St. Petersburg, Fla. (June 3, 2024) – Friends of Strays, the oldest no-kill animal shelter in St. Petersburg, is set to inaugurate a new facility dedicated to cat adoptions next month. Named “The Cat Box,” this purpose-built center, located at 3015 46th Ave. N, marks the first phase of a multi-step expansion initiative envisioned for the Schwartz Family Adoption Campus at Friends of Strays.
Designed to provide a tranquil and separate environment exclusively for cats awaiting adoption, The Cat Box promises to enhance the quality of life for felines under the shelter’s care. With distinct spaces tailored to meet individual needs, the center aims to create a nurturing atmosphere conducive to finding forever homes for its feline residents.
“We are thrilled to introduce The Cat Box as the inaugural phase of our expansion project,” remarked Friends of Strays Board Chair Mo Eppley. “This endeavor underscores our commitment to the welfare of animals in our community and reflects the tireless dedication of our staff and volunteers.”
The launch of The Cat Box heralds the commencement of a transformative journey for Friends of Strays. Subsequent phases will see the renovation of the adjacent Milkey Bone Dog House, generously supported by the Milkey Foundation. Once completed in 2025, this facility will significantly increase the shelter’s capacity to accommodate dogs in need, offering a welcoming haven for larger breeds.
Jeanne Milkey, co-founder of the Milkey Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming Dog House and encouraged community involvement in supporting Friends of Strays’ noble mission.
In addition to the Milkey Foundation’s contributions, the Margie and Phil Schwartz Trust has played a pivotal role in realizing the shelter’s expansion aspirations. With a legacy gift from the Schwartz family, Friends of Strays is poised to transform its existing infrastructure to better serve the needs of its animal residents.
Reflecting on the significance of the expansion, Friends of Strays CEO Dara Eckart emphasized the indispensable role of community support in bringing the project to fruition. With the generous contributions received thus far and ongoing fundraising efforts, the organization is poised to fulfill its vision of providing compassionate care to animals in need.
As Friends of Strays embarks on this remarkable journey of growth and transformation, its unwavering commitment to the well-being of animals remains steadfast. With The Cat Box poised to open its doors, the shelter looks forward to a future filled with hope, compassion, and boundless possibilities for the animals it serves.
