Miracle Pit Bull Set for Santa Photo Shoot for Pets

The dog known as "Phoebe the Miracle Dog" is scheduled to be in attendance Dec. 15 at Hillsborough County Animal Services in the Greater Brandon area of Tampa for a Santa photo shoot for local pets.

"Santa Photos With Phoebe" is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the shelter at 440 North Falkenburg Road, in the Greater Brandon area of Tampa. Santa will be in attendance with Phoebe, who survived being buried alive and shot, in a local case of severe animal cruelty and abuse.

While at the shelter, consider donating much-needed gifts for the dogs and cats awaiting adoption (see list below).

Donations for the Animal Angel Tree can be dropped off any time in the month of December.

Consider, too, adopting a pet. Toward that end, Hillsborough County Animal Services presents "Home for the Holidays," through which residents for $20 can snuggle their own adopted cat or kitten. The cost includes spay-neuter, micro-chip, health check-up, vaccinations and county registration and tag.

Hillsborough County Animal Services is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For information, call: 813-744-5660.

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More About Phoebe, The Miracle Pitbull

• On Oct. 29, someone in the Clair-Mel area buried a mixed-breed pitbull up to her neck and then shot her twice in the head.

• An anonymous caller notified offices from Hillsborough County Animal Services. Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Rene Northrup encountered a heartbreaking sight — two terrified brown eyes looking up at her from a freshly dug hole in the ground.

• Using her bare hands as a shovel, Northrop spent 15 minutes freeing the dog from the hole. The pitbull mix was painfully thin and bloody from two gunshot wounds. One bullet had entered her forehead and exited through the back. The other entered under her eye and came out through the neck.

• Animal Services spokeswoman Marti Ryan said it's a miracle Phoebe survived.

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Animal Angel Tree Wish List

Hillsborough County Animal Services is in need of gifts for dogs and cats awaiting adoption. Donations from the Animal Angel Tree Wish List can be dropped off in December at 440 North Falkenburg Road, in the Greater Brandon area of Tampa, south of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR DOGS Training treats, bits and biscuits No raw-hides, butcher bones, or handmade items Quality canned or dry food
Toys Sturdy, waterproof types, including KONG brand Towels, blankets and linens New or used, but clean Blankets New or used, but clean Linens New or used, but clean Washable dog bedding
Gentle, "waterless" shampoo
Flea treaments Revolution, Frontline or Advantage Leashes
Collars
Bandanas
Laundry detergent
Large, Ziploc kitchen storage bags
Collapsible wire crates
DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR CATS Baby blankets
Throws
Small towels
Kitty beds
Large plastic bowls Salad type Dishpans
Non-plastic bowls Even disposable paper dishes Toys Catnip is acceptable, but prefer water-resistant Scratching posts Especially small sizes Colorful kitty collars
Food
Treats
Clay-type litter
Paper towels
Unscented baby wipes
Source: Hillsborough County Animal Services