PINELLAS COUNTY – Friends of Strays, a pet rescue shelter that was created in St. Petersburg by four caring women, will celebrate its 30th anniversary this week.
The shelter went from housing a few cats and dogs in private homes to caring for putting out for adoption hundreds of animals at any given time.
“Right now we have 324 cats and dogs for which we are trying to find homes,” said Lynn Curry, president and head veterinary technician. “Only 14 of them are dogs.”
Why? Because cats are more promiscuous and are capable of reproducing at only six months of age. A dog can mate at about 10 months.
The original founders were Jean Bomonti, Joan Jerich, Marge Meyer and the late Ruth Robertson. They became concerned over the number of strays in the streets and formed a group to care for them. Most were taken home. Then cages were established in their garages and eventually the first official facility was opened in a Pinellas Park strip mall.
The sanctuary soon outgrew that space and purchased its first building. It now has two. One is at 2911 47th Ave., St. Petersburg, and the other is the adoption center and thrift store at 3660 Gandy Blvd. in Pinellas Park.
The Pinellas Park facility once was a restaurant that was converted into a thrift store that helps bring in money to sustain the shelter’s many animal-related programs. On display in clean cages are the dogs and cats that need homes.
The facility in St. Petersburg was molded out of a cabinet shop. With the help of Dr. R.T. Goldston, a veterinarian at Park View Animal Hospital in St. Petersburg, the building was redesigned.
Over the years people have dropped off some unusual critters. But Curry points out that they do not accept anything but cats and dogs. Since its inception the shelter has nursed back to health, neutered and placed thousands of animals.
Just recently a homeless man brought in a puppy with two broken front legs. A young bicyclist deliberately ran down the friendly and trusting animal and the dog, Rocky, is now up for adoption.
“We don’t like to take in sick animals, but sometimes people leave them at the door,” Curry said. “We then have to take care of them.”
Over the years people have left cats in boxes with no air holes and animals in various stages of health problems. One dog was dropped off after suffering painful chemical burns.
As a nonprofit organization, Friends of Strays is also looking for donations of supplies and money to cover the costs. A “wish list” indicates the need for such items as paper towels, pet toys, liquid detergent, cat litter and dog leashes.
“We do not practice inhumane techniques and do everything within our power to place animals in good homes,” Curry said.
Today’s economic downslide, however, has reduced money and other donations. Persons interested in donating money or supplies can drop them off at either location.
