JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Local chiropractor and community figure Doc Tony is well known for his professional services—but today, he’s in the spotlight for a very different reason: his deep commitment to animal welfare.
As the driving force behind the Passion 4 Pets project, Doc Tony has teamed up with News4JAX to help find loving homes for Jacksonville’s shelter animals.
Throughout the daylong event on May 21, local shelters and rescue groups are showcasing pets ready for adoption, highlighting the urgent need for community involvement. The event is more than a pet showcase—it’s a passionate call to action from a man who has long believed in the bond between humans and animals.
“For me, animals have been part of my life since I was a little boy,” said Doc Tony. “I grew up around dogs, cats, horses, even donkeys and chickens. It was just a way of life.”
Related: Highlighting our commitment to animal rescue and advocacy with Doc Tony
His passion was deepened through a personal story. About 12 years ago, he rescued a dog named Toby, who had been abandoned in the cold, suffering from mange and a broken leg.
“He was skin and bones when I found him,” Tony recalled. “But he brought so much joy to my life. I just lost him last year. He was amazing.”
It’s stories like Toby’s that fuel Doc Tony’s dedication. Jacksonville, he warns, is in danger of losing its no-kill shelter status—a designation that ensures animals are not euthanized due to overcrowding.
“These dogs and cats can’t make it without us,” he said. “It takes a community to support a shelter.”
He praised local shelters for not only rehabilitating animals but also training them, preparing them for life in a forever home.
“They teach them tricks, how to sit, how to give paw,” he said. “Our shelters are doing incredible work.”
But adopting isn’t the only way to help. Donations of food, supplies, or time are equally vital.
“If you can’t adopt, you can volunteer. You can donate. It all makes a difference,” he said.
Doc Tony also offered a few tips for potential adopters: “Make sure your home is ready. Know your lifestyle. Don’t adopt a high-energy dog if you live in a small apartment. When you take that dog home, it’s part of your family. There’s no bringing it back.”
He also had high praise for the unsung heroes in the shelters.
“Some of these people are battling illnesses like cancer and still show up every day to care for these animals,” he said. “They are special people. God bless them.”
The Passion 4 Pets initiative continues throughout the day on News4JAX, where viewers can meet adoptable pets and learn how to help.
As Doc Tony puts it, “This is about saving lives and bringing joy to families—one adoption at a time.”
To view available pets or to support the cause, visit our Passion 4 Pets landing page.