[Volunteer Claudia]

As we approach this time of annual reflection, our gratitude must shine on all of you, our community. Without you, we would not have been able to honor our Humane Society/SPCA’s mission of rescue, adoption, spay/neuter, humane education and more. For this … we’re Fur-ever thankful.

Each year brings us new challenges. And you have continued to be there to support us. Our shelter has continued to grow in outreach and in facility expansions and improvements. Whether it is in giving funds needed to pay medical bills and other expenses, supplies to operate our shelter or "Leaving a Legacy of Compassion" in your estate planning, each gift is appreciated as it allows us to accomplish the goal of helping local animals in need. For this … we’re Fur-ever thankful.

To those businesses, clubs and churches who sponsored and hosted events, you have shown the real meaning of community and contributed to lifesaving results. To all our local media, you have helped spread the word of our vital work and thus saved lives. For this … we’re Fur-ever thankful.

Because of your generosity, this year we have been able to provide so much for the animals in our community. As of the writing, 1693 animals were adopted into loving permanent homes or transferred to other no-kill shelters and rescue groups. In 2018, we reached 100 cat adoptions at each of the major pet supply retailers where we are Adoption Partners. But it does not stop there; 76 qualifying Sumter families received a grand total of over 20,000 lbs. of free dry dog/cat food from our "Kibbles" Pet Food Pantry. That's 85 cats and 102 dogs not going hungry or being at risk of surrender, euthanasia or abandonment. Additionally, we provided 758 free "Big Fix" spay/neuter vouchers to help reduce the homeless pet overpopulation in Sumter County. For this … we’re Fur-ever thankful.

And you, our community, have continued to be there knowing the truth of how we carry out our mission to save and improve the lives of Sumter County animals as demonstrated by your supportive gifts of time, loving permanent homes and critical funding. We have no affiliation with HSUS or the ASPCA as there are no such things as "local chapters" of these organizations. We receive no financial donations from them or any level of government. Your contributions have meant the difference between life and death for animals within Sumter County. For this … we’re Fur-ever thankful.

We are a no-kill shelter, fortunate to have a dedicated staff, wonderful volunteers and a volunteer Board to guide our organization as we complete our 36th anniversary year. We are grateful to have added a talented Executive Director to our team this year who will take us to our next stage of growth. To our volunteers, from children to seniors, your commitment to help on all levels is so appreciated. Your contributions of over 400 hours of love and care monthly at our five acre campus, at our off-site adoption partners and special events or in your own homes as foster families, are all needed and so much appreciated. You are guardians, foster homes, comfort givers, exercise partners, office helpers, fundraisers, educators and ambassadors of our HS/SPCA and its animals. We always welcome more people like you! For this … we’re Fur-ever thankful.

If you are new to us, we extend an invitation to visit our shelter and learn how we carry out the important work accomplished here. We encourage you to discover how you can become a part of this lifesaving mission. It is only possible because our community works together. For this … we’re Fur-ever thankful.

On behalf of everyone at the HS/SPCA and the animals we strive to protect, we wish you and your pets a safe, healthy and love-filled holiday season.

The Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County, Inc.

The Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County is a 501(c)3 non-profit, no-kill shelter helping animals in need throughout Sumter County, Florida. Donations directly help to cover the cost of saving, treating and caring for neglected, abused and abandoned animals. Learn more about the HS/SPCA at hsspca.org, 352-793-9117, on Facebook or at the shelter located at 994 CR 529A, in Lake Panasoffkee, Office open: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-4:00pm, Sat. 9:00am-4:00pm. Kennel Pet Viewing: Mon.-Sat. 9:00am-3:30pm. Visitors are always welcome!