Placed under the wing of the Humane Society of Broward County (United States), Mermaid barely raises her head when visitors pass by her box. But once outside, her behavior changes, as if she is breathing again… At 13 years old, this Springer Spaniel cross, who is the oldest of the shelter, hopes to find happiness within a loving family.
In a video posted on his account TikTok and relayed by the media Pet Paradethere Humane Society of Broward County told the story of the dean of his establishment, who responds to the sweet name of Mermaid (“ Siren » in French). “ Mermaid, aged 13, is the oldest dog in our shelter », Explain the volunteers, who know nothing about his past.
While waiting to realize his biggest dream, that of finding a retirement basket in a loving home, Mermaid tends to close itself in its shell. “ In her box, Mermaid is completely withdrawn, barely raising her head as visitors pass by. », confide his benefactors. Curled up, dejected, the graying ball of fur may even hesitate when a member of staff approaches it.
@humanebroward 13-year-old Mermaid is our shelter's oldest dog??? We don't know what her life looked like before she came to us, but we know what we want for her now: the happiest, most loving golden years possible? In her kennel, Mermaid is completely shut down, barely lifting her head when visitors pass by? But take her outside and a different dog appears. This lovebug comes alive, burrowing into your arms for affection, exploring every interesting scent, and even getting a little pep in her step when she feels playful? Mermaid arrived missing more than a dozen teeth and desperately needing dental care, which she has received from our clinic team. ???? Now Mermaid's greatest need is simply a home and a patient family who understands that senior dogs deserve a little extra TLC? At 13, Mermaid isn't asking for much, just comfort, patience, and someone to show her that the best part of her life can still be ahead? Mermaid's friends at JR Dunn Jewelers have kindly paid her adoption fee. If you would like to give this precious senior a loving home, please fill out a pre-adoption application online (link is in bio) and come to the shelter to meet her. The shelter is located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 and opens daily at 11 am If you have any questions, please call 954-989-3977
? original sound – Humane Society Broward County
A completely different dog as soon as she walks through the shelter door
However, it was enough to get her out for everything to change. Once outside, in the fresh air, Mermaid found a taste for life again, snuggled into the comforting arms of her benefactress to ask for cuddles and set off to explore each interesting smell. She even felt the urge to play! According to his guardian angels, Mermaid is actually a real ball of love.
The 4-legged resident thus has 2 faces, that of a dog who waits, motionless behind the shelter gates, and the one who only asks to be cuddled as soon as her arms open.
@humanebroward / TikTok (screenshot)
More than a dozen fewer teeth
Despite his moments of excitement outside, the senior dog does not enjoy perfect health. “ Mermaid arrived with over a dozen missing teeth and in urgent need of dental care, which she received from our veterinary team », Specifies the shelter.
At 13 years old, Mermaid don't ask much: Just comfort, patience and someone to show him that the best is yet to come. » The pretty ball of fur is looking for a loving family and aware that older dogs require special attention.
As a general rule, the latter do not leave the shelter first, unlike their younger siblings. As pointed out Parade Pets, Older dogs often come second to puppies, as adopters may be hesitant about possible health problems and a shorter life expectancy, while these good old companions still have plenty of love to give.
A helping hand for his future family
One last detail could make things easier! As revealed by the Humane Society of Broward Countyadoption fees Mermaid have already been settled.
All that remains is for her to put her paws down in a cozy little nest, where the oldest of the shelter can finally enjoy the happy retirement she deserves!