Latest news with #ShelbyHicks
Miami Herald
24-06-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Resilient pup rescued from dog fighting is ‘full of energy' — and needs a home
A resilient pup was rescued from a dog fighting ring — and she needs a new home. 'I'm FULL of energy and ready to find a fun family that can keep up with my playful side,' a Florida animal shelter said in an online adoption profile written from the perspective of Rhonda the dog. 'I would thrive in a home where I had my own backyard to zoomie in; you should see how fast I am!' As of June 24, Rhonda has waited roughly 300 days for a fresh start. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Brevard said she was seized in an alleged dog fighting case before landing at the shelter in September. 'Unlike many dogs who've suffered such trauma, she radiated friendliness and joy, showing not an ounce of aggression,' an animal photographer wrote on the Albert Harris Photography Facebook page in February. 'Her sweet nature won hearts and minds, and because of that she was adopted quickly within a month. But fate had another twist for her.' Days after Rhonda was adopted, she was returned due to her energetic nature. Now, the mixed-breed dog is one of the pups who has been at the shelter the longest, the SPCA wrote in a Facebook post and emails to McClatchy News. 'We don't know everything about her past, but we do know she's full of energy and love,' Shelby Hicks, public relations and community engagement coordinator, wrote in an email. 'Her high energy and strong personality may be why she's still waiting, but we believe that in a home with a consistent routine, she'll make an amazing companion.' The shelter thinks Rhonda could get along with a calm canine friend and recommends potential adopters bring their dogs to meet her. The 4-year-old pup has become known for her love of playing tug of war and 'never goes anywhere without her favorite rope toy.' As of June 24, the shelter's website listed Rhonda among the dogs available for adoption. Details about the shelter's adoption process can be found at 'She's not just a dog; she's a testament to resilience and the power of love,' Albert Harris Photography wrote. 'She deserves to be the queen of her own castle, spoiled and cherished for the rest of her days.' The SPCA is in Titusville, a roughly 40-mile drive east from Orlando.
Miami Herald
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Senior shelter dog has ‘plenty of pep in his step.' The ‘sweet' pup needs a home
A senior dog who has 'a lot of spunk for his age' needs a new home. 'Maxi may be 10, but don't let the 'senior' label fool you because he's still got plenty of pep in his step,' a Florida animal shelter wrote June 12 in a Facebook post. 'He's a fetch pro, an expert napper, a road trip enthusiast, and loves long walks on the beach (or your neighborhood!).' The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Brevard said Maxi is up for adoption after a journey that started more than one year ago. He was picked up as a stray before he landed at the shelter in January 2024. 'When I thought I found my forever family last July, I was over the moon, but then I ended up back here when a kind stranger found me wandering as a stray,' the shelter said in an online adoption profile written from Maxi's perspective. 'My heart broke when my family didn't want me back.' The owners couldn't keep Maxi, so he returned to the SPCA in January. The shelter hopes he spends his senior years outside the shelter, in a home where he's 'surrounded by love and care.' 'He's been clocking in more hours here than most of our staff and volunteer,' the shelter wrote. 'And while seeing his handsome face every day is a highlight, we'd much rather see him heading out the front door with a family than chilling in his room watching his 300th episode of Bluey.' Maxi is described as a 'sweet' dog who loves tennis balls and cuddling. He also has become known as a 'shelter icon,' in part due to his participation in a program that allows animals to get a taste of life outside the SPCA. 'Maxi also joins us at adoption events, so he's no stranger to making new friends out in the community,' Shelby Hicks, public relations and community engagement coordinator for the shelter, told McClatchy News via email. 'He's kind of become an icon in the shelter because of that and because (he's) still got a lot of spunk for his age.' As of June 13, Maxi was still waiting for a second chance. Details about the shelter's adoption process can be found at 'All I want is a loving home where I can feel safe, loved, and cherished,' the SPCA said in the profile written from Maxi's viewpoint. 'I promise to fill your life with loyalty, joy, and plenty of tennis balls.' The shelter is in Titusville, a roughly 40-mile drive east from Orlando.
