By Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Every day, hundreds of pets like Sadie, a loving dog, are dropped off at animal shelters, given to veterinarian offices or abandoned on the streets to fend for themselves. Sadie’s owner surrendered her at a local veterinarian’s office because they could not pay for her numerous medical issues. The veterinarian took Sadie to a local shelter, where she was adopted by Karen Sykes, the founder of K9 Kids Camp Pet Sitters.
The Humane Society of the United States estimates that six to eight million dogs and cats end up in shelters every year. But not all of them are as lucky as Sadie. Three to four million are euthanized.
In celebration of national animal shelter appreciation week from Nov. 4 to 10, K9 Kids Camp Pet Sitters has partnered with the Animal Wellness Center of Plant City and Turkey Creek Animal Hospital for the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ campaign “Presents 4 Pets.”
The drive will benefit local pet shelters and provide items needed to keep those pet shelters operational and the animals comfortable and safe. Canned dog food for adults and puppies, collars of all sizes, toys, towels, kongs and treats are just some of the items needed. The program will run through the first week of November.
“This is a great opportunity for animal lovers, pet owners or not, to help provide for those animals often forgotten,” Sykes said.
This is the second year K9 Kids Camp Pet Sitters has been involved with the campaign. Last year, the organization was able to raise items valued at $800.
K9 Kids Camp Pet Sitters is a Dover based organization that offers pet services like walks, safaris, camps and home petting sitting services. For more information on K9 Kids Camp Pet Sitters, call (813)481-5671.
To participate in “Presents 4 Pets,” drop donations off at the Animal Wellness Center of Plant City, 3109 SR 574 W., in Plant City, or Turkey Creek Animal Hospital, 4645 U.S. 92, in Plant City. All donations will be used locally.