Photos for Headline Surfer / A dog named Clyde is being cared for at the Orange County Animal Services in Orlando, Florida, but longs for a forever home.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The preamble for dogs at the Orange County Animal Services is blunt: It’s sad how many calls our officers receive daily about dogs that have been dumped; in parking lots, in neighborhoods, in parks.
These are dogs that once knew a home, a family, and love. And just like that, they are dumped like garbage on the side of the road.
Left to fend for themselves, many of these dogs sadly remain where they are abandoned. Because they are hoping their owners will come back for them. And no one ever does.
Here is one such example as described by the caretakers at Orange County Animal Services. This is Clyde’s story:
Clyde and another dog were dumped in a park, and our officers picked them up after park workers had safely confined them. Both dogs were sweet and had actually been chasing bicyclists and skaters in a friendly way. The workers told us it was clear they wanted to play.
These weren’t street dogs or strays. They were clean, affectionate, and unafraid of people. Clyde, in particular, was very social seeking and loved nothing more than to be held. Neither one of them had collars, tags, or microchips. No one was coming back for them.
Clyde spent his first few weeks here in turmoil. While he is fine with other dogs outside, he does not want to share his space. He is sweet and energetic with staff, but he has his bouts with sadness.
Clyde sometimes howls at the yard gates, as if crying out for someone. He spends long days just lying quietly on his bed, watching as the world passes by. In the yards, he’ll lie in the sun, quietly and calmly, with the saddest expression on his face. And when we hug him, his eyes shut tightly and he sighs deeply, as if remembering a love once known, and now long gone. It’s heartbreaking to watch such a big, beautiful dog mourn. But we know there’s someone out there for Clyde.
Clyde sometimes howls at the yard gates, as if crying out for someone. He spends long days just lying quietly on his bed, watching as the world passes by. In the yards, he’ll lie in the sun, quietly and calmly, with the saddest expression on his face. And when we hug him, his eyes shut tightly and he sighs deeply, as if remembering a love once known, and now long gone.
It’s heartbreaking to watch such a big, beautiful dog mourn. But we know there’s someone out there for Clyde. A patient and loving heart. Someone who will hold him tight in their arms and never let him go.
Let’s get him seen. Let’s get him home.
INQUIRIES: If you'd like to learn more about Clyde and possibly adopt him, please call Orange County Animal Services at 407-836-3111 or visit the OCAS at 2769 Conroy Road, Orlando. Email inquiries: AnimalServices@ocfl.net. Online: www.ocnetpets.com.
Operating hours for pet adoptions and reunifications:
- Sunday - Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Wednesday: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Thursday - Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Operating hours for the Animal Services clinic:
- Sunday - Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Wednesday: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Thursday - Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
FAST FACTS:
• Orange County Animal Services currently provides shelter for 161 Dogs & 200 Cats.
• Adoptions Month to Date: 141; Adoptions Year to Date: 7,267.
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