Latest news with #ReganBlessinger
Miami Herald
20-03-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Overlooked dog kept being rejected at shelter. Then the right family came along
An overlooked dog kept being rejected at a Florida shelter — then the right family came along. 'Despite being a great dog, he was turned down by many visitors due to his size, energy, and breed,' the Humane Society of Tampa Bay wrote March 17 in a Facebook post. 'Until this weekend!' That's when Rocko the dog finally got a new home after two months of waiting. 'Everyone at HSTB was so excited to see Rocko get adopted,' Regan Blessinger, marketing and content manager for the humane society, told McClatchy News in an email. 'He was such a happy and fun dog, and we are not only happy he got adopted but got adopted to the right family who understands his activity level.' The shelter shared the heartwarming news after Rocko was surrendered for being 'too active.' As he waited for a new owner, he became known as a playful, 77-pound bull terrier mix. Then, after several visitors passed him over, he caught the eye of a family who had recently lost their beloved dog. They thought Rocko looked similar to their late pup, and his one brown ear captured their hearts. 'He's super goofy, we can't wait to bring him home to our place,' the family told the shelter. 'We have 3.5 acres, so he will have all the space to run around and explore.' Facebook users couldn't get enough of Rocko's story, which garnered more than 1,800 reactions within four days of being posted online. Several people shared comments congratulating the dog on starting his next chapter.
Miami Herald
04-02-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Dog in shelter 100 days had fans ‘rooting' for him to get a home. Then came good news
A dog who spent months living at a shelter built up quite a fan base — but his luck didn't end there. After more than 100 days of waiting for a second chance, Fred the dog finally was adopted in Florida. 'Everyone is so excited that he got adopted,' Regan Blessinger, marketing and content manager for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, told McClatchy News in a Feb. 4 email. 'More than just the staff have been celebrating. A lot of people in the Tampa Bay community were rooting for Fred to find his home so it was a great day!' The shelter shared the heartwarming update after a journey that started in September. Fred landed at the shelter when his past owners suffered medical issues. 'Fred was so happy and goofy,' Blessinger wrote. 'He loved attention and being out, but only for a little bit because he prioritized his nap time!' Over time, Fred also became known for his love of riding in cars. While on one adventure outside the shelter, he enjoyed 'looking at the squirrels' and 'sniffing all the things,' the humane society wrote in a past Facebook post. Then in late January, WTVT reported that Fred — the longest resident at the shelter — needed a new owner to care for his health needs. A family saw him on the news and felt he was the right fit for their home. One of the relatives 'knew Fred was meant to be theirs after waiting 14 months since the loss of their previous dog. When they arrived at the shelter fate took over and the family started bonding,' the animal organization wrote Feb. 3 on Facebook. Then came the good news that the family adopted Fred, ending his time at the humane society. Several social media users congratulated the pup as he settled in with his new owners.
