Tears as Shelter Dog With Broken Teeth Patiently Waits To Be Noticed

Newsweek

5 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A gentle shelter dog named S'mores has broken the hearts of viewers online, after a viral video showing her forlorn expression behind the bars of her kennel gained traction on Facebook.
Cherie Wachter, vice president of marketing at the Humane Society of Broward County in Florida, where S'mores is being cared for, told Newsweek that the dog is "a super sweet, loving, and gentle girl."
Though she recently had a meet-and-greet canceled, another offer came through and she has now been adopted.
"She wants to be near you and loves to get belly rubs," Wachter said. "Our veterinary staff performed an extensive dental on S'mores and noted she has several broken teeth and is missing one, indicating she probably had a tough life."
The video, shared to Facebook by the shelter, has been liked more than 13,000 times and shows S'mores sitting quietly inside her kennel, peering out with a desperate, hopeful gaze.
A volunteer gently strokes her paw, a small gesture that underscores the affection the 5-year-old dog so clearly craves.
The shelter captioned the post: "She's breaking our hearts. It doesn't get sweeter than 5-year-old momma, Smores, Sadly, her life hasn't been very sweet so far."
The caption continues: "Her many broken and missing teeth tell us she's probably had a tough life. Not to mention all of the litters she's had. This doesn't stop Smores from being the most loving and gentle dog. All she wants is to stay near you, with her belly up for rubs."
S'mores the shelter dog sits in her kennel at Humane Society of Broward County in Florida.
S'mores the shelter dog sits in her kennel at Humane Society of Broward County in Florida.
Humane Society of Broward County
The shelter noted that S'mores appears to be fine with other dogs and knows basic commands such as sit. She walks well on a leash, comes when called and is motivated by treats.
"S'mores is a quiet girl who waits so patiently to be noticed," the post read.
Her story is marked by visible hardship. In addition to her dental issues, S'mores also tested positive for heartworm disease, a condition transmitted by mosquitoes that can be fatal if left untreated.
The Humane Society has begun her treatment, but it will require outpatient visits to complete and a quiet recovery period at home over the following two months.
"An important thing to note is that her new family will need to keep her quiet for the following two months to prevent side-effects of the treatment," Wachter said.
The shelter emphasized the need for heartworm prevention and noted that the disease is not contagious to people or other pets. Despite her medical challenges, S'mores is making progress.
"She is affectionate, is learning to play with toys and will be forever grateful if you adopt her," Wachter told Newsweek.
S'mores has also received a little help from the community. J.R. Dunn Jewelers, a local business that partners with the Humane Society, has covered her adoption fee as part of its "Diamond in the Ruff" program.
"This generous business has kindly paid the adoption fee for S'mores," Wachter said. "She deserves to sparkle in her new home."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [e-mail] with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.