67 Dogs Now Under Care
S.M.A.R.T. of Flagler County Responds to Major Dog Rescue: 67 Dogs Now Under Care S.M.A.R.T. (Saving Missing Animals Response Team) of Flagler County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is providing emergency care and placement support for 67 dogs following an escalating rescue situation that began with a large-scale dumping case two weeks ago. Two weeks ago, S.M.A.R.T. responded to an initial incident in which 16 dogs from the dumping case came into our care. Yesterday, the same family surrendered an additional 51 dogs, bringing the total number of dogs currently under S.M.A.R.T.’s care to 67. “This has been an overwhelming case for our small, volunteer-run organization,” said Caroline Johnson, Founder of S.M.A.R.T. of Flagler County. “But every single dog matters, and we are committed to making sure each one receives the medical attention, safety, and future they deserve.” Community Partners Made This Rescue Possible S.M.A.R.T. extends sincere gratitude to the agencies, veterinary partners, and community members who acted quickly and compassionately: • City of Palm Coast Animal Control, for their persistence and professionalism in helping convince the family to surrender the additional dogs, and for the extensive work required to help get all 51 dogs safely out, coordinated, and transported to East Coast Animal Hospital for immediate triage. • East Coast Animal Hospital, who—on only minutes’ notice—assembled a team to triage all 51 dogs yesterday, while continuing to care for their regular clients and scheduled appointments. • Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, who are working together on the criminal aspect of this case. • S.M.A.R.T. fosters and board members, who showed up immediately yesterday to help transport, support triage, and step in wherever needed to make this response possible. “We know the public sees the rescue moment,” Johnson added, “but there is an overwhelming amount of work and time that goes into caring for these dogs afterward. We are deeply grateful to every foster and every board member who stepped up—this would not be possible without you.” Ongoing Investigation This is an active, ongoing investigation. At this time, S.M.A.R.T. cannot answer questions related to the investigative or criminal component of the case. Dogs Receiving Veterinary Care and Foster Placement All dogs are currently receiving the veterinary care they need. Many are moving into foster homes as they stabilize, and those requiring additional treatment—including IV fluids and critical care—are doing well as of today. Adoption Interest: First Dogs Will Be Ready Soon S.M.A.R.T. expects the dogs from the initial group (the first dogs rescued two weeks ago) will be the first to begin meeting potential adopters. If you are interested in adopting: 1. Please visit smartflagler.com/adopt to complete an application if you have not already. 2. If you have already applied, a volunteer will reach out over the next 24–48 hours to schedule meet-and-greet appointments. If we missed an email or message, we sincerely apologize. Our team is doing everything.possible while managing an extraordinary emergency response. How the Community Can Help Right Now Caring for 67 dogs requires urgent support—medical care, supplies, and foster placement resources. • Donate: https://donorbox.org/help-the-67-hoarder-case-babies • Foster/Volunteer: https://smartflagler.com/foster/ Media Contact Caroline Johnson, Founder, S.M.A.R.T. (Saving Missing Animals Response Team) of Flagler County Email: caroline@smartflagler.com
Justice for Shelly
Shelly’s Story: From Abandoned to On the Mend $6,000 Reward for any Info that leads to an arrest! Some rescues begin with a phone call that changes everything. Earlier this month, a young black-and-white puppy was discovered at Shell Bluff Park in Flagler County, unable to stand and barely responsive. A county employee was alerted by a park visitor who noticed the pup lying in a ditch. With rain having moved through the area on and off, the scene raised immediate concern that the puppy had been left there recently. SMART Stepped In When SMART (Saving Missing Animals Response Team) was contacted, our team responded right away. The puppy—now known as Shelly—was in obvious distress and needed urgent medical attention. What initially looked like it could have been a serious illness quickly revealed itself to be something far more complicated. Shelly had multiple wounds across her body, including injuries that required immediate veterinary care. Emergency Veterinary Care Shelly was transported to East Coast Animal Hospital in Palm Coast and the situation was reported to local law enforcement. Veterinary staff documented numerous injuries, including bite-like wounds and severe swelling. Several of the deeper wounds were already contaminated and required intensive treatment. Based on the location and pattern of injuries, the case raised concerns consistent with the kinds of trauma sometimes seen in suspected dog-fighting situations. It’s important to be clear: investigations determine facts. What we know for certain is that Shelly suffered tremendously—and someone left her without help. The Turning Point The first 48 hours were critical. Shelly’s care included aggressive wound management, infection control, and procedures to remove damaged tissue so her body could begin healing. And then, slowly, she started to come back. As the pain eased and her strength returned, Shelly began showing the personality that had been buried under shock and suffering. She’s been described by her caregivers as affectionate and people-focused—seeking comfort, offering kisses, and showing interest in toys. Like many dogs who have endured trauma, she is still cautious around other dogs, and her recovery will continue at a pace that keeps her feeling safe. What Shelly Needs Now Shelly’s story is not just about one puppy. It’s about what happens when a community refuses to look away. Here’s how you can help right now: Donate to support Shelly’s ongoing medical care and the many other animals SMART responds to every week. Share her story to increase awareness about animal cruelty and abandonment. Report suspected abuse. If you see neglect, cruelty, or suspicious activity involving animals, contact local authorities. Foster or adopt. When Shelly is medically and behaviorally cleared, she will need the right home environment to continue healing. A Note of Gratitude We’re grateful to the person who spoke up, the county staff who acted quickly, the veterinary team providing expert care, and every supporter who makes these rescues possible. Shelly didn’t get to choose what happened to her—but together, we can help choose what happens next: safety, healing, and a future defined by love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=UTFGGrEk2ag
Pinky Needs More Treatment and Healing
Pinky came to us as one of the 67 Healing Hearts – dogs who were medically neglected and left without the care every animal deserves. When we first met him, he was frail and weighing just 1.5 pounds. He wasn’t just small – he was struggling. But Pinky is a fighter, and because of supporters like you, we’ve already been able to start turning his story around. So far, Pinky has had a much-needed surgery where he was neutered (he was cryptorchid, meaning one testicle was retained). During that same procedure, our vet also had to remove 10 retained baby teeth – painful and dangerous if left untreated. His pre-op bloodwork showed elevated liver and kidney values, so since surgery he’s been on a kidney-support diet and we’re monitoring him closely. But Pinky isn’t done yet. He’s dealing with paraphimosis – his penis is hanging out and causing ongoing discomfort. We don’t know what caused it, but we do know this: his previous owners said it had been out for some time, and he was never taken to a vet. Pinky will need another surgical procedure to correct it, and at the same time we’ll recheck his bloodwork to make sure his kidney and liver values are moving in the right direction. Right now, we’re overwhelmed—because Pinky is not the only one who needs help. We’re juggling the vet care and boarding needs of 67 dogs, plus the other dogs already in our rescue. The needs are urgent, and the bills add up fast. If you can donate today, you’ll be helping Pinky get the relief and care he deserves—and helping us keep going for all 67 Healing Hearts. Donate here: https://donorbox.org/help-the-67-hoarder-case-babies