A Resolution By The Board Of County Commissioners Of Pasco County, Florida, Recognizing The Week Of November 1-7, 2026, As National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week In Pasco County

1:18:54Now we'll go to RS3, National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.

1:18:59I should have said uh Mike Karbala's also a trail user.

1:19:04Look how fit he is.

1:19:20Oh.

1:19:21Scoot here, so I guess.

1:19:23Okay, I'm gonna go ahead and read the resolution by the Board of County Commissioners, resolution number twenty seven dash I'm sorry, resolution number twenty-seven dash zero two nine. Resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, recognizing the week of November first through the seventh, twenty twenty six as National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week in Pasco County. Whereas National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is recognized annually to honor the dedication, compassion, and commitment of the professionals who support the health, safety,

1:19:54welfare, and positive outcomes of animals in communities across the nation. And RAS Pasco County Animal Services is comprised of highly skilled and mission driven teams. including the animal care technicians and program team, all of whom were collectively Mm-hmm.

1:20:11To serve both the animals and residents of Pasco County, ANRAS Animal Care Technicians provide daily care, enrichment, and support for approximately 300 animals on site, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays, ensuring every animal receives the attention and quality of care needed for health and well-being. NRAS, these animals, these animal care technicians also facilitate approximately 1,500 adult. adoptions each year. helping pets find loving homes and strengthening the human and animal bond within our community.

1:20:42And RAS, the program team leads all animal outcome efforts and animals get back home initiatives, overseeing critical services such as rescue coordination, foster programs, volunteer engagement, education and outreach, community partnerships. Community cat coordination, pet reunification, and pet re and pet licensing. And whereas, through their dedication, 2,000 animals are transferred to partnering organizations annually. Nearly 500 animals are reunited with their owners, and 3,100

1:21:13cats are humanely trapped, neutered, vaccinated, and returned to their outdoor homes. NRAS, these combined efforts result in approximately 4,800 Pasco County animal lives being saved each year, reflecting the department's commitment to humane care, responsible practices, and community service. NRAS Pasco County Animal Services provides more than 120 educational presentations throughout the county each year. Strengthening public understanding, promoting responsible pet ownership, and supporting

1:21:43safer and healthier neighborhoods for both people and animals. And RAS National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week Provides an opportunity for the services of Pasco County to recognize and thank I'm sorry opportunity for the citizens of Pasco County to recognize and thank these compassionate professionals for their deep commitment to animal welfare and their lasting impact in the community, as well as spotlighting the need for more incredible life-saving individuals in this profession. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida,

1:22:13that said board hereby proclaims November 1st through the 7th, 2026 as National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week in Pasco County and encourages residents to honor and celebrate the exemplary service and dedication of the staff of Pasco County Animal Services. Done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting this 20th day of October, 2026.

1:22:32Move to approve.

1:22:33Second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye.

1:22:37Well, thank you guys. You're one of my favorite departments, you know that. And uh have you guys on Speed Dial. There's so many times I send pictures and addresses of animals and um you guys have no idea their background, where they're from, their history, and you take them and you love them and you care for them. And from one animal lover to another, I appreciate that so much. Um we just had a reunification a couple of weeks ago. We were able to reunite um an owner

1:23:06with their dog, which made me so happy. But I just love that You guys Literally just taken so many animals and in your heart you have room to love them all. And um I always tell my team, I'm like, we really need to go visit animal services, you know, just to go visit. Um but um we really appreciate everything you do and also your quick response when we call. um to help those in need.

1:23:37And you guys take everything. Birds, everything. Like you guys are so great. So thank you very much um for what you do and I appreciate you guys. Thank you. Thank you.

1:23:48Um good morning. I'm Samantha Blix, the Assistant Director for Passive Animal Services. I just wanted to thank the commissioners for having us here today to honor this team with this resolution for recognition. Well, this team standing with me today worked tirelessly seven days a week. Um they support residents on some of the most impactful days of their lives. They restore families, they support the safety of our community, from the thousands

1:24:18of animals they care for to the hundreds of thousands of residents we support every day. I'm honored to present this team to the board and the community in this meeting today. Thank you for your recognition.

1:24:31Would you like to do that? Would you like to say something?

1:24:37Lon Savini, the new shelter manager, uh new to Pascoa County, Mr Chair, Administrator, County Commissioner, ma'am I just wanna say I I come from Hillsborough County, a shelter of twelve years and being here for three months, this team is a whole different animal in a great way. So just wanted to let you guys know that they are just a whole different animal. Great to be here with them.

1:25:03Thank you.

1:25:07Gary Herrero, Director of Animal Services. I can't say anything that hasn't been said before. Um thank you guys for for the recognition. Anytime I think of this team, blood, sweat, and tears, the most um emotionally challenging uh task for these guys and and I'm proud of every single one of them. So thank you.

1:25:24Right. Thank you. Anyway,

1:25:29Okay.

1:25:38Ha ha ha.

1:25:42Nick you're in trouble.

1:25:48It worked.

1:25:52Oh. Nothing else.

1:26:08Is that right?