Behind the Scenes: The Heart and Hard Work of ACPS in a Time of Need

In animal welfare, we often face challenges that test our limits. Recently, our team at Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) faced one of those challenges when over 130 Chihuahuas were discovered in a Jacksonville home, living in conditions that required urgent care and attention. While the story of these dogs and the incredible community response has been heartwarming, I want to take a moment to focus on the true heroes behind this story: my team at ACPS.

When we received the call about the situation, we knew the task ahead wouldn’t be easy. As soon as we arrived, it was clear that the homeowners were struggling. They were so worried about their dogs that they had gone without food for two days. Our team immediately stepped in—not just for the dogs but for the people, providing them with food, drinks, and other necessities. This gesture exemplified the compassion that runs through the heart of our work, ensuring that everyone’s well-being was addressed.

From there, the work began in earnest. With respirators on, our team walked through the home, finding and prioritizing the dogs who were most in need—those who were sick, injured, or otherwise compromised. We carefully transported them to safety, and then called in more of our team to help us bring out the rest of the Chihuahuas. On-site, our staff vaccinated every single dog, ensuring they were protected and ready for the next steps. Once back at the shelter, our veterinary technicians conducted detailed medical exams on each dog, providing the care and attention they desperately needed.

This was just the beginning. For two days straight, our team worked tirelessly, sacrificing sleep and time with their own families to ensure these dogs were cared for, prepped, and ready for their next chapter. They coordinated everything necessary to place these dogs into loving foster homes. It was a monumental effort, but my team rose to the challenge with determination and grace. Their commitment to these animals and to our mission is something I can’t emphasize enough.

I am beyond proud of the work that they did. It’s easy to celebrate the outcome—more than 100 dogs finding foster homes in a single day—but behind every success story is the incredible hard work of people who made it possible. This team did everything from the physically demanding work of transporting the dogs to the meticulous effort required to match them with foster homes. On a day when we might typically send 10 dogs home, they made it possible for over 100 dogs to find a safe place to land.

While hundreds of people lined up to help, many of them cheering each other on as they waited their turn, it was our team behind the scenes who made sure every foster placement was handled with care. Watching them take on this challenge, I couldn’t have been more impressed or more grateful. Their dedication is the heartbeat of ACPS, and it’s what allows us to face these difficult situations head-on, knowing that we can make a difference together.

To my incredible team, thank you. Thank you for your long hours, your unwavering compassion, and for always putting the animals first, no matter how tough the job. Your work often goes unseen, but it is the foundation of everything we do. I am so lucky to work alongside each of you, and I am so proud of what we accomplished together.

And while the story of these Chihuahuas has a happy chapter, our work continues. With nearly 300 dogs still in our shelter, we remain committed to finding homes for each and every one of them. We’ll keep showing up, day in and day out, because that’s what our team does—and that’s what makes ACPS truly special.