Ask someone who’s adopted a big dog what they love about them, and you’ll hear things like: the wagging tail when they get home, the favorite toy that goes everywhere they go, or the way their dog settles beside them at the end of a long day. These everyday moments are at the heart of JHS’s new Go Big. Go Home Together. campaign, which celebrates adopted big dogs and the people who love them. Through a 30-second commercial, photos, and stories from their families, we’re sharing what life after adoption looks like and inviting more people to consider a big dog of their own.
We created this campaign because finding homes for larger dogs continues to be a challenge not only here in Jacksonville, but nationwide. According to Best Friends Animal Society, dogs weighing over 40 pounds wait nearly twice as long to be adopted as smaller dogs. At JHS, adoptions of dogs weighing more than 30 pounds declined from 2,185 in 2022 to 1,679 in 2025, approximately 23% fewer adoptions in three years.
One way we hope to help change this is to show what happens when someone welcomes a big dog into their home. Almost every dog featured in our campaign was adopted by JHS, and their families have shared stories that bring their personalities to life. From playful habits to quiet companionship, their experiences show how a big dog becomes a big part of their family.
For Santi’s adopter, Kenneth, welcoming another dog came after the loss of their adopted service dog of 15 years. They waited before considering adoption again, until a conversation with their pastor encouraged them to share their love with another dog. After leaving a service, they headed to JHS, where they met San Antonio, now known as Santi, and adopted him that day.
Santi has since become what Kenneth describes as a loving, hilarious “giant cuddle bear.” He’s happy to spend his time playing with toys, enjoying treats, meeting new people, or snuggling up for belly rubs. Kenneth says he does wonderfully with children and other animals, and his beautiful smile draws compliments wherever they go.
“Big dogs have big love and just want the same back,” Kenneth shared.
That love looks a little different in every home. For Santi’s family, it meant beginning a new friend; for someone else, it might mean having a reason to take a longer morning walk or having a couch companion during a quiet evening.
To give more big dogs and community members an opportunity to meet each other, JHS and the City of Jacksonville’s Animal Care & Protective Services (ACPS) are teaming up for a Go Big. Go Home Together. Adoption Event on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, from 10 am to 5 pm. Adoption fees will be waived for dogs and cats at both shelters throughout the weekend.
You can visit JHS at 8464 Beach Blvd., where ACPS will also have dogs on site, or stop by the ACPS shelter at 2020 Forest St., which will remain open during the event. While big dogs will receive some extra attention, dogs and cats of all sizes will be available to meet, and both teams will be ready to answer all of your questions and help you get to know them.
We invite you to watch the commercial, browse JHS adoptable pets, and make a visit part of your weekend plans. If adoption isn’t in your plans right now, sharing the campaign is another way to help. Your share could be the reason someone comes in to meet the dog they’ll one day tell stories about.