Peter Pan. A true local gem.
Credit: Caitlin Miller / Abandoned Pet Rescue
Peter Pan has left the shelter.
After 1,389 days at Fort Lauderdale’s Abandoned Pet Rescue, the beloved Chesapeake Bay Retriever and terrier mix was officially adopted Tuesday, July 28, at 6 p.m. Staff members, volunteers and several of his biggest fans gathered for an impromptu farewell outside the shelter as the nine-year-old local celebrity headed home with his new family.
His adopter began where many pet searches do: scrolling through dogs online. Then Peter Pan and his unmistakable underbite appeared, bringing the search to an immediate halt.
Peter Pan arrived at APR in 2022 after being rescued from an overcrowded shelter, where he was severely underweight and on the euthanasia list. Over the next several years, he became the face of APR’s “Adopt a Dog” page, the nonprofit’s unofficial mascot and a favorite among volunteer dog walkers. He also amassed his own Instagram following and appeared on cans of Gulf Stream Brewing Company’s Four Legged Lager.
The Browardist team has met Peter Pen, and the fan club is warranted. Once harnessed, he is a stellar walking buddy who enjoys grass rolls, goofy play sessions and stopping mid-walk to deliver some world-class side-eye when he decides it is time to head back and he’s had enough.
His adoption is a win for every bigger, older and wonderfully weird shelter dog waiting for someone to recognize a best friend.
The good news doubled Tuesday: MaryAnn, who regularly greeted APR staff and prospective adopters near the front door for nearly two years, also went home with her family.
As of press time, Peter Pan’s departure leaves 18 dogs and 35 cats in APR’s 365+ Club, reserved for animals that have spent over a year at the shelter. Some have waited several years.
To meet the shelter’s remaining long-term residents and learn about adopting, visit abandonedpetrescue.org.
