Redland Rock Pit Abandoned Dogs Project in Miami
Redland, a rural section of southwest Miami-Dade County in Florida, has long been known as a dumping ground for unwanted dogs. Thanks to the dedicated work of the nonprofit FurPetVo, many abandoned dogs have found safety, care, and ultimately, loving forever homes.
A Landscape That Hides Suffering
The Redland area is made up of farms, nurseries, open fields, woods, and truck yards—where rigs park overnight. There are no streetlights, and cell service is spotty or nonexistent in much of the region. This isolation makes it easy for people to abandon animals without being seen. And even when they are spotted? “It’s mostly an area where locals aren’t likely to report each other,” says Cheryl Jackson, President and Co-Founder of FurPetVo. She’s devoted her life to rescuing these vulnerable animals—and she’s not alone.
How It All Began: A Facebook Post That Sparked Change
On June 28, 2015, a disturbing photo of an abandoned dog in Redland appeared on Facebook. Eleven compassionate animal lovers responded by heading straight to the location to help. That night, they met a courageous local woman who had been quietly feeding stray dogs in the area for ten years. “We made a commitment to her that no matter what, she would never have to do it alone again,” recalls Jackson.
One of their earliest rescues was an American Bulldog they named Reggie—a symbol of hope and resilience. The organization’s name, FurPetVo, reflects its roots: a blend of “Redland” and “Rock Pit,” the first two areas the group served. Since then, FurPetVo has expanded its reach to include Medley, Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, and Homestead.
Feeding First—Then Everything Else
Two years in, FurPetVo continues to deliver food and fresh water to every dog they encounter. “Our main goal is feeding; everything else comes afterwards,” explains Jackson. “We must make sure the dogs in our service areas get a meal every single day—no matter the weather, including holidays.” In South Florida’s sweltering heat, clean drinking water is just as vital as food to prevent life-threatening dehydration.
As FurPetVo shared videos and photos highlighting the crisis, rescue groups across the state began reaching out—offering to place dogs into permanent, loving homes.
A Lifeline, Not a Shelter
FurPetVo does not operate a physical shelter or handle direct adoptions. “We do not have a facility to house dogs,” says Jackson. Instead, they rely on a network of local foster families who provide temporary care until a reputable rescue partner—like Furever Bully Love Rescue in Orlando—finds the perfect forever home.
“We don’t see ourselves as a rescue organization,” Jackson clarifies. “We’re a liaison between a dog in need and a trusted pet rescue group—one that otherwise wouldn’t know the dog existed.” For this reason, FurPetVo doesn’t participate in adoption events or transport dogs to municipal shelters. Many shelters lack space for medium- and large-breed dogs—or worse, may euthanize them due to overcrowding.
When it’s time to bring a dog into care, FurPetVo takes them straight to one of their partner veterinarians. There, the dog receives immediate medical attention, vaccinations (as appropriate), and eventually, spaying or neutering. “An emaciated dog, for example, may need nutritional support first—so vaccines don’t overwhelm a fragile immune system,” Jackson explains. In the meantime, the dog stays with a loving foster family.
Cats, Too—Though Fewer in Number
While dogs are the primary focus, cats are also abandoned in Redland—though less frequently. At least four FurPetVo volunteers feed both dogs and a local cat colony daily, ensuring no animal goes hungry.
The Roots of the Crisis—and What Lies Ahead
Dog abandonment in Redland isn’t new—it’s been happening for decades. Strays include everything from mixed-breed mutts to purebreds like Chihuahuas and Rottweilers. Some weren’t deliberately dumped but were simply left behind when owners relocated from nearby communities. Uncontrolled breeding has only worsened the overpopulation crisis.
Even more troubling: dog fighting persists in parts of Miami-Dade County. “Yes, there is dog fighting—we find our share of bait dogs,” Jackson reports. These injured animals are often discarded after losing a fight. One such dog, Merlin, bore visible wounds and open sores when FurPetVo volunteers found him. Today, he lives happily with his forever family—placed through Furever Bully Love Rescue.
Looking ahead, FurPetVo’s immediate goals are clear: continue daily feeding operations and grow its volunteer base so that a different person can cover each day of the week. They’re also seeking new supporters to help fund vaccines, emergency vet care, and essential supplies.
“I don’t believe we’ll ever curb dumping until policies change and current laws are enforced—especially those requiring spaying and neutering,” Jackson says soberly. “As long as dogs keep mating, overpopulation will persist.”
Yet despite these challenges, FurPetVo remains steadfast—acting as guardian angels for dogs left behind.
How You Can Help
- Donate toward vet bills, food, transportation, and supplies via furpetvo.com.
- All contributions are tax-deductible, as FurPetVo is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
