b'The animals are rehabilitated, both medically and behaviorally, Nancy decided it was time to pay them a visit.in the hopes of finding forever homes for each one. If they are There, she was able to see for herself, the work by staff andnot adopted, they are cared for and given a loving home at the volunteers; the animals they rescued, rehabilitated and re-homedsanctuary for the rest of their lives. as a result. With her attention re-focused on the local shelter,Best Friends was among the first to advocate for saving the Nancy visited regularly and became a volunteer. I still love Bestfighting dogs of Bad Newz Kennel. The lives of 22 of the most Friends, and their mission. But when I found out what we hadtraumatized Michael Vick dogs came to the in our own community, the resources thatSanctuary,wherethequesttohealthem the Humane Society of Tampa Bay pro-began. It wasnt an easy journey for those vides, I knew I had to switch my affinitydogs.Somewouldflattenthemselveslike towards them and their local mission, shepancakes to avoid being noticed by people. said.Someexpressedtheirfeartowardboth Realizing everyone in the room washumans and other dogs. They all received focused on something other than her, Lilythe training, veterinary care, compassion and removed herself from the couch, stretched,in-depthemotionalsupporttheyneeded. looked over her shoulder at us and strolledSome of the dogs, now referred to as the to the back door. Time to go outside, herVictoryDogs,wereadoptedintoloving eyesweresaying. Irequireachangeofhomes and even earned their Canine Good venue,andyouallneedtostoptalkingCitizencertificates.Onlytwoofthe22 about other dogs. Udogs remained at Best Friends: Lucas, whopassed away in 2013 and Meryl. Z Make a difference locally, by supporting yourNancy was moved by the compassion Lily with Nancy, a retired nurse, and former community shelter and/or rescue groups.Money is not the only thing these organiza-and the work being done at Best Friends. Director of Patient Support and Advocacy at tions need. Find out what they could use such asHer friends back home in Tampa listened as Moffitt Cancer Center. She was recently elected pet food, office supplies, blankets; donate time toshe described the work, the animals saved, to serve a three year term as a board member socialize and walk the dogs. Do you have an area ofand their mission. After several people men- for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.expertise? Donate your professional services.tioned the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, HumaneSocietyTampa.orgDOG CATCHER.CAPTURING THE ESSENCEOF DOG SINCE 1996.Specializing inpet, children and family portraits, to be cherished for a lifetime. Indoor and outdoor private sessions. We are also available for on-site promotions and fundraising events with our fully-equipped, air-conditionedTo schedule a private session,studio on wheels. please call 727.584.5040.View our portfolio. Special Offers On Facebook.LauraAllenStudios.com *LIW\x03FHUWLFDWHV\x03DYDLODEOH\x11www.TheNewBarker.com Spring 2016 THE NEW BARKER 49'