Freezing Temperatures and Fading Hope — Freya’s Rescue
- Florida Urgent Rescue
- Feb 27
- 4 min read
While Elsa was fighting for her life in the ER after 14 exhausting hours of labor… another life was hanging in the balance across town.
Her name is Freya.
For days, she ran the same neighborhood street. We don’t know how she got there. We don’t know what she had been through. But she was skinny, frightened, and watching the world from a distance with worried eyes. She appeared to have had at least one litter. Every outstretched hand sent her retreating. She was in survival mode.
And the temperatures were dropping.
Just before the coldest nights of the year arrived, a community member posted asking for help. Sarah Farwell saw the post.
She lives nearby, so she drove out that night to look for the dog. What she found was a scared female dog who appeared to have had at least one litter. She was in survival mode — keeping her distance, running when approached, watching everything.
Sarah did what rescuers do. She slowed down.
Neighbors graciously allowed her to set up a crate insulated with blankets and food on their property to give the dog at least some protection from the cold that night. But it was clear this wasn’t going to be simple. Freya wasn’t going to just walk up and accept help.
That’s when Florida Urgent Rescue stepped in.
Mike connected Sarah with expert trapper Steve Smedley. Dawn Anderson loaned a trap. Walter Shay delivered the trap and helped coordinate. A plan was made.
The trap was set that afternoon — baited with hot dogs that Steve swears by.
For hours, Freya emerged from the woods and roamed neighboring yards, carefully circling but avoiding the trap. As night fell, everyone reluctantly headed home. There was nothing on camera.
But Sarah couldn’t sleep. She had a feeling.
In the middle of the night, she drove back by the site — and there she was.
Curled up safely inside the trap.
At nearly the exact same time Elsa was in the emergency room delivering puppy after puppy, Freya had stepped into the trap that would change her life.
Mike immediately answered Sarah’s call and drove straight there from the ER. Freya was terrified at first, but as Sarah sat beside her, speaking softly, she began to settle.
The trap was loaded. Mike and Sarah transported her straight to Sarah’s home, where warmth, food, and safety were waiting.
Once indoors, Freya cautiously emerged from the trap. She wasn’t sure yet. She was still guarded. But she wanted to trust. You could see it.
Sarah completed the required five-day stray hold through Jacksonville Humane Society to ensure no owner was searching for her. During that week, something became very clear:
There was no way this dog belonged in a shelter.
When no owner came forward, Freya officially became a Florida Urgent Rescue dog — and thanks to Sarah’s commitment, she never had to spend a single night in a shelter kennel.
She stayed exactly where she was — safe in foster care.
The Freya We Know Now
Freya is shy in the way gentle things often are.
She takes her time. But when she learns you are kind, she gives you her whole heart.
She leans into trust with her entire being — resting her head against you, pressing close, as if she’s saying, “I choose you.” Her love is quiet, deep, and incredibly sincere.
Freya is 62 pounds of softness. She is heartworm negative, potty trained, crate trained, and walks calmly on a leash, content just to be by your side.
She is gentle with children, though she may do best with older kids who understand her need for patience and space as she continues building confidence. Because she can be flighty when startled, she would do best in a home with a tall, secure fenced yard where she can safely explore and play.
Freya has a calm, submissive nature. She prefers dainty, polite play with other dogs and would truly thrive with a confident canine companion who can show her that staying is normal — and that good things don’t disappear. She does experience some separation anxiety, but it is significantly eased by the presence of another dog.
Once she feels safe, her playful side appears in soft, happy bursts — long-legged pawing, shy hops, and quiet silliness meant just for you.
She loves to snuggle.
She loves to rest close.
She loves to belong.
Physically, she is gaining healthy weight and strength. Emotionally, she is blossoming. The dog who once ran from every human touch now seeks connection.
Just before the coldest days of winter arrived, Freya was brought into warmth — and everything began to change.
Freya Is Looking for Forever
Freya is looking for a home where kindness is steady, love is patient, and she never has to run again.
If you are interested in adopting Freya, please complete an application at:https://floridaurgentrescue.org/adopt
The freezing nights that once threatened her life are behind her.
Now she just needs someone who will choose her back. 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 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%. 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.
