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Hernando Today

Heart To Heart Was Big Success

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 22, 2009

Yesterday was the final day of Heart to Heart at the Humane Society of the Nature Coast. This year the event focused on the adoption of homeless pets and the ZOOTOO contest for a $1 Million Shelter Makeover.

As with last year the event saw a dramatic increase in adoptions at the Humane Society enabling the shelter to transfer more pets from Hernando County Animal Services. This is a great partnership of agencies that has saved countless pets who otherwise might not have found their forever homes.

There are still many pets in need of a loving home and after sharing their kennels for seven days we know what wonderful companions they are. Midas, a 4-year-old golden retriever mix was transferred from Animal Services and has just been neutered. Then there is Beau, a small Chihuahua mix who was overwhelmed by the small children of his family and who needs the oasis of an adult household.

We also share quarters with Bandit, a beautiful German Shepherd/Czechoslovakian Wolf Dog who is quiet and mild mannered. Darlene was a particularly gracious hostess, she is an American Staffordshire Bull Terrier who does not care for other animals, but sure loves her people.
Heart to Heart also provided an opportunity to educate the community about ZOOTOO and the resources it offers pet lovers and rescue organizations. ZOOTOO Mania has taken the Humane Society of the Nature Coast into the top 20 shelters in the United States which could qualify the shelter for a $1 Million Shelter Makeover.

I say "could" because we need to stay on the top 20 shelter list until March 13 and that is not as easy as it sounds... to quote a friend "the fight has begun." Shelters across the country are working hard to get into the top 20 and stay there.

On Friday, a shelter in Missouri came from out of nowhere to make it to the number 10 position. Congratulations Missouri! Unfortunately it dropped the Humane Society of the Nature Coast out of the number 11 position, down to number 12. The Humane Society of the Nature Coast and our entire community need to really step up our participation to bring this makeover to our local shelter.

Our community desperately needs to expand our services for homeless pets and here is a way to do it in a fun, free and easy way. We know we can do it with your help - we can't do it without you.

The Humane Society of the Nature Coast is currently the leading shelter in the state of Florida competing for this makeover.

Community Guidelines for Zootoo Members

Zootoo.com is an unbiased Web site that was created to provide pet owners with a fun, positive and stimulating environment where pet lovers can share, connect and help.

Share. Voice your opinions about pet news.

Share your experience about pet products and local services.

Learn from pet lovers about other products and services.

Connect. Find pet lovers like you online and locally.

Use your profile, pictures and videos to show off your pets.

Earn points, gain recognition and chances to get giveaways.

Help. Helping is easy. Simply use the site (write reviews, post comments, upload videos, etc.) to get points and help a shelter win a makeover by associating those points to it.

The Zootoo.com Shelter Makeover II This national Contest is connecting communities with their shelters across the country to help raise awareness for needy animals and increase adoptions.

This year, the makeover contest is divided into three phases: In the first phase, shelter supporters earn points by being active on zootoo for their affiliated shelter. The top 20 shelters become semi-finalists.

During phase 2, Zootoo and its advisors will tour these shelters and view their condition in order to narrow the 20 Semi-finalists down to 10 Finalists. During phase 3, it will be up to America to vote on the most deserving shelter. The shelter with the highest number of public votes by America will win the makeover!

If you do not have a computer, you are invited to stop by the Humane Society of the Nature Coast and one of the volunteers will be glad to help you join Zootoo at one of our volunteer computer stations. For more information on Zootoo and how you can help the Humane Society of the Nature Coast call 352-796-2711 or e-mail joanne@humanerescue.org.

When joining Zootoo remember to select the Humane Society of the Nature Coast as the shelter you support under zip code 34603.

Joanne Schoch is the executive director of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast.

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