She was breezing through the assessment, acing every test. Passing was the only hope for the 4-year-old American pit bull terrier found abandoned and tied to a stop sign. Doing so would qualify her for an adoption program at Hillsborough County Animal Services especially for pit bulls. Failing would mean she couldn't be adopted and likely would be euthanized. ...more

May 2, 2008

Saturday night, we had an emergency with one of our 6-week-old kittens. He got a fish hook caught in his mouth. Well, we called the local veterinarians to get some help, but it turned out the closest place we could take the kitten is Winter Haven and pay $89. We could not do that for two reasons; no transportation and no money. ...more

January 4, 2008

Not long after Liana Teague started her job at Hernando County Animal Services, a few kittens arrived at the shelter. ...more

December 22, 2007

When it comes to choosing a Christmas tree for her home in River Hills, Suzanne Carter has some say. Her two young daughters also declare their druthers each December, she said, but the man of the house decides which tree makes the final cut. ...more

December 17, 2007

Cat behavior consultant and Yahoo.com contributor Pam Johnson-Bennett is arguably the most prolific and best-selling author of books about cat behavior; her latest is "Starting from Scratch: How to Correct Behavior Problems in Your Adult Cat" (Penguin Books, New York, NY, 2007: $15). Johnson-Bennett, of Nashville, Tenn., answers these reader questions: ...more

December 15, 2007

and even deadly - for our animal companions. ...more

December 14, 2007

The article, "News of rabies eradication no cause for celebration," printed in The Tampa Tribune, Nov. 2, was of interest to all in our family because our son was bitten and scratched by a feral kitten on Oct. 10; and we were all caught up in the quest for knowledge in regard to rabies for the following 10-day waiting period. ...more

November 13, 2007

The SPCA Suncoast shelter is employing electronic measures to keep people from endangering animals by abandoning outside the facility. ...more

November 2, 2007

Things To Do is a list of some of the most interesting upcoming events. For a complete list of Tampa Bay area events, see this week's Friday Extra. ...more

October 31, 2007

She's there behind the carport, her green eyes wide, clearly waiting for Mike Bundas but poised to bound away at a moment's notice. ...more

September 29, 2007