Candidate Matthew Sparks On Rescue Dogs

Matthew Sparks - Roxy’s Story

When Scott and I decided to expand our family two years ago, there was no hesitation.  We knew that we would adopt and began by researching online to see if any rescued dogs caught our eyes.  After a few weeks of looking and considering, we visited the Broward County Animal Care Center by the airport, which does great work for the Greater Fort Lauderdale community.  We saw one of their rescues online, fully intending to adopt that particular dog. When we arrived, our choice had already been adopted, and doing our best not to be discouraged, we decided to visit the rest of the kennels.  Winding through the barking and jumping, we came upon a cage that seemed to be empty, until a two scruffy pups popped out from under the skirted bed to welcome us with a bark and quite a bit of enthusiasm.  One was white and fawn and the other black and brown, obviously sisters.  They had arrived with their brother just the day before and had been found on the street, probably discarded by a puppy mill because at 6 months, they were too old to fetch a premium price.  They were still under quarantine, and we weren’t able to meet them, but we were smitten.  We took their information and left without a decision.  I left the next day for a trip, but had a discussion with Scott that evening.  We knew that the white and fawn little girl could be the right choice for us and Scott said he would go by the next day to see if she was still available.  Animal Care completed a free spay (a requirement for all adopted animals) and after a $10 adoption fee (a wonderful October Special) we brought our little girl, Roxy, to her forever home.  Potty training - easy (we know we’re very lucky).  Barking at her reflection in mirrors, and windows and anything else reflective - not so easy, but it’s gotten better.  She is the queen of her domain and loves to lie on the concrete by the pool to survey her kingdom on a warm summer afternoon before coming in to have her favorite treat, a baby carrot.  For anyone considering adding a furry member to your family, please visit your local shelters.  Our newest rescue in Oakland Park, United Dog Rescue (uniteddogrescue.org) is already doing great work at their Commercial Boulevard location, and Animal Aid (animal-aid.com) on Prospect and NE 6th Ave does a wonderful job with smaller dogs and cats.  As Commissioner, I will work to ban puppy mills and the stores who use them.  Roxy was one of the lucky ones, and we are certainly lucky dads, but there are too many animals who are mistreated and abandoned.  Let’s make sure we get them into happy and caring homes!

Matthew Sparks

Candidate for Oakland Park City Commission

OaklandSparks.com