- January 1, 2025
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Helping those in rehabilitation has always been a part of Caroline Johnson's adult life — but where she used to help human patients in rehab, now she dedicates all her time to helping rehabilitate and re-home rescue animals through her nonprofit, S.M.A.R.T. of Flagler County.
Johnson said she was first inspired to go into rehabilitation and mental health care because her father, who struggled with drug addiction and died when she was just 14. She dedicated her career to helping people in recovery, but was forced to retire from the field after a debilitating car accident in 2008 left her unable to physically do the job anymore.
She and her family moved to Palm Coast soon after her accident, she said. Then, in 2009, she adopted her dog Bosco, which inspired her to volunteer at the Flagler Humane Society shelter.
In September 2022 she said she left her volunteer work at the Flagler Humane Society to begin S.M.A.R.T.— Saving Missing Animals Response Team — with the goal of helping local families. The nonprofit is run entirely through Johnson's dedication and volunteers and foster families.
"I started S.M.A.R.T. with the intention of helping, like the lost dogs that we find that are maybe hit by cars or something," she said. "So more of the emergencies."
But in just a matter of weeks S.M.A.R.T. began growing. Now, two years later, the nonprofit is undeniably an indispensable part of Flagler County's animal rescue scene. Johnson answers calls for lost pets, injured dogs or cats, and even strays that seem aggressive to others.
My mindset is to just give the dog every chance of survival and rehab."
— CAROLINE JOHNSON, founder of S.M.A.R.T. of Flagler County
S.M.A.R.T. doesn't just return animals to their homes, it will find foster families and new homes for them. All the animals her nonprofit recovers get a vet checkup, Johnson said, and if they're injured or are a little people-aggressive at first, she sees to it that the animal gets the medical care and behavioral training it needs.
"My mindset is to just give the dog every chance of survival and rehab," she said.
Flagler County Sheriff's Office Deputy Laura Jenkins said Johnson is her first phone call when she finds a stray or injured dog while out on patrol.
"She's just always available and always wants to be there," Jenkins said.
FCSO Detective and K-9 handler Annie Lagana said she ensures Johnson's phone number is included in all the trainees' introduction booklets. That way, she said, they know to call Johnson about lost or injured dogs any time, day or night.
Lagana met Johnson at many of the county's local events, and came to know her as a "fellow animal lover and advocate." Lagana said the community needs to have more of a "team effort" in resolving the stray animal problem in the county.
"That's where Caroline comes into the picture, because she is 24/7, seven days a week," Lagana said.
Lagana said she has always been involved with animals in some form, but she's never seen someone with a way with animals like Johnson has.
"She was definitely blessed with the ability to be able to communicate with and handle animals," Lagana said.
Part of Johnson's local notoriety comes from managing the Lost Pets of Palm Coast & Flagler County Facebook page. Johnson said she will post on there for help finding a missing animal or for help
Often times, she said, she receives the help she needs within a day, including donations to help with medical costs. It's very rewarding and heartfelt, she said, to see the trust the community has in her.
"People are so good," Johnson said. "Our community is so filled with animal lovers, and they're so generous and so kind."
The Facebook page is also the place people contact Johnson about lost pets or strays seen. From there, Johnson will work with her team of volunteers to either find or house the lost pets.
I've never met anyone that is as dedicated to these animals as she is."
— ERIN BLAIS, S.M.A.R.T. volunteer
Erin Blais joined the small number of Johnson's regular foster homes in January, when she took in seven puppies to help Johnson out. A year later, Blais said fostering and helping with S.M.A.R.T. events has become a family affair.
Her 10-year-old daughter, she said, wants "to be just like Caroline" when she grows up.
"The woman is just nonstop," Blais said. "I don't know how she sleeps or when she sleeps."
The biggest downside, Blais said, is seeing the dogs come in in all kinds of poor conditions. It can be very draining, but, she said, how can she slow down when Johnson is always giving it her all?
"I see Caroline's dedication, which inspires me to keep going," Blais said. "...I've never met anyone that is as dedicated to these animals as she is."
Johnson said that it is draining and heartbreaking to see the condition of some of the animals she's called out to rescue, some malnourished, injured or abused. But she is determined — nothing will stand between her and helping an animal in need, regardless of the cost.
"What is consoling for me is knowing that I'll give everything to them. I'll do everything that has to be done," Johnson said. "I won't euthanize because of what it costs to help them."
