{"id":75896,"date":"2025-12-08T19:21:07","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T19:21:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/75896\/"},"modified":"2025-12-08T19:21:07","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T19:21:07","slug":"casa-pinellas-to-host-pet-themed-holiday-market","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/75896\/","title":{"rendered":"CASA Pinellas to host pet-themed holiday market"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to the Animal Humane Society, only 17% percent <\/a>of domestic violence shelters in the country accept pets.\u00a0<\/p>\n

CASA Pinellas, a domestic violence support organization, offers various services including an emergency shelter. This safe place is one of the few that allow pets to stay with their owners. The nonprofit, in partnership with Green Bench Brewing Company and Protecting Paws for Life, is hosting a pet-themed holiday market Thursday (Dec. 11).\u00a0<\/p>\n

The event, which will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the St. Petersburg brewery, will help spread awareness about CASA\u2019s on-site kennel and raise funds for necessary improvements, said the organization\u2019s CEO Lariana Forsythe.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cNational statistics say that 89% of women who had a companion animal during an abusive relationship reported that their animals were threatened, harmed or killed by their abusive partners,\u201d she explained. \u201cSo, many survivors won\u2019t leave because they\u2019re afraid of what\u2019s going to happen to their pet if they can\u2019t take their pet with them.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n

Domestic violence can also have a psychological effect on pets when they\u2019re being used to manipulate survivors. These animals are seeing people they love engage in destructive behaviors, Forsythe continued.\u00a0<\/p>\n

CASA\u2019s kennel first opened in 2018, with space for three small to medium sized dogs and two cats. Now it can accommodate four large dogs and four cats or cat-sized animals.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

CASA Pinellas\u2019s on-site kennel. Photo provided.<\/p>\n

The kennel is not just for dogs and cats. Other pets are allowed to stay as well, she said. In the past, CASA has welcomed reptiles, guinea pigs and birds. \u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen someone is in an abusive relationship, having an emotional support animal is soothing,\u201d Forsythe added. \u201cIt\u2019s really important for both the survivor and the pet to maintain that relationship.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Since opening, the kennel has been in regular use.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Renovations are needed to ensure the pets\u2019 safety moving forward, she explained. With the funds, CASA plans to upgrade the building\u2019s air conditioning system and install new cabinetry, among other improvements.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The inaugural event will feature an array of activities. These include a pet costume contest, 50\/50 raffle, animal aura reading, custom sketches and pet portraits with Santa Claus.\u00a0<\/p>\n

CASA representatives will also give a presentation to highlight statistics and key information about survivors and their pets.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re in an abusive situation and you don\u2019t think you can take your pet, you might not even consider that there are options,\u201d Forsythe said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Snacks for both humans and pets will be available. Local vendors including Andy\u2019s Frozen Custard, the Salt Bakery and Pet Purrfection Treats are scheduled to participate.\u00a0<\/p>\n

To learn more about the event, visit this link.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

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