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Community Corner

Sad Animal Cruelty Commercials Are Worth Watching

There are a number of ways to support local rescue groups — not just animal adoption.

How many of you have seen the ASPCA commercials? You know the ones: The animals are battered, starved, in cages and all alone. The one that you turn the channel when it comes on, or you go into the other room. 

Well, I was watching a show the other night, and one of those commercials kept coming on. Of course, my first thought is the same as everyone's: I turn the channel or look away. Well, this time I didn't. I watched the whole thing and cried the whole time.

I know, some of you are thinking, "What a big baby." Right? I am sure I am, and it probably didn't help that I was on the couch with Kaiah on one side of me, Grayson laying under my feet and my foster Dahlia on my lap. The whole time, I kept hugging Dahlia telling her I loved her, and that I was sorry she had to spend time in a shelter. 

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This made me wonder how many people actually watch those commercials and how many turn them. If someone turns the channel, there is an impression on a person, but nothing like there would be if they actually watched it. 

I understand that some people cannot adopt, but there are things that people can do to help, such as calling your local shelters and rescues to donate money or, better yet, time. Most rescues are always looking for foster families. The more fosters who can take in an animal, the more animals get saved from death. 

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If you can't foster an animal, there are websites to donate money to help out with food or other items for rescued animals. For example, AnimalRescueSite.com tells you how much food will be donated depending on how much you give. 

As I sat and hugged Dahlia, I had a bittersweet thought: I was happy that I was able to help and she was safe in my arms, but I was sad that I cannot afford to help every animal that is in need. 

To find out how you can help rescue animals in South Tampa, contact the Humane Society of Tampa Bay or Hillsborough County Animal Services.

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