JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Doc Tony, a well-known figure in the community, is not only recognized for his professional services but also for his deep love for animals.
Doc Tony has partnered with News4JAX to help bring awareness to our Passion 4 Pets initiative which highlights our commitment to animal rescue and advocacy within our communities
Doc Tony sat down with River City Live to share his lifelong connection with animals, tracing back to his childhood in the 1970s.
Growing up in a family that frequently rescued stray animals, he developed a profound affection for dogs and other creatures.
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“I’ve had a dog in my life my whole life,” he said, reflecting on his family’s tradition of rescuing animals, from dogs and cats to pigs and horses.
One rescue story that stands out in Doc Tony’s memory involves a dog named Pete, his first American Bulldog to appear on TV. After Pete passed away, Doc Tony was heartbroken. While searching for another dog to rescue, he stumbled upon a sad-looking dog on Facebook but initially scrolled past it.
Months later, during a visit to the Montgomery Correctional Facility’s TAILS program, he encountered the same dog, now part of a rescue effort. This serendipitous meeting led him to adopt the dog, who became known as Baby Blue, named after another beloved dog, Big Blue.
Doc Tony’s dedication to animal welfare extends beyond personal rescues.
With the help of News4JAX, He hopes his partnership with Passion 4 Pets will provide regular airtime for rescue animals, helping them find loving homes.
Press the play button above to hear his full story.