Sherry Silk–executive director of The Humane Society of Tampa Bay (HSTB)–discusses how the animal welfare/rescue landscape has shifted in the 2 1/2 years since our last interview, including the effect the economic climate has had on donations & adoptions, as well as newer wrinkles and trends, like the growing impact and value of Facebook.
Listen Online Now:
From the perspective of 30 years in the field, she also addressed the singular difficulties/challenges of leading an organization like HSTB–and the not infrequent instances where similar organizations are beset with polarizing issues (particularly euthanasia) and controversies, often torn asunder by them–and measures she takes to avoid those pitfalls. The conversation also included Cathy Bellatin, HSTB’s director of special events, who described the then-forthcoming 24th Bark In The Park event and some its likely highlights, as well as how Bark has changed and evolved over nearly a quarter century. Partially related to Bark In The Park featuring numerous adoptable pets, we met three that Sherry & Cathy had brought into the studio: Jasmine (a cute Siamese kitten who, in walking freely in the studio, managed to start a cued-up song at an inappropriate moment and turned off Sherry’s microphone) and two equally-cute puppies, Thelma, and Tiffany, who was adopted later that afternoon. (www.HumaneSocietyTampa.org)
ALSO: We spoke briefly with Suzanne Liggett, of Heart&Soles Yoga and Education Services, who discusses her background and the free yoga classes for kids she’ll be offering at the Talking Animals Festival. (riverview-heartsandsoles.blogspot.com/)
COMEDY CORNER: Mitch Hedberg’s “Koalas” (www.MitchHedberg.net)
MUSIC:Beth Orton’s “Worms,” Radiohead’s “Morning Mr. Magpie,” instrumentals
NAME THAT ANIMAL TUNE:Tom Jones’ “What’s New, Pussycat?”
