Month after month, new and fuzzy faces enter the Humane Society of Greater Miami to be cared for until a loving family comes and sweeps them off their feet (or paws) and into a forever home. For most of our animals, the time between entering the shelter and bidding the staff, volunteers and other animals adieu as they go home with a forever family is fairly brief. Unfortunately, we cannot say this for all of our animals. Five pets have had a particularly difficult time finding their true matches during their stay at the Soffer and Fine Adoption Center. We call them “The Familiar Five.”
The Familiar Five are made up of three dogs, Rocco, Harley and Gypsy, and two cats, Mufasa and Estelle. Each of these animals has a unique personality with different needs in regards to the family that takes them home forever. But they all could use all the help they can get in finding a home. We could tell you all about these pets as we have grown to know and love them, but we think it’s best if we let each of them tell you their own story.
ROCCO:
“Hey, I’m Rocco! As you can see I’m pretty adorable, if I do say so myself; but believe it or not I wasn’t always this handsome. When I was abandoned at the Humane Society I was scrawny and all covered in mange. That was over three years ago, though. Yup, you heard it right; I’ve been here for more than three years, which makes me the shelter’s longest resident. I know this place like the back of my paw. Everyone here knows my name and knows I give the best hugs and kisses. Although it may sound cool, being the longest resident of the Soffer and Fine Adoption Center is not all it’s cracked up to be. Three years is a long time, and even longer in dog years (21 in dog years to be exact!)
Yeah, it’s nice to be hugged and loved by everyone here, but at the end of the day they all go home to their families while I stay in my room, still orphaned and with a void in my heart. Plus, I’m stuck living around all of these other dogs. I need humans in my life. All I really want is a human family that will adopt me and take me into their home in a new County where I can be accepted unconditionally for my human loving, pit bull ways.”
MUFASA:
“The Humane Society’s very own Lion King; yup, that’s me! Come by the shelter and you’ll likely see me perched atop the highest bed looking down at what has become my kingdom. And by the looks of things I’m not sure if I’ll ever get to know another kingdom. Don’t get me wrong, this place is great. I love making kitty friends and play- ing with toys, but it’s kind of hard to have a ‘Hakuna Matata’ mentality when you spend day after day in the same place with no sign of ever getting out. I know I may not be the most affectionate feline when it comes to humans, but I am the perfect cat to take home to accompany another cat! I just need someone who understands my need for independence but still sticks by my side. Know anybody?”
HARLEY AND GYPSY:
“Hey, I’m Harley and the black beauty attached to my hip is my partner in crime, Gypsy! The two of us have been together through thick and thin. Before we entered the Humane Society of Greater Miami, we were just two, skinny little dogs roaming the streets in search of a place to call home. Luckily, one day we were saved by a woman who helped us become healthy and strong again, and then brought us to the shelter in hopes that we would soon find a real home to call ours forever. Unfortunately for us, that day has not yet come. I know we might seem like a handful since we are a package deal, but would you buy a leash without a collar? That would be like having a Harley with no Gypsy. I am her protector and I cannot imagine a day not being by her side. We are the epitome of loyal and would love the chance to prove that to our future family. How can anyone deny a dynamic duo like us?”
ESTELLE:
“Hello there, I’m Estelle and I have been at the Humane Society of Greater Miami since 2012. If you look for me, I’m the one with the poker face, literally! I’ve got a spade shaped spot right on my little nose. And after spending so many years at the H u m a n e Society, I really do have to keep a poker face about still not finding a forever family. I know that I require a little more attention because of my medical needs, but I am seven years old, after all. Besides that, though, I can give some of these younglings a run for their money. I’m playful as can be. Roller balls and laser pointers keep me frolicking around for hours, and let’s not even talk about cat nip; I’m a total catnip addict.
At the age of seven, though, I am really ready to settle down into a forever home with a family that will take care of me; a family that I can give my love to in return. Hey, maybe the number seven really is lucky and this will be my year to finally get adopted! Paws crossed!”
At the Humane Society of Greater Miami, we deeply care for all of our dogs and cats and provide each of them with the love and attention they deserve. These Familiar Five, however, are in desperate need of the stability of a loving and permanent home environment. Now, more than ever, we are calling for the help of all animal lovers to help spread the word about these animals that are anxiously awaiting a real home.
Even if you cannot offer them your home, you can still help make a difference in their lives by being their ambassador and spreading the word about these forlorn pets looking for their forever families. Your voice can make a difference in these pets’ lives and bring them one step closer to being happily adopted.
For information about our Familiar Five, visit www.humanesocietymiami.org.
