Created: 4/19/2006 4:12:46 PM 
By Victor Blackwell First Coast News
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Karen McGriff adopted, dogs, 'Chip' and 'Putt' a year ago.
"Everything has been changed. They sleep with us, live with us, eat with us," McGriff said. "They're just like it would be if they were our children," she added.
To keep them happy, she brings takes them to a dog park twice a day. To keep herself happy, she takes them almost everywhere.
As we approach hurricane season, McGriff is thinking ahead to evacuation plans and the shelters that could separate herself from her dogs.
"I don't know what we would do. I think we would find some kind of other alternative to ensure their safety and take them with us," McGriff said.
For the first time, Jacksonville is allocating at least four pet friendly shelters.
David Flagler with Jacksonville Animal Care & Control says the shelters will keep people safe, and their pets will keep them happy.
"The city certainly recognizes the close bond that people have with their pets and we're working to provide a place for them," said Flagler.
On clear days, life for Chip and Putt is a walk in the park. But when the rain pours and wind roars, McGriff hopes to keep them just as happy.
"In a stressful situation with a shelter, having these guys there would kind of cheer them up," McGriff said.
Pre-registration for the shelters begins June 1. To register, visit JaxPets, call 630-CITY or pick up a registration form at your local library.
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