In February, the family of this cat named Toby took him to a new home. He had no idea why he was being forced to leave his family, but he missed them too much. So Toby decided to run away, and after walking 12 miles back to his old family’s home, and arriving at his doorstep, instead of being welcomed, he was met with the saddest response.
Tara Lynn, communications director for the Wake County SPCA, 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.”
The shelter refused to euthanize Toby, and instead contacted the SPCA, who received him immediately. The SPCA began providing him with the medical care he needed to prepare him to find a new home.
Cat walks 12 miles to reunite with the family who abandoned him
Tara said:
“He tested positive for feline immunodeficiency virus, and he also had an upper respiratory infection. We treated him for the infection, which took a while.”
While he no longer had his family, Toby quickly warmed up with the shelter staff.
Tara said:
“He was very kind. Only your sweet and typical cat: they want to receive love and love you.”
Once the rescue group posted on social media about Toby, the calls came through. Michele Puckett, from Raleigh, North Carolina, rushed to the shelter to meet him, and the rest is history.
Tara said:
“She did not hesitate at all. She was on a job site and just dropped everything to come here.”
Thankfully Toby was officially adopted last Friday, and it hasn’t taken him long to settle directly with the family. In addition to two new siblings to play with, Toby has two new human siblings.
Michele said:
“He is so sweet, tender and affectionate. He has also been taken by our bed, as if he had lived here forever. He loves to relax and lie under our pillows.”
Seeing how comfortable Toby is with his family, Michele can’t help but think of the sad fate his former owners had chosen for him.
Michele said:
“It’s really hard to understand how someone could have left him to be killed like they did. He is shocking, but we are so grateful that he was saved.”
Tara feels the same way, and she hopes Toby’s story helps make a difference for other pets and that they can find a second chance through rescue groups, just like him.
Tara said:
“There are tons of pets that are easily discarded by their families or by a breeder. I really hope it inspires other people to go out and adopt.”
More information / Images: SPCA of Wake County
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