NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsOctober 27, 2026Hillsborough County
Tampa Bay local rescue shelters highlight long-tenured shelter dogs during Tampa Bay Rays postseason game
Photo: Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All News
Local animal shelters are connecting the Tampa Bay Rays' postseason elimination game to long-tenured shelter dogs to encourage community adoptions. Shelter staff highlight animals like Pinto at the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center and Valerie at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay who have spent months waiting for homes.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsWhy It Matters
Prospective pet adopters in Tampa Bay are encouraged to consider older or long-stay dogs that require extra support, with the Humane Society covering treatment costs for heartworm-positive animals.
Key Facts
- Local rescue shelters in Tampa Bay are launching adoption campaigns tied to the Tampa Bay Rays' postseason game to highlight long-tenured shelter dogs.
- A 3-to-5-year-old dog named Pinto spent more than 370 days at the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center after arriving as a stray in mid-October 2025 before finding an adopter.
- Valerie, a 6-year-old brindle bully mix, has stayed at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay for three months, exceeding the typical three-week stay.
- The Humane Society of Tampa Bay covers all heartworm treatments for Valerie at no cost to her future family.
- Prospective adopters can view available pets through the Humane Society of Tampa Bay adoption page and the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center animal portal.
Who's Mentioned
PersonNash McCutchen“Director of marketing and design at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.”PersonChelsea Waldeck“Division director at the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center.”locationTropicana Field“Stadium where the Tampa Bay Rays face elimination.”OrganizationHillsborough County Pet Resource Center“Local rescue shelter highlighting long-stay dogs.”otherValerie“A 6-year-old brindle bully mix staying at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.”otherPinto“A 3-to-5-year-old dog who spent over 370 days waiting for a home.”OrganizationHumane Society of Tampa Bay“Local shelter caring for Valerie and covering her medical treatments.”OrganizationTampa Bay Rays“Baseball team facing a elimination game in the postseason.”