Cape Coral woman’s pet project saves lives

A Cape Coral woman recognized a need in Southwest Florida’s largest city and set forth to make it happen.

The Cape Coral Animal Shelter has saved 800 dogs and cats – and it has only been open 10 months.

Not many people can say their “pet project” saves lives, but Joann Elardo’s beautiful new shelter does just that. Lost or surrendered dogs and cats receive full veterinary care, walks, and a lot of love while they wait to find their forever home.

“When you have a dream that actually comes true, it’s just amazing,” she said.

The shelter, located near Sun Splash Family Waterpark, is her proudest accomplishment. How she got here is a great story.

“I came here to retire. Years of the gloom in eastern Europe, I was dying to get to Florida,” she said, but Elardo confessed she really isn’t the type to retire. “I wish I was.”

Elardo went into the distillery business. It helps fund her shelter, which runs on donations.

Why a distillery?

“I had time to sit down and think about what I really wanted to do and I wanted to do something that could actually make a quality product.”

Years later, her rum at Wicked Dolphin Distillery is award-winning – a huge accomplishment considering that before this, she was in the shoe business.

“We used to make Converse all overseas and sell them in eastern, western and central Europe.”

Elardo’s just one of those magical people that finds 28 hours in a day, but she credits her husband and many others for helping her give back to our community.

“It’s because of him I’m able to do this. Volunteers, friends, everybody helps you do this.”

The shelter isn’t done. Next month, they’ll start raising money for an expansion to their in-house veterinary clinic, which anyone can bring their pet to.

Elardo was just recognized as one of Gulfshore Life’s “Women of the Year.”