Latest news with #Miami-DadeCountyAnimalServices
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Health
- Miami Herald
Shelter Dog's Death at Miami Facility Sparks Heat Safety Concerns
Rocky, a 3 to 4-year-old pit bull terrier mix, died last weekend at Miami-Dade County's overflow animal shelter in Medley after rapidly deteriorating from apparent heat-related distress, according to local reports and social media posts from the agency. The dog appeared healthy during his morning walk before becoming lethargic and vomiting in his kennel, according to NBC 6 South Florida. Despite emergency treatment at the facility's clinic and the main Doral shelter, veterinarians were unable to stabilize Rocky, leading to his death. Newsweek reached out to the Miami-Dade County Animal Services via email outside of normal business hours for comment on Saturday. Rocky's death has intensified scrutiny of animal shelter conditions across Miami-Dade County, particularly regarding temperature control during extreme heat periods in Florida. The incident has sparked widespread community concern and social media outcry about potentially unsafe conditions at municipal animal facilities. With over 500 animals currently under county care and summer temperatures reaching dangerous levels, the case highlights broader challenges facing animal welfare systems nationwide as they struggle with capacity limitations and infrastructure adequacy. The Medley overflow facility houses 117 of the county's 526 animals in care, operating as an open-air building designed to accommodate the system's overcrowding crisis. According to shelter officials, Rocky appeared healthy during his morning walk but quickly declined by midday when staff noticed his lethargy and discovered him vomiting in his kennel. Annette José, director of Miami-Dade County Animal Services, told local station 7News, "Rocky was out for a walk acting, like his usual self. But later, became to get lethargic. Alerted staff to keep an eye on him. He was found in his kennel after vomiting. Quickly, staff and volunteers ran him to our clinic that we have here and tried to get his temperature down." Emergency protocols were immediately activated, with staff and volunteers rushing Rocky to the facility's on-site clinic where they attempted to reduce his body temperature through IV fluid treatment. When these interventions failed to stabilize the dog, he was transferred to the main Doral shelter for advanced veterinary care, but medical staff were ultimately unable to save him. Recent facility tours by 7News revealed approximately a dozen industrial fans scattered throughout the Medley location, with kennel thermometers previously photographed showing temperatures reaching 91 degrees. Former volunteers criticized the fan placement to the news outlet, noting that some units blow air horizontally into concrete walls rather than providing direct cooling relief to animals. Additional cooling measures include continuous cold-water access, shaded play areas for exercise, and small pools for animal use. Miami-Dade Animal Services (@adoptmiamipets) wrote in a statement on Instagram last Saturday: "We are aware of the circulating concerns and discussions regarding the tragic recent loss of Rocky (#A2684435), and as always, we are committed to transparency and providing clarity. Our priority is to keep our community informed, and it is important to us that you hear the full details of what transpired to assure you that we are handling this with the same care and respect that we provide for all the animals in our care." "Today, our hearts are heavy as we share the loss of Rocky, a dog who had been with us at our Medley shelter since May. This morning, Rocky was bright and alert-even playfully jumping around in his kennel. He was housed inside the shelter where large fans run 24/7 to keep air circulating for the comfort of our pets. He and the other pets have access to play pools as well." The agency continued: "Around noon, a diligent volunteer observed Rocky lying down in his kennel with vomit present and promptly notified the staff. He was quickly assessed and, though still alert and able to walk, he collapsed near the play yard. Medical staff responded immediately, administering fluids and swiftly transferring him to our Doral clinic for more extensive care." "Upon examination, our veterinarians determined that Rocky was gravely ill and made the compassionate decision to humanely euthanize him to prevent further suffering. While we are still uncertain about the exact cause of this sudden condition, we have sent samples to the lab for analysis in hopes of uncovering more information." The animal service concluded the statement: "We want to assure our community that Rocky was never alone during this difficult time. From the moment a volunteer noticed something was wrong, to his final moments in the care of our veterinary team, he was surrounded by people who cared deeply and acted quickly to help him. In the end, he was met with kindness, love, and dignity. He was not just another animal in our care - he was a living being who touched the hearts of many." "We remain committed to the safety and well-being of every animal entrusted to us. The loss of Rocky is a painful reminder of how vulnerable these animals can be, and why we need our community's continued support to help us find them loving homes." A concerned Instagram user named @erinsharoni asked the agency: "Can you address the allegations that there are only 3 working fans in the Medley facility when just one year ago with the community raised $15,000 to purchase seven fans from @bigassfans that are now nowhere to be found?" Miami-Dade Animal Services continues investigating Rocky's death while awaiting laboratory results to determine the exact cause. Related Articles Major IRS Changes Coming for Business Tax Audits in 2025Dangerous Heat Wave Threatens Over 30 Million Across SoutheastKristin Cabot Pictured for First Time Since Kiss Cam, Without Wedding RingCould South Park's Trump Attack Cost Paramount? Legal Experts Weigh In 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Miami Herald
29-05-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Vibrant new artwork at animal shelter reminds us that retired guide dogs can be adopted
Eva is a super dog in every way. And now she is being celebrated by every person who walks through Miami-Dade County Animal Services. A 36'x36' mixed media artwork called 'SUPER EVA' is now on display as a reminder that even service animals can be adopted once they retire. The real subject of the art is the retired guide dog of Miami Lighthouse's President and CEO, Virginia A. Jacko. Eva was adopted when she got older and is now enjoying life with a beloved family. Her vibrant portrait was unveiled on International Guide Dog Day at Miami-Dade County Animal Services. SUPER EVA has black beaded ears, a pink beaded mouth and blue foam glasses. She wears a bedazzled multi-colored guide harness and a purple glitter cape. On her forehead is a triangle superhero symbol, emblazoned with the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind logo. 'SUPER EVA was made by program participants in our Senior Group Activities Program honoring the impact that guide dogs have in the lives of people with visual impairments,' Jacko said. 'On International Guide Dog Day, we celebrated the life-changing bond between guide dogs and the people they serve. Through the collaboration between Miami-Dade Animal Services and Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, we aim to deepen public understanding and appreciation for these incredible service animals and the freedom they help make possible,' she said. 'SUPER EVA is a symbol of both Miami-Dade County Animal Services and Miami Lighthouse's mission to raise awareness of the critical role of service animals and provide essential support to individuals with vision loss,' said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who attended the ceremony. Annette Jose, director of Miami-Dade County Animal Services, said the shelter is honored to showcase the beautiful artwork. 'It not only underscores the profound impact service animals have on the lives of individuals who are visually impaired but also serves as a powerful reminder that many retired service animals, like Eva, deserve a second chance at adoption, allowing them to thrive in loving homes,' Jose said. Eva was raised and trained at Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Yorktown Heights, New York. You can visit Miami-Dade County Animal Services Pet Adoption and Protection Center at 3599 NW 79th Ave., Doral. FREE ECO COURSE FOR STUDENTS 'Bending the Curve' is the 2025 Tropical Audubon Society summer course open to high school students who love the natural world. Learning is structured with a virtual Zoom component for remote flexibility, and with in-person events to enhance networking. field trips are planned to Everglades National Park and A.D. (Doug) Barns Park to bring studies to life. The program is designed to inspire students to activate their 'Tropical Audubon Ambassador' education and foster 'conservation through community.' They can also earn up to 30 community service hours. The series is June 30-July 26. Aspiring High School Ambassadors will receive advocacy training from environmental experts and gain a deeper understanding of our region's indigenous wildlife and cornerstone ecosystems — The Everglades, Biscayne Bay, Pine Rocklands and Tropical Hardwood Hammocks. Apply by 5 p.m. June 20, at or POINCIANA FESTIVAL JUNE 7-15 Celebrate the seasonal flowering trees now in bloom at the 88th Annual Royal Poinciana Festival. This annual event, sponsored by the Tropical Flowering Tree Society, begins June 7 with a free walking tour of South Miami Avenue and Simpson Park and ends June 15 with a trolley tour in the Coral Gables area. More events include another free walk, a 'cocktail party with a paintbrush,' and a yoga class at The Kampong on Biscayne Bay. The Kampong in Coconut Grove protects Miami's oldest royal poinciana, chosen by the Fairchild family, and other majestic poincianas, including some rare yellow flowering cultivars. The opening reception, 6-9 p.m. June 8 at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, features a special display of paintings of the Florida Highwaymen by Mark Lerner and piano music by Brian Murphy. Dinner and presentations will follow, including the 2025 Royal Poinciana Fiesta Queen and Court scholarship recipients and the Larry Schokman Book Award recipient. Poinciana cake and the famous Royal Poinciana Punch will then be served. On June 12, you can celebrate flowering trees and help plant eight poinciana trees and one Cassia bakeriana in the Town of Cutler Bay. More about all events at FOUNDATION AWARDS STUDENTS The Coral Gables Community Foundation has awarded a record-breaking $3.25 million in college scholarships to 202 students. The donor-directed funds celebrate the academic excellence of students across Miami-Dade County. 'This historic year for the Scholarship Program is a reminder of what's possible when passionate donors come together to uplift the next generation,' said Michael Walsh, chair of the Coral Gables Community Foundation's board. 'Every dollar awarded reflects someone's belief in the power of education, and in these students' potential to lead, give back and change the world.' The impact was especially strong this year thanks to a transformational $2.88 million gift from the Stamps family. The Stamps awarded $20,000 scholarships to the top two academic performers at each of Miami-Dade's 64 public high schools and eight Catholic high schools. Each award is paid in four annual installments. 'We believe deeply in the power of education to transform lives, and we're proud to support — in partnership with the Coral Gables Community Foundation — these exceptional students as they take the next step toward achieving their dreams,' said Mary Snow, executive director of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation. There were more than 800 applications submitted by students in several states, a testament to the program's growing reputation and reach. More at Write to ChristinaMMayo@ with news for this column.
