As a government agency, Pasco County Animal Services is limited in what it can provide for its four-legged charges. Food, water, basic medical care and shelter are about as good as it gets.

But, try telling a dog it can't have a chew toy or a cat that a scratching post just isn't in the budget. Thanks to the Friends of Animal Services, the agency doesn't have to.

"Friends of Animal Services is one of the best things that has happened to this division," said Rosemary Lyons, education and volunteer coordinator for animal services. "Every cent (they raise) goes to the animals. They supply the extras."

Those extras include such things as toys, blankets, heart worm treatments, an enclosed outdoor area for dog exercise, promotional items to increase adoptions and more.

"They are crucial," Lyons said.

The friends group got its start about four years ago when Michael Cox was a county commissioner. He and his wife, Abbey, were at a park event where Lyons was present.

"He (Michael) said, 'If there's anything I can do, let me know,' " Abbey said. "She asked about a friends group."

Now, four years and more than $50,000 raised later that group is still going strong trying to provide the extra support the animals need to make them comfortable at the shelter and increase their chances for adoption.

"It was bumpy at first," Abbey Cox said. The ride started smoothing out not too long ago, but she said a lot of people still harbor misconceptions about animal services.

"Some people won't donate to us because they thik this is a kill facility," she said. "(Other organizations) can pick and choose" the animals they want to shelter. "Here, being a county facility, they don't have a choice."

Some animals, however, are held onto until they find a home.

"Once they are deemed adoptable, their time never runs out," Cox said.

Making sure the animals that are housed at the 19640 Dogpatch Ln. shelter are comfortable and ready for adoption is the focus of the friends group.

"(We try) to provide services here that will enhance their lives while they are here in the shelter," she said.

To do that, the all-volunteer nonprofit organization plays host to a variety of fundraisers, works on writing grants and accepts donations.

Right now the group is selling acorns and leaves on its "Giving Tree." The decorative tree graces a wall at animal service's new adoption center. Donors can have their names engraved on the acorns and leaves in exchange for contributions of $500 and $100, respectively. Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home in New Port Richey donated the tree for the fundraiser.

"That's our biggest project for the year," Cox said.

To learn more about the friends group or buying a spot on The Giving Tree, visit fpcas.org. Members meet on the third Monday of the month. Donation and membership information is available on the website.