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Rescue groups: Adopt a homeless pet
But resist the urge to make an animal a surprise gift, they say. It may be abandoned later.
By JACKIE RIPLEY
Published December 25, 2005
ODESSA - Home for the holidays means different things to different people. But to a local animal rescue group it means bringing Fido or Fluffy home - not just for the holidays but for good.
"It seems to be working," said Mindi Lasley with No More Homeless Pets in Hillsborough County. "We've gotten calls from rescue organizations, excited because people are responding."
This is the second year the Odessa group has launched its Home for the Holidays campaign. And even though the organization does not encourage making a pet a present during the holidays, members realize that's the very thing many people do.
"We're encouraging people who are going to acquire a pet during the holidays to adopt instead of going to a breeder or a pet store," Lasley said. Rescue groups participating this year include: Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions; Boston Terrier Rescue of Tampa Bay; Cat Call; Critter Adoption & Rescue Effort; Heidi's Legacy Dog Rescue; Hillsborough County Animal Services; Humane Society of Tampa Bay, and Central Florida Great Dane Rescue.
Last year in Hillsborough County, more than 27,000 dogs and cats were euthanized. That's a number No More Homeless Pets in Hillsborough County hopes to reduce. The 3-year-old umbrella organization coordinates the work of animal rescue groups throughout the state. Its main focus is adoptions and spay and neuter programs.
Lasley advises strongly against surprising anyone with a pet. Have the recipient help select the pet, she said. Recipients should ask themselves if they have enough time for a pet and can care for it.
"A lot of people decide the holiday season is a good time to get an additional family member," Lasley said. "We're just asking they be responsible."
For more information about animals available for adoption go to the group's Web site at www.nmhp-hc.org Jackie Ripley can be reached at 813269-5308 or ripley@sptimes.com
[Last modified December 24, 2005, 10:46:04]
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