Look into JR’s big brown eyes and see the hope there that someone will love him. JR is a senior Lab mix, and because he’s just another brown dog, he’s being overlooked at this busy, crowded, kill shelter. And that’s dangerous — very dangerous for JR.
JR and his two companions, Missy and Debbie, ended up at this high kill shelter when their owner was evicted from his home. Now, they have been at the shelter too long, and the shelter is filled. That means that JR is on the kill list and when his kennel is needed, he will be killed.
Already several dogs have been killed for space, and JR will not have long before it’s his turn to take the walk to the room where dogs exit in plastic bags. He and his companions lived tough lives. They had each other for company, but they were kept outside.
Not surprisingly, all the dogs were scared when they ended up at the shelter. Going from living outside to living in a cold kennel is a huge life change. But even though JR seems sad, he is affectionate and loving. He won over the volunteers at the shelter because of his gentle, calm personality. He knows a few basic commands and he takes treats gently.
JR gets along with other dogs but as with any adoption, all dogs need to be introduced slowly and with patience. Too many dogs are returned to this shelter after a few hours or a few days because the adopter didn’t use common sense and threw the adopted dog into situations that the dog wasn’t prepared for. Set up a new dog for success by being patient and going slow with introductions.
Because they lived outside with someone who didn’t give them much in the way of veterinary care, the dogs are heartworm positive. The shelter’s partner will treat the dogs for an adopter or with a rescue commitment. Please help JR get out of the shelter alive by sharing his story! He is a wonderful dog but because he is eight years old, it will be difficult to find him a home.
JR can be killed anytime after 9:00 am tomorrow. If you can save him, you must email the shelter before 9:00 am. Send the email to rescuepets@hillsboroughcounty.org and rescuemetampa@yahoo.com, and make the subject: DO NOT EUTH JR. ID#A22721075. Include your name and contact information in the body of your email. You must be willing to pick JR up by 3:00 pm tomorrow. Please do not email the shelter unless you are serious about picking him up.
The volunteers wrote:
JR is one of those dogs who will steal your heart. He has won us over, and we love him more than we can describe. Gentle, laid back JR is still on the euth list for time/space, and he is such a sweetie!!! Good with others; please keep sharing him to help him find a forever home before his kennel is needed. Love this boy!!”
There is more information on how to save JR on his Facebook thread. JR is ID# A22721075. He is located at theHillsborough County Animal Services, 440 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa, FL 33619. Their phone number is 813-744-5660. The shelter is open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm every day.
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