WUFT-TV/FM | WJUF-FM
1200 Weimer Hall | P.O. Box 118405
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 392-5551

A service of the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida.

© 2025 WUFT / Division of Media Properties
News and Public Media for North Central Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ocala boarding facility tasked with rehoming 21 abandoned dogs

Ocala boarding facility rehoming 21 abandoned dogs. (Jessica Wilkinson/WUFT News)
Ocala boarding facility rehoming 21 abandoned dogs. (Jessica Wilkinson/WUFT News)

When 21 dogs were left at DogWalker Ranch in July, owner Ayla Pritchard knew her small facility was in for a challenge.

She told WUFT News that the dogs were transported in stacked crates and in poor health. The dogs needed urgent care and attention, she said.

The situation stretched the facility’s resources thin, with medical bills piling up and GoFundMe donations quickly running dry. But when she asked the community for help, the community delivered—filling her lobby with food and supplies, she said.

Pritchard remains committed to her mission of providing a safe, loving space for every dog. Two of the 21 dogs have been adopted, three are in foster care and 16 remain at the ranch awaiting forever homes.

Ciara is a reporter for WUFT News who can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.
Jessica is a reporter for WUFT News who can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.


Subscribe to The Point newsletter

Sign up to get a daily morning email with a roundup of all the need-to-know news and information from our area and the state of Florida, curated by WUFT News.

* indicates required