Sunshine State Humane Society

07/23/2026

We are not wildlife rehabilitators, and we would never pretend to be. But when someone reached out about a baby squirrel they found under a tree in their backyard (see photo), we were able to help reunite the baby with mom.

We asked a very important question: “Is mom nearby?” The answer was yes — she was up in the tree watching over her baby. We advised the finder to place the squirrel at the base of the tree, go inside (and keep pets and people away from the area), and monitor the situation from the window. After several minutes, mom came down and safely retrieved her baby. ❤️

This simple story highlights two very important lessons:

🐿️ #1: The finder did not scoop up the baby and rush it to a vet or wildlife rehabilitator.
Unless a baby is confirmed orphaned, injured, or in immediate danger, the best thing you can do is help reunite them. Please don’t “kidnap” wildlife babies — that is tragic for the mother and doing a great disservice to the baby.

🐿️ #2: Listen to professionals.
Wildlife rehabilitators often share the frustration of people asking for advice and then ignoring it. In this case, the finder did exactly the right thing: they asked, they listened, and they followed advice.

If you find a baby wild animal, resist the urge to immediately intervene. Observe first, keep your distance, and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. You'll find several on our Wild Neighbors page: https://www.sunshinehumane.org/wild-neighbors

07/22/2026

Sharing this request from our rescue partners, Pasco County Animal Services.

She must leave the shelter by 4:30 p.m. today, Wednesday, July 22.

If you can help, please email gbotticello@pascocountyfl. net ASAP.

Even if you’re unable to foster, sharing this post could help Wonder find the safe place she needs.

❗⚠ UPDATE!!! ⚠❗A FOSTER HOME HAS BEEN SECURED FOR PUPPY WONDER!!!

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your emails, shares, questions, and concerns. As your county shelter in Pasco, we reached out to you in vulnerable fashion over a very delicate life-saving situation. And once again, you showed up HUGE.

We received several questions regarding Wonder's care and deadline plea.

🗣LET'S TALK ABOUT IT

❓Why can't the foster home have other dogs? Why can't she just stay isolated at the shelter? ❗Parvo is highly contagious. We would not want to expose any other dog, whether at PCAS or in a home. An outbreak would be devastating. Humans can also unknowingly transmit it via their shoes, hands, or clothing.

❓Why was she on a euthanasia deadline? Aren't you supposed to be "no kill?" ❗Pasco County Animal Services works every day toward being a SAVE 90 Shelter.

"Save 90" is the updated term for "no kill." Save 90 (aka no kill) shelters sometimes have to make the humane decision to euthanize an animal who is suffering or has a medical condition beyond the scope of care that the facility can provide. Under a Save 90 protocol, shelters also do not euthanize for space. (This includes PCAS)

Wonder was placed on a euthanasia deadline due to her condition being highly contagious, which would threaten our larger dog population.

❗❗Being a transparent agency to our community is something Pasco County Animal Services prides ourselves on. We value mutual trust with our community. We knew that being honest about the dire situation we were in put us in a vulnerable position.

But, our community is SO AMAZING that we were confident you would help us SAVE WONDER'S LIFE. For that, we sincerely thank you. Please know we were going to do everything in our power to save her. Because every life matters.

If you ever have any questions, would like to learn more, or simply visit our shelter to see how we save lives every day, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here for YOU. 🧡
..............................
Original Plea:

Community, we need a unicorn foster for Wonder. 🦄🤞

Yesterday afternoon, a tiny puppy was found abandoned in a box outside a Dunkin’ Donuts. We named her Wonder.

Wonder is about 9 weeks old and has tested positive for parvovirus—a serious but treatable illness that primarily affects unvaccinated dogs. Thanks to the quick action of our veterinary and medical team, she began treatment immediately and is already responding beautifully. She’s drinking on her own, wagging her tail, and giving us every reason to be hopeful.

Because parvo is highly contagious, Wonder cannot be housed inside our shelter. Wonder has already shown us how hard she’s willing to fight. Now she just needs someone willing to help her through the finish line.

07/04/2026

Millions will gather today with family, friends, food...and fireworks.

Many pet parents will choose to stay home tonight because of the stress the fireworks cause to a frightened dog or cat. They'll close the curtains, turn on calming music, offer treats and reassurance, and help their companions feel safe.

Wild animals, however, don't have that comfort.

For birds, rabbits, deer, foxes, squirrels, and countless other creatures, the sudden explosions can trigger panic, causing them to flee from nests, young mammals can become separated from their parents, or expend precious energy trying to escape what they perceive as danger.

As we celebrate our nation's 250th birthday, let's remember that America belongs to them too.

We are encouraged by more communities choosing drone shows over traditional fireworks. They provide breathtaking displays without the noise and air pollution. It's a reminder that tradition and innovation can shine together.

Happy 250th Birthday, America! Here's to celebrating the country we love—and extending compassion to every creature who calls it home.

Sunshine State Humane Society
❤️ Extending compassion to all animals. 🇺🇸

06/21/2026

💙Happy Father's Day to all the hardworking fathers out there—including one of Florida's finest avian dads, the Florida Scrub-Jay.

Found only in Florida, these devoted dads live in close-knit family groups where fathers help feed, protect, and teach their chicks.

The Florida Scrub-Jay reminds us that animals are more than just wildlife—they are individuals with families, relationships, and lives that matter. The more we understand them, the more we see how much we share: a desire to care for our loved ones and help the next generation thrive.

This Father's Day, let's celebrate devoted dads of every species!

📷 Kay Mullahey

05/31/2026

Interested in learning about coyotes? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) hosts monthly webinars. Find out how to coexist with these intriguing animals and how to prevent potential conflicts. Spaces are unlimited, no registration required.

https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/coyotes/

Our organization is not involved in the webinar, and sharing it does not necessarily mean we endorse all viewpoints or recommendations presented.

📆 Future Dates:
July 14, 7-8 PM
August 11, 7-8 PM
September 18, 7-8 PM

05/16/2026

UPDATE: He has a potential home. Please fill out Foster paperwork in case things don't work out (fingers crossed he gets along with the resident cats). Also, we'd like to have fosters ready instead of trying to scramble to find a foster on a deadline. 🙏
Foster: https://www.sunshinehumane.org/foster

🚨 Foster Needed by Monday 🚨

Meet Deputy — a young, neutered* male cat with a very sweet and affectionate personality. Deputy was found by a Sheriff’s Deputy who is now trying to help him find a safe indoor place to stay.

If someone can step up to foster Deputy, we can bring him into our organization and place him up for adoption. We provide vetting and can also supply food, bowls, litter, and a litter box.

Deputy is friendly, loving, and deserves a safe place while he waits for his forever home. Please message us if you can help foster! 🐾

*He will be neutered this weekend.

05/10/2026

This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating a truly awesome mom: the Mallard duck.

Mallard mothers raise up to 13 ducklings completely on their own, often returning to the very place where they were born to build a nest! They carefully line it with feathers from their own breast, wait until every egg is laid before incubating so all babies hatch together, and fiercely protect their ducklings for up to 8 weeks.

We encourage people to see the humanity in animals. Happy Mother’s Day to all ALL moms!

04/24/2026

We’ll be at the Heritage Lake Craft Fair from 9 AM – 2 PM on Saturday, 4/25—stop by, say hello, and learn simple steps you can take to help animals! Admission is free.

More details below⬇

04/23/2026

🌍 Food for Thought on Earth Day 🌱

Have you ever heard of Meatless Mondays? It's a simple way to make a BIG impact: skip eating meat one day a week—typically Monday (or any day you choose)—and eat plant-based meals on that day.

Skipping meat just one day a week helps reduce your carbon footprint, conserve water, and protect wildlife habitats. It’s a small step that adds up to meaningful change for our planet!

💧 Each meatless meal saves roughly 133 gallons of water
🌫 30% of human related greenhouse gas emissions are from the food system
🐮 Help protect animals and their homes

Email us at [email protected] for a free plant-based recipe! 💚

04/20/2026

Nacho was living outdoors but wasn't feral. As you may recall, he spent time with a temporary foster while he was neutered, vaccinated, and fully vetted. It quickly became clear that Nacho has an "extra spicy” personality, so he is now with an experienced foster who specializes in working with cats that need extra patience.

Because Nacho likely spent most of his life outdoors, adjusting to indoor living has been a big transition. While he may not love it yet, indoor life keeps cats safe from cars, predators, and disease—and it also helps protect birds and other wildlife. Behavior changes after neuter surgery can take time, especially for adult males, so we’re giving Nacho the space and patience he needs.

For now, Nacho is not available for adoption, and he may never be. If he eventually becomes a good candidate for adoption, we’ll let everyone know. If not, he’ll remain right where he is—safe with his foster and her other cats, with a full belly and lots of love for the rest of his life.

Photos: Nacho in his foster home and with his foster.