Behind The Furry Faces - The Story of PRN

Pet Rescue North, Inc. (PRN) was established as a non-profit, NO-KILL animal shelter, registered with the State of Florida. PRN was the dream of a lady named Barbara Moody. She felt all abandoned and stray animals on the Northside of Jacksonville deserved to find a haven where they would be safe until suitable homes could be found. However, Barbara became seriously ill and passed away before her dream could become a reality.

Peggy Haynes, a dedicated, hard-working volunteer took over operation of PRN and the associated shelter. Although PRN is not yet the big beautiful facility Barbara had envisioned, we are fulfilling some of her dreams. PRN has been operating now for over 25 years and is approved by United Way and Combined Federal Campaign.

Caring for the animals and maintaining the shelter is a 24/7 operation. There are 80 dogs and cats at any one time, which require a lot attention. Some animals are special need pets requiring continuous medical attention, medicinal regime, exercise, love, etc. Currently, Brentwood Animal Hospital provides reasonably priced medical care for our "boarders" and makes it possible for all animals to be spayed or neutered at an affordable price, which is included in our adoption fee along with shots, wormings, FIV/Feluk and Diro tests.

PRN also owes our heartfelt thanks to our wonderful volunteers without whom we could not keep up our daily schedule of feeding, cleaning, medicating, training and grooming. Our volunteers provide the love and socialization these very special cats and dogs need. Many of our little critters have been mentally and physically abused and it takes months to make them trust people again. Another outstanding group of people PRN could not do without are all the foster homes where animals, who otherwise would end up at kill shelters, are placed when we have no room at our own facility.

When it comes time for adoption we try to be extremely careful where our animals are placed, including a minimum 2-week acclimation period to see if the pet fits into the new home. A verbal interview, a written questionnaire and a contract must be completed and signed. Unfortunately we are not always successful and cats and dogs are sometimes returned. However, we would rather have the pet back than it be in a home where it is not wanted.

PRN operates from money received through the adoption fee, fund-raising activities, various animal protection grants and most of all donations. It also relies heavily on materials and equipment donated by concerned citizens.

PRN MISSION STATEMENT

Pet Rescue North is a North Jacksonville, Florida NO-KILL animal shelter with the purpose of:

• Organize our community and establish an animal shelter on the Northside
• Care and treatment of abandoned dogs and cats.
• Find caring and loving homes for rescued animals.
• Return lost companion animals to their owners.
• Promote spaying and neutering as humane population control.
• Act as a referral center, directing people to appropriate agencies.
• Assist local veterinarians in finding homes for animals left at their facilities.
• Assist the elderly and handicapped in finding companion animals.

• Dispense euthanasia only when it is in the best interest of the animal.