All adoption fees are waived on May 17 as part of the Empty the Shelters event. Meet some of the longest-stay dogs available — They may be your perfect match.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services is hoping to end its waived adoption fee period with a bang, hosting one large “Empty the Shelters” event.
The nonprofit Bissell Pet Foundation hosts the Empty the Shelters event quarterly at participating locations nationwide, sponsoring low or no-cost adoptions.
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More than 300 dogs and cats are available for adoption right now at ACPS. Clearing space is essential to making sure staff can continue to help more animals in need.
The capstone event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, at the shelter on Forest Street.
Longtimer spotlight
Some dogs have spent more than a year in the shelter, waiting for their perfect match.
In early April, First Coast News spotlighted seven of the longest-stay dogs at the time. We are happy to share that five of those dogs have since gone home with adopters!
Here is a little bit about the new top 6 longest-stay residents in the shelter, according to staff.
Zuko
At just two years old, Zuko has already spent more than a year in the kennels.
Equal parts puppy energy and couch potato, he would be comfortable with both busy outdoor days and lazy nights on the couch.
This boy has “sit” and tug-of-war perfected, according to shelter staff. He’s got some endurance too, and would be a good running partner!
Spice
Despite the name, this girl is more sweet than anything.
4-year-old Spice has been in the shelter for more than 370 days.
Staff describe her as a loose and wiggly girl who cherishes every moment of play and pets she gets.
She is petite, weighing around 40 pounds.
Pogo
7-year-old Pogo is aging gracefully, with a hard-not-to-love grey muzzle. Shelter staff say he had a family in his younger years, but was left behind when they moved away.
I had the chance to hang out with Pogo on a Dog Day Out recently, which is essentially a field trip for shelter pups. He is an excellent car rider, easy on the leash and loves to greet people. He even let me give him a bath!
Despite being a big guy, he behaves more like a lap dog.
Pogo also has some command training under his collar; He has mastered sit and shake. He has also had great interactions with older kids while out on the town.
Manny
5-year-old Manny, formerly known as Sammie, recently broke the 365-day mark at the shelter, which is not a milestone anyone wants.
Manny would do well as a family dog, having great experience with kids. He’s a big fan of treats and toys, but really, snuggles are his favorite.
Staff describe him as “loving, happy-go-lucky, and polite.”
Bonus: He’s crate trained and has experience with other large dogs.
Ravi
Ravi is a great walker and a gentle treat-taker, according to staff.
This 6-year-old boy is described as highly social, mellow and affectionate outside of his kennel, with a particular love for giving kisses. He also has experience with other dogs and children.
While he has outgrown his puppy years, Ravi has plenty of energy to spare. Staff say he would enjoy long walks or probably even runs with his family.
He’s smart, too; staff say he knows sit, paw and down.
The shelter noted that he can be a little skittish in new environments or when startled, but a stable home would go a long way in building his confidence.
Eliza Thornberry
Another lap dog! 3-year-old Eliza is the smallest dog on this list at just 35 pounds of love, but she has a ton of personality and energy.
Long walks, stuffed animals and kisses are just some of her favorite things, according to staff.
You can visit ACPS in person to meet these dogs and learn more about them. All animals available for adoption at ACPS can be seen on the shelter’s website.