Tracking Animals By the Numbers in Pinellas County

Local animal agencies have developed a shared reporting system to help reduce the number of animals euthanized in the county.

The fluffy orange cat at Pinellas County Animal Services purred loudly and persistently. Perhaps it was aware of the fate of some fellow felines in Pinellas County — at least the story told through the numbers. Cats represented 54 percent of all intakes at several local animal shelters in October. And 69 percent of the cats were euthanized. The numbers come from Humane Society of Pinellas, Pet Pal Animal Shelter, Pinellas County Animal Services and SPCA Tampa Bay, which account for about 80 to 90 percent of the animals received each month, agency representatives said.  The local animal agencies have worked together over several months to establish a consistent reporting system that will let each agency clearly report animal intake and …

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Melissa Lattman

11:28 am on Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Yes Jo, Simba the orange cat has a "fur"ever home.   more ›

Rescue Pet of the Week

Rescue Pet of the Week: Hailey

This fun-loving pit-terrier just needs a home with a caring owner

NAME: Hailey AGE: 3 years GENDER: Female BREED: Pit Bull Terrier Mix Hailey is fun-loving pooch who’s patiently waiting to find her new forever family. Playing outdoors with other dogs and splashing in the pool are two of her favorite activities. She is well behaved and would be a star student in the SPCA Tampa Bay canine behavior classes. Meet Hailey at SPCA Tampa Bay or call 727-586-3591.

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Moms, Pops and Entrepreneurs

Doggie Divas: More Than Just Pet Sitters

This Largo pet-sitting business goes the extra mile for its clients.

Lots of people could use an exercise partner, a massage or just a midday break outside. So could their dogs. The Doggie Diva fills those needs for pets all over Pinellas County. Since 2008, The Diva, aka Shannon Sullivan, has made "walking the dog" her full-time occupation. Her business serves cat and dog owners all over Largo, Seminole and the Pinellas beaches. Two of Sullivan's business partners cover the rest of the county. Make no mistake: The Diva does more than take pets for a walk. Caren Dana, a client with a Rhodesian ridgeback, said the Divas were there for her and her other dog, Farrah, when her beloved Bruno died.  “They mourned with me. They have helped me get Farrah through her separation anxiety with Bruno being gone,” she …

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