Howie and Flower Are Waiting for Their Second Chance at a Forever Home

by Sharon Aron Baron August 27, 2026

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Howie and Flower. {Broward County Animal Care.}

Howie has spent more than 200 days waiting for a home, while Flower has unexpectedly found herself back at the same shelter where her journey began seven years ago.

Now, both are hoping someone will give them the fresh start and forever home they deserve.

Both pets are available for adoption at Broward County Animal Care and are hoping to find their forever families.

Howie, a 4-year-old American Staffordshire terrier mix, arrived at the shelter at the beginning of February. After more than 200 days in a kennel, the 55-pound dog is now the shelter’s longest-staying resident.

Staff and volunteers describe Howie as sweet and playful. He loves treats, knows basic commands such as “sit” and “paw,” and is believed to be housebroken.

Shelter staff said the stress of spending months in a kennel can cause dogs to bark or behave differently than they would in a home, sometimes making it difficult for potential adopters to see their personalities.

Howie, whose identification number is A2469842, is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. His adoption fee is waived, with adopters responsible only for a $25 pet registration fee.

Flower, a 7-year-old domestic medium-hair cat, is also looking for a new beginning.

The 8-pound cat arrived at Animal Care as a stray in early August. When staff scanned her microchip, they discovered Flower had been adopted from Broward County Animal Care seven years earlier when she was a kitten.

Despite efforts to reunite Flower with her owner, she was not reclaimed and is once again available for adoption.

Shelter staff describes Flower as friendly and affectionate, with a particular love for being petted. Her medium-length coat also makes her especially fluffy and cuddly.

Flower, whose identification number is A2025734, is spayed, vaccinated against rabies, and microchipped. Her adoption fee is also waived, with only the $25 registration fee required.

Howie and Flower are available for same-day adoption at Broward County Animal Care, 2400 SW 42nd St. in Fort Lauderdale. The shelter is open daily for adoptions from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All pets adopted from Broward County Animal Care are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

More animals waiting for homes can be viewed at Broward County Animal Care.

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