NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayOctober 27, 2026Hillsborough County
Tampa Bay rescue shelters highlight long-term shelter dogs amid Rays postseason game
Photo: FOX 13 Tampa Bay
Local animal shelters are connecting the Tampa Bay Rays' postseason elimination game to the long stays of shelter dogs like Pinto and Valerie to encourage community adoptions. Staff at the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay are featuring overlooked animals that need extra support.
Read the full story at FOX 13 Tampa BayWhy It Matters
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay covers all heartworm treatment costs for Valerie at no expense to her future family.
Key Facts
- The Tampa Bay Rays are facing a do-or-die Game 4 at Tropicana Field.
- Local rescue shelters are highlighting long-term shelter dogs using an underdog theme tied to the Rays' postseason run.
- 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 being adopted.
- Pinto knows basic commands, walks well on a leash, and loves swimming and playing with toys.
- A 6-year-old brindle bully mix named Valerie has stayed at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay for three months, exceeding the typical three-week stay.
- Valerie is potty-trained, friendly, and heartworm positive, and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay will pay for all her treatments at no cost to her future family.
- Shelter officials note that a long stay does not mean an animal has behavioral problems, but rather that they have not yet found the right match.
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“Location where the Rays face elimination.”OrganizationHillsborough County Pet Resource Center“Local shelter housing Pinto and managed by division director Chelsea Waldeck.”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 more than 370 days waiting for a home.”OrganizationHumane Society of Tampa Bay“Shelter housing Valerie and led by marketing and design director Nash McCutchen.”OrganizationTampa Bay Rays“Baseball team facing a do-or-die Game 4 Tuesday night.”