My most recent trip took me through beautiful Gainesville, Florida, home of the University of Florida Gators! 

I had the pleasure of meeting Assistant Executive Director Eric Vanness and the office cat affectionately deemed Stinky.  Stinky joined us for our meeting and put in his two cents when needed.

At the time I arrived it was busy with transporting animals from the local county facility to the humane society.  The Alachua County Humane Society works very closely with Alachua County Animal Services in placing healthy, adoptable animals up for adoption.  Both organizations work with Maddie's Fund and have been for the past several years.  Their goal is to avoid euthanizing for space. 

The humane society is moving their location to a new and larger facility to house the animals more comfortably in the very near future. 

If you are interested in learning more about Alachua County Humane Society check out: www.alachuahumane.org

- Mary Bart Houston, Regional Director Shelter Outreach & Host of PetPoint Community

I left for North Carolina on Tuesday, June 24th and returned to Florida on Sunday, June 28th.  The weather was perfect, the food was great, and the people were friendly and helpful as all us North Carolinians can be. 

My first stop was the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina in Greenville where I met with Callie Clements.  She gave me a tour and discussed all the good stuff the shelter is doing to promote adoptions, spaying and neutering, and responsible pet ownership.  Here are some photos of my visit.

This little guy was being adopted later that day.  Way to go!

An outside covered area gives the pups more room to socialize and soak up the Carolina rays. 

Next stop was Fayetteville Animal Protection Society (FAPS) located in Fayetteville, NC.  When I arrived that afternoon it was your typical busy day with adoptions and owners seeking refuge for their pets that they can no longer keep. 

A cat room where the adult cats can roam and enjoy a stress-free environment. 

This beautiful guy is just waiting for that right person or family to snatch him up.  He may be big but he's as gentle as they come.

Pools are a must in the kennels.  The dogs enjoy soaking and splashing around in them.  These siblings are also waiting for their perfect family.

On to Hoke County Animal Shelter in Raeford, NC.  Carl Yonge gave me the grand tour of their new facility.  The new shelter just opened two weeks ago. 

New runs have been placed indoors to keep the dogs more comfortable. 

Some Lab mix puppies waiting for their furever home.  It's always amazing to me the incredible dogs that come to find temporary housing in shelters. 

Always opt to adopt and save a life! 

- Mary Bart Houston, Regional Director Shelter Outreach & Host of PetPoint Community

As many of us in the South know hurricane season is upon us.  Here in Florida there have been thunderstorms and down pours on a daily basis.  It seems that home now a days is the only place to find shelter and solace. 

If you are like many of us located in prime storm territory you may want to review your policies and procedures for hurricane and storm safety.  Some good resources to find information are:

www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_ce...

www.fema.gov/areyouready/hurricanes.shtm...

www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_p...

Also, check out PetPoint Community's Forum section under Policies and Procedures and add yours and review others. 

Be safe this storm season and provide information in your shelter to adopters and visitors and what they can do to keep their pet safe. 

- Mary Bart Houston

Regional Director Shelter Outreach & Host of PetPoint Community

Pilots N Paws (PNP) would appreciate all shelters and rescues across the United States to get in touch with them to participate in this extraordinary event.  PNP's mission for the month of September is to transport 5,000 innocent animals to adopted homes and/or rescues within the United States.

PNP is an online meeting place for pilots and other volunteers who help to transport rescue animals by air. The mission of the site is to provide a user-friendly communication venue between those that rescue, shelter, and foster animals; and pilots and plane owners willing to assist with the transportation of these animals.

A general aviation transport requires just one pilot volunteer and is far more efficient and dependable than time-consuming ground transportation for these animals who are often in danger of euthanization.

Volunteer pilots retain complete authority of their planning and flights, and can give as much or as little time as they like.

 If your shelter or rescue is interested in participating in this incredible program please contact: Debi Boies at: pilotsnpaws@gmail.com  or go to: www.pilotsnpaws.org to find our more information and how you can help!

"PNP allows me to combine my love of flying and my love for dogs with the satisfaction of completing missions that saves lives."

-- Jeff Bennett

Big Pine Key, FL

Atlanta Humane Society (AHS) had their annual Pet Parade on Saturday, May 2nd at Candler Park in Atlanta, Georgia from 9am to noon. 

Over 700 participants and their dogs attended the walk in support of Atlanta Humane Society.  The event raised over $150,000 thanks to the support of many sponsors and walkers.

As you can see by these photos it was a day of fun for pets and owners alike.

Atlanta's Dave FM was the DJ for the event and did an amazing job of keeping the crowd enthused.

Games set up for the dogs to raise funds and a lot of laughs.

Busy pet owners visiting the many vendor booths to find that perfect gift for their pet. 

24PetWatch of Pethealth sponsored a $20 chip clinic at the Pet Parade.  Over 40 pets were microchipped.  All monies raised went to help AHS programs. 

AHS President/CEO Carl Leveridge welcoming pets and walkers to the Pet Parade while acknowledging the many sponsors that made this day such a success.

Who thought pets could play musical chairs?  Well, when the music stops the pet must sit.  And you got it... the one that sits first wins!!! 

AHS promoted their foster care program.  You can see Kayla below feeding a baby kitten that is currently in the foster program.  Like many shelters, foster parents are always needed to assist with temporary housing and treating of sick, underage and neglected pets. 

Janet Leveridge, wife of AHS President/CEO Carl Leveridge and Cath Sleva, AHS Vice President of Development,  pose with the Leveridge's recently adopted Cooper.