Hurricane Survivor Penny Is Broward County’s Longest-Resident Shelter Dog—Will She Finally Find Her Forever Home?

Hurricane Helene disrupted countless lives, and shelter animals were no exception to its devastation. Among them was Penny, a two-year-old Labrador mix evacuated from Madison County, Florida, just before the storm made landfall. Her journey led her to the Humane Society of Broward County, where she found safety but remained visibly rattled.

Upon her arrival, Penny’s fear was palpable. Too nervous to walk into the shelter on her own, she had to be gently carried inside by the staff—a stark reminder of the emotional toll disasters take on vulnerable animals like her.

Hurricane Survivor Penny Is Broward County’s Longest-Resident Shelter Dog—Will She Finally Find Her Forever Home?

Hurricane Survivor To Longest Shelter Resident

Penny’s life may have been saved from the hurricane, but she still waits for a forever home to give her the love she deserves. The Lab mix is the shelter’s longest resident. 

@humanebroward Even though she is our shelter's longest resident, her tail never stops wagging 💔 Meet Penny, our Walk Pet of the Week! This 2-year-old lab mix has been through a lot—she came to us after being evacuated from Madison County, Florida, ahead of Hurricane Helene. Penny arrived nervous and unsure, so much so that we had to carry her inside on her first day. Now that she's been here for almost 60 days, she has settled in and is incredibly loving and sweet. 🥰 Penny is a fast runner who loves to stretch her legs and has a lot of fun outside. Though she’s independent and sometimes absorbed in her own world, Penny adores gentle pets, walks great on a leash, and is selective in her choice of dog friends.  Penny is ready to find a forever home where she can finally feel safe and loved. Could you be the one to give Penny the loving home she deserves? 🏡💖 When you support our VCA Walk for the Animals fundraiser, like K9 Resorts of Pompano Beach, you are helping animals like Penny receive proper care and find a loving home. She would love to get adopted and attend the 2025 VCA Walk for the Animals! 💖 Our Walk is happening on Saturday, February 1, 2025at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Head to www.walk4theanimals.com to register today! 🌴 🐾 👟 If you’re ready to adopt, please complete a pre-adoption application and visit the shelter. If you have any questions, call 954-989-3977 ext. 6 after 11 AM. ❤️ #walk #rescuedog #shelterdog #adoptme #adoptdontshop #humanebroward #fortlauderdale #florida #dogreels #reels #southflorida #miami #browardcounty #dogs #dogoftheday #dogsofinstagram #instadog #instadaily #insta #dogshelter #animalshelter #labmix #pittiesofinstagram #mutt #walkfortheanimals #walkwednesda ♬ original sound – Humane Society Broward County

It’s truly surprising that Penny is without a forever home, given her sweet and loving nature. A member of the shelter, Cherie Wachter informs Inside South Florida about Penny saying, “When she first arrived, she was very nervous, but she’s really come out of her shell. She’s an absolute sweetheart, and her coat feels like velvet.” 

Thus, Penny has turned out to be one of the sweetest dogs ever as she loves nothing more than receiving gentle pats and belly rubs from people. 

Shelter’s Plea To Give Penny A Chance

Hurricane Survivor Penny Is Broward County’s Longest-Resident Shelter Dog—Will She Finally Find Her Forever Home?
Source: TikTok

Penny is the ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts. This beautiful black-and-white dog loves running, stretching her legs, and enjoying the great outdoors, making her perfect for hikes and adventures.

Additionally, Penny is a laid-back and independent dog who doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety. She’s perfectly content being alone for a while and walks wonderfully on a leash. 

Even though Penny is a bit selective when it comes to doggy friends, she would do best in a home with another dog. So, you are welcome to visit Penny at the shelter and slowly introduce your dog to see if they gel together. 

Hurricane Survivor Penny Is Broward County’s Longest-Resident Shelter Dog—Will She Finally Find Her Forever Home?
Source: TikTok

The shelter has chosen Penny as the Walk Pet of the Week and is urging people on TikTok to give this sweet girl a loving forever home. They are hosting the VCA WAlk of the Animals Fundraiser in February 2025 and they want Penny to attend with her new pet parent. 

A TikTok user, Lisa, has commented under Penny’s video, “OMG! I love her!!!! Boost this gorgeous girl.” Meanwhile, Kali, wrote, “She looks like the sweetest and most deserving little gal 💓💓💓” 

If you’re interested in Penny, fill out a pre-adoption application at the Humane Society of Broward County

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