Nearly 850 dogs and cats found homes during the three-day Mega Pet Adoption over the weekend, including Tegan, a 9-year-old Labrador mix.
Shay Benson went to the event with her boss, who was looking for a dog. Then Benson saw the note on Tegan’s cage that said the senior dog had been in and out of the shelter several times.
Benson left, but couldn’t stop thinking about Tegan. She went back the next day and adopted Tegan from the Jacksonville Humane Society. (Several other groups, including Animal Care & Protective Services and First Coast No More Homeless Pets, also were part of the event.)
After a stop at Petco to get supplies, including a new bed, they went home. Benson’s husband said the 58-pound dog was too big, but she made it clear Tegan was staying.
“She’s doing outstanding,” Benson said. “That’s my baby.”
As for her husband, he’s been getting up early to take Tegan for walks. “I knew she was going to win him over,” said Benson, who is in the Navy.