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Hernando Today

Zootoo Tour Comes To Brooksville

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By TONY HOLT

Hernando Today

Published: March 22, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - He created a Web site for pet lovers.

He felt the love from hundreds of screaming dog owners when he walked through the crowd Saturday at Tom Varn Park.

Zootoo.com founder Richard Thompson was in town touring the Humane Society of the Nature Coast and taking part in the annual Pet Expo.

The shelter, located along Wiscon Road, is in the running to win a $1 million makeover from Zootoo.com and Thompson is among those who will choose the top 10.

"I really expected a lot of support, but I didn't expect this kind of enthusiasm," said Kim Marks, the event coordinator for the Pet Expo.

She kept the crowd roaring as they waited for Thompson's arrival.

When he got out of the van and walked toward the stage, he was greeted like a rock star. He was accompanied by the Joanne Schoch, the shelter's executive director. She is campaigning hard for the $1 million renovation. It has become a passionate project of hers. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed.

"She gets people to rally around here and now we've got a really good shot at this," said Sheila Fenno, who runs a local kennel and daycare for dogs.

The Humane Society has been renovated, but funding has been limited. The facility itself can house 17 or so animals, a modest number by shelter standards.

Thompson got an up-close look at the cramped quarters, which Schoch hopes will sway his decision.

"They need something much nicer and much bigger over there," said Fenno, who was one of the vendors at Saturday's Expo.

The Humane Society of the Nature Coast is the only shelter in Florida in the running for the grand prize. More than 2,000 pet care facilities entered the contest.

The local shelter already earned a spot in the top 20, which guarantees it will receive at least $5,000. The cash prizes vary for the runners up.

As of Saturday, the Humane Society of the Nature Coast was in fifth place. Volunteers encouraged thousands of supporters to log onto zootoo.com and designate the shelter as their entry of choice. The grassroots efforts were what led to the shelter sneaking into the top five.

The contest has given residents something to cheer about at a time when the local economy is lagging and unemployment is soaring.

"You know, this would be $1 million worth of construction that would come into this community," said Barbara Newlin, who attended the expo with her dog.

As Thompson walked onto the stage, he stared back at the screaming audience and took a few seconds to soak in the applause.

Hundreds of people chanted, "We love Zootoo," and Thompson took the microphone and yelled back at them, "We love you, too."

An emotional Schoch thanked the supporters for their attendance and enthusiasm.

Once the top 10 is selected Thompson and the other judges, the public will vote for their favorite.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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