Dogs perch on the damaged remains of a home after Hurricane Katrina. Photo from Getty Images

From the desk of Jessica Lawson, Director of Community Relations:

Florida’s close call with Hurricane Irene is a good reminder that preparation is a necessary part of life for us here in the sunshine state. For many families disaster preparedness involves stocking up on bottled water and canned goods, and storing plywood to protect windows. But what about preparing your furry family members? Without a disaster plan in place for your pets, you may be forced to evacuate to a shelter that does not accept animals. Once you leave your home, you have no way of knowing how long you’ll be kept out of the area, and you may not be able to go back for your pets.

Pets should NEVER be left behind. Frightened animals frequently slip out open doors, broken windows or damaged areas of your home. These abandoned animals face harsh elements, starvation, predators, contaminated food or water, and they could be a victim of fallen debris or traffic accidents. If you’re forced to leave your pets behind, you may be faced with a difficult family discussion when you return home. Planning and organization will ensure your pets are safe and secure throughout the stress of a natural disaster.

Be aware of local kennels that board animals during evacuations, make temporary pet care arrangements with family or friends out of the area or be familiar with pet-friendly hurricane shelters and motels throughout the region. Most shelters, kennels and hotels require current records of shots as well as identification, kennels/carriers, food/water and other provisions found in our Pet Survival Kit. Making arrangements for your four-legged family members in advance and having your pet’s survival kit ready to go will help reduce the stress of a looming storm.

For more information on disaster preparedness for your pet, visit SPCA’s Disaster Preparedness page.

Travel and Cruise World presents the third annual fund-raising cruise to benefit the SPCA. Celebrity Solstic departs from Fort Lauderdale at 4:30 p.m. on February 12, 2012 for a seven night cruise around the Eastern Caribbean. The cruise will visit San Juan, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. There are a variety of package options available ranging from $869 per person for an interior stateroom to $2,069 per person for a Sky 2 suite with balcony. Prices include onboard accommodations, meals, onboard entertainment and
activities, and government taxes and fees. Rats are per person based on double occupancy, and a $250 deposit is required by November 15, 2011 to reserve a spot on this popular cruise.

For additional details or to make arrangements, contact Travel and Cruise World, 863-295-9017 or toll-free 800-330-7461 or online at www.travelandcruiseworld.com. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to relax AND raise money for the SPCA. Reserve your spot today!

Bring your pooch along to watch Lakeland’s Flying Tigers face the St. Lucie Mets at Joker Marchant Stadium “Tigertown” located at 2301 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland on Friday, July 15. Half of the proceeds from all pre-sell tickets and all pooch passes will benefit the SPCA. Human pre-sell tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at http://bit.ly/spcatickets. Pooch passes cost $1 and can be bought ahead of time at the above web address or the night of the game. The gates will open at 6 p.m. and the players will take the field at 7 p.m. One lucky attendee will receive a prize basket containing dog-themed sports items and treats.

The first two sessions of SPCA’s second annual Critter Camp for students in third through eighth grade wrapped up last week. The animal enthusiast campers completed art projects such as homemade bird feeders and dog toys, rotations through the Adoption Center, including dog bathing and walking as well as an array of other fun, educational animal activities. Dr. Raatz from SPCA’s McClurg Animal Medical Center showed the campers how an exam is done and how to scan for a microchip. Additionally, there was a guest speaker from Feral Fanciers who taught the importance of spaying and neutering to help reduce the unwanted pet population, and a Natural Encounters representative who brought an owl to help explain his wildlife lesson.

The next fun-filled session of Critter Camp begin July 11. See more photos from Session One at http://on.fb.me/cc2011pics.

Linda Liker, SPCA Human Resource Coordinator, goes above and beyond her job description to save the SPCA money by recycling, couponing and rehoming items to rehome animals. Last February she had the first of six garage sales at her house, raising $731 for the SPCA. In January she organized a garage sale at the SPCA. Volunteers distributed fliers and emailed members asking for donations which filled the education room and raised $1,810.

Linda has scheduled the next sale for July 30 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the SPCA. Now is the time to clean your closets for a good cause and bring us the following gently used items:

Bikes
Books
Collectibles
Dishes
Electronics
Furniture
Holiday Items
Pet Supplies
Pictures
Sporting Goods
Small Appliances
Toys

Note: Due to limited space, we cannot accept clothing. Items may be dropped off at the SPCA Education and Administration Center Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or at the Adoption Center on Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information contact Linda Liker at 863-646-7722 or lliker@lovemyspca.com.

The following slate of Board Nominees will be voted on by the members present:
Calvin Arter, Ramona Blankinship, Emily Crossfield, Barbi Feldman, Cindy Green, Ann Harman, Karen Houtz, Jennifer Jonsson, Karen Lukhaub, Karen Mitchell, John Oney, Elizabeth Piotrowski, Clyde Smith, Mary Stephens, David Thompson.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the SPCA’s accomplishments and goals and to become more involved in helping homeless animals.

Cruise through the Eastern Carribean from February 12 – 19, 2012. Rates start at only $869 per person. The deposit for your reservation is only $250 and the final balance is due by November 15.

How does this help the SPCA? $50 of your cruise fare will be donated to the SPCA and then matched by Travel and Cruise World. That’s a $100 donation for every person that books the cruise.

Download the flyer and the sign up form here or contact Travel and Cruise World at info@travelandcruiseworld.com or 863/295-9017.