Because no dog should face freezing temperatures alone.

Union County Animal Control had dogs in outdoor kennels in sub-freezing temperatures. Even with the tarps we donated for the hurricane last year to help block some of the wind, the icy temperatures were dangerously cold. Their only protection was a plywood box, open on one side, with pine needles in the bottom.

We tried to get the dogs out before temperatures dropped, but they didn't allow us to. On Tuesday morning, after a brutally cold night, our volunteers Walt, Shelli, Michelle and Linda loaded up 12 dogs from the outdoor kennels. Misty and Luke offered to board them all at Pet Paradise.

Walt and Shelli brought 6 of them to Pet Paradise Jacksonville Airport for boarding. The other 6 dogs had no vetting, so Linda and Michelle took them to Macclenny Vet for exams and vaccinations. Five were vaccinated and followed to Pet Paradise. One dog was extremely pregnant and almost ready to deliver. We knew we couldn't safely vaccinate her or bring her to boarding, so Linda graciously offered to take her home to temp foster while we figured out a plan.

Finding a place for them to go is always the biggest problem. Thankfully, Mary Steffen and the Humane Society of Broward County saved the day, offering to take in all 11 Union dogs we were boarding at Pet Paradise.

Walt and Shelli Shay loaded them up early this morning, and Walt made his second round trip to Broward County this week. The 11 dogs are safe and in great hands at the Humane Society of Broward County, where they will continue their journey toward brighter days and loving homes. We have a plan for the pregnant mama, and we'll give an update on her to follow.

We are incredibly grateful to the amazing partners who made this rescue possible:

— Mary Steffen and the team at Humane Society of Broward County for welcoming these dogs.

— Walt, Shelli, Michelle and Linda, for dropping everything to transport them safely.

— Macclenny Veterinary Hospital for quickly vaccinating everyone.

— Misty, Luke, and the team at Pet Paradise for providing a warm place to land while we worked on a plan.

— All of our FUR supporters and Monthly Donors who make rescues like this possible.

This is what rescue looks like, people coming together when it matters most. Thank you for helping us save lives! FUR Monthly Giving Program — TRIPLE Your Impact

Sick and injured animals need help fast. In an emergency, Monthly donors give us the flexibility to respond immediately — whether it’s a hoarding case, a hurricane, a cruelty investigation, or an animal suffering from severe injuries.

In loving memory of Mary B. Leahy, new monthly donations are TRIPLED for the first three months, creating an even greater lifesaving impact. 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 32256About FURFlorida Urgent Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and FUR earned a Four-Star Rating on Charity Navigator with a score of 100%. This is the highest possible rating on Charity Navigator, and less than 1/10th of 1% of nonprofits receive a 100% rating. FUR also received a 2025 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency by Guidestar, which is also awarded to less than 1/10th of 1% of all nonprofits.