Today’s special guest was Fraily Rodriguez, Vice President of Operations for Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando (PAGO).  Fraily is a seasoned not for profit professional with more than 15 years of experience.  His professional training is in counseling.  Fraily has trained over 100,000 individuals on responsible pet ownership, bite prevention, animal cruelty, pet overpopulations, pet-friendly housing and leadership.

PAGO has a long-standing history in Orlando.  The organization is led by Stephen Bardy, its’ Executive Director.  Under his leadership, the organization serves the community with two shelters, two veterinary clinics and a mobile clinic plus numerous offsite partnerships PAGO was formerly the Humane Society of Orlando and the SPCA of Seminole County.  These organizations were merged and reintroduced under a new name, Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.

More than 8,500 homeless dogs and cats will receive care and compassion through PAGO this year.  When a pet is adopted, one pet gets a loving family and another pet is afforded the opportunity for a new home. You can view adoptable pets online or at their adoption centers seven (7) days a week from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Pets are given up for adoption for many reasons.  One of the most common reasons for surrendering a pet is the family is moving and they can’t take the new pet along.  To ensure that pet owners are afforded the best opportunity to retain their pet, PAGO has worked diligently to identify and catalog pet-friendly apartment complexes through their Pet Apartment Registry.  Studies indicate that pet-friendly apartment communities are safer and the residents stay longer.

Another reason loved pets are surrendered is their pet parent has become disabled, has entered a nursing or assisted living facility or has died.  PAGO and Animal Care Trust USA have similar goals when it comes to educating pet parents about the options for making sure their pets are cared for in the event of disability or death.  The Pawsitive Care Program allows pet parents to register their pets and/or leave a legacy gift in their Last Will or Living Trust to ensure their pet will be placed in a loving home.  You can find more information about the Pawsitive Care Program here.

PAGO hosts several fund raising events each year including the always popular Fur Ball and Paws in the Park.  Paws in the Park will be held at Lake Eola on Saturday February 8, 2020.  Teams are already forming.  There will be a Pawrade Costume Contest, dog games, food trucks and of course, adoptable pets!  Their goal is to raise $125,000 to help Central Florida pets.  If you are a wine enthusiast, you can enter your pet in the annual wine label contest co-sponsored by Quantum Leap Winery.

If you love pets, there are lots of ways you can give.  You can become a volunteer, provide a foster home, or make a legacy gift through your estate plan.  Contact PAGO today for more information and how you can get involved.