In Raleigh, North Carolina, a tenacious cat named Toby wanted to return home after his owners abandoned him. So he made a long journey back home but got rejected again. Then, at last, the feline found a caring owner thanks to a shelter.
The cat’s family had relocated their pet Toby into a new home meaning that he had to leave his familiar surroundings.
Despite the new family’s willingness to have him, Toby didn’t feel at ease in his new quarters and longed for his previous home. Therefore, Toby chose to flee to return to his original family.
As the cat’s previous residence wasn’t next door, the brave feline had to walk twelve miles to reach his destination. Unfortunately, when he finally arrived, Toby didn’t get the warm welcome he expected.
A shocking decision
Toby’s previous owners were less than thrilled by the cat’s return, so they opted for a drastic measure to get rid of him once and for all. The original owners asked a local shelter to euthanize their former pet.
Tara Lynn a Wake County animal shelter communications director, told The Dodo:
“They took him to a shelter and asked them to euthanize him. It was just so heartbreaking to know he made it all the way back to his family, and that was their response.”
Fortunately for Toby, the shelter didn’t comply with the cruel demand. Instead, they contacted the SPCA. As soon as Toby arrived at the SPCA, the caretakers submitted him for medical exams.
According to the Dodo, the cat was diagnosed with feline immunodeficiency virus and had an upper respiratory infection. Tara Lynn explained:
“We got him treated for the infection. It took some time for us to get rid of the virus.”
Toby rapidly formed strong bonds with the shelter’s workers even though he no longer had a family. The caregivers noticed he had a kind disposition and was easy to get along with.
Toby finds his new home
To help the cat find a caring owner, SPCA posted messages on Facebook recounting Toby’s distressing story. The strategy worked.
Rescuers received an avalanche of phone calls after posting updates on Toby’s progress, the feline’s resilience touched people.
Michele Puckett, a construction worker, decided to visit the shelter and meet the moggy. As a result, she fell in love with the ginger-and-white pussy cat.
Shortly after, Michele adopted Toby, and the cat moved into his new home. Nowadays, Toby receives plenty of affection and has two new human and cat siblings to play with.
Sometimes, Michele ponders on Toby’s complicated past, she doesn’t understand how the cat’s previous owners could suggest euthanasia.
She hopes Toby’s tale will inspire others who have faced difficult situations and that they, too, will find their second chance.