Knights brings pet-friendly community together

Pet lovers and fans of UCF softball gathered under the 84-degree sunny weather on Friday at the UCF Softball Complex for a cause.

UCF softball hosted its second “Pups at the Plex” event of the season during the Utah Utes series, featuring dogs from Seminole County Animal Services and Pet Rescue by Judy.

Anthony Bloodgood of Seminole County Animal Services said the organization aims to promote their sheltered animals while creating an environment where fans can see a combination of dogs and softball.

Nala (Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix), Leighton (Terrier mix), Tanner (Terrier mix), Agape (Maltese and Chihuahua) and Gypsy (Chihuahua) were among the animals who made an appearance at the event.

Bloodgood told Sons of UCF his team secured three adoptions of the smaller dogs before the interview and explained an incentive for those interested in adopting.

“All the adoptions out here today are sponsored, which means if someone does want to take one home, it is no charge,” Bloodgood said. “If people want to take them, they go home that day with them.”

Bloodgood—owner of two dogs, a cat, and a snake, adopted from the shelter—said his love and affection for animals fueled his career pursuit at Seminole County Animal Services after 16 years of service.

“I like helping animals,” Bloodgood said. “Not just finding them homes, but taking them in, nursing them back to health…I have always enjoyed it.”

Bloodgood offered advice to those hesitant about adopting an animal, saying to take a moment to get to know the pet.

“Come take them out, play with them in the yard, meet their true personalities, fall in love and take home a forever pet,” Bloodgood said.

UCF softball patrons also had the chance to meet energetic dogs Way, Welda and Windy, three hound/mixed dogs brought by Pet Rescue by Judy.

Michelle Salaz, five-year Pet Rescue by Judy facility manager, said the organization is usually in high demand as they currently care for about 100 dogs.

The self-proclaimed animal lover added she’s seen positive reactions and familiar faces of pet owners at the event.

“A lot of people were asking our process for how to adopt [and] we have seen a couple here who currently have some of our dogs. So that’s kind of good to always hear that,” Salaz said. “We get third-generation adopters and people are like, ‘My grandparents, my parents, and now they are adopting,’ so we do get that a lot of repeated adopters.”

Salaz called her line of work a connection after comparing her previous experience in corporate for 22 years, which had the opposite effect.

“When [Pet Rescue by Judy] offered me a full-time position, I thought, ‘You know what? I like what I’m doing.’ I felt like I was making a difference,” Salaz said. “I’ve always loved animals. I raised four daughters, and we’ve had any animal you can think of.”

Pups at the Plex is one of many events UCF softball hosts, following the first game of the Utah series’ event “Autism Awareness & Acceptance Game.”

The program continues to host community events, with the next being the “Pink Game” during the Kansas Jayhawks series starting at 6 p.m. on April 17 at UCF Softball Complex.