JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 Animal Care & Protective Services has partnered with the Five Star Veterans Center to launch a new program called Mission: Adoptable, pairing shelter dogs with veterans for weeklong breaks.<\/p>\n
Under the initiative, shelter staff deliver a dog each week to the center, where the animal is paired with a veteran interested in learning about animal care. <\/p>\n
The program aims to give shelter dogs temporary breaks from the shelter environment and promote them for adoption, while offering veterans stress relief through animal interaction.<\/p>\n
ACPS said the program completed its first weeklong trial featuring a 3-year-old dog named Bizkitasaurus, who was paired with a veteran named Dustin. Shelter staff reported that Bizkitasaurus walked well on a leash, visited the beach for the first time and gradually gained confidence while meeting new people during her stay.<\/p>\n
Dustin reported that spending the week with the dog increased his overall happiness and encouraged him to go outside more frequently than usual. <\/p>\n
Veterans participating in the program provide shelter staff with photos, videos and written notes detailing each dog\u2019s behavior and personality in a home setting to assist with adoption placement.<\/p>\n
Animal Care & Protective Services provides all animals, supplies and guidance for the initiative. The shelter is located at 2020 Forest St. and is open seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.<\/p>\n
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