PALM COAST, Fla. — After a harrowing journey from the streets to safety, a stray bully mix named Rebel now has a forever home.

Palm Coast Animal Control received a report on Dec. 8, 2024, about a distressed dog struggling near Belle Terre Parkway. Animal control officers found Rebel, who was weak and unable to stand properly with an embedded nail in his paw.

After they brought him in for evaluation, officials said veterinarians discovered Rebel was also suffering from a severe kidney stone blockage.

Animal control said S.M.A.R.T. Rescue, a nonprofit organization that helps rescued animals, stepped in to cover the $4,000 medical expenses since Rebel did not have owners to care for him.

(Rebel with staff at East Coast Animal Hospital/Courtesy: City of Palm Coast)

The nonprofit operates entirely on donations from the community and provides medical care, training and adoption services for rescued pets.

Rebel received the critical care he needed and got a second chance at life after a few weeks of recovery.

“This rescue was a true team effort between our Animal Control team, S.M.A.R.T. Rescue, and the compassionate residents who stepped in to help,” said Palm Coast Code Enforcement Manager Barbara Grossman. “Stories like Rebel’s show the power of our community when we work together to protect animals in need. But they also remind us of the importance of responsible pet ownership — providing medical care, ensuring pets are properly identified, and never abandoning them when they need us most.”

Since his rescue, Rebel has found his forever family with a Palm Coast couple.