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Finding Forever Homes: Rio And Royette’s Search For Love

South Florida Sun Times

Mar 13, 2025

Adoption is often a joyous occasion—the culmination of hope, patience and a fresh start for a furry friend in need. However, not all pets get the immediate attention they deserve. Some face obstacles that make it harder for them to find the right family.

Two such pets, Rio and Royette, are currently at the Humane Society of Broward County (HSBC), waiting for their forever homes. These loving animals have unique stories that deserve to be shared and with your help, their lives could be transformed.


Rio: A Sweet Senior Seeking Cuddles


Rio is a 7-year-old cat with a heart full of love and a calm demeanor. Despite his age and a condition that may scare some away, Rio has a lot of life left to live, but he’s been waiting far too long for someone to give him a chance. He’s been at the shelter since December, and as each day passes, it seems like potential adopters simply overlook him.


Rio’s biggest challenge? His FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) status. While an FIV-positive diagnosis may sound alarming, it does not mean he will live a short life. FIV is primarily spread through bites from an infected cat, so Rio's immune system is a little more vulnerable than other cats, making him more susceptible to illness. However, with the right care, an FIV-positive cat can live a normal, healthy life, especially if precautions are taken.


At the Humane Society of Broward County, the staff ensures that Rio’s condition is well-managed. Protective gloves are worn when handling him to prevent any risk of exposure to other shelter animals, and Rio enjoys a quiet life where he’s well cared for. His gentle, loving nature makes him the perfect companion for anyone willing to give him a home. Whether curled up on a couch or simply sitting nearby, Rio just wants to be loved and cherished.


Unfortunately, Rio’s FIV status has made finding him an adopter more difficult. People may see the diagnosis and walk away without considering the possibility of providing a caring home for this sweet senior cat. But Rio is more than his medical condition. He is a quiet, affectionate cat who will thrive in a home where he can feel safe and loved. Rio’s future is bright, but only if someone is willing to take that first step and offer him a chance.


What makes Rio’s situation even more heartwarming is that thanks to the kindness of Benny’s Buddies, Rio’s adoption fee has been fully paid. This means that there is no financial barrier standing in the way of bringing this sweet cat into your home. He simply needs a loving family to care for him in the years to come.


Royette: A Joyful Soul Ready for Her Forever Home


Royette is a 3-year-old dog with a zest for life that’s hard to ignore. She arrived at the Humane Society of Broward County after being transferred from a shelter where adoption traffic was low. Royette’s new environment has allowed her to shine. Staff members describe her as incredibly sweet, playful, and affectionate, especially when it comes to toys. If you’re looking for a dog who will entertain you with her playful spirit, Royette might just be the perfect fit.


While Royette’s personality is the epitome of joy, she hasn’t had an easy start. When she first arrived at HSBC, she tested positive for heartworm, a potentially life-threatening condition if left untreated. However, thanks to the shelter’s commitment to animal care, Royette received the necessary treatment to cure her of heartworm. Now, she’s ready for her new chapter.


Heartworm treatment is a significant undertaking, and it’s a testament to the shelter’s dedication that Royette is now healthy and full of life. She loves sunbathing, playing with toys, and, of course, receiving attention and affection from anyone she meets. Royette also appears to get along with other dogs, so if you already have a canine companion at home, a meet-and-greet at the shelter could be arranged to see if they’ll hit it off.


Like Rio, Royette’s adoption has been made possible thanks to the generosity of a kind donor. Dolly’s Dream, a program dedicated to helping dogs like Royette, has kindly covered her adoption fee and provided a starter pack of goodies to help her settle into her new home. This means that Royette’s potential family can focus on giving her the love she deserves without worrying about the cost of adoption.


The Importance of Adoption and the Shelter’s Role


Rio and Royette’s stories are just two examples of the many animals waiting for their forever homes at the Humane Society of Broward County. The shelter plays a crucial role in helping vulnerable animals find their families. Whether it’s providing medical care, socialization, or a safe haven from the uncertainty of the outside world, the Humane Society is dedicated to giving animals the chance at a better life. But they can’t do it alone. Without the community’s support, many animals like Rio and Royette would struggle to find homes.


Adopting a pet is not just about giving an animal a home. It’s about changing a life. Pets like Rio and Royette have so much love to offer, and they just need someone who will give them that love in return. By adopting from a shelter, you’re not just adding a pet to your family; you’re giving an animal a second chance.


Could You Be Rio or Royette’s Forever Family?


If you’re considering adopting a pet, Rio and Royette are waiting for you. Rio’s calm and affectionate nature makes him an ideal companion for anyone looking for a sweet cat to curl up with. Royette, with her playful spirit and joyful heart, would make a wonderful addition to a family who enjoys outdoor adventures and sunny days.


To meet Rio, Royette, or any other adoptable pet, you can visit the Humane Society of Broward County at 2070 Griffin Road in Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. The shelter opens its adoption kennels daily at 11:00 a.m., so you can stop by and learn more about the animals available for adoption.


If you’re interested, you can complete a pre-adoption application at: www.humanebroward.com - Or call the shelter at: (954) 989-3977. Extension#: 6 for more information.


Remember, adoption is an act of love. Could you be the one to offer Rio or Royette the forever home they deserve? Their hearts are ready to open to you. Are you ready to open your heart to them?

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