Two of Abandoned Pet Rescue's Longest Residents Have Finally Been Adopted | |
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Harper's Happy Ending
Harper arrived at Abandoned Pet Rescue when she was just four months old. For more than 11 years, she watched other cats find families while she waited for her own, eventually becoming APR's longest resident cat.
When Lisa and Norah came across Harper's story online, they knew they had to meet her. It didn't take long for them to realize she was the missing piece of their family. After more than a decade of waiting, Harper finally walked out of the shelter and into the loving home she always deserved.
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"We chose to adopt Harper because we loved her sassiness, but also it breaks our heart to see a senior cat living out her years without a home"
– Harper's Adopter, Lisa
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Peter Pan's New Adventure
More than four years ago, Peter Pan was rescued from a high-kill shelter and given a second chance at Abandoned Pet Rescue. Since then, he's become more than just a shelter dog. He became an ambassador for our mission. From appearing on beer can labels to starring in campaigns and community events, Peter Pan became the face of hope, resilience, and the belief that every pet deserves a happy ending, no matter how long it takes.
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| This week, that happy ending finally became his own. Surrounded by staff and volunteers who came in just to celebrate him, Peter Pan left APR for the very last time, flying off to Neverland with the family he'd been waiting for. | |
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Clear the Shelters Starts Now
Harper's and Peter Pan's stories are just the beginning. Throughout August, Abandoned Pet Rescue is joining NBCUniversal Local's 12th annual pet adoption and donation campaign, Clear the Shelters presented by Hill's Pet Nutrition, to help even more dogs and cats find the loving homes they deserve.
From August 1st to 31st, every donation to Abandoned Pet Rescue will be matched dollar for dollar up to $20,000, helping twice as many pets get the care they need while they wait for their forever families.
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Meet Sammy, the Fort Lauderdale Rescue Rog Running Her Way to a New Family
Susannah Bryan & Carline Jean | Sun Sentinel
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Cat Family Left in Bird Cage Outside Shelter, Two Sisters Not Yet Adopted Have Something to Say About That
Megan Marie & Amy Bojo | Love Meow
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LONNIE
1,702 DAYS WAITING
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Meet Lonnie, a 5-year-old gentle orange-and-white sweetheart who loves sunny naps and the quiet company of calm cats or mellow dogs, making him a wonderful fit for a peaceful home.
He has mild arthritis, but thanks to Abandoned Pet Rescue's Medical Adoption Program, his future arthritis care is covered if needed. If you're looking for a laid-back, loving companion, Lonnie is ready to brighten your home.
| | Sophie is a dedicated dog walker and handler, bringing our adoptable pups to community events to help them find homes. She also keeps our adoption board at the shelter up to date, highlighting the pets who have been adopted or are on their way home each month. In 2025, Sophie adopted APR's longtime resident, Cici, giving her the happy ending she'd waited for. | |
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"My favorite part of volunteering with APR is having the privilege of showing our animals love while they wait for their forever families. I am eternally grateful for the staff and volunteers who poured their love into my dog, Cici, while she waited over a year to be adopted. I still get emotional thinking about the people who came to send her off the day I brought her home. It's incredibly rewarding to now be part of that same village, building connections with our animals and celebrating when they finally go home."
– Sophie
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Starlight Musicals
Friday, August 7 AND Friday, August 14 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
| Enjoy free summer concerts under the stars at Holiday Park with live music, food, and fun for the whole family. Stop by the APR booth to meet adoptable dogs from Fort Lauderdale’s no-kill shelter and donate pet food or supplies to help local rescue pets. | |
Pet Supermarket
Saturdays | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
| Meet our adoptable dogs and cats at Pet Supermarket every Saturday for the first three weeks of the month from 12–2pm. It’s a great chance to spend time with them outside the shelter and see if you’ve found your perfect match! | |
Go Healthy Pet's 3rd Annual Fundraiser & Adoption Event
Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
| Day of event, 10% of store sales benefit Abandoned Pet Rescue, meet adoptable pets and win great raffle prizes. Raffle tickets are on sale now! | |
The Brady Hunter Foundation Mural Project
Abandoned Pet Rescue's Volunteer Committee and Lake Ridge Civic Association collaborated with our friends at The Brady Hunter Foundation, The Aksenyushkina Foundation and local artists to create a beautiful mural at our no-kill animal shelter featuring some of APR's longtime residents while spreading the message of pet adoption. Together, we painted colorful plant pots bringing joy and color to neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale.
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Mary Ann's Yappy Hour
What was meant to be an adoption event became a celebration! Just days before Yappy Hour, Mary Ann was adopted, after waiting over 600 days. Her forever family brought her to the event to celebrate with the community. Thank you to Lucky One Lemonade, Aruba Beach Cafe, The City of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and everyone who joined us in celebrating her happy ending.
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Amex Volunteer Day of Service
Thank you the American Express networks, Pride+ and Green2Gether, for giving back to our shelter pets. From bathing pups, socializing cats and cleaning up the neighborhood, every helping hand makes a difference.
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Barks & Badges
Our adoptable dogs had a blast at Huizenga Park with The Fort Lauderdale Police Department and their K-9 Unit. Thank you to the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority for hosting this educational and pup friendly event!
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Pups & Pints
Thank you to Gulf Stream Brewing Company and Pizzeria Magaddino for a good time and giving our adoptable dogs a chance to shine.
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Abandoned Pet Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
A copy of official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Florida Division of Consumer Services at 1-800-435-7352 or FloridaConsumerHelp.com. Registration does not imply endorsement.
| | Abandoned Pet Rescue | 1137 NE 9th Ave | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 US | | | | |
