Dog Waits 100 Days in Shelter as Staff Plead for Help
A Heartfelt Note Speaks for a Shelter Pet
Shelter pets often can’t speak for themselves, but compassionate rescue workers are always ready to become their voice. At the Humane Society of Broward County, a staff member recently took a moving step on behalf of a long-time resident by taping a handwritten note to the front of a kennel.
The note read, “I don’t understand why nobody wants me. I see people walk past my cage every day, but they don’t stop for me. I’ve been waiting since December… just hoping someone will finally see me.”
Behind the glass, curled up quietly, was Rio—a gorgeous cat with a calm demeanor who had been waiting for a loving home for more than 100 days.
Rio’s Special Needs and Endless Love
Rio’s extended stay at the shelter wasn’t due to a lack of charm or affection—it was largely due to a common condition known as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). This virus weakens a cat’s immune system, potentially making them more susceptible to infections. But contrary to common misconceptions, cats with FIV can lead long, happy, and normal lives with the proper care and a loving home.
Despite his condition, Rio’s personality made it impossible not to fall in love with him. He doesn’t enjoy being picked up, but he expresses his affection in other unforgettable ways.
According to Cherie Wachter, vice president of marketing at the Humane Society of Broward County, “He loves affection and will ask for pets and rubs all over you. He is sweet, cute, will meow for attention, and drools when he is happy.”
A Celebrity Assist: Benny’s Buddies Steps In
To give Rio an extra boost in finding his forever family, the shelter teamed up with Florida Panthers hockey player Sam Bennett. His program, aptly named “Benny’s Buddies,” helps fund adoption fees and amplify the stories of animals in need. Once Rio was selected as a “Benny’s Buddy,” his story reached social media networks and spread quickly.
The plan worked.
As Rio’s photo circulated the web, one adopter took notice. She visited the shelter wearing her Florida Panthers shirt and immediately knew Rio was meant to be hers. After completing the adoption, she renamed him Bennett—a fitting tribute to the player who helped bring them together.
A Happy Ending and a New Beginning
Now home with his new family, Bennett is thriving. The adopter has sent updates to the shelter, sharing how content and affectionate he’s become in his new environment. It’s a powerful testament to the life-changing difference a little empathy—and a little awareness—can make for shelter animals like Rio.
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Rio’s story is a reminder that every animal deserves to be seen, heard, and loved. With the caring support of shelter staff, innovative programs like Benny’s Buddies, and the unmatched power of human kindness, forever homes are closer than they may appear for countless shelter pets still waiting behind glass doors.
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