Unexpected New Arrivals Face Emergency

Mia was in sad shape. Our HS/SPCA didn't know she was pregnant until 2 days before she gave birth. The quiet little Spaniel mix had unexpectedly delivered a large litter of seven tiny puppies, but just 1 day after she gave birth, Mia was showing signs of distress. With her temperature dangerously rising & a loss of appetite, the panting little mama dog needed immediate medical attention. Late that night, Mia & all her puppies had to be rushed to the emergency animal clinic in Leesburg.

Sadly, two of the little pups did not survive but the remaining pups & their mama are gaining strength & thriving now. The new family is stable, resting contentedly in their nurturing foster home. Fortunately for any animal in our care, we take their health & well-being seriously. When Mia needed emergency medical attention, our volunteer came in the middle of the night to her aide. Emergency medical treatment is expensive but without it, Mia & her puppies would not be here with us today.

We save as many animals as possible despite not having a shelter, but rest assured that the animals in our care will get the necessary medical attention they need. Our work is vital to animals such as Mia, her puppies & so many other animals. Your donations are vital to allow that necessary care to continue. Won't you help?

Please send your donation to the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County, Inc., P.O. Box 67, Lake Panasoffkee, FL, 33538 or here via our Paypal option. Your donations can mean the difference between life & death for so many animals.

Mia is a very sweet little dog, probably one of the most loving dogs we have ever encountered. She needs a special Valentine's Day gift this year: the gift of getting well & finding a forever loving home. Please be a sweetheart & help Mia & her newborn puppies. Mark your donations with Mia's name to let her know you care.

Valentines Fill the Van Days @ Both Sumter Walmarts

Walmart shoppers will again be able to help animals in need in Sumter County while doing their Valentine's shopping at both of Sumter County's Walmart Supercenters. The Villages Walmart, off of CR 466, will host the Humane Society/SPCA's "Fill Your Hearts & Fill the Van" Donation Drive for much needed pet supplies on Saturday, Feb. 11th from 10am-2pm outdoors in front of the store's main entrances. On Sunday, Feb. 12th, Bushnell's Walmart, on CR 48, will also be hosting this event from 10am-2pm.

Volunteers will distribute our "Wish List" providing supporters an idea of what supplies are typically needed in the daily care of rescued animals, along with news of our 30th anniversary. Shoppers can easily purchase & donate the supplies once they exit the store. Volunteers will be gratefully accepting donations of pet food, supplies & gift cards from the community as a recent plea for much needed pet food and monetary donations had been announced.

We'll also have adoptable animals for prospective forever families to meet a potential new Valentine of their own. We do not do "same day" adoptions but interested parties will have the opportunity to complete applications for a pet that pulls at their heartstrings. Animal Adoption volunteer Sheri Evans commented that "there's nothing more beautiful than finding the love of your life on Valentine's! So consider yourself invited, stop by, shop & who knows, you might even fall in love!"

Supporters are also reminded of a fast approaching deadline for another popular community event. The "Sumter's Sweetheart" Online Pet Photo Contest will come to a close on Feb. 13th, so cast your votes on ou website before it's too late!

PET ALERT Emergency Window Clings Available

Have you received your PET ALERT Window Cling pack yet? We offer a 2-pack for only a $4 Donation. Imagine that $4 could save the lives of your treasured pets if the emergency rescuers knew how many & what kind of pets you had in your home?

Fill out the info on the cling & place one on your front & back doors. We can mail (2-3) 2-packs in a #10 envelope for just $1 extra & you can give them to family & friends to keep beloved pets safe. Order your PET ALERTS via Paypal here on our website for your's today!

Meet Our February Volunteer of the Month Su!

Meet our artfully talented newsletter designer Su G. Originally from Minneapolis, she now lives in Sumter County and we're lucky to have her on our team! Su is her Calico cat Dusty she recently adopted from the County Animal Control facility.

Su became involved with our Society when she had seen a copy of a past newsletter and thought she could snaz it up a bit (even though it was already more than you saw compared to other rescue groups). Well she created a publication we are often receiving high praise from our supporters. She kindly lends her skills to other non-profit organizations in the community as well with their newsletters.

Su encourages people to contact our HS/SPCA and see what their areas of expertise can be applied. We ALWAYS need more talented people like Su! That's why she is our February Volunteer of the Month!

Helping Hooves Benefit Ride/Drive March 3rd

Come enjoy a scenic day with your horse at Sumter's own Lake Panasoffkee Wildlife Mgmt. Area on Sat., March 3rd, 2012 (rain date 3/04/12) while helping raise funds & awareness for our rescued horses. A $25 donation for each horse/handler team participating will receive a catered lunch along with live music & a chance at great door prizes. Non-riders are only $10/person. Along with a 50/50 drawing, there will be great auction items. Meet some of the Society's adoptable horses on site too!
Ride or drive your horse within this beautiful preserve but proof of Neg. Coggins is required & minors must be accompanied by parent/guardian & wear safety approved equestrian helmets. Lake Panasoffkee WMA is located on SR 44 in Wildwood, 2 miles West of I-75 exit #329. Registration begins at 7:30am. Riders out by 9am, will return for great lunchtime activities & the event lasts till the final drawing item is won. There are stalls & camping accommodations, running water & ample trailer parking, shade & a pavilion for our comfort too!
For more info go to our Event calendar page.

For Those Who Love to Cruise ...

LUXURY EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISE FUNDRAISER!

Have you thought about taking a river cruise in Europe? Our Humane Society/SPCA has made arrangements to help you take the trip of your dreams while raising money to help with the Society's work!

You can choose from over 100 eligible 2012 cruises with AMA Waterways, one of the top companies offering European cruises. Just mention the Humane Society when you make your reservation and the Society will receive $300 for every cabin booked in 2012!

We have made these arrangements with "Where in the World Travel" in the Villages. Just contact Lee or Judy LeFaivre for more details. You can see several sample cruises by visiting their website whereintheworldtravel.net . Click on the "Specials" tab and scroll down to Luxury European River Cruises. For questions or to book call 352-751-0621 or e-mail travel@whereintheworldtravel.net.

Sumters Sweetheart Pet Contest 10 Days Left!

Every pet we rescue & adopt out, dreams of being someone's SWEETHEART! Maybe the next one will be yours! We've got over $900 in PRIZES! There are ONLY 10 DAYS LEFT either to enter or vote!

As it was such a success the last 2 years, we're happy to announce that the 3rd Sumter Sweetheart Online Pet Photo Contest is getting stirred up now through Feb. 13th with the winner being announced on Valentine's Day, February 14th. Votes are coming in shaking up the standings so jump in & stir it up more for your favorite contestant!

Post your pet's photo (online only) here then spread the word to all your friends & family to send in their online votes. Entries are only $5/photo & votes are only $1 each. Event Coordinator Claudia Labbe' pointed out "due to the popularity of the past two Sumter's Sweetheart contests, this year we have over $900 in prizes & the top three vote-getters will have the opportunity to choose which prizes package according to who received the highest number of votes. Support from local businesses donating prizes & their great variety will surely interest everyone in the community." The highest vote-getter will be crowned "Sumter's Sweetheart" with their pet's photo on our website front page through February while all three vote-getters will be on the our website & Facebook page along with coverage from local media.

The revenue received from the online contest will be applied towards needs such as pet food, medical care & on-going animal cruelty investigations. Entries are varied from a pig, to a goat to a horse along with beloved dogs & cats too! It's open to any type of pet as long as it lives in Sumter County, FL but the votes can come from anyone anywhere. We encourage everyone to spread the word about the contest & find out who will be Sumter's Sweetheart for 2012!"

Contest rules & information for entrants/voters & the prizes are all posted on the contest page.

Proudly Celebrating 30 Years in 2012!

We are so excited to announce that this year 2012, the Society is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a long and proud history of dedicated service to its community. Over the years we have worked tirelessly leading the charge to end animal cruelty, pet overpopulation, rescuing all types of animals in need and placing them into lifelong caring homes, responding to disasters whether natural or man-made, assisting low income residents pet needs, all while operating without a shelter. Founded in 1982, our non-profit charitable organization since 1995, operates solely with contributions from individuals, businesses and foundations.

The time has come for Sumter County, FL to have a much overdue animal shelter allowing the HS/SPCA sufficient space to provide homeless animals a temporary safe haven until placed in a loving permanent home. Our goal to construct a state-of-the-art green facility will allow us to serve more animals and pet owners throughout the Central Florida area. Every animal deserves a chance at happiness so please show your commitment to this worthy investment in our community. Celebrate with the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County for our 30th anniversary by making a tax-deductible donation. Together, we can make the next 30 years even greater!

To find out how you can help, call us at 352-793-9117 or mail us at PO Box 67, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 10am to 2pm. You can also stay in touch with our current events via Facebook!

2012 Corporate Membership Special Thank You!

Our Society has been able grow & better serve its community's needs thanks to the many great supporters over the years. This is why we'll soon celebrate our 30th Anniversary in 2012 with a special offer to local businesses! If you are a current Corporate Member, then your membership will be FREE as a gift from us in 2012 to say THANK YOU!
If you wish to show your support & become a new Corp. Member, it will only cost you $30 instead of our normal $100 for 2012! This is a great way to increase your visibility as our website receives an average of 4000 hits a month and our Facebook page is steadily growing with over 600 Fans right now. Show your customers that you are a compassionate member of the community when you assist us in saving the lives of innocent animals within Sumter!