Dog News

Social Media Saves Ernie from Euthanasia

by Katherine

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We’ve all seen the online pleads animal lovers post on different social media sites asking the public to help them save a dog. Well, for Ernie, a 3-year-old mixed breed dog from Orlando, Fla., a Facebook post saved his live.

Ernie arrived at Orange County Animal Services on Feb. 3, 2014, but since then no one showed any interest in him. The organization had posted his picture on their website but no one came forward to adopt him.

Ernie's life was saved by a social media post. Photo Credit: Orange County Animal Services/Facebook
Ernie’s life was saved by a social media post. Photo Credit: Orange County Animal Services/Facebook

 

Three weeks later, Ernie was scheduled to be put down, but thanks to a last minute effort on Facebook, he was saved.

Diane Summers of Orange County Animal Services took to Facebook on Feb. 21, 2014, to save the dog’s life. She posted pictures and a message that read:
“Facebook fans Ernie needs your help! This smart boy has had no luck finding a home and he is very short on time. We cannot believe this sweetheart has not been adopted. He loves to play fetch, get belly rubs and he knows how to give paw. If you have room in your heart and your home, don’t hesitate to adopt Ernie today!”

Two hours later, Ernie had found a forever home.

“We posted Ernie as a last-ditch effort, and our Facebook fans shared him like crazy and it worked,” Summers told Fox Orlando. “That is the quickest turn around we’ve ever seen on our Facebook page.”

Ernie now enjoys the good life next to his forever mom.

Ernie poses with his new mom and shelter volunteer. Photo Credit: Orange County Animal Services/Facebook
Ernie poses with his new mom and shelter volunteer. Photo Credit: Orange County Animal Services/Facebook

 

Social media plays an important role in saving many pet’s life. Potential adopters use websites and social media sites to look for companion pets.

Don’t underestimate the power of online communities, if you can’t adopt please share the posts. You never know how far a share can go into saving an animal’s life.