Palm Coast Animal Control Teams Up with Community Partners and Residents to Give Lost Pup a New Leash on Life

In late August, Palm Coast Animal Control received a report of a loose Chow-Chow dog running down Palm Coast Parkway. Despite best efforts, no one was able to get close to the dog, as he was terrified and bolted when people approached.

On September 1, 2022, a call came in to Palm Coast Animal Control was alerted to a Pomerium running on Colbert Lane. Animal Control Officer Shelley Burton responded to the area and spotted the dog, which was determined not to be a Pomeranian but was actually the Chow-Chow that was reportedly seen in August. Officer Burton attempted to lure the dog in, but as soon as he saw her, he took off into the woods. 

On September 4, 2022, Caroline Johnson, the Admin of Lost Dogs of Palm Coast Facebook page, spotted the dog crossing Old Kings and contacted Palm Coast Animal Control.  Johnson and Officer Burton parked in the area but did not approach the dog. It became evident that he feared people but seemed interested in and friendly toward dogs. Johnson contacted Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) Detective Annie Conrad, who has two therapy dogs and is an animal advocate, to meet at the location to assist with the dog’s retrieval.

Detective Conrad arrived with her therapy dogs and was eventually able to lure the Chow-Chow out of the wood line and safely secure him in the Animal Control truck. An examination of the dog revealed that he had some non-life-threatening wounds and a microchip that had never been registered to an owner.

Officer Burton and Johnson named the dog “Teddy” and transported him to the Flagler Humane Society, where his wounds were treated, and he was given a bath. 

From there, Officer Burton brought Teddy home and found a foster home with a local Palm Coast resident. After the five-day stray period had passed for Teddy’s original owner to claim him, Teddy was neutered at East Coast Animal Hospital using community donations raised by Johnson.

On September 15^th, the Britain family expressed interest in meeting Teddy for possible adoption. The meet and greet with the Britain family, and their dog Duke, was a huge success and Teddy was officially adopted on September 21, 2022. 

Teddy spends most of his time hanging out with his dog brother Duke, a one-year-old Malinois Shepherd. They enjoy visiting the Dog Bar in Flagler Beach, long walks, and lots of toys and treats. Teddy has his very own doggie bed but prefers to snuggle in bed with Duke or the Britain’s.

“Our Animal Control Department does an incredible job everyday with the help of our community partners like the FCSO, East Coast Animal Hospital, Salty Paws DIY Dog Wash, and our amazing residents,” said City of Palm Coast Code Enforcement Manager Barbara Grossman. “Teddy now spends his time visiting the Dog Bar in Flagler Beach, going on long walks with his family, and is safe and happy under a loving roof. This is a success story that everyone had a part in telling, and we are so happy to be writing a happy ending for Teddy.”

View a video detailing the rescue story here.

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