Dogs give us unconditional love and loyalty and ask for very little in return. They find joy in the simple things: being part of a loving family, having a permanent home, and celebrating special moments like birthdays with their loved ones.

This desire is more magnified in the hearts of shelter dogs, who never stop craving a real home until the universe finally hears their cries. One such shelter dog is Cash, a 39-pound Labrador Retriever Mix who has little to smile about even though he just turned one

Celebrating his first birthday inside the confines of a lonely kennel wasn’t part of Cash’s wishlist. Except, luck hasn’t knocked on his doors yet. Although Cash got to enjoy the yummiest, dog-safe Cookie for his birthday courtesy of the amazing staff at the Humane Society of Broward County, he still feels the only thing that would make his post-birthday festivities complete is going home with a forever family that will love him for who he is.

The Adoption Heartbreak

Unfortunately, Cash was returned to the shelter by his previous family, who couldn’t stand his chewing tendencies. It’s pretty normal for puppies the same age as Cash to chew up almost everything in sight, especially if they don’t receive enough physical and mental stimulation every day or get the proper training (positive reinforcement training) to curb their chewing behaviors.

As a playful, curious dog with boundless energy, Cash only needed a family that would understand his triggers for chewing and address them with patience. Nevertheless, the shelter is still optimistic that there’s someone out there for Cash; someone who will see his worth because he sure is a treasure just wanting to land into the arms of the right person.

@humanebroward Happy Birthday to me… 🥺 Sweet boy Cash is growing up in a shelter 💔 Instead of having a big party with a loving family, he turned 1-years-old in a lonely kennel 😔 Sadly, this pup was given up by his last family because they said he chewed too much. Well, this is something puppies need to do, especially if they have nowhere else to put their energy 😕 We love Cash very much and made sure to dress him up and give him a yummy DOG SAFE cookie to celebrate his big day (the only chocolate in this post is Cash!), but what he really wants for his birthday is a forever home 🙏 Will you help give Cash the best birthday gift possible by sharing his post? ❤️ Don’t let Cash spend another birthday in a shelter 🙏 Cash is a great pup who knows sit, walks well on leash, is affectionate, likes treats, plays with toys, comes when called, likes pets and attention. He is friendly, very active and playful. He’s best with older kids and other playful dogs ❤️ If you would like to meet Cash, please start by submitting an application online at www.humanebroward.com (link is in bio) and then come on in. We’re open 7 days a week. The Humane Society of Broward County is located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Adoptions open at 11am. Call 954-989-3977 ext. 6 with any questions ❤️ #rescuedog #shelterdog #adoptme #adoptdontshop #goodboy #fortlauderdale #florida #dogvideos #dogtok #labrador #lab #lablove #puppiesoftiktok #dogs #dogoftheday #dogsoftiktok #shepherdmix #fyp #labpuppy #foryou #foryoupage #retrieversoftiktok #dogshelter #animalshelter #chocolatelab #browndog #labradorretriever #puppy #shepherd #shepherdsoftiktok ♬ Happy Birthday (Sad Piano Version) – Myuu

Cash Needs a Loving Forever Home

Cash’s endearing personality has made him a favorite among shelter staff. He’s super friendly, familiar with basic obedience commands, brightens everyone’s day with his playful antics, and has great leash discipline.

If he’s not trying to suffocate you with affection, he’s either begging for treats or having fun with his toys. Cash would thrive best in an active household, where he’ll get to channel his puppy energy into productive activities. Have older kids and other playful dogs in your household? You, my friend, have the ideal home for Cash!

If you’d like to give adorable Cash the greatest post-birthday gift he so deserves — a permanent home — please reach out to the Humane Society of Broward County for details about his adoption process.