The St. Augustine Humane Society has launched its newest fundraising program to support the non-profit's mission to prevent pet overpopulation with affordable spay neuter programs and to eliminate the relinquishment of pets to shelters.

The organization's "Pin Up Paws" calendar fundraiser allows donors to submit a photo of their pet to be featured in the 2012 calendar. There is no charge to submit the photos and friends can vote for the pet for the owners to win prizes. Visit the website for more information and to view official rules at http://www.staugustinehumanesociety.org/pinuppawscalendar.html.

One by one, the work trucks pull up to the St. Johns County Animal Control Pet Center, often filled with pets whose owners no longer want them.

Animal Control Division Chief Paul Studivant described the pet center as "inundated" with pets the owners can't afford. "It's due to the economy and unemployment. We're hearing every story you could possibly hear," Studivant said.

Some people are abandoning pets, but Studivant said it appears more are giving up their animals this year, surrendering them to the center.

There are so many owner-surrendered pets at the center, there's little room for strays.

According to St. Johns County Animal Control, between January 2010 and July 2010, there were 2,118 surrendered pets. During that same time period, the number jumped to 2,403.

Today, a young woman dropped off a little dog named Buster. 

Manatees face added danger during busy holiday weekends, simply because there are generally more boaters on the water passing through manatee restricted-speed zones. Boaters should be aware of where the zones are, so they don’t have any surprises when they come upon them. Maps of the zones can be found at MyFWC.com/Manatee.