Your New Forever Best Friend!

Do You ZOOTOO?

2010-02-01T10:03:00.002-05:00

ZOOTOO...a great site the Humane Society
of the Nature Coast, Inc. uses

to share journals, photos and information!

Ck it out.....a great way to discuss your stuff

and hear about what's happening

with other members and visitors thru

online journals and photos.

Very interactive!

Your Pet's Health

2010-02-01T09:49:00.001-05:00

Here's a site that many dog and cat owners may find useful..
As I browse thru the multitude of internet web sites, I find sites of interest to pet owners, myself included. There are so many to share. This particular web site is pet-informative as it gives pet health information (and human health information too--that's how I originally came across the site). You can sign up to receive news and updates which I find interesting and educational. I hope you do too! The site provides a variety of pet health tips, surveys, articles and information.

You can even read about how your pet predicts your personality!

Click on the link and read on! Very interesting.

But don't stop there...there's more information for the animal lover and owner.

So.....Happy Reading!

http://pets.webmd.com/news/20100114/your-pet-may-predict-your-personality?ecd=wnl_pet_012710

Volunteer Orientation Schedule for Disney Day and Volunteers!

2010-01-31T12:57:00.028-05:00

Volunteer Orientations

For the Disney Give A Day Get A Day Volunteer Program--

Volunteer activities are for Animal Care in the Cat Cottage

(this encompasses 8 hours of volunteer time at the shelter)

While volunteering in keeping our animals healthy, clean, and fed you’ll be in the Cat Cottage assisting with cleaning out kitty litter, washing bowls, feeding them and sometimes mopping floors and cleaning cages. Please note, that in keeping things clean, bleach is used through out. There is also bending, squatting, stooping, some lifting, and using water and bleach. If you are pregnant, you should not be in contact with cat litter. We recommend that you please wear long pants, closed toe shoes, no ear buds, and cell phones are for emergency use only while working onsite with the shelter animals for yours and their safety.

see Rosie's info at the end...

Volunteer Orientations for the DISNEY volunteer program will be held at the Humane Society of the Nature Coast Shelter office on Mobley and Wiscon Rds in Brooksville Florida on the following dates....

Friday, February 12 at 4:30pm-5:30pm and

Saturday, February 27 at 8am-9am

Need to only to attend ONE orientation session.

Sorry...training time does not constitute volunteer time.

So......please register online at the Disney site for this exciting program at http://www.giveadaygetadisneyday.com/

You will receive information from us to schedule an Orientation and Training date. You'll also receive information and a Volunteer Application that must be completed and returned at time of the orientation. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED as SEATING IS LIMITED!

At the end of the orientation for the DisneyDay Volunteer Program, you can sign up for the "copy cat" training and to be scheduled to start your volunteer hours. Once confirmed by the Shelter Manager, you will hear from the Volunteer/Event Coordinator for your "start" date and time.

Now.....once you've completed the Disney Volunteer Program, we encourage you to join us as a regular volunteer in order to provide assistance with helping our furry friends!

Call or email us for the next Volunteer Orientation to become a "regular" volunteer at the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, Inc.

They are held the last Saturday of the Month at 10am at the shelter.

You'll be glad you did......or I should say....

I KNOW our shelter dogs and cats will be glad to see you there!

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED as SEATING IS LIMITED

Woof Meow (Thank you!)

Rosie is a 2 1/2 year old charcoal grey domestic short hair CAT!

She is current on vaccines and microchipped.

Rosie is very friendly and well mannered.

She gets along quite well with all her feline friends and seems to like her canine friends also. Come see Rosie and all of her friends here at the Humane Society

Monday-Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 12-4

352-796-2711

http://www.humanerescue.org/

Volunteers from St. Leo University, FL

2010-01-27T17:09:00.000-05:00

Hello Emilia!
A few Mondays ago, Saint Leo University came to the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, Inc. to volunteer. Here's a picture for you with names of the volunteers who helped!

Thank you, Katie V.

Back row (left to right) 1) Jeanette Falcon 2) Katie Vecchi 3) Phillipa 4) Brandy Lopez 5) Wesley Johnson

Front Row (left to right) 1) Liz Marley 2) Jen Pena 3) Margaurete Romero 4)Jackie Szydlowski 5) Heather Leavitt

Katie et al-
What a wonderful group! Our shelter cats and dogs benefit by your helping here at the shelter.
Couldn't do it without you!

Woof Meow!
Emilia

Give-a-day. Get-a-Disney-day Volunteer program

2010-01-21T20:24:00.006-05:00

By volunteering your time in helping a shelter dog like Daisy and others...you can
Receive free admission* to one of the theme parks of Walt Disney World® Resort or the Disneyland® Resort when you sign up and complete a day of volunteer service with the Humane Society of the Nature Coast!

From the Disney website in part...You must sign up for eligible volunteer opportunities for the “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.” program through the Disney site. Participation in volunteer activities outside of this sign-up process does not qualify for a free ticket.

Please go to the Disney site and read all about it....then sign up to be a volunteer!
If you are a volunteer already! Great and Many Thanks! Just go to the Disney site to sign up!
http://www.giveadaygetadisneyday.com/

HUGE Yard Sale, Jan 23, 24

2010-01-16T11:04:00.002-05:00

Join us Sat and Sun, Jan 23 and Jan 24 from 9am-3pm at Southern Pines Condo Club House located at SR 50 and Mobley Rd, Brooksville Florida!

Something for everyone. Lite refreshments will be available! All proceeds to benefit our furry friends awaiting loving, caring homes.

Sasha and JoJo would like you to visit them!

Free pass to the Humane Society of the Nature Coast animal shelter on Mobely Rd and Wiscon Rd to pick out your new forever best friend!
352.796.2711

The First Step to a Brighter Future for Homeless Pets

2009-12-26T14:02:00.002-05:00

Help Homeless Pets

The Humane Society of the Nature Coast has an opportunity to purchase 10 acres of property to expand its facility. Wont you please help us. Find out how you can help homeless pets by clicking! Thank you.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree @ Nature Coast Botanical Gardens!

2009-12-23T15:25:00.033-05:00

Stroll thru the gardens and enjoy the views and the HSNC Christmas Tree!

VOTE for #6 for Best Tree! See rules at the Gardens.

Thank you Linda Brack and Vicky Dunn for decorating the lovely HSNC Christmas tree!

And to Frank Dunn for building the cute dog house with cat a-top!

Happy Holidays to all!

Find YOUR New Forever Best Friend at http://www.humanerescue.org/

Winners of The Animal Rescue Site's $100,000 Shelter+ Challenge

2009-12-23T15:13:00.000-05:00

From the Animal Rescue Site......Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary of Ovando, Montana will receive the grand prize of $20,000! The Denison City Pound of Denison, Iowa takes the runner up prize of $5,000, and The Oasis Sanctuary of Benson, Arizona wins the third place prize of $3,000. We'd also like to acknowledge our 14th and final Weekly Winner: Mylestone Equine Rescue of Pohatcong, New Jersey.

Congratulations to you all and to the 69 other shelters and rescue groups from every state in the U.S. as well as groups in Canada and Costa Rica that were awarded cash grants. Click here http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces?siteId=3&ThirdPartyClicks=EEA_122309_ShelterCllg_mto see the complete list of winners.

We're not about to let this spirit of giving end here. We're gearing up to hold another Shelter+ Challenge in early 2010. Your local shelters and rescues will need your votes, so keep an eye on your inbox for details.

The Animal Rescue Site

A Humane Society Adoption Success Story!

2009-12-11T09:43:00.003-05:00

Walter and Piper and new Forever Best Friend, Ginger!

Walter, an older dog, was first fostered by Ginger (a HSNC volunteer) and her husband Lenny.

Now they are New Forever Best Friends!

The Rainbow Bridge

2009-12-09T06:51:00.003-05:00

We all at one time have experienced the loss of a beloved pet. Hopefully this will offer some kind of solace and hope to anyone who has experienced the passing of their "baby". The following poems' author is unknown.

For me, right now, this poem is in memory of Scarlett who I will miss dearly but know that she has crossed this Rainbow Bridge.

From www.rainbowbridge.com/Poem.htm

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Your Pet Should be in Pictures!!!

2009-11-29T12:50:00.002-05:00

Enter the Inaugural Hernando Today Cutest Pet Online Photo Contest. The contest runs Nov 14-Dec 31.

1st place winner receives a $100 GC; 2nd place winner receives a $50 GC. In addition, for every entry received up to 100 entries will be donated to the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, Inc. Brooksville, FL.

ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PET OWNER PERMITTED.

Each email entry must include the name of the pet and owner as well as a current address and phone number in case your pet wins.

Email to mterry@suncoastnews.com

Contest judges:

Joanne Schoch, Executive Director of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, Inc
Bob East, Hernando Today Photo Editor
Michael Terry, Hernando Today Digital Media Manager

Winners will be announced in the OUT & ABOUT section in the Friday, Jan 8th edition of Hernando Today.

All entries will appear in a special photo gallery featured on the Hernando Today web site at http://www.hernandotoday.com/

Scarlett LOVES a Parade

2009-11-27T07:32:00.003-05:00

Here's Scarlett with Bonnie Kauffman, Kim Blasius and her friend Benny at the Vets Day Parade - Sat, Nov 14, 2009....preceeding the Fur Fest!!!

See how Scarlett just LOVES a parade (car)!!!

getting ready.....

Picutres courtesy of Kathy Newman....thanks Kathy!

DOG-isms

2009-11-26T10:51:00.003-05:00

some really good words of dogisms...click on the link for more!

NO ONE APPRECIATES

THE VERY SPECIAL GENIUS OF

YOUR CONVERSATION AS THE DOG DOES

BUY A PUP AND YOUR MONEY WILL BUY LOVE UNFLINCHING --KIPLING

IF THERE ARE NO DOGS IN HEAVEN,

THEN WHEN I DIE I WANT TO GO WHERE THEY WENT

ANYBODY WHO DOESN'T KNOW WHAT SOAP TASTES LIKE NEVER WASHED A DOG

WE ARE ALONE, ABSOLUTELY ALONE ON THIS CHANCE PLANET, AND,

AMID ALL THE FORMS OF LIFE THAT SURROUND US, NOT ONE,

EXCEPTING THE DOG, HAS MADE AN ALLIANCE WITH US

http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/dogpatch/dogisms.htm

The Essence of "Play"

2009-11-24T07:34:00.004-05:00

Here's some awesome photos taken at Bark Island

by Hank James Photography.

You can see more of his photography at

http://hankjamesphotography.com/ and http://obzervus.com/

Hope you enjoy them as I do....

Bark Island at Pine Island

2009-11-23T09:56:00.003-05:00

Our first day at Bark Island was Sat, Nov 21st!

What pure fun!

I hope these pictures will tell you the story.....

COMPASSIONATE CRITTER CREDIT!

2009-11-17T08:27:00.001-05:00

Capitol One credit card offer!

Save and Help at the same time!

https://www.cardlabconnect.com/AffinityPortal/visitorAction.do?affinityName=COMPASSIONATECRITTERCREDIT

Ck out http://obzervus.com/ to read the story behind this photo!

Fun & Fur at the Fur Fest!

2009-11-16T07:17:00.001-05:00

Come some back soon to ck out the photos and winners of the Pet Fashion Show contest!!!

Meanwhile....ck out http://www.humanerescue.org/
to find your new forever best friend!

Getting it Together---Our Newsletter

2009-11-13T09:24:00.005-05:00

Couldn't have done

it without them!

As you can see

we had

lots

of furry help!!!!!

Thank you to Mary H. for the use

of her home, and lanai and for feeding us on Sat & Sun and

her cats and dog's company!

We had human volunteers help too!

Approx. 100 hours over the weekend! Whew!

Without YOU, we couldn't have done it! THANK YOU!

Joanne, Exec. Dir, Bonnie, Ginger, Kathy, Edyth in action!

Ginger, Emilia, Bonnie, Kathy, Edyth

Quality Control...very important! Jean Ann and Ugly,

Paul-BOD Vice President, Doreen, Joanne

Here's Michele, our BOD President, having fun labeling!

sssshhhhhh......

Don't tell mom I'm on her bed!

It's been a long weekend.......'night!

and a special thanks to Lucille F. for taking these photos!

What Type of Flooring Is Best When You Have A Dog?

2009-11-11T07:59:00.002-05:00

News from PetPlace.com

The best flooring for your home when you have a dog
can depend on so many things.

What are you most concerned with? The scratching? The dirt build-up? Your comfort and the comfort of your dog?

Take a look at some of the pros & cons of different floor types for dog owners. Which type of flooring do you have in your home?

1. Laminated Floors
Pros - Resist scratches well
Cons - Hard, slippery & uncomfortable for doggy

2. Solid Wood or Bamboo
Pros - Durable
Cons - Isn't as scratch or stain resistant as stone or tile, hard & uncomfortable

3. Ceramic Tile & Stone
Pros - Extremely resistant to scratching and damage from accidents, easy to clean
Cons - Hard & uncomfortable

4. Carpet
Pros - Most comfortable for pets
Cons - Stain easily, may get caught in claws, may be allergic to fibers, have to constantly vacuum

A typical workday at the shelter.... fun, fur, licks

2009-10-30T08:03:00.005-04:00

office volunteers

Lucille and Pebbles

Mermaid Park

2009-10-29T09:08:00.003-04:00

Chamber of Commerces'

New Residents Reception!

On Thurs, Oct 29th we met
lots of new people who have moved to

Hernando County!

Cleo got a chance to meet and greet new residents with Sharlene Morell, Humane Society of the Nature Coast BOD member at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

Puppy Size

2009-10-25T14:06:00.008-04:00

This story is one of the most amazing stories you will ever hear. It came across my desk a few days ago and I thought that it's worth sharing with you...

This is a story about Lucy. You’ll know precisely what this little girl is talking about at the end.

Please read on….Lucy keeps repeating this over and over again.

We've been back to this animal shelter at least five times.

‘It has been weeks now since we started all of this,’ the mother told the volunteer. 'What is it she keeps asking for?' the volunteer asked.

'Puppy size!' replied the mother.

'Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for.'

'I know.....we’ve seen all of them,' the mom said in frustration. Just then Lucy came walking into the office.'Well, did you find one?' asked her mom. 'No…. not this time,' Lucy said with sadness in her voice. 'Can we come back on the weekend?'

The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed.'You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply,' the volunteer said. Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door.

'Don't worry, I'll find one this weekend,' she said.

Over the next few days both Mom and Dad had long conversations with her. They both felt she was being too particular. 'It's this weekend or we're not looking any more,' Dad finally said in frustration.

'We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size, either,' Mom added.
Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning. By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed the smaller dogs. Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could see the animals during times when visitors weren't permitted.

Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one.

One by one she said, 'I’m sorry, but you're not the one.' It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup. The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely. This time she took a little longer.

'Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!' She screamed with joy. 'It's the puppy size!'

'But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks,' Mom said.

'No, not size... The SIGHS! When I held him in my arms, he sighed,' she said.

'Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sigh!'

The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did a little of both.

'Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh.

When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms,' she said.

Then, holding the puppy up close to her face, she said, 'Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart!'

Close your eyes for a moment and think about the love that makes you sigh. No only is it found in the arms of a loved one, but in the caress of a sunset, the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of cool air on a hot day.

I just know that if you visit the Humane Society of the Nature Coast on Wiscon & Mobley Rd in Brooksville, FL you will find a puppy or dog or kitten or cat that will certainly make you Sigh.

How do I know? I hear these sighs everyday...passing thru the kennels and the cat cottage. I see the sighs in their eyes...wishing I could take each and everyone of them home. I honestly wish I could, I want to....but....I can't.

So, I hope when you come to visit, you hear a sigh in your heart and leave with your new forever best friend.....that will surely make me sigh, too.

http://www.humanerescue.org/
has many "sighs" waiting....

Saving Paws....Together

2009-10-24T08:28:00.011-04:00

Attn: all Dog, Cat Rescue Groups.....

If you would like to join us for Rescue Appreciation Days on Saturday's in Oct, Nov, and Dec 2009...

please contact Emilia at 352.796.2711

hsncVolunteers@gmail.com

Let's save paws together!

********************

Our Cats and Dogs need your help!

2009-10-23T17:12:00.007-04:00

Please consider stopping by for an hour or two to help our staff with cleaning the cat cottage and dog kennels in the morning at 8am. They are then let out in the play areas and when they're "homes" are cleaned up, they are ready for breakfast!

If that's too early for you, there is help needed again at 4pm to help clean up and feed our furry friends for the night!

Our furry friends will thank you with lots of licks, hugs & woof woof's, and meow meow's.

Contact: 352 796-2711 or hsncVolunteers@gmail.com

Meet a Stillwater Dog Training Graduate

2009-10-19T20:17:00.006-04:00

TWISTER is a Terrier/American
Pit Bull and is a graduate of Stillwater Dog
Training at the shelter!
He is microchipped and is
1 yr and 3 months old.
Stop by and visit Twister at the
Humane Society of the Nature Coast
in Brooksville, FL

and make him

Your New Forever Best Friend!
www.naturecoasthumanerescue.org

352.796.2711

Plan on Fun, Food & Fur-Sat, Nov 14

2009-10-19T15:41:00.012-04:00

I hope you will join us on Sat, Nov 14th FROM 10a-4pm at Tom Varn Park in Brooksville, FL. Enter the "live" Pet Fashion Show for only $5! Prizes will be awarded!!! Get Tips and Tricks from renowned Master Certified Trainer, Mary Peter pictured above.
(www.stillwaterdogtraining.com).......So, stay tuned!

Doggie Wash Day

2009-10-18T16:36:00.011-04:00

The morning was chilly....the first cool day in a while! It was windy too, but it did not deter those who signed up to have their dogs bathed at The Doggie Wash Day at Green Bean Organic Market (on Northcliffe Blvd, near Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, FL) on Sat, Oct 17th from 10am-4pm! Green Bean Organic Market artnered with the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, Inc. in Brooksville, FL to raise funds for the shelter animals.
19 doggies were registered throught the past 2 weeks by their owners! The dogs ranged from very, very small to quite large and furry! They were all oh, so cute, some were apprehensive, some were cuddly, and all were beautiful and adorable. Heres' some photos of some of the gorgeous ones while getting the spa treatment! Photo credits: Hank James.

Our off-site Volunteer Leader, Kelly Q. and I learned some tips and tricks to bathing the doggies from Sandy L, a local groomer (Westside Grooming @ 3515 Commercial Way, 352.688-6078). Our shelter dogs are bathed and groomed at the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, Inc on Wiscon & Mobley in Brooksville, FL. Take a moment if you will to view our website at www.naturecoasthumanesociety.org and decide to make one of our furry friends Your New Forever Best Friend! They have all their shots, are micro-chipped and are ready for a loving, caring home. Call us at 352.796.2711 or go to www.humanerescue.org or visit 7200 Mobley Rd, Brooksville, FL.

Where to go to find a new best friend....

2009-10-18T16:34:00.001-04:00

www.naturecoasthumanesociety.org

I'm a "Jewel"

2009-10-18T10:36:00.005-04:00

I'm looking for my soul mate so I can be happy and play.
Jewels is a Viszla, Smooth Haired/Terrier, American Pit Bull & nearly 2 yrs old.

JoJo-

2009-10-18T10:31:00.004-04:00

This beautiful German Shepherd Mix is almost 2 yrs old and needs a loving home.

Meet Ruby.....so playful and happy!

2009-10-18T10:29:00.006-04:00

I'm tan and white pointer beagle!