Orange County Animal Services

Orange County Animal Services Check out all of our pets online at www.ocnetpets.com!

**HAPPY TAIL TENNESSEE**This is a happy tail that has been months in the making. Many of you may remember one of our lon...
01/30/2025

**HAPPY TAIL TENNESSEE**

This is a happy tail that has been months in the making. Many of you may remember one of our longest residents, Tennessee. She was in the shelter for an incredible six months, in and out of foster care, in a training facility, and a few months in a boarding facility. We tried everything to geT her adopted, because as tough as she was, she had a sweet side that we all loved.

When she first arrived, Tennessee was aggressive and scared. No one could get near her, but we kept trying. Eventually we started to see that sweet side to her. Tennessee would get attached to certain people, and she would protect and guard them from everyone else. She was good with some dogs, and with others she wasn't. We couldn't figure her out. Tennessee would share her space, and for a while, everyone we paired with her got adopted. We joked that she was a lucky charm for other dogs, and brought out the best in them. But the days started to add up, and Tennessee began to struggle again.

Then something amazing happened. Someone saw her posts, and they knew they’d found the one. They came to the shelter just for her, met her, and immediately fell in love. Tennessee had found a home.

This was back in the summer of last year. This is the beautiful update we recently received from her adopters.

“I am writing to update you on what a blessing it’s been to adopt Tennessee from your shelter last summer in hopes you’ll be able to spread some good news today. She is so full of love, energy, and sass! Her favorite things are tug o’ war, sprinting full speed around the yard, stealing shoes, long walks, car rides, being upside down, aggressive snuggles, getting tucked in a blanket when it’s cold, judging everyone, and her Dad. It took quite some time, love, and training to see her real personality, but I think she finally understands she’s safe. She eats human grade food and has many new friends(she loves everyone who comes to our home). Thank you to each and every one of you for all that you do. Dogs like Tennessee get a chance at life and love because of you.”

Our hearts are full.
We cheer for Tennessee, and shed a tear of happiness for her second chance at life and love. This is a happy tail, and this is all we want for all of our dogs. Tennessee spent the better part of a year with us, but we couldn’t give up on her. Something told us all she needed was to reach the right heart.

This is why we always say that the best way to help is to share. Share their posts, their stories, and their pictures. Because we believe for every shelter dog there is that right person, and that person will spoil that dog for the rest of their lives. Adopt, foster, volunteer, donate. And share.

Let’s get happy tails for them all.
Let’s get them all seen.
Let’s get them all home.

**ARM YOUR PET**Mark your calendars. We are exactly one week away from our next free dog wellness day! On Wednesday, Feb...
01/29/2025

**ARM YOUR PET**

Mark your calendars. We are exactly one week away from our next free dog wellness day! On Wednesday, February 5th, we will be hosting our A.R.M. Your Pet event to benefit all Orange County dogs.

This event will include free pet rabies vaccinations and free pet microchipping for Orange County residents. By state law, all dogs are required to have a current rabies vaccination, so this is a chance for our community to protect their dogs by attending this event. And everyone knows a microchip is the most effective way to reunite with your pet if they are ever lost. Providing this service to our community for free will help save lives and keep animals out of the shelter.

🟢 The event will be held at the shelter from 8am to 12pm
🟢 Services are available on a first come, first served basis through the dog carport, while supplies last.
🟢 There is a limit of two dogs per household for these services.
🟢 All dogs must be leashed.
🟢 OCAS may elect to muzzle certain dogs, out of an abundance of caution.
🟢 Pets unable to be safely handled will be refused service.
🟢 Due to health and safety concerns, OCAS will not be able to assist dogs that have had previous vaccine reactions, are experiencing current medical conditions or are reactive (display aggression) toward other pets or people.
🟢 For additional inquiries, please email [email protected].

This event will be specifically for dogs; a wellness day for cats will also be held later in the month.

**DOGGY DAY OUT SHADOW**She may not be the prettiest dog at the shelter. She’s not the biggest dog. She’s not the oldest...
01/28/2025

**DOGGY DAY OUT SHADOW**

She may not be the prettiest dog at the shelter. She’s not the biggest dog. She’s not the oldest nor the youngest. She’s not the longest resident. There’s no one lining up outside before we open. There are no emails about her. There are few people who even notice her. And every single kennelmate she’s had has been adopted before her.

This is Shadow (A413963).

Shadow first came to our shelter back in 2018 as an injured stray. She was emaciated, and the resident who found her watched her get tossed from a vehicle. Shadow was sweet from the moment she got here, but sadly, since that day, she has been in and out of the shelter 4 times, at no fault of her own. She is small, quiet, sweet, affectionate, and has been paired with other dogs here. Shadow is one of the best dogs at the shelter that no one seems to see.

So our volunteer Sydney decided to take Shadow out for a dog day out/sleepover, and this is what she had to say:

“Doggy Day Out with Miss Shadow was SUCH a joy. She’s a well-trained cuddle bug with so much love to give. We played some pickleball, took so many naps, enjoyed a Dunkin' treat, and became the best of friends. This sweet girl doesn’t need much, just someone to love… and maybe a couple of treats! She knows how to sit, shake, lay down, and will occasionally speak too. Shadow showed reactivity toward other dogs, but is very trusting of humans. She LOVES taking naps on the couch, and she snuggled under the covers of the bed all night. Adoptable through Orange County Animal Services for $10! This gorgeous senior (estimated 7 years old but I think she acts younger than that) is waiting for her forever family, and I seriously cannot stress enough how PERFECT she is. Taking Shadow back to the shelter after our fun day was difficult, but I know she will make someone else SO happy very soon! 🐾🖤”

This is a side of Shadow very few people have seen, and we’re hoping the right person does see her, and falls in love. Her life has not been easy, but we agree with Sydney, this sweet girl doesn’t need much. Just someone to love. Someone to spoil her, and love her back. Shadow needs to live the rest of her life in the sun.

Let’s get her seen.
Let’s get her home.

**POLARIS A561282**Some dogs just have that look. Intimidating, serious, intense. People will see them sitting calmly in...
01/27/2025

**POLARIS A561282**

Some dogs just have that look. Intimidating, serious, intense. People will see them sitting calmly in their kennels, and they’ll keep walking, because most people can’t imagine a dog like that being friendly or affectionate. These dogs look like they belong on the cover of some hunting magazine, staring down a bear. Or on the end of a police K9 leash, ready to chase down criminals. They look a certain way, and they’re judged because of it. And most of the time, these dogs are nothing like what they seem.

This is Polaris. He is four years old, 70lbs, and he looks like he is all business. His coat is jet black so he disappears into the shadows of his kennel. He is quiet, calm, and doesn’t seem too bothered by the chaos of the shelter. Polaris has an intensity to him that makes you feel as if he is looking right through you. Most people do not give him a second look, because he’s not always doing the typical dog things. He doesn’t seek out attention, and seems to prefer the company of other dogs to people.

But Polaris really isn’t what he seems to be. He was brought to us almost two months ago, after he had been hit by a car. Polaris has a slight limp, but it doesn’t slow him down in the least. And most people would be surprised to find that this strong and scary looking dog is nothing but an incredibly big and soft teddy bear. Polaris loves his treats, and knows a lot of commands. He is intelligent, and has his own patented handshake. When we ask for his paw, he sits back on his haunches and places both massive paws on the extended hand.

Someone spent a lot of time training him, grooming him, and caring for him. It’s heartbreaking that he was found running the streets as a stray. We do not know anything about his past, but we know he is unbothered here. He is not intimidated by other dogs or people. And when he first gets out in to the yards, Polaris takes his time with his person. Feeling them out, pawing for treats, careful and curious. But once he does warm up, you will have a 70lb puppy on your lap, nuzzling for attention and love.

We know once he finds the right person, the right family, Polaris is going to be an absolutely amazing companion.

Let’s get him seen.
Let’s get him home.

**FOSTER FRIDAY JAYKO**We can’t ever downplay the impact that fostering has on our dogs. Time away form the shelter, fro...
01/24/2025

**FOSTER FRIDAY JAYKO**

We can’t ever downplay the impact that fostering has on our dogs. Time away form the shelter, from the noise and the chaos, time away from the dull routine. Even the shortest of foster times can be incredibly beneficial for any of our dogs. People will say it’s torture to take a dog into a home for a night or two, and then thrust them back into the kennels. Nothing could be further from the truth. If anything, it wakes up their hearts and lifts their spirits. For some it reminds them that there are good homes out there, and good people who care. And for others, it may be their first time in a home, on a soft bed, surrounded by caring hands and loving hearts. For our dogs, even one night in a foster home can make all the difference.

Our followers may remember Jayko (A296892), the sweet senior that we featured with our friend Trooper Steve a few weeks ago. Jayko hasn’t been adopted yet, but he did find a foster who fell in love with him, and is currently caring for him. They recently sent us his report card:

“Hi gang! Jayko is settling in really well and wow, what a good and sweet boy! Can’t remember what was on his kennel card, so here’s what I’ve learned about him so far. He’s house trained, loves to be with my dog and cats, and has perfect leash manners. He loves going for walks and he gets really playful short bursts of energy where he wants to run after plushies. Otherwise he’s either following me while I do stuff around the house patiently waiting for my hands to be free to give him scratches or napping in a sunny spot. Jayko is such a super, affectionate, happy-go-lucky, chill guy!”

It looks and sounds as if Jayko is really enjoying his time with his foster, and honestly, what she describes is what we hope for all our dogs. Dogs never ask for too much. A little attention. Treats and back scratches. Napping on a sunny spot. And the simple love of a human.

Jayko is still waiting, and hoping, for his forever.

Let’s get him seen.
Let’s get him home.

UPDATE: SMITTIE WAS ADOPTED**SMITTIE**We all know senior dogs can be overlooked at the shelters because of the way they ...
01/23/2025

UPDATE: SMITTIE WAS ADOPTED

**SMITTIE**

We all know senior dogs can be overlooked at the shelters because of the way they present inside the kennels. They seem sad, lonely, beaten down by life. They barely move, and it almost feels as if they have given up hope. They look sad and most of the time, they are.

But there are old dogs that can learn new tricks, and one of them is Smittie (A561681).

Smittie is what we call a super senior. He is 12 years old, but has the heart and energy of a much younger dog. He was picked up as a stray back in December. A resident coming back from a late night party saw a thin black dog running around her neighborhood, and because he was sweet, she picked him up and brought him to us. The dog was microchipped, so we learned his name was Smittie, and that he was 12 years old. We reached out to his owner, and we thought there would be a happy reunion. Sadly, his owner claimed he could no longer afford to feed the dog, so Smittie was surrendered to us.

He is a senior, but only if you measure that in years. Because Smittie has the heart of a much younger dog. And that heart is big. He is extremely affectionate, sweet, and very gentle. From the first day he arrived, Smittie has gotten nothing but rave reviews. He is dog friendly, loves people, and truly seems to be a calm and happy dog.

We want to keep his heart happy, and we’re hoping we can reach a person who will want the same thing. Someone with whom he can share all his love, and enjoy the rest of his days.

Let’s get him seen.
Let’s get him home.

**FOUND CAT** Do you recognize this beautiful girl?A Winter Park resident brought this kitty to us today, after finding ...
01/23/2025

**FOUND CAT** Do you recognize this beautiful girl?

A Winter Park resident brought this kitty to us today, after finding the cat in a neighbor's car engine. We've nicknamed her Alexus (A563321) and believe she's around 5 months old. Given she's donning a bow, we think there's a high likelihood this is someone's cat, and we hope they are looking for her. She was found near Aloma Ave and 436/Semoran Blvd.

She is friendly and got along well with the finder's dogs. We would love to reunite her with her family!

**LIL BIT AND SHEEBA**Back in November, our officers responded to a cruelty call in a home. They confiscated 15 dogs tha...
01/22/2025

**LIL BIT AND SHEEBA**

Back in November, our officers responded to a cruelty call in a home. They confiscated 15 dogs that had been subjected to cruelty and neglect, and were living in horrible conditions. Multiple dogs were being overbred, and there were unhealthy puppies and emaciated adults. Of the dogs that were taken, all of them have left our shelter except for Lil Bit (A558950) and Sheeba (A558951).

When these two were impounded, they were extremely emaciated, weak, and very fearful. They reacted aggressively to everything and everyone, and they were extremely difficult to handle. We were able to house them together, because we suspected they were related in some way. They also seemed to feel safe around each other. But it took a long time for them to come around. A lot of patience, a lot of soft words and slow moves, a lot of treats and affection.

Comparing the pictures of them from November to the way they look now is eye opening. It really is incredible what kindness and care can do for a dog. Sheeba and Lil Bit are doing much better, but they’re not out of the woods yet. They are friendly and sweet with people, but still react nervously and fearfully around the leash. It’s possible the leash may hold some negative connotations for them, because they will cower and cry every single time we try to leash them. It takes some time to coax them out and convince them that they are safe. But once they are out, these two girls are nothing but sweet and gentle.

Sheeba is five years old, and Lil Bit is maybe a year old. It’s very possible that Lil Bit is Sheeba’s daughter, as their bond has been pretty strong since they arrived. We’re not saying they need to be adopted together, as they do fine when they are apart. Both girls do well in play groups, and seem to actually like other dogs. They are rough and tumble, and they have good energy. But mostly, what they want and need is love. These two would rather spend their yard time on our laps rather than running around and playing. They have scars that run deep, but they are healing, one day at a time.

Recently both girls were taken out for a pup cup by our behavior team, and they were both amazing. Great in the car, happy to be outside enjoying the weather, and happy for all the attention they received from everyone who walked by.

With all our hearts, we wish we could erase their pasts. But all we can do now is help rewrite their future.
Let’s get them seen.
Let’s get them home.

**LITTLE FOOT A562069**The shelter receives hundreds of emails every day, asking this about our dogs: Do they like cats?...
01/21/2025

**LITTLE FOOT A562069**

The shelter receives hundreds of emails every day, asking this about our dogs: Do they like cats? Do they like children? Do they like other dogs? We get it; these questions are important. But there are questions that adopters should also be asking themselves before they adopt. Do I like big dogs? Do I want an active dog? A young dog? A senior dog? Do I mind drool? Do I mind messes? Do I like puppy energy or prefer older and calmer? When it comes to adoptions, it’s important to learn as much as you can about the dog you are adopting. But it’s also extremely important to know yourself.

So many animals are returned after adoptions, not because of something they did, but because of something their adopters didn’t know about themselves. Dogs have been returned for barking. For being too energetic. For being anxious. For being shy. For being fearful of other dogs.
For being dogs.

Dogs are living creatures, with likes and dislikes. With different personalities., With traumas and fears. And a lot of times, we don’t know what they are because we don’t see them here. We try to be as open as we can about the things we do see, but the reality is, adoption is just the beginning. The real work starts when you get them home.

Meet Little Foot, a large sized stray that wandered into someone’s yard and wouldn’t leave. When our officers picked him up, he was reactive, fearful, and aggressive. He’s anywhere from 3 to 5 years old, muscular, strong, and almost 80lbs. And he’s on the thin side, so he should be weighing a lot more. Little Foot has been here for almost a month, and still has not been paired with another dog. He’s reactive to their presence, and when a dog his size doesn’t like another dog, we don’t try to force the issue.

With people, Little Foot has been sweet and gentle, and he is very aware of his strength and size. He will paw gently for treats, take them softly from our hands, and lean into our hands for affection. But if he sees another dog, Little Foot will be Instantly on-guard, alert, and extremely protective. We don’t know anything about his life in the past, but it is obvious his trust of other dogs was lost somewhere along the way.

His adopters will have to ask themselves, do I want a big dog? Can I handle his strength and size? Do I mind the drool? The gentle goofiness? The amount of food he will eat? The exercise he will need? Little Foot is a strong and handsome dog, but he cannot go with just anyone. We’re hoping the right adopter will see him, and will already have the answers to all those questions. And in their hearts, they’ll just know. They’re the ones for him.

Let’s get him seen.
Let’s get him home.

While our shelter will be closed today, January 20th, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we invite you to take...
01/20/2025

While our shelter will be closed today, January 20th, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we invite you to take a look at the pets available at our shelter on our website here: http://ocnetpets.com/Adopt/AnimalsinShelter.aspx.

We will reopen for adoptions at 10 a.m. tomorrow.
We hope to see you then!

**CLOSED ON MONDAY**Just a reminder that Orange County Animal Services will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 20th, to...
01/19/2025

**CLOSED ON MONDAY**

Just a reminder that Orange County Animal Services will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 20th, to honor the memory and legacy of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. We will reopen on Tuesday, January 21st at 10am. We hope everyone has a safe weekend.

We recently partnered with Monika of Feline Logic LLC , as she offered behavior support for kitties struggling with soc...
01/19/2025

We recently partnered with Monika of Feline Logic LLC , as she offered behavior support for kitties struggling with socialization. One of the cats that benefitted from this partnership is 9-year-old Marty (A547618).

His adopter recently shared this update on their experience: “Monika was referred by the Orange County shelter and has been a true lifesaver! She is quick to respond to questions, and goes above and beyond to even share in small milestones achieved. Adopting an older cat with an uncertain history has been made vastly easier because of her encouragement and expertise.

I recommend her highly other cat parents who are unsure about certain behaviors or need help beyond Jackson Galaxy videos on YouTube. She is an invaluable resource!”

For any cat parents that are having challenges at home, whether that be related to litterbox usage, in-fighting with other cats in the home or just overall fearfulness, we highly recommend consulting with Monika. A former volunteer of ours, she diverted careers to become a behaviorist as this is more in line with her passion.

Cat behavior resources are very limited and niche so we’re proud to be able to share this and hope it will be a benefit to those in need.

UPDATE: JOJO WAS ADOPTED!**JOJO A561699**Dogs make their way to the shelter in many different ways. Some are picked up b...
01/17/2025

UPDATE: JOJO WAS ADOPTED!

**JOJO A561699**

Dogs make their way to the shelter in many different ways. Some are picked up by road officers, some are surrendered by their owners, and a great number of them are brought in by good Samaritans as strays.

This is JoJo. The sweet way he found himself at our shelter will melt your heart. JoJo is a four year old stray; sweet and calm, and a little bit shy. About a month ago, a resident was walking his dog, and a quiet stray walked up to him out of nowhere. The dog was fearful, but it was clear he wanted attention. The resident petted him for a bit, and when he started to walk away, the stray followed him and his dog all the way home. Then the stray stayed on his porch and refused to leave. It was almost as if he was asking for help. So the man decided to bring him to us.

JoJo has been shy and a little fearful here at the shelter. He’s hit or miss with other dogs, and tends to do better with dogs that are more like him: calm and quiet. With people he can be shy, sweet and gentle. And recently, he was taken on a doggy day out by one of our amazing volunteers. This is what she had to say:

“Jojo is a gentle and cuddly boy that will melt your heart instantly! He is a little timid and needs time to warm up to his surroundings, but once he does, Jojo is a loyal pup. He loves treats (including Dunkin pup cups), running alongside his humans, and laying in a cozy bed. Jojo doesn’t really understand what toys are, but he sure does know about treats! Obedient and kind are two words to describe Jojo. He definitely needs someone who will go slowly with him and earn his trust, and then he will be the bestest friend anyone could ask for.”

JoJo has been at the shelter for almost a month. We think this sweet boy sought out a human because he was scared and struggling out on the street. He’s taken the first step to save his own life. But he still needs our help.

Let’s get him seen.
Let’s get him home.

UPDATE: HAZEL WAS ADOPTED!**HAZEL A561584**This is Hazel’s story. Hazel was found abandoned in a vacant apartment, along...
01/16/2025

UPDATE: HAZEL WAS ADOPTED!

**HAZEL A561584**

This is Hazel’s story.

Hazel was found abandoned in a vacant apartment, along with a cat. Her family had been evicted, and the landlord discovered the animals when he went to check the home a few days later. The landlord contacted us, and our officers responded. They found an extremely fearful and nervous girl that hid from them and did not do well on a leash. They were able to impound her safely, and bring her to our shelter. From the landlord we learned her age and her name. And from the moment that Hazel arrived, she has struggled to acclimate.

Here’s what we know about sweet Hazel. She’s four years old, healthy and strong, and extremely shy. But Hazel is also one of the most affectionate dogs we have ever had. When she warms up and starts to trust, she doesn’t want treats, she doesn’t want to walk or play. All Hazel wants to do is to bury her head in your arms and lay on your lap. She seeks love the way a flower seeks out the sun. Hazel needs to be with her person, and their love nourishes her. And sadly, it's clear that she has been starved for affection.

We think this is why she has been struggling here. She’s fine with other dogs, and we know she lived with a cat. But Hazel spends her days lying in her kennels, staring longingly at everyone who walks by. Hazel desperately wants human companionship. She wants to be held, and it’s made her a staff and clinic favorite. Her eyes speak volumes, and when she’s touched and spoken to, Hazel melts.

She’s been here almost a month, and has spent some of that time in special housing and offices so that she could be around people. She is beautiful, calm and sweet, and we have no idea why a month has passed and no one has scooped her up. Hazel checks all the boxes, and yet, she is still here.

Let’s change that for this gentle girl.
Let’s get her seen.
Let’s get her home.

UPDATE: KING HENRY WAS ADOPTED!KING HENRY A218049Watching a dog get old has to be one of the saddest things in life. The...
01/15/2025

UPDATE: KING HENRY WAS ADOPTED!

KING HENRY A218049

Watching a dog get old has to be one of the saddest things in life. The struggles, the aches and pains; all of it endured in silence. It’s especially heartbreaking to watch it happen in the shelter environment. Sadly, our staff will sometimes see a dog as puppy; bouncy, sweet and full of life. And then they will see the same dog many years later. Scarred by age and time; a completely different dog than the one they’d seen before.

This is King Henry’s story.

King Henry was adopted from our shelter back in 2011. He was barely a year old, but being a puppy and a small dog, his stay with us wasn’t very long. He was the kind of dog that people would line up outside for, waiting hours for the shelter to open, just to be the first ones to adopt him. We don’t know how long King Henry got to spend with his new family, all we know is that he was rehomed more than once. He returned to us as a stray a few years later, but was quickly reclaimed. Then, 13 years later, King Henry was brought in as a stray again. He’d been found wandering around a huge intersection, blind, possibly deaf, limping, with a huge mass on his back.

His original owners were still listed on the microchip, but they told us he’d been rehomed years ago. And as of today, no one has come forward to reclaim this sweet old man.

The harsh reality is that King James is in bad shape.
He is almost 14 years old, and has a host of medical issues.
There is no one lining up outside for him anymore.
No one fighting for him; no one waiting for hours to be the one to take him home.

We do not want him to spend the rest of his time here. We’ve been keeping him comfortable, and doing everything we can to show him love. But he’s still in a kennel, alone, every single day. We’re hoping to reach the right heart for him; to find someone that is going to spoil him for the rest of his life. Someone who will hold him when the nights are long, and will keep him warm, safe, and loved. Someone who will hold his paw to comfort him when his time to cross that lonely bridge finally comes.

He hasn’t been here a very long time, but for King Henry, every day is precious. We know it’s a lot to ask for. But we also know that there is a special someone out there who can make his last wish come true.

Let’s get him seen.
Let’s get him home.

UPDATE: MISS SMIRKS-A-LOT WAS ADOPTED!**MISS SMIRKS-A-LOT AND A PUP CUP** Back in December, we posted this sweet bully n...
01/14/2025

UPDATE: MISS SMIRKS-A-LOT WAS ADOPTED!

**MISS SMIRKS-A-LOT AND A PUP CUP**

Back in December, we posted this sweet bully named Miss Smirks-A-Lot (A560238). She was given this name back then because she was impounded with an old injury to her jaw. It gives her a very distinct look, and a sweet lopsided grin. Which fits her perfectly, as Miss Smirks-A-Lot is a sweet and snuggly mush.

So we decided to give her another shot at the limelight, and took her out for a pup cup today. And we can say with all sincerity that Miss Smirks-A-Lot is truly an amazing dog. She is housebroken, calm and intelligent, and behaved like a lady in the van. She waited patiently on the bench, people watching, and responding to all the love she was getting from passersby.

And when the pup cup came out, well, let’s just say she wasted no time in destroying her sweet treat.

Miss Smirks-A-Lot is approximately five years old, was brought in as a stray almost two months ago. When we first met her, she was fearful and anxious, but staff fell in love with her need for affection. She is a lover, and for hugs and kisses she will do anything. This is the kind of dog that would be happiest on your lap, squeezed in close on a couch or bed, happily snoring while you binge watch shows.

She can be selective with other dogs, but has shared her kennel and does not seem to react negatively when they are around. Miss Smirks-A-Lot just likes her personal space. She genuinely prefers the company of her person, and wants to give her whole heart to them.

She’s been here almost 50 days.

Let’s get her seen.
Let’s get her home.

UPDATE: Nala was adopted!**FOSTER FRIDAY NALA A475273**We see it more and more every day: owners moving out, moving away...
01/10/2025

UPDATE: Nala was adopted!

**FOSTER FRIDAY NALA A475273**

We see it more and more every day: owners moving out, moving away, and dogs being left behind. Locked and left alone in vacant homes, left in yards, left in the street. Left without a word to anyone, to fend for themselves. It’s a heartbreaking reality. People just do not seem to want to take the time to rehome their animals. And so they wind up here.

This is Nala's story.

Nala was found with another dog, sitting outside a closed apartment door, scratching at it to get back inside. Neighbors called us, and told us their owners were seen moving out earlier that morning. Everyone assumed that the owners would take the dogs. But they didn’t. Both dogs had been left behind. Our officers arrived and were able to take them both to the shelter, as the dogs were sweet, calm and very friendly.

And though Nala checks all the boxes, we knew as a senior, she would sit at the shelter for a while. Nala isn’t the kind of dog that people line up outside for. She’s not the type of dog that people email us about. To the public, she’s just a “regular dog.”

But we think Nala is more than regular. We think she is amazing.
And so did Nala’s foster. Here’s her report card:

“Nala is a 9 year old lady who is one of the sweetest dogs I've ever fostered. She is chill, gets along with my small dog and all of my cats who range from kitten to senior ages. I have teenagers. Male and female in the house and she loves all of us. She is polite with food sharing and toy sharing. I bought her a harness for walking which she is excellent on. She has had no bathroom accidents and shows no anxiety when we leave the house. She loves belly rubs and hasn't jumped on the couch but prefers the dog bed. She is an absolute joy for any family looking to adopt. She is heartworm negative, spayed and ready to go!”

Beautiful Nala is back at the shelter, and ready for the next chapter of her life to begin. Ready for a family that will adore her, spoil her, and never, ever abandon her.

Let’s get her seen.
Let’s get her home.

Address

2769 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL
32839

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
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Meet Saddy (A561903). She was aptly named, because when she was first impounded about a month ago, she seemed so sad and down. Saddy was a stray, but it’s obvious at some point in her life, she was loved. And then one day, she found herself at our shelter. Without a family. Without a home. Saddy has come a long way in a short time. She’s still a bit shy, and a little bit sad. We estimate her age to be about eight years old, making her a senior. But a he’s active, healthy, and has one of the softest and cleanest coats we’ve seen. Shes’s good with other dogs, but we think because of her size and age, she’s watched a lot of her kennel mates be adopted before her. We hope her person finds her soon. Saddy has a huge heart, and has easily pawed her way into staff favorite status. Let’s get her seen. Let’s get her home.

Small dogs usually get adopted pretty quickly. Which is why we’re so surprised that Axle (A560915) is still here.Axle is a six year old stray. He has a minor bite on his history, but it’s an understandable one. As a stray he was hiding beneath a car, and his finder tried to pull him out by his back legs. Axle reacted, resulting in a minor bite to a finger. But it seems this history may be what’s keeping him here. He’s been adopted and returned, once for separation anxiety, and the other for jumping on a child. It’s heartbreaking, because he is sweet and loves attention. Axle gets along with dogs, is healthy, strong, and extremely curious. He can’t pass a window without peeking, or a trash bin without checking for treats. Axle seems to be the perfect dog, yet this compact angel continues to be overlooked. Let’s get him seen. Let’s get him home.

We posted Madame Fetchington (A532188) a few weeks ago. And though her video did well, she has yet to be adopted. She is a four year old bully mix that has a toy obsession, and we think people may have been concerned about that. But one of our fosters took her out for the day, and showed Madame Fetchington in a different way. This is what she told us:“Miss Madame had THE BEST DAY EVER on our doggy day out! With HUNDREDS of toys donated by Chelsey Siviglia, Madame Fetchington was overwhelmed with joy and spent hours picking out her favorite toys, playing, and smiling from ear to ear. She also showed off her perfect doggy paddle in the pool! 🤿🌊 Not only that, she also showed us her tricks (sit, paw, and lay down). She is 100% housebroken, HW-, great on a leash, and was not reactive toward other dogs. Madame can jump super high (see video), loves walks, and ended the day with a little cat nap surrounded by her pile of toys. This beautiful girl has such a big heart and can’t wait to meet her FURever family.”Madame Fetchington had an amazing day out, and we’re so grateful to learn so much more about her. Hopefully someone will see this, and fall in love with her the way we have, all over again. Let’s get seen. Let’s get her home.

We keep asking people to stop, but sadly, it keeps happening. Please, do not dump or abandon your dogs. Some dogs can shut down completely from this trauma, and it’s very difficult to get them adopted. Meet Winnie the Pooch (A562059). We gave him a cute name because he is young, sweet, and adorable. But he’s also terrified. Winnie was brought in by a resident who believes he was dumped. He told us Winnie ran into his yard, and would not leave. He was huddling in a corner, confused and terrified. Winnie hasn’t been with us long, but he spends his days hiding away in his kennel. Too scared to socialize. Too scared to come out to the yard. We estimate his age to be two years old. He’s healthy, small and gentle, and we are working with him. But Winnie needs a home to heal. He needs a family to make him whole. An adopter with patience and a lot of love to give. Let’s get him seen. Let’s get him home.

As the new year begins, we want to take a moment to remind our community of the 260 animals still at our shelter, still waiting for their homes. Each heart filled with hope, believing that this will finally be their year. If, in this new year, you're looking to make a difference, looking to change a life and save a soul, all it takes is a visit. Step into our shelter, look into every kennel, and look at every single face. Each one of them, with their wagging tails and hopeful eyes, pleading to be seen. These 260 animals have faced abandonment, betrayal, and hardship, yet they still believe in the kindness of the human heart. Today, the shelter is closed, but we will reopen tomorrow, Thursday, January 2nd, ready to continue our mission: to get them all seen, and get them all home.

*FOOD GIVEAWAY* Today, we received a very generous donation of dog food bags, and we have placed pallets of it in our parking lot. For those who need it, please, come and get some dog food. We ask that you be considerate, and just take what you need. You don’t have to speak to anyone, you don’t have to show ID. This is just a small gift to our community. We hope this small gesture can help all those who really need it this holiday season.

Today we received a visit from our friends at Lake County Florida Animal Shelter, as we decided we were going to do another dog swap. This is something we have started doing with other shelters, in order to expand the opportunities our dogs have to be seen. We have had great success placing dogs into homes that have struggled at their shelter, and they have been able to do the same. They met and interacted with a lot of our dogs, and they said that they would love to take them all. But in the end, they decided on five of them. Five dogs that have been here for some time, and have been struggling with getting seen. We’re hoping that this change of environment will lead to new homes, for all of them. Those dogs were Crystal, Scarlett, Jefferey, Mako, and Captain Cam. And they left our shelter today, on their way to start their new lives. In turn, our team drove out to Lake County’s shelter, and they are on their way back with five of their dogs, which we will introduce tomorrow to our community. These dog swaps have been an incredibly effective tool in getting those hard to place dogs into good homes, and we’re hoping to be able to do more like this in the months to come, with other shelters in our area. Working together like this saves lives, and we will continue to do everything we can to get them all seen, and get them all home.

Do you say pecan or pecan? Regardless of pronunciation, Pecan Pie (A558678) is as sweet as his name. He is three years old, healthy, strong and energetic. He loves to run, jump, and for treats, this sweetie pie will do anything and learn any tricks. He has shared his space with other dogs, but prefers the dogs that match his energy. And honestly, we don’t think he cares how people say his name, as long as you’re calling him for some treats and pets. Pecan Pie came in as a stray on October, and has been at the shelter now for almost three months. We’re hoping to change that for him. Currently the shelter is home to 170 dogs, like Pecan Pie, who are just hoping to find a real home for the holidays. We give them these adorable names, just so we can hopefully get them some attention. Too many of our dogs are ignored and overlooked every day. For dogs like Pecan Pie, every little bit of attention helps. Let’s get them seen. Let’s get them home.

Meet Miss Smirks-A-Lot, our resident Pittopotamus. We normally don’t like to affix breed labels on our dogs, but since we have no idea what breed she really is, we figured Pittopotomus was a safe bet. And she definitely lives up to the name. Miss Smirks-A-Lot is five years old, low to the ground and built like a Sherman tank. She is sweet, strong, and incredibly affectionate. As a matter of fact, she loves nothing more than snuggling and being picked up and hugged by her person. It wasn’t always like that. Miss Smirks-A-Lot was brought in as a stray, and when we first met her, she was fearful, anxious, and avoidant. But staff quickly fell in love with her, because an old injury was giving her a permanent smirk, thus her name. It took a few weeks, but she started to warm up. Now we’ve gotten to know the real Miss Smirks-A-Lot, and she is truly a sweet and wonderful dog. Now Miss Smirks-A-Lot has shared her space with another dog, but here at the shelter, she doesn’t like every dog. She’s a little picky, and she lets it be known. It doesn’t mean she will never be able to be around them; it just means that when it comes to this sweet queen, an adopter will have to take their time with introductions to new animals. Our pittopotamus has been at the shelter now for two months, and sadly, has received very little attention from the public. So this past Sunday, our friends from Fox 35 featured her on their Good Moring Orlando show. And today, we’re hoping this post helps shine a different light on Miss Smirks-A-Lot (A560238). Let’s get her seen.Let’s get her home.

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