JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dogtopia of Jacksonville on Beach Boulevard held its first-ever Passion 4 Pets adoption event, matching about 30 dogs with new families as local rescues and humane societies teamed up to find animals new homes.
“We’re looking to get all these dogs adopted today,” Mandy Holden said, general manager of Dogtopia, as families moved through the facility to meet available pets.
Owner Peggy Cunningham said the excitement was contagious.
“This woman told me she couldn’t sleep because she was so excited about adopting a pet,” Cunningham said.
One adopter, Latisha Chaney, said she arrived early. An empty nester, Chaney said she walked up to a puppy and knew immediately she had found the right companion.
“I walked over and I saw her. I was like, ‘She’s it. She’s it, she’s the one,’” Chaney said.
Representatives from S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue said many adopters imagine the animals’ difficult pasts and the brighter futures they will have. Volunteers said people often take home more than one pet, adding that watching adoptions happen can be emotional.
“It’ll give you goosebumps every time you see it,” one representative said.
Dogtopia said people who adopted at the event will receive a free month of doggie daycare.