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WaggingTALES

WIN

TE

R 2017

Lessons inKINDNESS

Mutt’s Marched FOR HSTC

SHELTERSUCCESS“Zuma”

www.facebook.com/HumaneSocietyTCwww.twitter.com/hstc1www.instagram/hstcadopt

Wagging Tales is a quarterly newsletter published by the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, Inc., which is a not-for-profit corporation that has acted as the exclusive provider of companion animal sheltering and protection services in Martin County, FL for 61 years.

HONOR ARY PUBLISHERSBOB & PATTY HENDRICKSON

2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORSCHAIRPERSONSHEILA BIEHL

1ST VICE CHAIRPERSONTERENCE R. MCCARTHY

TREASURERKATHY SKRZYPCZAK

SECRETARYMARILYN MORRIS

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRPERSONGARY OBER

DIRECTORS

DIRECTORS EMERITUS

BOARD OF PROFESSIONALADVISORS

MANAGEMENT & SHELTER STAFFPRESIDENT & CEO

FRANK VALENTEDIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

CANDICE VEACHCONTROLLER

YOLANDA CAMACHODIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

KAREN BELLUCYDIRECTOR OF HUMANE EDUCATION

JESSIE CLIFFORDDIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH

COURTNEY ZANETTIVOLUNTEER MANAGER

SARAH FISHERCORPORATE GIFTS OFFICER

CANDACE CALLAHANADOPTION MANAGER

DEIDRE HUFFMANEXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

MICHELLE PINKHAMSENIOR MANAGER OF THRIFT STORES

KIM MCFADDENSPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM MANAGER

JOSIE RIZZIVETERINARIAN

KEA APILADO FISHER, DVM

DANA COATESBILL CRANDALL

KIT HAASDR. LINDA KARDOS

CARRIE LAVARGNATOM WEISSENBORN

KAY ZIEGLER

MARY LAUB COWANLORI DESRUISSEAUX

JACK FRENAYENANCY CROWDER-

MCCOY

SONIA PAWLUCHALSEY SMITH

JEFF ATLASKELLY BOLLEN

DR. SUSAN BRAUNSTEIN

VICKI BROWNTINA LUCE

Dear Friends,It is with great pleasure and deep gratitude that I am able to report for the fifth consecutive year the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast has set a new adoption record!For the first time in our

62 year history we have adopted over 2,400 animals, 2,448 to be exact! This includes a record number 1,256 cats and kittens!These increases occurred in spite of our animal intake numbers going down, which is actually a good thing!One major reason intake is down is our low cost/no cost spay neuter program. We are Martin County’s only high volume, low cost/no cost spay neuter provider, and have been for years. This past year over 1,700 owned animals were included in the total of 3,200 plus animals altered in our onsite clinic. Over the past 5 years more than 16,000 animals have had surgery through HSTC programs.All of these animals are spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated by the most experienced and well trained professional high volume spay neuter team in our area. The impact this local program has had on pet overpopulation cannot be denied.The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast continues to be Martin County’s Animal Resource Center. We have expanded our obedience and agility training classes for the public, increased our enrichment programs for the shelter pets, expanded our volunteer program, grown our off site adoption program, and introduced new special events to our community.

We once again fostered more than 1,000 sick or shy animals, and we partnered with more than a dozen rescue groups to save the lives of over 180 dogs and cats. 44% of the stray dogs brought to our shelter were returned to their owners, which is a truly unbelievable number and speaks greatly to the dedication of our staff to make sure to do everything possible to reunite lost pets with responsible owners.And we could not do this without you, our loyal supporters in the community.It is true that much of our success can be attributed to our devoted staff and our amazing volunteers, many who have served our organization for years and years. And our board of directors is one of our area’s most professional and driven team of volunteers, dedicated and focused on our mission.But without your continued support and good will, we would not be able to provide quality, compassionate care every day, and also grow our scope of services.We will always be committed to improving our organization, implementing the most progressive and humane practices, and assuring Martin County and the Treasure Coast that we will do what is best for each and every animal in our care. We wish you and your loved ones a very healthy, safe and prosperous 2017. And we thank you for your overwhelming generosity which allows us to continue our successful programs and services that save lives and create a path to forever homes for thousands of animals each new year.

With Great Appreciation,

Frank ValentePresident, CEO

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE TREASURE COAST // WINTER 20172

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

Featured on the cover: Champ. Owners are longtime HSTC sponsors, Ryan & Jodi Figman, owners of Apex Pavers & Pools.

CONTENTS1516212628

Feature Story: Hurricane Matthew

Mutt March SuccessMisconceptions about Florida Estate PlanningCommunity Thank You’sHSTC Out & About

Shelter Success:Zuma Recent AdoptionsSponsor Spotlight:Ryan & Jodi Figman

Lessons in Kindness

5

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WaggingTALES

Paws & Claws Gala

“Paws to Celebrate”Saturday, February 11, 2017

6 pm – 11 pmWilloughby Golf Club

3001 SE Doubleton Drive, Stuart, FL 34997

Cocktails, Dinner, Dancing, Live Entertainment by Memory Lane Band,

Silent Auction using BidPal technology, Live Auction with esteemed auctioneer Elliot Paul

$275 per person

Call (772) 600-3211 or visit www.hstc1.org for more information

Contact Candace Callahan at (772) 600-3216 to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.

2016 Paws n Claws Gala Ad Ideas_final.indd 1 8/19/16 4:11 PMHUMANE SOCIETY OF THE TREASURE COAST // WINTER 2017 3

THIS SUCCESS STORYIS SPONSORED BY

When Lisa Haverty walked along the reserve behind her apartment complex in Port St. Lucie, she didn’t expect to

find a dog crying.

As she approached the dog, a black Pomeranian, he appeared

to be stuck in the water,

barely breathing.

She said there were

other people standing nearby

looking at the dog but they

had no plans of removing him so

she took him out of the water herself.

“He looked like he needed help … he

was in bad shape,” said Haverty. “He was all

knotted, had poop on the side of his skin, and looked

like he couldn’t breathe.”

After rescuing him, she gave him water and a bath and took

him to her mother’s house. They called him Little Bear. Her mom

then took him to the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast.

“It felt awesome to save an animal,” said Haverty. “There were no posters of him around the neighborhood. I’m thinking someone just dropped him off. At least I got him to have a good life now.”

Haverty has served as a foster mom through the HSTC in the past and knew he would be in capable, loving hands.

The dog was then fostered and adopted by her stepfather’s co-worker, Brad Richards, who works as a public safety officer for Jupiter Island.

“We had been looking for a hypoallergenic dog because my 11-year-old son, Tyler, has allergies,” said Richards.Richards’ family decided to foster the dog first to see if Tyler would have an allergic reaction and fortunately, he didn’t experience any symptoms.

“That was a blessing,” said Richards. “I have four boys at home and the family fell in love with the dog.”

They fostered the dog, which they named Zuma, through some medical issues, including kennel cough and worms, before adopting him.

“He’s the best dog I’ve ever seen … Everything’s wonderful now. He’s chipped, running around, goes for rides, likes to go to school to pick up the boys, and is definitely part of the family.

Zuma, estimated to be 7 or 8 years old by the family’s veterinarian, joins the rest of the family, which includes a spotted gecko, a bearded dragon, crickets in an aquarium and a fish.

By Doreen Marcial Poreba

Waterlogged DogBecomes FavoriteFamily Pet

SHELTER SUCCESS STORY

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE TREASURE COAST // WINTER 2017 5HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE TREASURE COAST // WINTER 20174

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HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE TREASURE COAST // WINTER 2017 7

THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY

FOR GIVING OUR SHELTER PETS LOVING, FUR-EVER HOMES!

RECENT ADOPTIONS

Thank You

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JANUARY IS

Contact Jessie at 772-600-3221to schedule your dog obedience class


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Q: Tell us about your family.A: Ryan and Jodi Figman live in Stuart with their 11 year old twin boys, Jake and

Elliott, and their boxer, Champ.

Q: Tell us about your business.A: Apex Pavers & Pools is a family run business started in 2006 in Stuart. Apex provides new pool installations; pool renovations; retaining walls; and brick paver and marble patios, pool decks and driveways.

Q: How long have you been supporting HSTC?A: For almost 10 years.

Q: How did you first get involved with HSTC?A: About 10 years ago, shortly after moving to Stuart, we adopted a boxer from the shelter. Soon after, we donated a brick paver patio at the shelter to be used for training sessions and events. We have been supporters ever since.

Q: What stands out to you most about HSTC?A: What stands out most to us about HSTC, is the dedication and compassion of the staff and their volunteers. We continue to be impressed with the level of care that the animals receive there. All animals are clean, healthy and medically cared for. Sometimes it can be difficult to visit an animal shelter because the animals are not well cared for, but not at HSTC. Since my twin boys were 3 years old, we regularly visit the shelter to feed treats to the dogs. There are always multiple staff and volunteers there who are walking, feeding and training the dogs.

Q: What has surprised you most about HSTC?A: What surprised us most about the shelter besides the care that the animals receive is how appreciative they are for our donations. We gladly donate to the shelter because we can see how the donations are helping the animals and the community. Dogs and cats that are clean and healthy are more likely to be adopted. Frank and his staff are constantly looking for ways to improve the facility and reach out to the community to help get pets adopted.

Q: How does supporting HSTC make you feel? What are the benefits?A: Supporting the shelter makes us feel like our donations and sponsorship make a difference.

Q: Why are you supporting HSTC as opposed to other similar organizations?A: We support the shelter because it is local and really does a

tremendous service to Martin County. It is very traumatic for an animal to be surrendered but at HSTC, they are so well taken care of. We are not aware of many shelters providing animals with quality medical care. Donations and support are needed to continue to keep this level of care.

Q: What would you tell someone who is thinking about supporting HSTC?A: We would really encourage people to visit the shelter or a fund raising event. You will certainly see the dedication and compassion in the staff and volunteers. Thousands of animals in Martin County are surrendered each year and the shelter provides love and care to each one. The animals are helpless without the support of the community.


SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Ryan & Jodi Figman

< Jake

< Champ

^ Elliott


“Children trained to extend justice, kindness, and mercy to animals become more just, kind and considerate in their relations with each other. Character training along these lines will result in men and women of broader sympathies, more humane, more law-abiding – in every respect more valuable citizens.”National PTA Congress 1933This is a fundamental belief for Misty’s Pals volunteers, and more directly, a focus for Lessons in Kindness, the educational programs provided through the Humane Education Department. Since October of 2015, our Lessons in Kindness has provided humane education to approximately 866 children of all ages in all of Martin County. With the help of Misty’s Pals volunteers at each Lesson in Kindness, we provide multiple different lessons in hopes to make the children of this generation, and generations to come, more compassionate to each other and to animals.

THE PET SUITCASE (Kindergarten-4th grade)This hands-on lesson teaches children the huge responsibility of caring for a pet. Children take turns pulling items out of the pet suitcase, identify them, and explain why that item would make our pets happy and healthy.

COMMUNICATING SAFELY WITH ANIMALS (Kindergarten-6th grade)This hands-on lesson teaches what every child should learn - how to be safe around animals. It will teach children the right way to meet a dog, how to read their body language, and what to do if a strange animal approaches them.

SHELTER TOUR (All ages)The tour begins in our Humane Education building where children learn, with the help of Therapy Pets and handlers, to respect all living creatures, how to interact safely with animals and what life is like for the animals in our shelter. The program includes a tour of our shelter facility and, if agility teams are available, an agility demonstration with trained dogs and their handlers.

Lessons inKindness

12

HUMANE EDUCATION

If you are interested in participating in one of our programs listed above, please contact Jessie Clifford, Director of Humane Education Email: [email protected]: 772-600-3221 Website: hstc1.org

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE TREASURE COAST // WINTER 2017 HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE TREASURE COAST // WINTER 2017 13

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While most businesses and organizations were preparing to shut down as Hurricane Matthew moved in, the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast prepared to stay open throughout the storm to care for animals belonging to first responders, those who had to evacuate and all of the animals already being housed at its Palm City shelter and two Stuart thrift stores.

During the hurricane, the HSTC’s shelter housed more than 400 pets. Over 150 belonged to emergency operations center employees and evacuees. To make more room for them, a number of foster care volunteers took some of the adoptable pets to their homes and cared for them there.

“In addition, many of our volunteers came to the shelter to assume their normal animal care duties right up until the storm, which was a huge help,” said HSTC Volunteer Program Manager Lana Larson.

The HSTC staff was on hand to accept pets from the time the hurricane warning was issued throughout the “all clear” for Martin County. Round-the-clock preparation began on Wednesday, the day before the hurricane was forecast to move through the area, and included setting up crates, assuring the animals were cared for and medicated, and making sure they received the love and attention they required throughout the storm.

“The HSTC’s shelter staff worked 58 hours nonstop until well after the storm had passed to assure that the pets were safe and well taken care of,” said HSTC President and CEO Frank Valente. “I commend our volunteers and staff for their dedication to the animals. While most people are home or evacuating with their families, our employees were here to make sure the animals were safe and secure.”

Volunteers also played a key role in the clean up. A group from St. Andrew’s Lutheran church arrived on the Sunday following the hurricane. They helped get caught up on the mountains of laundry, swept and mopped the rooms housing the animals, washed dogs and scrubbed crates. They also made a large donation of Science Diet food, cat litter, toys, towels and blankets.“They helped for at least two hours and were a huge help in cleaning up from all of the hurricane,” said Lana Larson.

The HSTC is grateful to have such loyal, dedicated volunteers and staff to help with all of its needs!

FEATURE STORY

Pictured Left: Staff and volunteers work together to give shelter dogs flea and tick baths in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. Pictured Above: Volunteers from St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church stand with their generous donations after a morning of hard work after the hurricane passed through the area.

Volunteers and staff help hundreds of animals during Hurricane MatthewBy Doreen Marcial Poreba


Sets New Pace

Hundreds of animal lovers turned out for the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast’s 14th annual Mutt March, presented by The Silvester Foundation. For the first time, a 5K run and Dog Jog kicked off this event, which was held at Memorial Park in Stuart on October 1. The event was a huge success, met with beautiful weather, happy people and excited pups. More importantly, the event raised nearly $40,000 for the animal resource center located in Palm City.

Sunny 107.9 FM Radio Host Jennifer Ross emceed the Mutt March festival, which included a low-cost microchip clinic, a morning walk around the park, a flea-’less’ market full of vendors, a doggie photo booth, a lure course and the always popular and fun pet costume contest. All attendees also enjoyed a free breakfast provided by IHOP, First Watch and Starbucks.

Stuart Magazine Society Editor Liz McKinley, Palm City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carolyn Davi and Kherri Anderson, deputy of elections outreach for the Martin County Supervisor of Elections, judged the contest in four categories.

• Cutest - Dog: Hunter; Pet Parents: Paul and Debra Allen • Funniest – Dogs: Truffle and Ollie; Pet Parent: Devon Roush• Most Original – Dogs: Chloe, Danny and Rocky; Pet Parents: Shaun Kelly, Lisa Barrett and Brenda Woolston• Best Overall – Dog: Spicoli; Pet Parent: Desiree Dubek

Dozens of runners took to the streets to participate in the 5K race, which was a loop course through downtown Stuart and the surrounding riverside neighborhoods, and the Dog Jog, which was a shortened route around Memorial Park and the courthouse. The male and female 5K Overall Winners were Peter Erwig of Port St. Lucie and Kashka Tarka of Stuart. The male and female 5K Masters Winners were Dale Ruby of Palm City and Maria Addonizio of Jensen Beach.

The top fundraising packs (teams) this year were Misty’s Pals who raised more than $2,700 and Bright Horizons in Abacoa who brought in nearly $600 for the HSTC. A special thank you goes out to our top individual fundraisers: Roger Jusseaume (Jensen Beach), Brenda Susla (Palm City) and Lori Dingers (Palm Beach Gardens).”

We want to thank our wonderful sponsors, volunteers and vendors for their help in making this event a success - especially the hundreds of people who came out to support the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast at this annual fundraiser. This is the only dog festival of its kind along the Treasure Coast, and it’s because of you we’re able to continue hosting it each and every year! So thank you for your commitment to the HSTC and helping animals in need!

MUTTMARCHMARCH

“Leader of the Pack” Pr esent ing SponsorThe Silvester Foundation Inc.

“Top Dog” SponsorsSunny 107.9 FMThe Stuart News/ TCPalm.com

“Big Dog, Fat Cat” SponsorsAPEX Pavers & PoolsCrary Buchanan Attorneys Rick Carroll InsuranceSeacoast Bank

“Fet ch & Wag” SponsorsAMAC InsuranceFlorida Living RealtyFPLMonterey Animal ClinicStuart Fence CompanyWaste Management

Furry Fr iend SponsorsOrange Theory FitnessPeter’s Hardware


Thank You to our Sponsors

Kids’ Corner SponsorsHome DepotJoellen SchillaciStuart Ceramics

PAWSit ive SponsorsGlittering GypsiesMartin County Supervisor of ElectionsNozzle NolenOrganic SolutionsParadise Pooch Services

We’d l ike to thank the following for the ir contr ibutions:The Fur Seasons Resort for Pets, Mini Derby RacesTreasure Coast Swift Paws, Lure CourseMCM Timing & Results, 5K & Dog JogSouth Fork High School’s ROTC & National AnthemCar Pro-Palm CityColorado Pawn & JewelryEllie’s DeliEnsembleThe Bark Park

Br eakfast SponsorsFirst WatchIHOPStarbucks

Partnerships Save LivesSkylar is a beautiful white German Shepherd Dog with a life-threatening disease. She has mesa-esophagus, an enlargement of the esophagus that makes it difficult to swallow food or water.

The owner surrendered Skylar to the shelter because she could not continue to provide the intensive care required by Skylar’s illness. She knew we would do everything we could to place Skylar in a loving home, and we did.

Despite the shelter being full to overflowing with lost, abandoned, abused and neglected animals, twice a day, one staff member took her out for walks while another staff member prepared her food (This consisted of weighing out the proper amount and moistening it for easy digestion). Skylar has to eat in a Bailey chair (See photo), so it was placed in our laundry room. That way we could multi-task while we sat with her. Skylar required monitoring the whole time she ate and for 20-25

minutes afterwards to insure that she stayed in her chair to properly digest her food.

Our 60-plus years of experience told us that Skylar’s condition made it unlikely that she would be quickly adopted from our shelter. So, we reached out to a trusted rescue partner that found a foster home experienced with the disease and eager to help another great dog lead a full life.

HSTC staff carefully research the rescue groups we work with so we are secure in the knowledge that the animals are getting the best care possible.

Skylar is now in a loving foster home. She gets the one-on-one attention she needs while she provides her fosters with the affection she was born to deliver.

What is a rescue group?Animal rescue groups are usually organizations of private individuals who try to find homes for unwanted animals. Rescues are usually funded by donations and usually rely only on volunteer effort. Most of these organizations do not receive tax dollars. Many limit themselves to one species and often to just one breed or type within a species. Some rescues have shelters, but many do not. Many rescues house animals in volunteers’ homes or temporarily in off-site kennels.

What animals are chosen for rescues?Last fiscal year HSTC transferred out 180 animals to rescues. Sending animals to a smaller rescue agency allows animals that are fearful, stressed, or have severe medical ailments receive more “one-on-one” attention for that pet’s specific needs. A few, like Skylar, have special needs, and a specific rescue that is chosen will have both the resources and the pool of potential adopters for that specific animal. Most rescues are foster-based or are able to limit and choose the animals they accept into their rescue program. When rescues no longer have the resources to accept pets they end up turning them away, and the pets usually end up at open admission shelters such as HSTC. Why does HSTC work with rescues?According to Frank Valente, HSTC President and CEO, “Working with rescue groups allows to us to multiply our efforts. Because we are an open admissions shelter for Martin County residents and animals, we are often at full capacity. With the help of rescue groups we can save more animals and help them receive appropriate care. The rescues we work with help care for pets that need more attention and/or different care than they can receive in the shelter.”

How does HSTC choose its rescue partners?“Our rescue partners must be 501C3 organizations,” said Candice Veach, HSTC Director of Operations. “Some of the steps we take to assure the rescue groups we work with are good ones include interviewing the agency, reviewing their social media resources, and getting references from other agencies that are in good standing with HSTC. We check with their veterinarians and consult with our own staff and volunteers who work with various rescue groups. We also take the driver’ license information for all rescue volunteers that transport our animals.”

Why is HSTC so careful about rescue groups?There are unscrupulous groups that neglect, abuse, abandon or hoard animals that they purport to rescue. When we place animals in homes or with rescues, we do all that we can within our resources to assure the animals will be safe.

By Emily Recco and Susan Braunstein

Want to Foster?Contact: Emily Recco, Foster & Rescue CoordinatorEmail: [email protected]: 772-600-3220Website: hstc1.org/volfostercare


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INCLUDE HSTC IN YOUR WILL.It costs nothing during your lifetime and can help ensure food and shelter, medical care and a second chance for many homeless animals that will need help in the future.By including a gift to the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast in your estate plans, you help support its mission and programs to assure a quality life for animals in our community. You can designate a fixed percentage of your estate, a fixed amount, or a residual amount after all of your heirs have been provided for.

For more information, visit: www.hstc1.org/bequestsor email Karen Bellucy at [email protected] or call her at 772-600-3212.

An Investment in Animal Welfare & Humane EducationMaking a planned gift to HSTC is an investment that will provide vital programs and services to the community. Your gift helps ensure that we will be here for many years to come, working to enrich the lives of animals and people along the Treasure Coast.

Provide a LifelineAll funds donated to HSTC through bequests are placed in our Animal Wellness Fund and provide a lifeline to guarantee the viability of our programs and services and to help us face unforeseen challenges.

If you have already named HSTC in your will, we encourage you to share that information with us. Doing so entitles you to recognition as a member of our codicil club, the Cherished Friends Circle, subscription to our quarterly magazine Wagging Tales, and invitations to our special events.

BEQUEST.

difference MAKE A

MAKE A

BEQUEST.

difference MAKE A

MAKE A 7Estate planning is an incredibly misunderstood process. Some of the misconceptions would even be considered comedic if they did not have the potential to be so damaging.

Unfortunately, estate planning misconceptions pervade our society, and they are detrimental to your wealth, your wishes, and your loved ones. Below are seven particularly damaging misconceptions about estate planning:

Misconception #1 – Estate planning is only for the elderly Many people believe that you only need to draft a will or plan your estate if you are elderly. However, take one look at auto accident statistics and then decide how confident you feel that you won’t have to worry about an estate plan until you are older. Accidents happen every day, and young people have assets and loved ones just as seniors do. Additionally, proper estate planning goes far beyond simply distributing your assets. Which brings us to the next misconception…

Misconception #2 – Estate planning is only for the rich“I don’t have enough assets to worry about estate planning,” you might say. This could not be further from the truth. Estate planning is not just about your assets, though, chances are you probably have more assets that must be administered than you realize. Do you have minor children? If so, proper documentation is needed to name guardians in case something happens to you. Another vital aspect of the estate planning process includes creating a durable power of attorney that designates an agent to handle your financial or medical affairs in case you are ever incapacitated. Also, a Living Will allows you to designate your wishes with regard to end of life treatment.

Misconception #3 – Estate planning’s only purpose is to avoid probateSee the misconception just discussed above. Estate planning covers much more than just your assets. While you can use estate planning tools to help keep certain assets out of the probate process, some aspects of your estate may need to be administered through probate. Estate planning is much more complex than a simple probate-avoidance tool.

Misconception #4 – You can set it and forget itJust about every document in your estate plan should be a living document. In other words, you cannot simply create your will and never think about it again. Our lives can change

in an instant, and your estate plan should be regularly updated to reflect your current circumstances.

Misconception #5 – You can trust your family to figure things out when you die This is not only untrue, it is unfair to your loved ones. By neglecting to create a thorough estate plan, you are putting your family in the sensitive and difficult position of dealing with the default intestacy laws, which may not reflect your true intent. They may also have to decide who acts in what role. This can lead to conflicts that have the potential to tear loved ones apart for good. It is much better to have a plan in place that can act as a blueprint for your loved ones to follow.

Misconception #6 – If you have a surviving spouse, he or she will get everything when you dieWhile your surviving spouse may be entitled to any joint marital assets, all of your assets are probably not considered joint. You likely have some separate assets, whether obtained prior to marriage or otherwise, that your spouse technically does not own. He or she may not automatically be entitled to inherit these assets when you die. And if either you or your spouse have descendants from a prior relationship, the entire equation can change drastically!

Misconception #7 – It’s easy to do it yourselfWith the advent of online companies that provide cheap templates for legal documents, many people believe that they can handle their estate planning on their own. But companies providing templates do not take the time to discuss the best way to draft a plan and counsel you based on your situation. Estate planning is a complex and nuanced process, and templates are not specific to your unique goals and needs. There is far too much at stake to do it yourself if you are not a trained professional. You should always utilize the services of a knowledgeable estate planning attorney.

Attorney John J. Mangan, Jr. is the founding attorney of the Law Offices of John Mangan, P.A., with a primary office located in Palm City, FL. Mr. Mangan practices in the areas of wills, trusts, estate planning, and probate. He may be contacted at 772-324-9050 or through the web at www.PalmCityLawyer.com.


DAMAGING MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT FLORIDA

ESTATE PLANNING


a HUGE SplashPooch Plunge MakesBy Courtney Zanetti, Director of Community Outreach

1] Devin Petersen and her pup, Dexter, pose with Santa!2] Rob Frierson and his family happily make preparations to

sponsor four adoptions at the HSTC. 3] Jodi Figman with dog Champ, and sons Elliot and Jake. 4] HSTC

Volunteers are all smiles at the end of this holiday FUNdraiser!

1

4

2 3

Well it’s apparent… “the third time is a charm!” The 3rd Annual Santa Paws Holiday Pooch Plunge broke all records and far surpassed everyone’s expectations.

The HSTC signature event took place at Sailfish Splash Waterpark on Saturday, Dec. 3, and by the end of the day Dec. 2, more than 60 dogs were already pre-registered to participate in all the fun.

When the gates opened at 10 am sharp, dozens of dogs took off! Some so excited they barely gave their owners enough slack to detach their leashes from their collars. Several immediately went romping and frolicking in the water, whereas others stuck close to their owners to ‘soak’ it all in. Eventually, all the pups were having a pawsitvely good time playing and swimming, chasing and splashing, catching balls and meeting new four-legged friends.

HSTC pets also made an appearance as some of our featured mobile adoptions. A senior chocolate lab named Mocha even found his furever home. One attendee, Rob Frierson, and his family were so impressed with all that the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast does that they decided to sponsor four future dog adoptions!

In addition to all the fun, there was also a Microchip clinic on site where veterinarian Dr. Heather Rogers with Harmony Animal Hospital administered the clinical service. Attendees also got to participate in the pupular Pet Pics with Santa and 50/50 raffle where more than $570 was raised for the HSTC! And with all the activities available, many of the participants worked up quite an appetite. Thankfully, Smoothie King, Mi Cabana Taco Truck and Hot Diggity Dogs were on site to offer tasty treats that appealed to all.

All in all, the Pooch Plunge was a huge success! More than 350 dogs took to the water and more than $6,000 was raised to benefit the HSTC.

A special thank you goes out to our presenting sponsor, Apex Pavers and Pools, as well as Monterey Animal Clinic,

The Stuart News, Crary-Buchanan Attorneys, Woody Woodruff as Santa, Tom Gilmore, Dr. Heather Rogers, Eventmakers

International, Sailfish Splash Waterpark, HSTC volunteers and all of you for making this day one to remember!


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Direct 772.528.7788 | Office [email protected]

Sewall’s Point: 3727 S. East Ocean Blvd., Ste. 100 | Stuart, FL 34996

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The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast is all about providing as much stimulation and enrichment for the animals in its care as possible. In the dog adoption wing, this not only includes three shifts of volunteers who come in to walk the dogs on the shelter property every single day, Monday through Sunday, but a seasonal program instituted last year.

The Shelter Dog Sunday Stroll is the brainchild of Diane Le Roi, a dog adoption staffer who comes in on her day off to coordinate and lead this program, which is geared toward the longer term and/or higher energy dog adoption residents.

With the arrival of fall a couple of weeks ago (or as much of a fall as we experience in Florida) the monthly Shelter Dog Sunday Stroll was re-instituted after a summer hiatus.

One Sunday a month, Diane and several seasoned dog walking volunteers come in early in the morning and choose several dogs that would benefit from a long walk away from the kennel and shelter environment. Each volunteer is assigned to escort one of the dogs and the pack sets out for a leisurely Sunday stroll along the shaded and pastured road outside the shelter gates. Volunteers carry backpacks filled with water, drinking bowls and treats.

The dogs just love the fresh air and new and different sights and smells. In this rural area of Palm City the pack has been known to encounter

various forms of flora and fauna, from wildflowers to a pasture with cows and horses.

Upon return to the shelter, a group photo is taken and the happy and worn out pups are returned to the air conditioned comfort of their kennels where housekeeping has provided them with fresh bedding and breakfast. The dogs are absolutely in heaven after these strolls.

The HSTC is extremely proud to have been caring for animals in our community for over 60 years and strives to find new and innovative ways to keep the shelter pets active and happy while they are waiting to find their perfect forever home. What a wonderful thing it is to have staff and volunteer members willing to help in that regard.

The HSTC does not euthanize healthy, adoptable animals to create space or place any time limits on its adoptable animals. For more information, visit http://www.hstc1.org or call (772) 223-8822.


Dogs Look Forward to Sunday StrollsBy Shaun Kelly

Pictured above: Volunteers get ready for a Sunday stroll with these shelter pets. From left, Lorraine Doyle and Storm; Diane Le Roi and Mia; Lisa Barrett and Callie; Shaun Kelly and Ridge; and Jill Pazur and Lola

DOESN’T MEAN

There’s no greater love than when it’s unconditional and that’s exactly the kind of love the shelter animals receive when Antonio Sanchez volunteers. It’s a two-way love affair, as the animals also give unconditional love to Sanchez, who suffered a traumatic brain injury that displays the same as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

His daughter, Linda Smith, moved to Florida in 2013 to care for her parents, who are their 80s. In particular, she knew she needed to be here to care for her father.

“I have always been a ‘daddy’s girl — and I’m almost 60 — and I will continue to be that,” said Smith. “I tell people he is the first man I ever fell in love with. He taught me all that I needed to succeed in life, such as integrity, honesty, loyalty, always do your best- nothing less, family, and especially unconditional love.”

As she was having a difficult time watching her father’s short-term memory becoming less and less, her husband, Steven, gave her some valuable advice, saying, “Your father doesn’t have yesterday and no one is guaranteed tomorrow. What you have with your father are ‘moments.’ So you need to enjoy each and every moment with him.”

One way she spends those moments with her dad is at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. She and her husband started volunteering at the HSTC in the spaying and neutering program. He was impressed with the Humane Society and he also knew her father is a dog lover, which prompted Smith to take her dad to a volunteer training. Ever since then, the two of them volunteer once a week to walk the dogs.

In the beginning, her dad was ready to leave after only 15 minutes.

“I never push him into anything because it confuses him even more,” said Smith. “So I would say, OK let’s go.’ I would drive around a little bit and go back to the Humane Society and explain again that we were there to walk the dogs, and then he might last another 15 minutes.”

Three years later, he walks dogs between one to two hours.

“He may not remember walking the dogs, but in the ‘moment’ he is the happiest man,” said Smith.

She observes him loving, hugging and kissing them and he pets and talks with them with pure joy and love.

“The dogs know it,” said Smith. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a chihuahua or a pit bull – he shows them all the love he can give them. And when we leave, he leaves with that awesome feeling of loving these beautiful creatures and them loving him back.”

Smith says that going to the Humane Society has been extremely beneficial and therapeutic for both her and her father, explaining it as a “win-win” situation.”

“I highly recommend it if there is anyone else out there experiencing what I am with my daddy and they love dogs – go and take them, please! You will see a side of them that lifts your heart. I thank those at the Humane Society who agreed to allow me to do this with my daddy.”

While her father is walking the dogs, Smith tel ls him she’s there as a photographer,

capturing many precious moments.

“I even keep several photo albums of him and the dogs for him to be able to look at so he can relive the ‘moment!’”

The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast is grateful to be a part of these kinds of “moments,” and thanks all of the volunteers who provide such tender, loving care to its shelter animals.


Loss of Love

VOLUNTEER

Get StartedContact: Sarah Fisher, Volunteer ManagerEmail: [email protected]: 772-600-3217 Website: hstc1.org

By Doreen Marcial Poreba

Loss of Memory



On July 1, an eager and excited group of new volunteers from Helping People Succeed arrived at the HSTC for a shelter tour. During their visit, they also donated bags full of bedding for the dog

kennels. Now, the group is volunteering at the HSTC Thrift Store to broaden their experiences in animal care while gaining additional responsibilities. They assist with cat socialization and basic cat care needs such as cleaning cages, refilling food and water bowls, and making sure cages are safely secured. We thank Helping People Succeed for their enthusiasm and volunteerism!

Thank You!

On July 8, dozens of children from Grace Place’s Camp Kindness arrived at the HSTC for a Lesson in Kindness where they participated in the Pet Suitcase program. Afterward, they enjoyed a Shelter Tour conducted by Jessie Clifford, Director of Humane Education. Before they left, they generously made a $55 donation to the shelter. We thank these kids for their generosity and desire to learn more about animals and how they should be treated.In late July, Parker Merick and Alina

Pope organized a bake sale for the HSTC where they raised $45 for animals in need. A special ‘thank you’ goes out to these sweethearts for this sweet surprise brought about by their sweet treats!

On July 21, a group of Girl Scouts came to the shelter to learn about how animals help people. While here they completed

a service project where they assembled litter boxes and inscribed words of encouragement on the insides of the folds. They even donated dozens of shelter supplies to the HSTC. And at the end of the day, they were all smiles as they earned their Animal Badge.

We’d like to thank the folks over at Ace Hardware in Stuart for donating several plastic swimming pools to the HSTC in early September. The pools couldn’t have come at a better time as one of our pups soon after gave birth to nine puppies. As you can see, one of the pools was used to keep the pups housed together while mommy cared for her newborns.


Thank You!


We’d like to thank Josh Steppling for sponsoring a Pet Therapy group luncheon on Aug 25. Josh donated approximately 20 mouth-watering Subway sandwiches for the group of volunteers who met to brainstorm over Paws to Read.

A special ‘Thank you’ goes out to Mike Mann who has donated coffee to our shelter staff and at a HSTC events on a few different occasions. The coffee is locally roasted at Roasted Record in Port St. Lucie. We appreciate the morning jolt and afternoon ‘pick-me-up’!

On Oct. 9, Kathy Dangerfield along with several parishioners of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Port St. Lucie arrived at the HSTC to assist shelter staff with post-Hurricane Matthew clean-up. They washed dogs, swept and mopped the floors, assembled litter boxes, cleaned crates and even folded loads of laundry. We thank them for their bountiful blessing in helping us get back to work safely and efficiently.

In late September, a group of neighborhood kids in North River Shores organized a lemonade stand and garage sale to benefit the HSTC. They wanted to help animals without homes, and that’s precisely what they did! Altogether, the kids raised more than $300 to help animals in need. A special shout out goes out to Gavin Hoffman, Amanda Hill, Ben Rukeyser, Jonah Rukeyser, Jordan Hoffman, Lauren Hill and Lucas Hill for planning and organizing this very successful fundraiser! The animals are lucky to have friends like you!

We’d like to thank Dr. Brian Moriarty and his friends at the Rotary Club and Elite Business Association for coming to the HSTC on Aug. 27, Sept. 24 and again on Oct. 22 to wash dozens of our shelter pups. Thanks to you, the pups smell good, feel good and are smiling ear to ear.


HSTC Out & About


1 1] Family Fun DayOn August 7, the HSTC was invited to participate in Family Fun Day at The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast. The museum opened exclusively for the residents of Sewall’s Point where residents were encouraged to get out and meet their neighbors.A Pet Therapy Team and a couple mobile adoptions were on site greeting attendees as they came and went.

< HSTC Shelter Pup, Duke, shows affection to his escort during the event.

2] Dancin’ in the StreetsPeople were movin’ and groovin’ at Dancin’ in the Streets on August 20 where HSTC Volunteers were thrilled to lend a helping hand! Volunteers poured beer at two of the beer tents where all of the tips collected were donated back to the shelter. And the tips were flowing in as quickly as the beer was flowing out. All in all, more than $500 was raised for the HSTC! A special thank you to Rachel Snyder and Amber Ducote for including us at this fun-filled event again this year.

3] Palm City Fall FestivalThe Humane Society of the Treasure Coast was a proud Sponsor of the Palm City Fall Fest on October 29. This year the event relocated to Citrus Grove Community Park where there was food, games, arts & crafts, community booths, live performances, a children’s area with pumpkin decorating and so much more! The HSTC was on site with an Info Booth and Mobile Adoptions, and two pups even found their furr-ever homes! We’d like to thank the Palm City Chamber of Commerce for hosting this community festival each year and for inviting theHSTC to participate in all the fun!

^ Polly and Faith Allen are all smiles as they represent the HSTC.

3

^ Sandi Smith and Alishia Garcia join in on all the fun!

> HSTC Volunteers Jacqueline Ramsten & Carol Rueckle displayed their Halloween spirit dressed in their best – costumes!

4] Trunk or TreatOn Halloween, more than 10,000 little ghouls and goblins participate in Trunk or Treat at the Martin County Sheriff’s Office! The free event appealed to kids of all ages where there was fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Volunteers with the HSTC were on site with an Info Booth and passed out 27 bags of candy! A BIG Thank You goes out to MCSO for including the HSTC in this spook-tacular event!

4


HSTC Out & About


5] Stuart Air ShowThe Stuart Air Show is a 3-day event featuring thrilling performances by nationally known performers as well as interesting and historical static displays of aircraft and vehicles. Popular attractions include amusement rides, a WWII reenactment, aircraft rides, kids’ zone and more!

The HSTC was on site the first weekend of November where volunteers managed an HSTC Info Booth, collected donations and promoted the 3rd Annual Pooch Plunge. We’d like to thank event organizers for reminding the HSTC and community at large to aimhigh – the sky is the limit!

6] ‘Sip & Shop’ & Clawsmopawlitan Pet Photo ShootOn November 12, J. McLaughlin in Harbour Bay Plaza hosted a ‘Sip & Shop’ where people enjoyed light refreshments while they shopped the latest styles of the season. HSTC Mobile Adoptions were on site, and 15% of sales were donated back to the HSTC. As an added pet-perk, HSTC sponsors even got their pet’s photo taken for the Clawsmopawlitan, the Paws & Claws Gala’s official keepsake program. We’d like to thank Shelley Trevisol with J.McLauglin for hosting the ‘Sip & Shop’ and Wendy Conrad with Pink Bellies Photography for taking professional portraits of our four-legged friends.

7] 9th Annual Treasure Coast Beer FestFor the first time, the HSTC was one of the benefitting charities at the Treasure Coast Beer Fest at Tradition Square in Port St. Lucie. We’d like to thank Mike Mann and the BeerWorks Charitable Foundation for including us in this ‘tasteful’ experience where volunteers passed out samples of craft beer.

8] Buddy Bear WeekendOn November 18, the HSTC participated in Buddy Bear, an event designed to benefit kids involved in accidents or trauma. At the event, teddy bears were collected for the area’s first responders who then pass them along to children involved in emergencies. The stuffed animals provide a sense of comfort and security in times of duress for the most fragile and precious. Volunteers escorted mobile adoptions and managed an HSTC Info Booth. We’d like to thank Kevin Bonura for including the HSTC in the revival of the Buddy Bear movement.

9] Port Salerno Green Market Dog WashThe Port Salerno Green Market hosted their first ever ‘Dog Wash & Adoption Day’ on November 19 where several of dogs were washed and dried by HSTC Volunteers. The event was held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Stuart, and all proceeds from the Dog Wash benefitted the HSTC. Mobile Adoptions were on site, and there was even be a gift basket raffle filled with merchandise from vendors at the Green Market at this fun-filled – and wet – afternoon! A special ‘Thank You’ goes out to Art D’Amato for inviting us out.

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www.CraryBuchanan.com

759 South Federal Hwy. | Stuart, FL 349941935 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd. | Port St. Lucie, FL 34952

(772) 287-2600

Crary Buchanan-Humane Society Ad.indd 1 9/6/16 9:34 PM

The Mannn TuckahhAn EEgant Weddd Venue... r PPPe o

OUR COMMUNITY SUPPORTINVOLVES A WIDE VARIETYOF PET PROJECTS.At Seacoast Bank, it’s a treat to support the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast because they work to make a difference, just like us. This community is our home, too, and we’ve been investing in it since 1926. When you bank with Seacoast, you help support loans for homes and businesses right in your own backyard.

SeacoastBank.com | 800 706 9991


Proud Affiliated Agency:

Paws & Claws GalaWILLOUGHBY GOLF CLUB

FEB11

Save the Date

Run Fur FunTHE FUR SEASONS

APR01

BunfestFLAGLER PLACE

MAY20

Non Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDWest Palm Beach FL

Permit # 1015

HSTC MISSION STATEMENTTo assure a better life for companion animals by providing shelter, finding loving homes and promoting respect for their place in our lives.

A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of the consumer services by calling toll-free (800) 435-7352 within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. Registration #CH1552

HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE TREASURE COAST4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave., Palm City(772) 223-8822HOURS: Mon – Sat, 10am to 5pmSun 10am to 4pm

HUMANE SOCIETY THRIFT STORE CENTRAL2585 SE Federal Hwy., Stuart(772) 286-6909Open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm

HUMANE SOCIETY THRIFT STORE NORTH1099 NW 21st St., Stuart(On the corner of NW 21st and US1, just North of the Roosevelt Bridge)(772) 232-4887Open 7 days a week from 10am – 5 pm

SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM(772) 600-3205

CONSTANCE MATHESON BAKER ANIMAL RESOURCE PARK4100 SW Leighton Farm AvenuePalm City, FL 34990www.HSTC1.org

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