Success Stories

Our first success story for the “Heart Care Program”, and what a happy ending to a wonderful story!

August 8, 2009, was an exciting day for Animal Care & Protective Services’ shelter animals, the shelter staff and the Friends of Jacksonville Animals, Inc. Everyone had long awaited the opening of the new shelter. The McDuffie family - Brent, Heather, Hannah, Megan and Zachary were among the hundreds of people that came to see the new shelter and to look for a new family companion. They looked at all of the animals for adoption, but Flossy, a beautiful sweet German Shepherd with a smiling face, quickly stole their hearts. There was a problem - Flossy was heartworm positive and would need treatment. They asked the staff what would be involved as far as treatment, and were told that she would be eligible for financial assistance through FOJA’s “Heart Care Program.” Hannah went straight home and wrote the following request to us:

“hi my name is hannah and I am 10 years old and I was at the grand opening of the new animal shelter here in fl and I fell in love with a dog named flossy but when we asked to adopte her they told us flossy had heartworms so we could’nt by her can you help me.”

Of course, we were thrilled to help Flossy and Hannah. Flossy, who is now Abbie, found her forever home with the McDuffies and she soon started treatment. Everyone knew that it was very important for Abbie to get plenty of rest and not to over-exert herself while she was being treated. So, when Halloween came, Hannah knew that she would need to keep Abbie calm. She decided not to go trick or treating; instead, she would sit on the porch giving out candy to prevent children from ringing the door bell, which would have excited Abbie. What greater expression of love than for a child to make a sacrifice for their beloved animal friend. Hannah and her family are an example to all of us of how we can find a way to give a loving home to animals in need and save their lives.

Happy endings like Abbie’s are what drive us in our mission to help the animals at Animal Care & Protective Services.

Please help us help other dogs like Abbie by making a donation to the Friends of Jacksonville Animals, Inc., and come see all of the wonderful animals at ACPS, 2020 Forest St., that are waiting to find their forever homes…just as Abbie did.