Name:

Little Bit has been waiting for her home for quite sometime! She’s not so little though. She’s a big girl with a big heart. She would love to be your one and only! 

Name: Dilly
Gender: Female
Age: 2 years, 7 months
Species: Dog
Breed: Pit Bull Mix
Orphaned Since: 1/26/2010

Dilly is a gorgeous gal that hates being called a pit bull! It tends to make people shy away but she’s a ball full of kindness. She’s energetic and smart, too. She can sit and shake on command. Treats help, too! She’s already housetrained and ready to be your only doggie. Give her a chance today! 

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.

From our Volunteer Coordinator, Alane:

This month’s featured volunteer is one of our hardest workers here.  John Gotthardt (Jack as we know him) moved to Florida from Texas in January of 2009. He started working part-time at Home Depot and was looking to give back and volunteer his time working with animals. Living in Winter Haven, he thought he would try to help at his local Humane Society. When he walked in, he was unimpressed to say the least. He was not greeted, not shown where to go and he left feeling disappointed and uninterested in volunteering for them. Shortly thereafter, he decided to check out our facility. He was amazed and truly enjoyed his visit. He applied to volunteer, and the rest was history! Since attending last July’s orientation, Jack has donated close to 300 hours to our organization.  Besides working diligently in the puppy room a few days a week, Jack also helps out with off-site adoption events such as PetSmart Davenport and special events in his area. He assists with some of our pet therapy events, driving to Manor at Carpenters and also delivers Ani-meals food. It’s crucial to have volunteers that we can trust to drive our pets safely to their off-site event or location. He always says “yes” to our last minute requests when he is able, and always shows a great attitude, no matter how mundane the task.

Jack drives from Winter Haven twice a week, arriving sometimes as early as 7:30 a.m. some mornings to get his start walking the small dogs and scrubbing the puppy room cages. He does this knowing that he will be working by himself until most of the staff arrive at 9 a.m., but happy that he can help them out and have them start their days with less of a mess and less of a “to do” list.  He then stays almost 7 hours, working with the customers and facilitating adoptions once we open to the public at 11 a.m. It’s no surprise that the staff is blown away by him. Not many people thank US when they are the ones volunteering their time, but Jack is one of those very special people. He always has a smile and gives 110%.  I hope he does not mind my mentioning that he is 79 years of age…. and doesn’t look or act a day over 50!  

In his life outside the SPCA, Jack has two daughters who live in Pennsylvania and Texas, and four grandchildren.  He had been looking for a dog, and he fell in love with his perfect match a few months ago when he adopted Hilde, a four year old min-pin from the SPCA. He is a dedicated dad. He takes her to obiedence classes with Debbi Snyder and is also helping her get healthy (she was quite overweight when he took her home!).

Jack, words cannot express our appreciation for being such a great team player and ambassador for the animals. We have ALL noticed your hard work and dedication these past 8 months and are so thankful that you stepped onto our campus. It’s individuals like you that render it the “Campus of Kindness.”

To become a member of our volunteer team, please apply online at www.lovemyspca.com or call 863.646.7722 x 112.

Name:

Tangi has been waiting for her purr-fect mate since January. She’s been patient and has sharpened her love skills! Open your home and heart to this lucky lady today, and we promise you won’t regret it. She’s loving, sweet and gorgeous. What more could you want?

Name: Henrietta
Gender: Female
Age: 4 years, 2 months
Species: Dog
Breed: Basset Hound/Retriever Mix
Orphaned Since: 12/15/2009

Henrietta is a gorgeous canine, and she’s been waiting for her home since DECEMBER! No one understands why a gorgeous dog like her is still waiting for forever. She’s playful, mellow and ready to go home. Can you open your home to Henny today?

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.

Pets on Parade

KICKOFF PARTY

Name: Trooper

Gender: Female

Age: 1 yr 7 mths

Species: Cat

Breed: Domestic Medium hair

Orphaned Since: 1/6/2010

Shy but loveable! She is adorable and playful and sure to bring a smile to your home. Trooper has been with us for about one month waiting for her forever home, so stop by today and play with her!

Name: Joey

Gender: Male

Age: 9 months

Species: Dog

Breed: Australian cattle dog/ terrier pit bull

Orphaned Since: 2/01/2010

Joey will melt your heart the first time you meet him. He is playful and a joy to be around. He prefers the indoors so that he can cuddle with you whenever you are available! Joey is ready for a play date with your name on it!

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.

I will call this kitten Fluffy because I do not know its given name or sex.  Fluffy, a medium hair black kitten, was left by its owner just outside the gates of our campus in a pretty basket.  Fluffy escaped from the basket only to take refuge in the engine of one of our company vans.  As you have probably guessed by now Fluffy was clipped by the fan and its neck was broken instantly.  This is the only comfort I take from this tragedy; it was swift and hopefully painless for this sweet and innocent creature.  I wrapped Fluffy in a towel and said a prayer to St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. 

But it was not so painless for our employee; she was devastated and felt totally responsible for this kittens death.  The HARSH REALITY is “you” are responsible for the life of any animal you choose to own.  There is a right way and a wrong way to give up your pet.  Be responsible for your own actions and do it the right way because not only do you hurt the animal you hurt people when they are involved in an unfortunate accident such as this.

For those of you who surrender your animals to shelters the right way, thank you.  I encourage you to help those who see no other way to relieve themselves of the burden of unwanted pets to do it right.  You may just save another life.

Name:

Gender: Male

Age: 2 yrs 8 mths

Species: Cat

Breed: Turkish Van

Orphaned Since: 2/06/2010

Luke is one dashing cat. He is an orange and white ball of fluff that is just full of love. He gets along with children and other pets, so be sure to bring the family to meet him today!

Name: Shrimp

Gender: Female

Age: 2 mths

Species: Dog

Breed: Hound/ Boxer

Orphaned Since: 2/09/2010

Shrimp is a most adorable puppy with the sweetest heart. She will cuddle with you and just want you to love on her forever. Shrimp and her brothers and sisters are excited to meet you!

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.

Some of the cast from the production even came out to our Annual Auction for the Animals back in November and sang “Hard Knock Life”. It was hard to follow that up, and now we are eagerly awaiting opening night on March 4.

Not only is Sandy a pet from the SPCA, but there will also be a different SPCA guest star in the play each night so keep an eye out for that!

You can purchase tickets here or see more about the Annie cast and team here. Seriously, it doesn’t get any better than this! A live production featuring some adorably cute little girls with our adorably cute pets…how can one resist?

There will be an opportunity to give to the SPCA each night along with an informational table set up for us in the lobby. You may fall in love with these guest stars, too!

Last night of production is March 21 (which happens to be a matinee) so get your tickets today!

From Sept. 4 – 17, supporters can jump on board the Celebrity Millennium – Tour 15 sailing to Alaska. Ports of call include Fairbanks, Denali, Talkeetna, Anchorage, Alyeska and Seward. You can have the choice to sail for the full two weeks or just one week.

Per person rates start at $2,057 up to $2,997 and a $500 per person deposit is due on March 14 with final payment on July 1. The SPCA will receive $50 from each reservation!

For more information, call Travel and Cruise World at 863/295-9017 or if you’re outside of Polk County, you can call toll-free at 1-800-330-7461. You can also reach them online at www.travelandcruiseworld.com or e-mail info@travelandcruiseworld.com.

Rates include cruisetour, cruise, taxes, fees and SPCA donation. The rates DO NOT include airfare, transfers, travel insurance or gratuities. Fly into Fairbanks and out of Vancouver or Seattle to make it to the ship. Motorcoach transfer will be required if flying out of Seattle.