How Community Support Saves the Lives of Shelter Animals

I have created a new career for myself in retirement as an animal advocate. I
write articles to create awareness of shelter pets.

Shelter Events Help to Save Lives

Elias Castillo

Why “Yappy Hours” Help Improve Shelter Environments

The group Friends of Manatee County Animal Services along with Animal Network,
Inc., was excited to announce its first fundraiser—”Yappy Hour.” Hosted by
Motorworks Brewing, the event raised $4,265 to help with medical needs and
supplies to benefit the county shelter.

“Yappy Hour” is held monthly at Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton to raise money
for a variety of rescue organizations. The fundraiser was the first time that
the county shelter had been able to be a beneficiary of money raised.

Fundraising for a Good Cause

This fundraiser is an example of what the community can accomplish when the
phrase “it takes a village” is implemented. Vendors participated with great
prizes, raffles, and gift baskets. A silent auction was also a part of the
fundraiser. The newly formed board of the group Friends of Manatee County
Animal Services along with representatives of Animal Network, Inc. were
present to answer questions about both organizations. Adoptable dogs from the
shelter were also available.

Families who attended were invited to bring their own pets on a leash to enjoy
a family outing. Great food and drinks were available for purchase inside
Motorworks Brewing, and pet-friendly treats were also provided.

How Social Events Lead to Higher Adoption Rates

Several adoptable dogs from the shelter also attended “Yappy Hour” in order to
be showcased as deserving dogs that the dream team shelter staff cares for
along with volunteers on a daily basis. The Manatee County Animal Services
shelter staff makes every effort to get animals out into public arenas in
order to find forever homes.

Opportunities such as “Yappy Hour” are helpful in providing public awareness
and interest in adoption. Volunteers work diligently to socialize these dogs
in playgroups and social events in order to facilitate adoptions.

The Real Life Room with comfy rugs, couches, and pillows is just one of the
projects that Friends of Manatee County Animal Services has been able to
provide.

Personal photo courtesy of Manatee County Animal Services

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Sponsoring Organizations Save Shelter Animals’ Lives

The new group Friends of Manatee County Animal Services was recently formed to
add assistance in helping with the medical and supply needs that the shelter
has to care for the animals. The group is a non-profit organization The money
raised from this fundraiser will go to help with heartworm treatment for
shelter dogs that are waiting for their forever home. The new group also has a
mission to promote adoptions for these deserving animals and to provide
educational materials for the community to emphasize responsible adoptions and
responsible pet ownership.

The Animal Network, Inc. is an ongoing organization that provides support for
MCAS. This organization participates in the monthly “Yappy Hours” that are
held at Motorworks Brewing. It is instrumental in providing funds to pay for
heartworm treatment for shelter dogs. Pet parents who adopt a heartworm+ dog
from the shelter do not have to pay for treatment because of this
organization’s help. donate.

Both groups would like to give a huge thank you to the vendors who donated for
this “Yappy Hour.” Beach Veterinary Clinic, LuLaRoe, Scentsy, and Farrell’s
Macrame were participating vendors.

Valuable volunteer with just one of the adoptable dogs from MCAS

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Happy Story in Memory of This Precious Life

I began writing publicity stories and articles for Manatee County Animal
Services shelter in Palmetto, Florida, after getting this precious German
Shepherd adopted at the 11th hour just before being euthanized. His last two
years of life were spent in an awesome home with awesome pet parents.

He recently had to be sent to the Rainbow Bridge by this awesome family
because of a debilitating hip and leg condition. I keep his picture as my
profile picture as a reminder that responsible pet parents can make a
difference in the lives of these shelter dogs when they adopt. This article is
dedicated to Konig.

Article Dedicated to Konig: A forever reminder of what adoption can do in the
life of a deserving dog.

Courtesy of his awesome pet parents

Resources for Interested Persons Who Wish to Donate

FOMCAS
Shelter Manatee Home – Animal Network Inc.