Rescue Tails / Jersey 

-By Tara McFarland, Director of Operations

Jersey was a landlocked boat dog who spent his days hanging out the window watching the world go by. As Florida Keys residents we are used to unique living situations. People here live in big homes, little homes, stilted homes, ground floor homes. People also live in trailers, rv’s and mobile homes. Also, people live in houseboats, sail boats and liveaboards. It wasn’t too surprising then to see a dog living on a boat on land!

There were concerns though about the living situation. Not to pass judgement, but without running water or electricity as temperatures were soaring, concerned citizens were worried about the young pup possibly overheating in the confined space in the sweltering heat.

We learned the young dog was named Jersey, a Labrador/Pit bull mix who was just 8 months old at the time. His owner was certainly doing the best he could, but in trying times his living situation wasn’t conducive for either of them. With Jersey’s best interests in mind, he signed him over to find a new family that would love him for the rest of his days.

Not long after joining our Marathon Campus Jersey was adopted and we said what we had thought were our forever goodbyes. Surprisingly, just a few weeks later, Jersey was brought back with plenty of tears from his new family. It just simply wasn’t working out. It’s our goal to make the best possible match between our shelter pets, and their new families. Sometimes, it just isn’t the perfect match we hope for.

So, Jersey was placed for adoption once again. Our staff and volunteers worked hard with Jersey as he was growing up in a shelter environment. He made plenty of friends with all the other dogs and proved to be a very happy-go-lucky guy that loved the company of another canine. He spent his summer days at the shelter playing in the pool with his buddies, or with his favorite toy, the sprinkler! Soon the summer was ending, and Jersey was still waiting for the right family to come along.

In 2022 we met a very special American Bulldog puppy named Penelope, who came to us bald, itchy, red and sore from a terrible case of mange and medical neglect. She was a big stinky puppy that stole our hearts. Despite the way she had been treated, and how uncomfortable she must have been, Penelope was also just a happy-go-lucky young dog. A wonderful couple, Tracie and Peter, adopted her for her sweet personality. So when Tracie and Peter were ready to adopt a new brother or sister for Penelope, we agreed that Jersey would be a top candidate as a match.

Luckily for Jersey, and Penelope, it was love at first sight. With nearly identical personalities and demeanors they were like long lost soul mates. They matched each other’s energy, played well together, and were even the same size! With an emphatic “YES” Jersey was adopted. Jersey now spends his days with his big sister playing, lounging and watching football with Dad on Sundays.

If you’ve been thinking of bringing a new dog into your home and heart, be sure to check our Key West and Marathon Campuses first. You can see all of our adoptable dogs on our website by visiting us at https://fkspca.org/adopt/adopt-a-dog/ .

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