JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville’s Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) experienced a wave of cuteness and adoptions this week as a large group of dachshunds arrived at the shelter.
More than 70 dachshunds are expected over the next few weeks, with 16 already in the shelter and quickly claimed by adopters or rescue organizations.
Chief Michael Bricker explained the influx started with a call from a one-time breeding situation that got out of hand.
“We had a call from a one-time breeder who was just overwhelmed, in over her head. She needed some help. So, our officers went out there to see what the situation was, and she’s been great,” Bricker said.
About 10 of the dachshunds were adopted almost immediately, while six others were sent to rescue groups. One of the fortunate adopters is Bethany Michel, a Jacksonville TikToker known as Wubz.
Michel has been creating videos about ACPS’s “Dog Day Out” program for several months and recently posted a video about the dachshunds that has been viewed by over a million people.
“I’ve had some experience in the past where videos with other dogs have blown up, but never really to this extent,” Michel said.
She saw ACPS’s post about the dachshunds just two minutes after it was published.
“I made that video just to kind of spread awareness especially because they had an influx coming in. Never in a million years did I expect to get a million and a half views,” Michel added.
The dachshunds’ popularity was so high that the shelter had to put up a sign informing the public that no dachshunds were currently available for adoption. However, Chief Bricker emphasized there are still plenty of other dogs waiting for homes.
“You know, we have like 300 dogs here and those 16 helped another 20 or 25 get adopted that probably wouldn’t have got adopted that quickly. But that extra attention from all over is so helpful,” he said.
ACPS expects about 30 more dachshunds to arrive next week, with potentially another group after that.
Michel encouraged those interested in adopting a dachshund to stay connected to ACPS’s Facebook page.
“The Animal Care and Protective Services Facebook is where the first word is going to be out. So if you want a dachshund, you better get Facebook,” she said.
In addition to the dachshund adoptions, ACPS is offering free adoptions throughout the month as part of their “clear the cages” campaign.
Adoptable dogs will also be available this weekend at the Jacksonville Jaguars game during their “tailgate” event.