Charlie Was the Only Dog Left in the Shelter During Hurricane Idalia

Our FUR team scrambled to clear outdoor shelters in advance of the hurricane, We thought we had cleared the shelter in Union County, but as the storm came ashore that night, we learned that Charlie was on a bite quarantine, so he wasn't allowed to leave. They moved him to a more protected area, but this poor pup was all alone in the storm. We felt terrible. We went to meet him after the storm, and he was incredibly sweet. We didn't believe the “bite” story. The shelter staff thinks he was mistreated and abused, and we agree. None of the people at Animal Control nor the shelter's vet had any problems with him. He was an owner surrender with severe injuries to his tail. After the storm he underwent surgery for a tail amputation due to the extent of the damage, along with a neuter.

After his surgery, Charlie returned to animal control, but he went from bad to worse. His neuter site was swollen and bleeding, and his tail wound reopened. Charlie was emaciated and battling a stubborn infection, and he lost 10 more pounds. The vet suggested euthanasia, but we believed he deserved a fighting chance. We rushed him to First Coast Veterinary Hospital. After 24 hour emergency care, Charlie began to turn around. Once stabilized, he was released into foster care. Erin Kupcha and her family fostered him and gave him lots of TLC. Despite all he'd been through, Charlie was the sweetest soul, getting along with everyone in his foster home, even the cats and dogs both big and small. In just two weeks at his foster home, Charlie gained an impressive 18 pounds! He learned about the comforts of indoor living, perhaps for the first time in his life. He discovered the joys of dog bones, treats, and cozy beds. And now, the best part of the story — Charlie has found his forever home! He's thriving, enjoying leisurely walks, and joining his family on adventures to North Carolina. Thank you First Coast Veterinary Hospital for immediately admitting Charlie and giving him the best care! Thank you Gavin Dunn for transporting and Paula Shedrick for helping with the adoption and conducting the home visit, and thank you Erin and her family for fostering this sweet boy. Congratulations Julie, Michael and Charlie! We can't wait to hear about all of your new adventures! #CharlieStrong #ForeverHomeJoy #RescueSuccessStory

𝗙𝗨𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗛𝗟𝗬 𝗚𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠 Sick and injured animals like Charlie 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 do a fundraiser, and wait for those funds to get to us. Your monthly donation can help us save lives again and again. To learn more, please visit: https://www.floridaurgentrescue.org/donatemonthly To Foster: www.floridaurgentrescue.org/foster To Adopt: www.floridaurgentrescue.org/adopt To Donate: — Credit Card: www.floridaurgentrescue.org/donate — Venmo: @FloridaUrgentRescue — PayPal: floridaurgentrescue@gmail.com — CashApp: $FloridaUrgentRescue — Mail: Florida Urgent Rescue 7643 Gate Parkway #104-27 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Florida Urgent Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and FUR earned a Four-Star Rating on Charity Navigator, the highest possible rating. FUR also received a 2023 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency by Guidestar, and is a 2023 Top Rated Nonprofit on Great Nonprofits. Learn more about FUR at: www.floridaurgentrescue.org