AlphonseBill Fowler

Memorial donations are given to honor the memory of a family member, friend or cherished pet; to commemorate an anniversary, birthday, wedding or other special occasion; or for anything else to which the donor wishes to pay tribute. Both the donor and the person/family designated by the donor receive acknowledgment of the gift, and names are published in Fur the Record. All proceeds benefit HSSC. To make a memorial donation, call 955-4131, ext. 101, or you may do so online at www.hssc.org.

Summer is almost here...which means it’s time for HSSC’s FUR FUN Summer Program! Are you looking for a unique educational experience for your children this summer? The Humane Society of Sarasota County offers a hands-on

approach for kids ages 8-12 to learn about humane education in a fun, exciting and interactive way. Children will have the opportunity to meet our animals, listen to special guest speakers, and learn how important responsible pet care truly is.

Cost: $200 per session ($10 discount for additional siblings)

time: Monday - Friday, 12 noon to 4p.m.

LoCation: HSSC Education Center

Dates: Session 1: June 18 – 22 Session 2: June 25 – 29 Session 3: July 9 – 13

Session 4: July 16 – 20 Session 5: July 30 – August 3 Session 6: August 6 – 10

For more information about the FUR FUN Summer Program or to register, please call Kate Franklin at 941.955.4131 x114. Registration forms are also available on our website at www.hssc.org.

Summer Program 2012FUR FUN

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Many thanks to the Southside Village Business Association for sponsoring our 4th Annual Smooches for Pooches & Kisses for Kitties Stroll on Feb. 10th! What a great success!

Guests enjoyed a kissing booth, specialty pet vendors, pet therapy llamas, the Maltese bikers, pet portraits, music, various animal rescue groups and a fantastic raffle. We were able to raise over $2,300 for our shelter pets!

On January 29th, Hurricane Mike’s sponsored their 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off to benefit the Humane Society of Sarasota County. The Cook-Off was a huge success, raising $1,700 to help care for our homeless shelter pets. Thanks so much to all our friends at Hurricane Mike’s!

Lilly Pulitzer continued to support HSSC by donating a portion of their proceeds from their sales on February 11th. We are so grateful for their $742 donation!

Love was in the air at L. Boutique on Feb. 11th! Many thanks to Leeanne Swor for donating $300 from the proceeds of her sales during L. Boutique’s Valentine’s Day Event. Special thanks to John Chapman from The John Chapman Law Firm, P.A. for sponsoring this event and graciously donating $250!

A special thanks to Sam Snead’s Tavern for their continued support of HSSC! Our staff and volunteers had a great time serving up beverages to hundreds of people during their St. Patrick’s Day Event on March 17th! All proceeds from the beer truck were donated to HSSC! We are so grateful for all that Sam Snead’s Tavern does to help us continue our mission!

The 13th Annual Poker Run, sponsored by the HOG’s (Sarasota Harley Owners Group), took place on March 18th. The event was a huge success with over 100 participants! In one day, the bikers raised $1,805 for our shelter pets! We are so thankful for their continued support and love for our animals.

Community Events

Thank you to our Community Partners for their contributions and continued support!! We’re especially thankful to our veterinary partners who provide free and discounted services for our beloved shelter pets!

Jennifer Compton, Shumaker Loop & KendrickDr. Anne Chauvet, Critical Care & Veterinary SpecialistsDr. John Kirsch, Coastal Veterinary Surgical PracticesKevin Koch, AADisaster Restoration24/7Rob Martin, CIE, Radon and Mold Professionals Dr. M-A Salisbury, Animal Eye Care, Inc.Dr. Mary Lynn StantonSutter Roofing Company of FloridaBill Wagy, Bill Wagy Productions, Inc.Dr. Heidi Ward, Gulfcoast VeterinaryDr. Heather Willis-Goulet, Blue PearlA Woman’s Touch, Custom Professional Painting

If you are interested in becoming a community partner and making a difference in the lives of our animals, please contact us at 941.955.4131. We are most grateful for all of our supporters and rely on the generosity of our entire community!

Community Partnersby Ginny Armington, Community Events Manager

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“Twas a day for the wearin’ of the green and a celebration of adorable Pugs!!”

Hundreds of local animal lovers gathered at St. Armands Circle on St. Patrick’s Day for a day filled with amazing costumed Pugs, and some equally fetching humans, each vying for one of the coveted prizes! The highlight of the afternoon was the fabled St. “Pug-tricks” Day Parade which elicited enthusiastic ‘oohs,’ ‘aahs’ and chuckles from the crowd as Pugs and their humans strutted their stuff.

Meanwhile the team of judges poured over their worksheets agonizing over how to select winners in each of several categories. An excited hush fell over the crowd as the afternoon’s emcee took the stage to announce the winners. Prizes were awarded in several categories including Best in Show, Most Creative, and yes, Most Congenial!

Our very generous presenter, Pet Pages, helped gather the many vendors that circled the area, offering fabulous shopping opportunities that ranged from Invisible Fences to Wolf Gang Bakery. Event participants also engaged in a terrific raffle, which included goods and services from the area’s most attractive retailers and restaurants! Our local Pug Rescue group held a Pug Smooch A Pooch kissing booth and there was even a swimming pool cooling station presented by PawsDelivers.com for our little Pug friends!! All in all loads of fun things to do for our two- and four-legged friends!!

Thanks to the support of our Pug Partner, Critical Care & Veterinary Specialists of Sarasota and Dr. Anne Chauvet, our vendors and our generous participants, we raised over $2,500 for our beloved shelter animals!

The 15th Annual Pug Parade

We’re excited to announce our NEW dog behavior training classes held at HSSC! Join us now for ONLY $80! Each Class is a 6-week course, one hour each week. We’re so proud of our 30 graduates since January!

MANNERS 1 CLASS gives you the knowledge to have a more rewarding relationship with your dog by showing you how to teach your dog how best to behave in your household. Unfortunately, dogs don’t come to you knowing what you expect from them. This class will focus on lessons that include pay attention, sit, stay and lie down. Applying proper obedient techniques at an early stage is the most effective way to correct behavior problems and prevent future problems from arising.

MANNERS 2 CLASS will build on the skills learned in the Manners 1 class. Distractions will be added and your dog will be asked to respond to commands quickly and to sustain “stays” for a longer period of time. The class will provide you the tools to take the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Test, which will be performed during the last class.

O-GILITY I is an introduction to simple agility obstacles including the tunnel, jumps, and the tire. Combining the agility obstacles with obedience commands makes this a fun, interactive class. Dogs must have basic obedience.

O-GILITY II is a continuation of O-Gility I with the addition of a chute and table. Your dog must have basic knowledge of O-Gility I equipment and basic obedience commands. Our O-gility Classes are great for those doing Pet Therapy with their dogs!

For information about behavior-related issues or to get more information about HSSC’s behavior training classes, contact John Pfohler at 941.955.4131, ext. 124 or log onto our website at www.hssc.org.

Pawsitively Obedient

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Volunteer Appreciation Event 2012By Karie Hajek, Director of Volunteers

Volunteer Janet Downs recently stated, “There are many pieces to the volunteer puzzle and we all play a part.” She couldn’t be more accurate in her words. Countless hours are devoted to caring for shelter pets and helping support the HSSC staff. On any given day you could walk through the shelter and see volunteers greeting adopters, participating in meetings, trainings and special events, working with the shelter canines and felines, and assisting with a variety of miscellaneous projects.

During this year’s Volunteer Appreciation Event, our very gracious and generous volunteers were recognized for their amazing efforts. In 2011, they contributed a combined 10,153 plus hours of service! We are so appreciative of all of their hard work and could never operate without them!

In addition to recognizing all of our volunteers’ service, 20 of our volunteers received the President’s Volunteer Award for contributing 500+ hours of service during their tenure at HSSC. This unique award was established in 2003 by The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. The Volunteer Service Award program is a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.

Congratulations to the following HSSC Volunteers who were recipients to of this award!

Cecile Adams Leigh Branch Ann CampagnaChristine ChristianVivian Cross

Janet Downs Jackie Fountaine Vickie GrosvenorCarolyn HerefordChuck Judson

Jay Julian John LindellCindy McCollough Anne Mclean Donna Paige

Anne Paterson Pamela Ruf Ann Smith Jodie SmithKristi Zimmerman

If you are interested in volunteering at HSSC, please contact Karie Hajek at 941.955.4131 x104. We are always in need of volunteers. We are so thankful for them and could not operate without them!

Thank you for your participation in the 36-Hour Giving Challenge! We are so fortunate to live in this generous community, where more than 200 donors contributed to the Humane Society of Sarasota County and in just 36 hours, raised over $29,000 for our beloved animals. You also helped us finish in 13th place among 109 nonprofits for the most unique donors, which qualified HSSC for an additional $1,000 grant from the Giving Partner. We rely solely on the generosity of our community to continue to do the daily lifesaving work with which we are entrusted. We thank you and our animals thank you.

“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

--Margaret Mead