JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — *UPDATE NOVEMBER 7, 8:56 P.M.*

On Facebook, ACPS revealed that a suspect has been apprehended in relation to the death of Miracle, who was later identified as Oak.

“Our goal was to see accountability,” said ACPS Chief Michael Bricker. “Thanks to the diligent efforts of the community, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and our Animal Services Officer Stratton, it appears we are on the path to achieving just that.”

According to a social media statement from JSO, they received “numerous” tips through social media and other channels, which led them to identify the suspect as 42-year-old Dawn Lipford.

“Thank you to the entire Jacksonville community for coming together to seek justice for this dog. Our partnership with First Coast Crime Stoppers once again shows the power of community and law enforcement working together,” JSO says. “We will not stand for animal cruelty.

Lipford was arrested Friday evening on felony animal cruelty.

The Jacksonville community is rallying together for justice for a young Great Dane, now named “Miracle,” who died after being found on the side of the road.

An $8,000 reward has since been posted for information on how the severely malnourished dog got into such a horrible condition. 

Perrin Todd works in the animal business and says she was heading to dinner when she noticed him on Jacksonville’s Northside Sunday.

“When I saw a white head pop up from the weeds against the fence, I couldn’t believe it,” Todd said.

“I’ve seen a lot of starvation cases over the years, I’ve done a lot of dog rescuing. This, by far, is one of the worst situations I’ve ever come across,” Todd said.

Todd says she quickly pulled over to help get the dog to safety. Flagging down multiple vehicles before one stopped to help her pick up Miracle and put him in the car.

With the help of good Samaritans like Todd, the dog made his way to Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS), where staff named him Miracle in hopes of a recovery. At that point, he was too far gone.

“He passed surrounded by staff members who had already gotten attached during their time caring for him,” wrote ACPS on social media. “Someone had failed Miracle a long time ago, and it is devastating.”

ACPS revealed that Miracle is believed to have been purchased from a pet store in 2023, making him less than three years old. This is believed to be a photo of him back then:

“It is the most heart-wrenching feeling knowing that what happened to Miracle didn’t just happen overnight. This dog has been suffering for weeks—maybe even months,” Todd told First Coast News.

ACPS, in partnership with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, has now launched an animal cruelty investigation.

Todd connected with Crime Stoppers — together putting up thousands of dollars for information leading to the person or people responsible. 

ACPS Division Chief Michael Bricker says by the end of their investigation, they hope there’s some justice.

“Accountability. We saw Miracle in the worst shape you can see in a dog — especially that size. We just want there to be some accountability,” Bricker said.

ACPS said Wednesday that they now have two solid leads in this case.

To be eligible to receive the cash reward, you must report what you know through Crime Stoppers. You can call them at 1-866-845-TIPS or visit FCCrimeStoppers.com