2013 Initiatives:

~Relocate the shelter back to Bay Avenue utilizing a “basic needs” plan thereby expanding the number of animals in our care from 50-60 to 100-125.  The basic needs: new HVAC system, sewer repair, interior cleaning of mildew and treatment of walls and floors for odor, paint walls and floors with a special chemical anti-bacterial paint, remodeling exam area to create a vet clinic, and replace ceiling tiles.  The General Manager of HSBC has taken over the project.  A loan will be secured to fund this “just the basics” project.  Monthly payment of the loan is $700 less than our current monthly rent at the Street shelter on 15th Street.  In-kind donations will also keep the basic costs down.

~Renovation plans include allotting space for Operation Spay Bay to open a clinic.  The details of sharing the Igloo are a work in progress.  The sharing of the space will save both organizations on overhead expense.  There will be a commitment from both organizations to share this space for a certain number of years.  It is expected that OSB will move out and have its stand alone facility at some point, but the sharing of space for now will help both organizations attain their goals sooner instead of later.

~Launch the Buy a Brick-(walk path of pavers) shelter expansion project.  This would be kicked-off after we inhabit the Bay Ave. shelter.  The funds raised from the selling of the pavers would go towards additional on-site projects to enhance the lives of the animals staying at the shelter.

~Design a unique and exclusive t-shirt line with catchy pet sayings and original art work that will develop into a solid source of income.  Most of the sayings will be a play on famous movies, actors and quotes.  The first in the line-up of selections went on sale just a day ago at our Chicken Wing competition event.  It was a big hit! 

~Form a foundation through the thrift store whose sole purpose is to support the HSBC shelter.  Under the present set-up, the IRS deems the thrift store income as “fundraising” income.  As such, it affects our ability to secure grants due to the ratios of donations vs. fundraising that are acceptable to grant committees. Presently our thrift store funds our entire payroll and it pays its own expenses.   Our ratios of donations vs fundraisers are skewed by IRS code.  We visited the animal shelter in Tallahassee who receives additional support from a foundation that was formed for the sole purpose of helping the animals at the government funded shelter. 

~Secure grants that will fund food bank programs and other similar outreach programs, as well as large grants that will fund shelter renovations.

~Open a Wellness Clinic.  Officially, the clinic went public in March 2013.  The purpose of the clinic is to offer the general public lower cost basic preventative care.  That includes, dog and cat vaccinations (excluding rabies and heartworm prevention-must be done by a vet), heartworm testing, feline HIV and Leukemia testing, nail clipping, flea prevention, worming  and microchipping.  

The services do not take the place of a veterinarians care.  It is meant for those who ordinarily would not be able to take their pet to the vet for their annual shots or those who are helping an animal in need and cannot afford the additional financial burden.  Rabies vaccinations are usually good for 3 years, but all the other vaccines are only for a year with the kennel cough vaccine needing to be done every 6 months if high risk.

Our greatest need is for help with our medical expenses.  If we get a sick animal, it is our duty and obligation to give the animal medical care.  We do not turn them over to animal control or take them back if that is where they came from.  We treat them.  We do our best to keep those expenses down by training our staff on certain procedures and by the kindness and generosity of Dr. Breeze at Breeze Animal Hospital who gives the HSBC great discounts, training and often, free goods.  The more animals we adopt out, the greater the medical expense.  Our adoption fee is what the market will bear, yet it just covers the expense of a healthy animal.  The animals that come to us already spayed or neutered help off-set the animals that turn out to be ill.  Your continued support will help us further achieve our main goal; to save as many lives as we can and give them the second chance they deserve.  We need your continued financial support to do what we know is possible for the homeless animals in our area.