It’s our pleasure to introduce you to some great dogs that are currently available for adoption at local shelters and rescues. These are just a few of the cute canines searching for a new home and a new start in life, and we hope these photos inspire you to visit the rescue organizations and find your forever match.
We had lots of fun photographing these doggies at some of our favorite local dog-friendly spots, alongside our caring animal ambassadors. Check out these fascinating people, pooches and places and please consider opening your heart and home to a rescue dog.
Kaos
Humane Society of Marion County
Kaos is a high-energy 8-year-old male mixed breed. Because he is so active, he must go to a home with no other pets, and his adoptive family should not include small children as he is better with adults and teens. To learn more, visit www.thehsmc.org
Twistee Treat – The distinctive cone-shaped venue at 2394 SW College Road offers a wide variety of sweets for humans and “Pup Cups” for canines, with a swirl of vanilla ice cream topped with a doggie treat.
Brooke Pace – Our own graphic designer and her husband Troy, who recently became official Ocalans after closing on their first home, adopted their 3-year-old male Canaan dog Cisco, who loves belly rubs, car rides and treats, from a rescue. They also adopted a “very opinionated” 2-year-old female calico shelter cat Eevee, who never lets them miss her mealtime. Brooke says her family always thought she would grow up to be a veterinarian.
Baloo
Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL)
Baloo is a hound/boxer mix a little over 3 years old. He loves to be loved and is sure to be truly devoted when he finds a new family. He came to VOCAL a little over a year ago with his mom and three siblings. All have been adopted now and he is waiting patiently for his turn. Baloo likes car rides and is good in public. He is well-behaved on leash walks once his initial enthusiasm for “adventure” ceases. To learn more, visit www.vocalforpets.org
Sayulita Taqueria – Located in downtown Ocala, in addition to their super-yummy “human” menu, this festive eatery and social destination offers “Mutt Meals” for canines.
Miguel Gonzalez-Floyd – This Ocala actor, writer and artist says he is looking to tell stories and share ideas that move and inspire like-hearted people. One of his best friends is his dog Donnie Appleseed, a small terrier mix who “brings laughter and joy to my life every day,” he offers.
Jack
Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL)
“Happy Jack,” as he is affectionately called, is an American bulldog/Labrador retriever mix. He is nearly 6 years old, loves belly rubs, and greets people with a smile and his “happy dance.” He is in a foster home with four other dogs and plays well with all of them. Jack walks well on a leash and has good “house manners.” To learn more, visit www.vocalforpets.org
The Crazy Cucumber – This southwest Ocala spot is a great option for drinks with friends, a delicious lunch or a leisurely dinner with family members and your furry friend. The parent company, Crazy Foods, also has Horse & Hounds Restaurant & Pub and Swampy’s Bar & Grille, both with pet-friendly patios.
Salina Som – After obtaining her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida, Salina is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of Central Florida and is hoping to convince her significant other to adopt a pet for their new home.
Daisy and Marbles
Marion County Animal Services
Daisy, below, is a mixed breed estimated to be 3 years old. She likes cuddles and attention, is motivated by treats and enjoys toys and being close to people. She had fun playing with Marbles, so staffers expect she will be good with other dogs.
Marbles, left, also is a mixed breed and is approximately 2 years old. He is very high energy and active. He loves chasing a ball and is treat motivated. He does well with dogs that are submissive as he can be dominant. He should not be in a home with cats. Both Daisy and Marbles came in as strays, so staffers are unsure about them being housebroken and their behavior with children. To learn more about them, visit www.marioncountyfl.org
Letty Towles Dog Park – Running for fun is just one of the activities encouraged for canines who visit this park, which is adjacent to the Jervey Gantt Recreational Complex in southeast Ocala.
Cote Deonath – This world champion Elvis tribute artist has performed extensively throughout the United States, Canada and England. The budding entrepreneur, who lives in Dunnellon, recently launched his own entertainment company, 49th PL Productions. He has a husky named Jasmine and cats named Tyson and Bryson.
Tiger
The PIBA Foundation
Tiger is an 8-year-old American bulldog and Malinois mix who loves children, but is not good with other dogs or cats. He is a “huge couch potato” who loves his toys and chasing lizards. He has rebounded from shelter shock and heartworms and just wants a family to love. To learn more, visit www.thepibafoundation.org
Todd and Shelly’s Farm Fresh Café & Pub – This Belleview favorite with a focus on freshness is open daily for breakfast and lunch, and offers delicious homestyle meals and delectable baked goods.
Arianne Ramirez – Animal lover Arianne also loves art, museums and trying new things. Her fur babies are a 7-year-old cat named Versace and a very sweet 5-year-old husky named Athena. “Verse, for short, is my best friend and one of the chillest cats you’ll ever meet,” she says. “Athena is the family dog and sweetest girl, and just wants to make friends with everyone.”
Andrea
Humane Society of Marion County
This 6-year-old female Labrador retriever mix was found as a stray. She does not get along well with cats, but can be tested with other canines. She likes to pull hard on her leash, but otherwise aims to please. Staffers say an experienced dog handler would make a great match and that anyone willing to put in some time and effort would find her to be a great companion. To learn more, visit www.thehsmc.org
Bank Street Patio Bar – This sleek downtown destination specializes in fresh, locally sourced food, and eclectic cocktails, all served in a truly unique setting that mixes an ultra-modern vibe with industrial chic.
Ethan Larson – The son of our own in-house photographer Lyn Larson, Ethan is also 6 years old. He loves animals and not-so-secretly plots every day to have a pup of his own. However, he may have to convince his tabby cat Nugget, who thinks he is a dog, that it is a good idea.
