An animal rescue group is attaching a clay dog or cat medallion to recycled beads and plans to sell them at Saturday's parade.
By JACKIE RIPLEY
Published February 6, 2004
TAMPA - Gasparilla is nearly here and with it comes a bounty of beads.
A local animal rescue group is recycling old beads to raise money for homeless dogs and cats. All you have to do is drop off strands at area pet stores and animal shelters.
No More Homeless Pets in Hillsborough County will decorate the beads with clay dog or cat medallions and resell them for $5. Look for them at Gasparilla on Saturday and the St. Patrick's Day parade March 13 in Ybor City.
"We're doing this as a fundraiser and a marketing tool," said Megan Newman, coalition coordinator for No More Homeless Pets in Hillsborough County.
The bead collection program runs through Feb. 28. Dropoff locations are at Petco at 136 S West Shore Blvd. and 13127 N Dale Mabry Highway; Humane Society of Tampa Bay, 3606 N Armenia Ave., and its satellite center, 1608 Snow Ave., in Old Hyde Park Village.
The group also is sponsoring a Valentine's Day pet adoptathon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 14 at Centro Ybor.
"We want you to adopt the love of your life," Newman said.
Dogs, cats, puppies and kittens from every breed, age, color and size will be waiting for their new families.
The event features more than 20 local shelters and groups that rescue stray and unwanted animals and find them loving new homes.
No More Homeless Pets is a coalition of animal welfare groups and individuals who have come together to end euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals.
Newman said some organizations will adopt animals that day while others will take applications.
Anyone interested in adopting a pet should bring proof of home ownership or a letter stating the landlord or apartment management will allow a pet.
For information, visit the organization's Web site at www.nmhp-hc.org or call 818-9381.
