Palm Coast Animal Control & S.M.A.R.T. Team Up to Save Rebel

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Palm Coast Animal Control and S.M.A.R.T. Rescue, a stray bully mix named Rebel has found his forever home after a harrowing journey from the streets to safety.

On December 8, a concerned resident reported seeing a distressed dog struggling near Belle Terre Parkway. When Palm Coast Animal Control officers arrived with Caroline Johnson, founder of S.M.A.R.T. Rescue, they found Rebel weak and unable to stand properly. An embedded nail in his paw and other medical concerns made it clear he needed urgent care. After transporting him for evaluation, veterinarians discovered Rebel was also suffering from a severe kidney stone blockage.

Rebel’s medical expenses totaled over $4,000—an amount that could have determined his fate. Fortunately, S.M.A.R.T. Rescue stepped in to cover the full cost, made possible by generous community donations. Thanks to the support of local residents who contribute to S.M.A.R.T.’s mission, dogs like Rebel receive the critical care they need and a second chance at life.

With no owner able to care for him, S.M.A.R.T. Rescue stepped in to provide medical treatment and a safe foster home where Rebel could heal. In just a few weeks, his health and spirit were restored, and he found his forever family—a local household ready to give him the love and attention he deserved.

“This rescue was a true team effort between our Animal Control team, S.M.A.R.T. Rescue, and the compassionate residents who stepped in to help,” said Palm Coast Code Enforcement Manager Barbara Grossman. “Stories like Rebel’s show the power of our community when we work together to protect animals in need. But they also remind us of the importance of responsible pet ownership—providing medical care, ensuring pets are properly identified, and never abandoning them when they need us most.”

Palm Coast Animal Control plays a vital role in enduring the safety and well-being of pets and wildlife in the community. From reuniting lost pets with their owners to enforcing animal safety laws, their mission is to promote responsible pet ownership and protect animals from neglect and abandonment. Residents can learn more about their services at PalmCoast.gov/animal-control.

S.M.A.R.T. Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and rehabilitating animals, operates entirely on donations and the generosity of the community. They provide medical care, training, and adoption services for rescued pets. To support their mission, make a donation, become a foster, or adopt a pet in need, visit SMARTFlagler.com.

Watch Rebel’s journey from rescue to adoption in this special video recap: https://youtu.be/GIMqDvJK1Hs 

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