This video story was written, produced, and reported by Hannah Halili and Chloe Benjamin. Anchor by Courtney Patterson. Web editing by Jamie Newby.
A St. Petersburg cafe has partner with Friends of Strays to help cats get adopted by exposing available cats to possible adopters in a stimulating, cage-free foster home where the cats dwell while waiting to be adopted.
Hundreds of animals filled the shelters during the pandemic, resulting in animals being neglected and being placed up for adoption. Sunshine Kitty Catfe takes a different approach to the adoption process.
In this unique cafe, visitors can have the opportunity to meet felines while enjoying a nice caffeinated beverage. This Catfe is a unique experience, adding the element of cats to the typical lounge and co-working setting.
The cafe offers a calm and relaxed environment for cats to roam around freely while interacting with people who can adopt them to find a forever home. So far, hundreds of cats have been adopted.
Reservations will be required to to visit the cafe. To set up an appointment start here.
Pandemic Puppies are your new prescription
In the year of the pandemic, citizens have been able to reduce the intake of shelter to adopting over a quarter million dogs in shelters. The pandemic puppy boom did more than eliminate shelter overcrowding.
A Rover.com study showed 93% of respondents felt their pandemic pet helped improved their mental health because of adopting a new companion and 80% said it made working from home and being at home during the pandemic more enjoyable.
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay saved over 5,000 dogs in 2020.
“I don’t even like to think of what she went through,” said Malena Scott. “You know, being left in the backyard, and nobody interacting with her.”
Moochie, Scott’s French Mastiff was found abandoned in backyard with serious skin infections and was believed to be neglected after being used for puppies. But Scott said she saw something that made her want Moochie more, which was love.
Moochie was one of many dogs suffering before being adopted.
Other dogs at the Humane Society suffer from emotional scarring and signs of physical abuse. The Humane Society’s mission is to work to end animal homelessness in Tampa Bay.
Upon adopting your forever animal, keep in mind to be patient and provide lots of care to their new home. If you are thinking of adopting or just want to support, visit the Humane Society for more information.
