Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

Try other options instead of giving pet as a holiday gift

By Times Staff Writer
Published December 19, 2007

COUNTYWIDE

A surprise pet for Christmas often ends up at a local animal shelter after the holiday.

Pet admissions to animal shelters after the holidays are very high often because of a lack of forethought by well-intentioned gift-givers.

Parents should remember that caring for a pet requires substantial care and time. Young children and even adolescents are often not ready to take on the responsibility.

SPCA Tampa Bay in Largo suggests that gift-givers instead consider an adoption and pet supply gift certificate, so that families can decide together if a pet is appropriate.

Here are other options for animal lovers on your Christmas list:

- Make a donation to homeless and abused animals in their name. Family and friends will receive a commemorative gift certificate announcing a gift to the animals in their honor.

- Make them an "angel" for a homeless pet. Guardian Angels provide food, shelter and medical care for canines, felines, rabbits and farm animals. A personalized nameplate will adorn a kennel all year long to demonstrate the animal lover's dedication to the SPCA's pets.

- Purchase a leaf on the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life welcomes visitors to the SPCA Tampa Bay. It is a permanent, visual expression of love for special people and pets.

For more information or to purchase an adoption and pet supply gift certificate, go to www.SPCA TampaBay.org or call 586-3591.

Volunteers are needed to deliver meals to seniors

If you have 1 1/2 hours in the middle of the day to give to Neighborly Meals on Wheels, you can help improve someone's life and make a difference in a critical area of need.

Volunteer to deliver hot meals in Pinellas Park, Gulfport and Clearwater areas to seniors too poor to buy food, or too frail to shop and cook for themselves.

To start making a difference in those less fortunate, call Pat Hofstadter at 573-9444, ext. 291.

ST.PETERSBURG

St. Petersburg hospital auxiliary needs helpers

Volunteers are needed in all areas of the St. Petersburg General Hospital Auxiliary. Shifts are in four- to five-hour increments.

Openings are available in the surgical waiting room, gift shop, emergency information desk and in other areas.

For more information, call Anita Brown at 544-3300 or Michele Wolff at 576-4131.

Hospital has positions open for volunteer help

Northside Hospital and Tampa Bay Heart Institute is seeking volunteers for various positions. For more information, call 521-5282.

Retirement community to present live nativity

Westminster Palms Retirement Community will present a live nativity from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday on Beach Drive NE between Eighth and Ninth avenues N.

For information, call 776-6445.

[Last modified December 18, 2007, 21:55:54]