After 11 years in a home… Rita found herself back in a shelter.

Rita is a sweet senior girl who was adopted from Clay County Animal Services as a puppy… and returned 11 years later when her family could no longer care for her.

It’s heartbreaking — there’s no way around that. But we are grateful she was brought back to the shelter instead of being abandoned somewhere, as happens far too often.

We met Rita while we were there to rescue another senior, Peppa — and just like that, we were in love. She has a gentle, loving presence that draws you in immediately.

Rita is heartworm positive, but she has already completed her treatment at the shelter — a huge step for her health and future. She is also hard of hearing, but that doesn’t slow her down when it comes to soaking up affection. She is sweet, cuddly, and just wants to be close.

As always, one of the biggest challenges we face is finding the right foster. Thankfully, we had someone special ready.

Sabrina — who many of you may remember as Chase’s incredible hospice foster — stepped up again. We knew Rita would be in amazing hands, but there was one concern: Sabrina’s home is full of animals — cats, bunnies, donkeys, and even a tortoise.

To make sure it was the right fit, we worked with Ernest and Courtney at the shelter on a creative solution: Sabrina would foster Rita through the shelter first, giving everyone time to safely evaluate how she would do in that environment.

And just as we hoped — it worked beautifully.

With gentle guidance from Sabrina, Rita learned quickly. When she showed a little too much interest in the bunnies, a simple redirect was all it took for her to move on. She’s adjusting, learning, and showing us just how good of a girl she truly is.

Rita is still on restricted activity as she finishes recovering from heartworm treatment, but she’s settling in and finally experiencing the love and comfort she deserves.

She’s a dream in the home — a total couch potato who just wants to relax and be near her people. But outside? She lights up and shows her playful, puppy-like side 

She listens well, has a wonderful temperament, and is truly just an all-around good dog. While she may be a little too interested in cats for a feline household, she has proven herself to be adaptable and eager to please.

Sabrina has given the all clear… so we’re proud to say:

Rita is officially part of the Florida Urgent Rescue family 

This is what rescue is all about — giving dogs like Rita a soft place to land, no matter their age or past. Welcome to FUR sweet girl- your new life starts now.

𝗙𝗨𝗥 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺

Sick and injured animals need help fast. Every donation helps, but Monthly donors give us flexibility to respond immediately when there is an emergency. When there is a hoarding case or a hurricane, a dog with a gunshot wound or a cruelty case, we have to act quickly. We don't have time to run a fundraiser, and wait for those funds to get to us. Your monthly donation can help us save lives again and again. Learn more at: https://www.floridaurgentrescue.org/donatemonthly

To Donate: 

— Credit Card: www.floridaurgentrescue.org/donate

— Venmo: @FloridaUrgentRescue

— PayPal: floridaurgentrescue@gmail.com

— Mail: Florida Urgent Rescue

    7643 Gate Parkway #104-27

    Jacksonville, FL 32256

About FUR

Florida Urgent Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and FUR earned a Four-Star Rating on Charity Navigator with a score of 100%, the highest possible rating. FUR also received a 2025 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency by Guidestar. Less than 1/10th of 1% of all nonprofits receive these ratings.