SHS needs monetary donations
I am always sad to see a shelter have to reduce staff or operating hours because there is simply not enough money available to function at the level they need to. I received a please from Suncoast Humane asking me to get the word out to this area. Please read the following and if you can, contribute. Every little bit helps and every dollar is important. If shelters close, more animals lose their lives and the shelters left standing continue to try and relieve the burden.
Fundraising Appeal
Suncoast Humane Society is again forced to cut back on hours of operation and numbers of employees. “Operating one of the few open admissions facilities throughout the state of Florida, which accepts all animals brought to us by the public, has taken its toll on our budget” stated Phil Snyder, Executive Director. The society accepts all animals brought in by the public from Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and even counties outside of Coastal Southwest Florida. People from over 100 miles away bring homeless animals to Suncoast Humane Society. “No one else would take them. We couldn’t just dump them off somewhere,” said an individual who recently brought animals from Polk County.
The society recently initiated closing two days a week, Sunday and Monday, as a cost savings measure. Though helpful, the non-profit organization’s sole sources of income; individual donations, wills & bequests, and funding from foundations, continue to decline in this weak economy. In a further attempt to cut costs, visiting and adoption hours have been now been adjusted to 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Hours for accepting and reclaiming pets are 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on those same days. Before the economy forced cut-backs, Suncoast Humane Society was open 7 days a week.
Fortunately, the numbers of pets being adopted are running close to the number adopted last year at this time, however, people continue to lose their homes and jobs, forcing many to turn to Suncoast Humane Society for help with their pets. The Low-Cost Spay/Neuter, along with the Affordable Vaccination and Preventive Health Clinic, is providing care to pets belonging to families suffering from the economy. The Pet Pantry Program is providing pet food to families being served by Meals on Wheels and various Church Food Banks in the area. Officials at the humane society feel that these combined services are making it possible for pets to stay as members of their loving families. Sadly, many other pets however, are being abandoned or turned into Suncoast Humane Society.
Snyder adds “We hate to imagine our communities without the effective services and programs provided by Suncoast Humane Society. We receive nearly 5,000 animals that otherwise could be abandoned to roam free creating public health and safety issues, not to mention enduring a vast amount of suffering. Despite continuous fund raising efforts, including the operation of three thrift stores, we need further financial aid. We are hopeful that even during these desperate times, our concerns will be shared and our needs will be met.”
For more information on Suncoast Humane Society’s programs and services, please visit their website www.humane.org .
Fundraising Appeal
Suncoast Humane Society is again forced to cut back on hours of operation and numbers of employees. “Operating one of the few open admissions facilities throughout the state of Florida, which accepts all animals brought to us by the public, has taken its toll on our budget” stated Phil Snyder, Executive Director. The society accepts all animals brought in by the public from Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and even counties outside of Coastal Southwest Florida. People from over 100 miles away bring homeless animals to Suncoast Humane Society. “No one else would take them. We couldn’t just dump them off somewhere,” said an individual who recently brought animals from Polk County.
The society recently initiated closing two days a week, Sunday and Monday, as a cost savings measure. Though helpful, the non-profit organization’s sole sources of income; individual donations, wills & bequests, and funding from foundations, continue to decline in this weak economy. In a further attempt to cut costs, visiting and adoption hours have been now been adjusted to 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Hours for accepting and reclaiming pets are 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on those same days. Before the economy forced cut-backs, Suncoast Humane Society was open 7 days a week.
Fortunately, the numbers of pets being adopted are running close to the number adopted last year at this time, however, people continue to lose their homes and jobs, forcing many to turn to Suncoast Humane Society for help with their pets. The Low-Cost Spay/Neuter, along with the Affordable Vaccination and Preventive Health Clinic, is providing care to pets belonging to families suffering from the economy. The Pet Pantry Program is providing pet food to families being served by Meals on Wheels and various Church Food Banks in the area. Officials at the humane society feel that these combined services are making it possible for pets to stay as members of their loving families. Sadly, many other pets however, are being abandoned or turned into Suncoast Humane Society.
Snyder adds “We hate to imagine our communities without the effective services and programs provided by Suncoast Humane Society. We receive nearly 5,000 animals that otherwise could be abandoned to roam free creating public health and safety issues, not to mention enduring a vast amount of suffering. Despite continuous fund raising efforts, including the operation of three thrift stores, we need further financial aid. We are hopeful that even during these desperate times, our concerns will be shared and our needs will be met.”
For more information on Suncoast Humane Society’s programs and services, please visit their website www.humane.org .
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