Colby Jack – The Florida Pup Who Became Family

Let me set the scene: I walk into Broward County Animal Care, ready to take a pup out for the day, and I see him. Colby Jack.

Seven years old, curled up in the back of his kennel, looking like the actual definition of heartbreak. I was calling to him and he barely lifted his head and in that moment I knew — him. I’m taking him out. He deserves a break.

I signed him out for a dog’s day out, and we headed straight to my work because, obviously, I needed everyone to meet my new best friend. My coworkers were obsessed. And let’s be real… so was I. Colby Jack had this quiet little soul and those eyes? Oof. Straight to your heart.

A few days later, I picked him up again. Mostly because the boy needed a bath (woooof), but also because I couldn’t stop thinking about him.

Dog’s Day Out is such a simple idea, but it can literally change lives. The dog gets to relieve stress, sniff new smells, touch grass (yes, that’s a thing), and you get to experience the magic of their personality outside of the kennel walls — which can actually help get them adopted. Win-win.

Of course, I’m texting my mom through all of this. Sending her photos of Colby Jack looking way too cute in my backseat, at the office, all fresh after his bath. And she’s like, “Wait… I’m obsessed. I want him.” Mind you, my mom lives in New Hampshire. I’m in South Florida. But when you know, you know. And she knew.

So right before his 8th birthday, my mom made it official — she adopted Colby Jack!! We arranged for him to be transported from the heat of Florida to the cozy woods of Hollis, NH. He traded concrete floors for snow piles and now lives his best New England dog life.

Oh, and she renamed him Mufasa. Honestly? It fits. He’s got king energy now.

And the best part? I still get to have him in my life — as my mom’s dog, my rescue nephew, and one of the first reminders of why this mission matters.

Want to change a dog’s life with just one day? If you're in Fort Lauderdale, click the link below to schedule an appointment for a Dog's Day Out!

Dog's Day Out

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