My Friendly Pets

As I mentioned sadly in my last entry, I had to leave the area to attend a funeral in Florida. I apologize for my lack of entries between then and now, but I didn’t have the access or the time to be near a computer. And although it was a difficult trip, the sun and warmth of the Florida skies let me know that spring will bloom soon in the northeast and life will begin again!!

One of the many things I noticed about Palm Beach County in Florida was the time and attention devoted to dogs. There was never a day in the 4 that I was there where there wasn’t a story about dogs, activities related to dogs or information regarding dogs. This is a very “dog active” area of the country.

Reported in the Sun-Sentinel Times (a major newspaper in southern Florida) was a story of a tragic event that occurred early morning on Friday, 3/14. At about 3:30 in the morning, the founder of the Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary and Hospital was called to let her know that a fire had started at the facility and that she should get there as soon as possible. When she arrived, the structure was engulfed in flames and the area surrounding the facility was swarming with firefighters and police officers.

The Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary and Hospital, which is located in Jupiter, Florida, lost 14 cats in that fire. Police and firefighters rescued 38 other dogs and cats from that building with some being treated at a local animal emergency clinic. Kay-Lynette Roca, the founder of this 22 year old, no-kill shelter, was devastated by the loss, but overcome by the generosity of friends, neighbors and strangers who have donated over $142,000 to help with the rebuilding of the shelter-hospital. Youngsters set up lemonade and cookie stands with all of the proceeds donated to this cause. Roca is extemely concerned with the loss of $5000 -$6000 daily that is generated from the animal clinic. This helps to support the efforts of the shelter and allows the shelter to remain operational for those animals who have yet to find homes.

Roca encourages anyone to donate, not only money, but they need basic supplies such as rubbing alcohol and gauze. According to Roca, they will be putting together a temporary clinic which she hopes will be operational this week. This facility is well known and liked by members of the community. The shelter founder and personnel support town animal projects and offer neuter and spaying services at reduced rates to help with animal control issues.
Check out the story by video here.

With much baseball news happening in Florida and the Yankees spring training going on as we speak, check out what Anthony Amobi has to say about the Steinbrenner legacy.