Community Spotlight: Manatee County Animal Services Dog Bed Fundraiser Surpasses Goal

Every dog should have a bed to sleep on. Prior to recent efforts by local volunteers, many shelter dogs did not have beds. They were forced to lie and sleep on a hard concrete

floor.

All the dogs at the Manatee County Animal Services shelters can now rest a little easier. Thanks to recent fundraising efforts, over 100 beds were purchased giving every dog at the county shelter a comfortable place to lie down. According to the fundraising organizer, Caryn Hodge, "Top Dog" of the organization PictureThem Adopted, "We began in October asking the public and local businesses to donate what they could towards the beds. Everyone has been so generous. It has been a huge team effort."

They were able to get 50 of the 100 beds needed by December 15th giving 50 shelter dogs an early Christmas present. A Build a Bed Party was organized where approximately 20 volunteers, many in pajamas, put together all 50 beds in about two hours. The party received fantastic news coverage from Bay News Nine, the Bradenton Herald and local Clear Channel Radio stations. According to Hodge, mainly because of that news coverage, organizers were able to get the remaining 50 beds plus donations for 10 more within two days. Hodge states "My phone was ringing off the hook and people are still calling."

Anymore donations will be put into the No Kill fund and be used for medical treatment and supplies for the shelter animals which, along with other needs, is ongoing. Manatee County Animal Services Chief, Kris Weiskopf reported, "We are excited that we can start the New Year off with every dog having a comfortable bed to lie on. These beds make the dogs more comfortable which makes them happier and well-adjusted. A happier and well-adjusted dog has a better chance of being adopted."

Manatee County Animal Services currently boasts a Save rate of approximately 85%. 90% is the requirement to be considered a No Kill Community. We will continue to move forward to reach this goal but still need help from the community.

Animal Service directors want to stress to the public that No Kill is not an ending destination. It is an ongoing effort. Volunteers are needed to help us achieve and maintain No Kill status. To volunteer or for more information on adopting or fostering an animal visit www.mymanatee.org/pets or call 941-742-5933.