Humane Society is finalist in zootoo.com competition

It's official.

The Humane Society of the Nature Coast now has a one in 10 chance of winning a $1 million makeover of its Mobley Road shelter.

The Brooksville shelter finished in the top 10 on Tuesday out of an initial 2,000 shelters that entered a contest sponsored by zootoo.com. It's the only shelter in Florida to break the top 10.

Richard Thompson, founder of the online haven for pet lovers, received a rock star welcome on March 21 when he came to town to tour the facilities. The no-kill shelter can only house about 17 dogs.

Now it's up to the thousands of folks whose votes brought the Humane Society this far to finish the job. Voting begins Monday, April 13, and will continue until April 19. The finalist with the most votes takes the grand prize.

Vince Vanni, speaking for the Humane Society, said this is the perfect opportunity to bring national attention to Brooksville. In a tight economy any chance to attract snowbirds and business is welcome, he said.

"It's not just a million dollars in work," he said.

When the 10 finalists were announced at the Humane Society of the United States Animal Care Expo in Las Vegas, people were already starting to ask, "Where's this Brooksville?" Vanni said.

For that reason, Vanni believes everyone in Florida needs to get behind the voting.

A berth in the top 10 already guarantees the Humane Society at least $10,000. Runner-up prizes in the top 10 also include $50,000, $25,000 with $1 million to the winner.

For more details and to participate, visit, www.zootoo.com and www.humanerescue.org.