Using Cesar’s calm-assertive leadership approach, SHAPE aims to create a balanced and peaceful shelter environment. Training guides, DVDs and mentoring for staff, volunteers and adopting families will be provided to alleviate fear and anxiety for displaced animals, enabling them to be matched to forever homes.

Later this year, SPCA Operations Director Patt Glenn will fly to Burbank, California for a round table discussion with Cesar. Cesar will then schedule a visit to the SPCA’s Campus of Kindness so he can meet our staff and determine the needs of the shelter regarding the SHAPE Program.

The SPCA is also proud to be a Shelter Star, an animal shelter affiliation program created by the Millan Foundation. Shelter Stars promote positive, healthy relationships between families and the dogs they adopt. The SPCA is one of 400 Shelter Stars currently distributing copies of the most popular volume in Cesar Millan’s Mastering Leadership DVD series, People Training for Dogs, free of charge to families that adopt shelter dogs.

For more information about the SPCA and its programs, visit www.lovemyspca.com or call 863/646-7722.

“Whether you’re looking for a fun, frisky kitten or a mellow, mature cat, you’ll find the perfect feline at our Adoption Center,” says Warren Cox, Executive Director. “We have cats of all breeds, ages and personalities, and they’re all looking for loving, permanent homes.”

For more information about the SPCA and to see photos of all of the adoptable animals, visit www.lovemyspca.com or call 863/646-7722.

            “We are so excited to be 1 of 50 shelters in the United States to participate in this challenge,” said Warren Cox, Executive Director. “In three months, we hope to save at least 300 more lives than we did in the same period as last year and hoping to win that $100,000 grant.”

The shelter that goes the farthest above the number of adoptions that were performed last year during the same three month period (August – September) will receive the $100,000 grant.

The SPCA is asking people to adopt a pet from a shelter and spread the word about the SPCA’s involvement in the Challenge. When members of the community get involved, they will not only be helping the animals, but they will also be increasing the SPCA’s chances of winning the other ASPCA prize: $25,000 for the shelter that enlists the most community support in this life saving effort.

For more information about the SPCA and its programs, visit www.lovemyspca.com or call 863/646-7722.

Human tickets are $5 and pooch passes are $1. Half of the proceeds will benefit the SPCA. Human tickets must be purchased in advance to guarantee donation to SPCA. Pooch passes can be purchased in advance or on the night of the event.

To order your tickets and pooch passes, call 863/646-7722 ext. 117, e-mail mchuch@lovemyspca.com or use the calendar at www.lovemyspca.com to purchase tickets today.

Dog owners can purchase an Invisible Fence and get a second one half off. Then, a donation of $150 will be made on behalf of each of the purchasers. For each BOGO deal, a total of $300 will be donated to help the animals at the SPCA.

To get your Invisible Fence or for more information, call 863/299-4310. To learn how you can help the SPCA, visit www.lovemyspca.com, call 863/646-7722 or e-mail info@lovemyspca.com.

Invisible Fence is the “brand vets recommend most for dog safety and freedom”.

Name:

This little guy has been waiting for a home since January. He hasn’t had the chance at a family but patiently waiting for the right one to come along. After being scooped up wandering the streets in Plant City, he’s warmed up nicely to SPCA staff and we cannot say enough about how great this kitty is! Visit him today – we promise you won’t regret it.

Name: Damon
Gender: Male
Age: 2 years, 3 months
Species: Dog
Breed: Bulldog
Orphaned Since: January 2

Damon started off the New Year (almost five months ago!) by entering the doors of the SPCA. He was met with the love and kindness but the staff is excited to find him a forever home. He’s got a warm personality, supercool and very laidback. He’s friendly with kids and ready to go home. He’s got a “furry friend” sponsor that took care of his adoption fee…all he’ll need is a loving family and protection from pesky fleas – what every dog needs! Visit him today!

Visit us at the SPCA
OPEN Mon – Sat, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
5850 Brannen Rd S in Lakeland
Call 863/646-7722
www.lovemyspca.com
All pets are spayed/neutered and vaccinations are up to date.

Name: Kit Kat

Gender: Female

Age: 8 yrs old

Species: Cat

Breed: Domestic Shorthair

Orphaned Since: 3/22/2010

If a well rounded, pleasantly plump, and super wonderful cat is what you are looking for, then Kit Kat is your girl. Her family had to drop her off, when they were forced to move. She just knows that her future owner will take a break for a new kind of Kit Kat!

Name: Bosley

Gender: Male

 Age: 3 years

 Species: Dog

 Breed: Shepard/ Terrier/ Pitbull

Orphaned Since: 4/2/2010

Beasty Bosley! He has is a handsome dog who will win your heart as soon as you see his cute face. He is playful and easy going and can’t wait to bring his energy into his new home. Come meet Bosley today and see if he’s the dog you’ve been missing.

Visit us at the SPCA
Adoption Center open Mon – Sat, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5850 Brannen Rd S in Lakeland
Call 646-7722
www.lovemyspca.com
All pets are spayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinations are up to date through our full-service medical center which is also open to the public.

Dennis sporting his 70's attire at our 30th Birthday Bash this Sept.

If you have visited our Adoption Center on a Tuesday or Saturday afternoon in the past eight months, then you have probably been greeted with a warm smile and kind words by this month’s featured volunteer, Dennis Price. 

Dennis transferred to Lakeland from Denver in 2001. As an IT manager, he opened up a call center for what used to be MCI/ Worlcom and is now Verizon. He had been with the company for 15 years when he “got caught in a Management Reduction in Force in December 2008…. that ended that,” Dennis states.  He’s currently still looking for work but there’s not much out there he’s finding, as I’m sure many individuals can relate.

After spending some time at home getting tired with the job hunt, Dennis decided that he needed to do something meaningful with his free time. Since attending our volunteer orientation in August of 2009, Dennis has donated over 200 hours to our organization.  In his life outside of the SPCA, Dennis keeps busy by slowly restoring a red 1974 Corvette Convertible and caring for his own pets. He has two dogs (a Golden Retriever and a Mini Schnauzer), one bird (a mini Macaw) and a saltwater reef tank.

Dennis has been an amazing asset to our organization since he started. He excels at customer service.  He has our staff singing praises about him for his positive attitude and sense of humor. Our staff describes Dennis as nothing short of “phenomenal”. He is “happy-go-lucky and always has a great attitude,” staff member Kim Grassano stated. They all concur that Dennis repeatedly “makes the customers SO happy.” He never points which way to go, he actually takes the time to make them feel welcome, and more importantly, leads the way and escorts them into the catteries, puppy room or kennel.

Dennis also has a wonderful sense of humor, and makes us laugh. Who doesn’t want to be around someone who makes them smile and feel GREAT?!?  He knows just what to say as a greeter and tour guide.

On our busy Saturdays, he finds the time to make each guest’s visit very special; including the dozens of Girl Scout Troops he has provided tours for the last several months. In these instances, he is a humane educator and shares with them what we do and how they can help homeless pets. 

Our greeters, including fellow volunteer Stephanie Principato, are the first impression of our facility when they are here. They both know how to spread that great feeling and make each individual that walks into our doors feel extremely welcome, and for that we are very grateful.

Dennis says he loves being around our staff and, of course, the animals. He is honored that he was chosen as this month’s recipient and says “volunteering at the SPCA is probably the best idea I’ve had in a long time.” 

I asked Dennis to share some of his most memorable experiences while volunteering with us during these past eight months. He fondly remembers the couple with the 19 year-old blind dog. They brought him in to find him a friend and moments like these “really touch my heart,” he says.

Meeting such a diverse group of people that walk through our doors, and hearing their stories about their pets have all had a profound effect on Dennis. “I think I’m a better person having met all of them.” He also adds, “I love it when the dogs or cats that I’ve become attached to finally get good homes. Now that’s rewarding. When that happens, if I could…. I would do a happy dance.”

Dennis stated that it is nice to work with such dedicated people. “I can’t say enough good about the staff; they are a true joy to be around”.  He says that we do more good for him than he does for us.

Well, Dennis, this last comment alone shows us even further why you so deserve this recognition. You are such a generous, inspirational and kind-hearted individual. We are so appreciative that you keep coming back to us each week! 

 THANK YOU Dennis, and all of our amazing volunteers, for what you give to this organization.  We couldn’t possibly find all of the happy homes we do without you being here.

 To spread good cheer like Dennis and our other volunteer team members, please apply online at www.lovemyspca.com or call Alane at 863.646.7722 x 112.

Protect our water scoop the poop!

 Why Get Rid of Dog Poop?

• Fecal Coliforms- such as E. Coli.  These microorganisms can make the water that we rely on for fishing, swimming, and drinking unsafe.  This can make a person very sick!
• Roundworms- Roundworm eggs can be found in dog poop and can be easily transferred to other hosts through ingestion.  If a dog eats that poop that has roundworm eggs it can be transferred to that dog.
• Giardia- This is another parasite that can be found in dog poop and can be transferred to dogs and humans.  Giardia can cause diarrhea, cramping, and abdominal pain.  Most commonly contracted through the drinking of water that has been tainted by feces.
• Salmonella- This could also be found in dog poop and can be spread from dog to dog or dog to human.  Avoid feeding your dog any uncooked meats or eggs.

 If we ALL picked up our dog’s poop we will keep our air fresh and water clean!

 Let’s keep our parks and sidewalks poop free!

 Be a responsible pet owner!

Name: Otis

Gender: Male

Age: 1 years

Species: Cat

Breed: Domestic Shorthair

Orphaned Since: 2/27/2010

 Otis is one laid back cat looking for a wonderful family to spend his 9 lives with. He is a fun-loving guy that has high hopes of being your number one. Meet Otis today.

Name: Millie

Gender: Female

Age: 1 year, 1 month

Species: Dog

Breed: Akita Mix

Orphaned Since: 1/26/2010

 Millie is a fun-loving gal that loves to run and play. She’s housetrained and can sit on demand! She’s always “smiling” and ready to have a good time. What more could you ask for?

Visit us at the SPCA
Adoption Center open Mon – Sat, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5850 Brannen Rd S in Lakeland
Call 646-7722
www.lovemyspca.com
All pets are spayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinations are up to date through our full-service medical center which is also open to the public.