Determined Cat Travels 12 Miles To Find Family That Left Him Behind, They Decide To Have It Euthanized

Luckily, not all people are so coldhearted. Now he has a loving home

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• August 12, 2023

Toby, a devoted feline, was overwhelmed with a sense of loss when his original family decided to give him up. Placed in a new home, Toby felt disoriented and missed the familiar faces of his previous life.

Unwilling to accept this new reality and driven by an unyielding spirit, Toby decided to undertake a remarkable journey. He trekked 12 miles, navigating various terrains and obstacles, all to return to the family he loved and missed.

But the reunion he had imagined in his mind was not to be. Instead of welcoming him back with warmth and affection, his former family's response was heart-wrenchingly cold.

They decided that euthanasia was the best option for Toby, a decision that starkly contrasted with the unwavering loyalty Toby had shown them.

“They took him to shelter to euthanize him,” Tara Lynn from SPCA of Wake County, explained. “It was so heartbreaking to know he made it all the way back to his family, and that was their response.”

When faced with Toby's plight, the local shelter chose compassion over a tragic end and refused to euthanize the loyal feline. Recognizing the urgency, they connected with the SPCA to provide Toby with a fighting chance.

At the SPCA, Toby received the medical care he desperately needed. As Lynn from the SPCA explained, Toby had to deal with challenges like the feline immunodeficiency virus and an upper respiratory infection. Yet, as he recovered, his true character shone through.

Toby, despite his harrowing experiences, proved to be a bundle of love, quickly winning over the hearts of the SPCA staff with his amiable and endearing nature. Read his story:

Placed in a new home, Toby felt disoriented and missed the familiar faces of his previous life. He trekked 12 miles to return home

However, his former family wasn't happy to see him. They decided to euthanize him. Luckily, people at SPCA of Wake County had a different vision for him

Once the rescue shared Toby's story on their social media platforms, there was a surge of responses. Among the many interested callers was Michele Puckett from Raleigh, North Carolina. Without hesitation, she rushed to the shelter, eager to meet the famous feline.

As Lynn shared, Michele's commitment to Toby was evident from the start. She even left her workplace just to get a chance to meet him, and their connection was immediate.

Once the rescue shared Toby's story on their social media platforms, there was a surge of responses. Among the many interested callers was Michele Puckett

“He is just so sweet, cuddly and loving,” Michele said. “He’s also pretty much taken over our bed, as if he’s lived here forever. He loves to relax under our pillows.”

Toby now has a loving home

Watch the video here:

Watching Toby thrive in her household, Michelle can't help but think about the grim future he once faced with his former owners. The lack of compassion shown to Toby still astonishes her, and she's incredibly thankful he was saved.

Lynn echoes these feelings, hoping Toby’s journey will inspire others to look towards rescues. By doing so, many more pets could get their much-deserved second chance, just as Toby did.

“There are so many pets who are easily discarded by their families,” Lynn said. “I really hope he inspires other people to go out and adopt!”

Damjan