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Friday, May 17, 2024

Longest resident in Marion County Animal Services history finally adopted

A four-year-old dog that spent 527 days under the care of Marion County Animal Services staff has finally been adopted.

On Saturday, August 5, Murphy’s lengthy stay at the shelter – the longest in Animal Services’ history – officially came to an end when his adoption was finalized, according to a social media post from Animal Services.

Longest resident in Marion County Animal Services history finally adopted
Murphy was adopted after spending 527 days at a Marion County animal shelter (Photo: Marion County Animal Services)

The staff at Animal Services highlighted that Murphy knows basic commands, gets along with other dogs, and enjoys activities such as fetch and swimming.

Longest resident in Marion County Animal Services history finally adopted
Murphy swimming in a pool just days before he was adopted (Photo: Marion County Animal Services)

Murphy is happy to trade in life at the shelter for a new home with a pool and nearby lake. “It’s Murphy’s DREAM LIFE!” stated Animal Services in the social media post.

Longest resident in Marion County Animal Services history finally adopted 1
Murphy was adopted in Marion County on August 5, 2023 (Photo: Marion County Animal Services)

While Murphy is happily settling into his new life outside the shelter, there are still plenty of other animals in need of forever homes. August is “Clear the Shelters” month, and Animal Services is waiving all adoption fees through August 31.

There’s never been a time like this for us – we are overcrowded and exhausted,” stated Animal Services on its Facebook page. “We need (Marion County residents) to adopt, foster, volunteer, share our posts, and tell everyone to head over to Marion County Animal Services to change a life.”

Pet visitation hours are on Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Marion County Animal Services (5701 SE 66th Street in Ocala).

For more information, or to view the animals that are currently available for adoption, visit the Marion County Animal Services website.