Jacksonville Humane Society

Melon, a brown and white floppy-eared pup, came to JHS after being found while wandering alone. Melon’s gentle demeanor immediately melted our hearts – while she could be shy around new people, her big, brown eyes and curious sniffs showed she was cautiously looking for love. Melon quickly made friends at JHS and became known for the silly wiggle she would show off when she’d see someone coming to say hello. She happily gave out kisses and smiles to friends both old and new – Melon was coming out of her shell! One day, a family visited JHS looking to add a new friend to their home. They were charmed by Melon’s gentle and happy spirit in her kennel, and once she gave them a big hug, the rest was history! Thanks to your support, Melon was given the chance to open up to new friends and experiences, all of which led her to her new loving home.

When Shelly, a beautiful tortoise-shell kitten, came to JHS at only a few weeks old, we knew she needed help. She had an injury to one eye causing her pain, and while her spirits were high, we knew she would need some TLC to grow healthy and strong. With a surgery to remove her injured eye (and give her an adorable wink!), Shelly was ready to become the spunky kitten we knew she could be. After spending time in her foster home it was time for Shelly to find her new family. On a chilly day in February, Shelly was fast asleep in her kennel when a woman was walking through the adoption center ready to bring home a new family member. She walked by and saw Shelly fast asleep and when she peeked through her one eye, it made the woman’s heart melt. She knew it was love at first sight. Thanks to your generosity, Shelly was given a chance to thrive at JHS while waiting for what every kitten dreams of – a lap to snuggle up on.

When a good Samaritan found Chia, they could tell that she needed help, fast. Chia was unable to use her back legs, and it was clear the small, black kitten was in pain. They came to JHS for help, and our team quickly went to work. An x-ray revealed that she had fractures in both of her back legs and she was unable to walk or stand at all. At first, our team wasn’t sure if Chia would make it – but she proved to be a fighter. Chia accepted help from the team, and showed her gratitude with slow blinks and gentle purrs. After surgery to stabilize her injuries, Chia went home with a loving volunteer foster family who helped her gain strength. Incredibly, Chia slowly began to stand and walk! As she continued to heal, it was time for her to find her new family. She was adopted shortly after returning to JHS, and while she walks a little differently than other cats, she is now living a great life with a loving family. Thank you for the love and support that makes stories like Chia is possible.

Narwhal, a peppy, gray, and white mixed breed dog arrived as a stray at JHS. Upon doing her intake examination, we found Narwhal had a large bump on her head. Unfortunately, our veterinarians determined it was an inoperable cancerous mass and Narwhal would have to be a hospice adoption. Day after day, Narwhal waited patiently for her loving home. In the meantime, she was showered with affection and treats from JHS staff and volunteers. One day, a woman decided that she wanted to meet Narwhal. When we told her Narwhal was a hospice adoption, she explained that she works in hospice care! She knew that she wanted to give Narwhal the loving home that she deserved for the time she had left. The rest is history.