Animal activist opens new shelter

By: Kathryn Bursch

Palm Harbor, Florida ? Inside a building off of U.S. 19, Rich Chaboudy cradles a cat in his arms. It?s a familiar scene.

For 20 years, Chaboudy was the director of the Humane Society of Pinellas. He rescued animals from storms and abuse. But his abrupt firing last May left Chaboudy himself feeling a bit abused and unsure of his future.

Rick Chaboudy, Animal activist:

?This is a very stressful job?the emotions when you deal with animals.?

However, after four months away Chaboudy says it's the animals who are calling him back. Just this past weekend, Chaboudy opened the doors of a new shelter called the Suncoast Animal League.

Rick Chaboudy, Suncoast Animal League:

?It was time to get back in the fight.?

The new shelter is small, but with several adoptions already for Chaboudy the rewards are big.

Rick Chaboudy, Suncoast Animal League:

?Watching that first kitty walk out the door yesterday?you realize why you do this.?

For more information on the new shelter you can click on this link: http://www.suncoastanimalleague.net/Default.aspx