JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Four dogs rescued from unsafe conditions are up for adoption this holiday season and a new partnership in Jacksonville is underway to ensure these dogs have the training and care they need to thrive in a new forever home.
“There are plenty of animals in need of homes, especially during the holidays. It’s a time when a lot of the shelters see a lot of activity," Kristen Majdanics, Vice President of Marketing and Communications with Pet Paradise, said.
That’s why ‘Home for the Holidays’, a partnership between Pet Paradise and Florida Urgent Rescue, is so important.
“What we’re giving them is a little extra boost to help them find those homes," Majdanics said.
Gavin, Kai, Benji and Blue are all rescue dogs going through the Pet Paradise's Board-and-Train experience where they'll learn basic commands, leash training, corrective behaviors and more.
The dogs were all rescued by Florida Urgent Care (FUR), a nonprofit aimed at saving animals from kill shelters and other urgent situations.
“If the dogs are not trained, the dogs are confused and the people are frustrated. So by going through this training program, the dogs are getting the basic skills and then Pet Paradise is letting us bring in adopters to work with the trainer," Mike Merrill, the founder of Florida Urgent Rescue, said.
The hope is that by the end of the year, these dogs have their forever home.
“We rescue dogs from bad situations so when they’re bringing in a family, hopefully, it will be a happily ever after for the dog and also a wonderful addition to the family," Merrill said.
Families that adopt will also be given a year-long free NewDay Veterinary Care wellness plan with pet paradise. The plan helps pet owners keep up with their pets’ health through unlimited office visits, routine exams, core vaccinations, heartworm screening and more.
Those interested in adoption can visit the Home for the Holidays website here to learn more and set up a meet-and-greet.