Gainesville Firefighters Team Up with Shelter Dogs
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A Heartfelt Collaboration Between the Humane Society of North Central Florida and the Gainesville Fire Department
Gainesville, FL – June 18, 2025 – The Humane Society of North Central Florida is proudly collaborating with the Gainesville Fire Department on a very special project: the 2026 Rescued Hearts fundraising calendar.
This calendar celebrates two of our community’s most devoted forces for good — City of Gainesville firefighters and shelter pets — each making our neighborhoods safer and stronger in their own unique way. From emergency response and fire prevention to the quiet comfort of companionship, this heartfelt collaboration is a tribute to courage, compassion, and the many forms that lifesaving service can take.
Over the past several weeks, adoptable dogs from the Humane Society have participated in photo shoots at various Gainesville fire stations—exploring the firehouses, climbing on trucks, and forming sweet bonds with the men and women who serve our city. These genuine moments of connection have been captured in a series of touching photographs that will fill the pages of the upcoming 2026 calendar.
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“We’ve taken some amazing pictures,” said Chelsea Bower, Executive Director of the Humane Society of North Central Florida, “but most importantly, it’s been moving to witness the compassion and love between the animals and the first responders. They each remind us just how critical our work is—from saving lives in emergencies to providing the comfort and mental health support that all too often only a pet can give.”
The 2026 calendar is about more than just beautiful images or remembering important dates. It’s a tool for education and impact. It will raise awareness about fire safety at home, highlight the lifesaving work of both organizations, and generate crucial funds to help homeless animals avoid euthanasia and find forever homes—while also supporting the mission of our fire department.
“We may wear different uniforms, but we share a common mission—to keep our community safe,” said Gainesville Fire Chief Joseph "Shawn" Hillhouse. “This calendar reminds us that compassion is a kind of courage, too.”
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Fire Chief Joseph "Shawn" Hillhouse with Bud and Executive Director Chelsea Bower with Smuckers
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We’re incredibly grateful to our local GEICO office for stepping up as the calendar’s first proud sponsor. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available, and we warmly invite local businesses and community partners to join this heartfelt effort.
Our goal is for sponsors to cover the production and administrative costs so that 100% of the proceeds can go directly to support lifesaving animal rescue efforts and the essential work of our fire department.
Together, we’re saving lives, spreading love, and keeping Gainesville strong—one calendar page at a time.
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About the Humane Society of North Central Florida
The mission of the Humane Society of North Central Florida is to eliminate the needless euthanasia of adoptable pets in our region—not only by finding them loving homes, but also by supporting pet owners through accessible, affordable services. These include a high-volume, low-cost spay and neuter clinic, a walk-in wellness and vaccine clinic, and a community pet food pantry. The Humane Society of North Central Florida is an independent, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the needless euthanasia of healthy and treatable pets in our region,receives no government support or is affiliation with national organizations such as the ASPCA or the Humane Society of the United States.
About the Gainesville Fire Department
The Gainesville Fire Department is dedicated to protecting lives, property, and the environment through emergency response, prevention, and education. Serving the City of Gainesville since 1882, the department provides fire suppression, advanced life support, technical rescue, and hazardous materials response.
In addition to emergency services, the department actively engages with the community through outreach programs that promote fire safety, disaster preparedness, and public health. Their commitment goes beyond crisis response—they’re here to serve, educate, and build a safer, stronger Gainesville for everyone.
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