FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – What began as a heartbreaking dumping and hoarding case involving 67 dogs is slowly transforming into a story of healing, hope, and second chances.
This weekend, SMART (Saving Missing Animals Response Team) Animal Rescue hosted a pre-adoption meet-and-greet at the Flagler County Fairgrounds, giving potential adopters the chance to connect with dogs that, until just weeks ago, had never known grass beneath their paws or the comfort of a loving home.
For SMART Director Caroline Johnson, the event was more than just a pre-adoption day—it was the next step in an emotional and demanding journey.
“It’s been a great day. A lot of great potential adopters came out, did applications, and we’re looking forward to hopefully getting them all adopted,” Johnson said.
But Johnson says these aren’t typical rescue dogs.
“A lot of people don’t understand with trauma dogs like this—some have never been on a leash, never had collars on their necks, never touched grass before,” she explained. “If they get outside, they may escape a fence because they don’t understand boundaries. We want to make sure everybody has a good fit and knows exactly what they’re getting themselves into.”
The rescue operation has become an around-the-clock labor of love. In just six to seven weeks, SMART has made a significant commitment into providing them veterinary care, including vaccinations, parasite treatment, deworming, spay and neuter procedures, and heartworm prevention.
Johnson says the transformation has already been remarkable.
“Initially, a lot of them would pee and poop just by someone coming near them because they were so afraid. We’re not seeing any of that now. Today, when people walked in, they were up on the gates wagging their tails. That’s huge for these guys.”
Out of the 67 rescued, about 18 have already been adopted. Still, around 50 remain—including five mother dogs and their nursing puppies.
SMART volunteer Kim Fitzgerald has been part of the daily recovery effort, showing up every morning and every night for the past month.
“I’m so tired,” Fitzgerald said with a laugh. “But then I go in and see them, and it’s okay. This won’t be forever. This is going to get them healthy and get them homes.”
For Fitzgerald, the experience has been unexpectedly healing.
“I’ve never really done this before. I always said when I retire, I’m going to do dog rescue. So here I am—but I’m not retired yet.”
Volunteer Nick DeSantis, affectionately known as “The Dogfather,” says socialization is the key to helping these dogs transition.
“It’s extremely important. Without affection, they’re not going to do well in a home,” DeSantis said. “It’s a process. All they need is patience, love, and understanding.”
DeSantis has fostered some of the dogs himself and says he’s already watched their personalities emerge.
“The first day they’re shaking. A few days later, they’re coming out of the crate and starting to trust. That’s when you see the change.”
DeSantis was able to help deliver an anonymous donation to SMART last week for $10,000 from a caring resident.
“She does a lot of work with me, so she wanted me to present the check,” he shared.
That trust was on full display during Saturday’s event.
Among the visitors was Micheline Sylvain, who came with her daughter to meet the dogs for a second time, hoping to find a companion for her own Chihuahua, Molly.
After losing her husband 18 months ago, Sylvain says she’s seen how much her dog misses the companionship of other animals.
“I want her to have a companion,” Sylvain said. “She misses that. When she’s around my daughter’s dogs, she lights up.”
Like many who attended, Sylvain was moved by the resilience of the dogs.
“They need love,” she said simply. “They don’t deserve what happened to them.”
Johnson says education has been one of the biggest factors in successful placements so far. SMART provides adopters with information sheets, safety recommendations, and guidance on helping trauma dogs adjust.
“By educating people, you’re setting them up for success,” Johnson said. “A lot of it doesn’t require expensive training—it just takes patience and understanding.”
For those who missed Saturday’s event, there’s still another chance.
SMART will host another meet-and-greet on Sunday, June 28, from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Elks Lodge. Potential adopters can also apply online at SMARTFlagler.com.
For Johnson and her team, every adoption means one more life rewritten.
And for these little dogs—many of whom had only known neglect—that rewrite may finally include something they’ve never had before:
A loving home.
