FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Eleven dogs got a second chance at comfort and safety this week after being moved from a rural shelter in Union County to the Humane Society of Broward County, just ahead of a drastic cold front expected to bring below-freezing temperatures to parts of the state.

The dogs, ages 1 to 10, had been housed in outdoor kennels at the Union County shelter. With dangerously cold weather forecast for the weekend, Florida Urgent Rescue (F.U.R.) transported the dogs more than 350 miles to Fort Lauderdale on Thursday.

Now safely indoors, HSBC officials said the dogs are settling into warm bedding and a climate-controlled environment.

They said shelter veterinary staff members will begin exams Friday, and most, if not all, of the dogs are expected to be available for adoption this weekend.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Florida Urgent Rescue for making this long journey and ensuring these dogs didn’t have to endure freezing temperatures outdoors,” said HSBC’s Cherie Wachter. “They’re clearly relieved to be inside, and we’re excited to help them find loving homes. We are also thankful to the South Florida community who donated blankets to help keep our animals warm.”

As temperatures drop across South Florida, HSBC is reminding pet owners to take extra precautions.

They said pets should be brought indoors, and dogs with thin or short coats may benefit from sweaters or jackets. Adding straw to outdoor enclosures can also help insulate animals from the cold.

HSBC is located at 2070 Griffin Road in Fort Lauderdale.

Adoption kennels open daily at 11 a.m., and appointments are not required. For more information, including how to complete a pre-adoption application, visit www.humanebroward.com or call 954-989-3977.

11 dogs rescued from rural Florida shelter ahead of cold snap

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Ryan Mackey