Freckles needs a loving home and family

Carolyn Smith, St. Augustine Humane Society’s Operations Director, told local Historic City News reporters that the second dog has been named for the “Abandoned to Adored” program and Freckles, an American bulldog, is ready for adoption.

“Abandoned to Adored” is an ongoing educational exercise designed to take participants on the journey of a shelter dog. The first adoption through the program, Cookie, a Pekingese, found her forever home with new owners in northeast Florida after participating in the program and benefiting from the care of many local residents and professionals.

“The American Bulldog breed is known to be loyal, reliable, and brave,” said Smith. “The breed is also known for its acts of heroism towards its master.”

With Freckles, as with Cookie, the “Abandoned to Adored” program seeks out dogs that are difficult to place while the Pet Center calls on the St. Augustine Humane Society for assistance.

Unfortunately, for Freckles, his history is a sad one. St. Johns County Animal Control found him in an abused state and very skinny and in desperate need of help. Working with the St. Johns County Animal Control Pet Center, the “Abandoned to Adored” pet is tracked from initial intake to being selected, medically rehabilitated, professionally trained, groomed and pampered. As a final addition, the pet is sent on a “pet supply shopping spree” with volunteers before it is placed in a perfectly matched and loving home.

For now, Freckles has been placed with a humane society volunteer and experienced bulldog owner, Wendy Perry; who is giving him the tender loving care that he has never known.

Local veterinarian Dr. Tom McNicholas, is donating treatment for Freckles’ heartworm condition and is overseeing the dog’s medical rehabilitation. “It is not an easy treatment,” Dr. McNicholas said. “Pulmonary thromboembolism will occur when the adult heartworms die which can be fatal to the patient.”

Smith told Historic City News that with his initial treatment, Freckles has had a tough time. “On the bright side, the dog has a watchful and caring team pulling for him. The next step is to find a perfectly matched family to adopt and adore Freckles.”

Call St. Augustine Humane Society at 904-829-2737 for information about “Abandoned to Adored” and to obtain an application. By submitting the application, participants agree to be interviewed for selection and to have stories and photos released to the media.

“We are honored to have so many volunteers in the community who continue to work with us to implement programs like Abandoned to Adored,” Smith said. “Our thanks go out to the St. Johns County Animal Control Pet Center where someone will adopt a deserving new pet while participating in a fun community activity.”