Cat Walks 12 Miles Back To Original Owners, Only To Be Given Up Again
Meet Toby.
Toby is the type of cat that would do anything to be with the ones he loves. And that’s exactly what he did: After his family of seven years gave him away, Toby walked 12 miles to be reunited with them.
The owners of the 7-year-old Maine Coon mix tried to place him in another household, but somehow Toby found his way outside. And then the determined feline made the 12-mile trek back to what he thought was his home and family.
But instead of being greeted with open arms, Toby was taken to a local shelter, where his previous owners requested that he be euthanized.
Not wanting to euthanize a healthy cat, the shelter contacted the SPCA of Wake County in Raleigh, North Carolina, asking if they could take Toby and find help get him adopted.
The SPCA took him immediately, touched by his story, and worked together to find him a forever home like they do with hundreds of other homeless cats and dogs.
“It’s a hard concept for me to understand: somebody asking that a pet be euthanized,” said Tara Lynn, ASPCA of Wake County’s communications manager.
It’s unclear why Toby’s original family requested he be put down instead of putting him up for adoption. Toby’s former family had noted that Toby had difficulties with their other cats. Toby also has FIV, feline immunodeficiency virus, which behaves similarly to HIV. FIV weakens a cat’s immune system and makes them more vulnerable to illnesses. But with proper medical treatment, FIV-positive cats can and do live out happy, healthy lives.
Lynn also told TODAY that Toby’s diagnosis of feline immunodeficiency virus might have influenced the family’s decision in requesting to have him euthanized.
After waiting 45 days in the SPCA shelter (where he received lots of cuddles and plenty of toys), Toby found the forever home he deserves.
Toby was adopted on Friday the 13th, which turned out to be his lucky day!
You can follow Toby's adventures with his new family on his Instagram!
Toby is living it up in the lap of luxury with his new mom and two new siblings, getting the love he truly deserves.
Thank God for people like you guys…. So happy to see Toby is in far better place !!!!
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