This is a story about Amabella, a lovely 8-year-old tuxedo cat from Broward County, Florida.
This sweet feline once enjoyed a wonderful life with her beloved owner, but their circumstances changed dramatically when he became unhoused.
For a short while, she lived with him in his truck, sharing all the inconveniences of a cramped life with content purrs, simply grateful to be with her forever human.
However, recognizing that such a life wasn’t ideal for his cherished companion, her owner knew Amabella deserved a better life.
With a heavy heart, he surrendered her to the Humane Society of Broward County, hoping she would soon find a more suitable forever home.
Little did he know, this decision would turn her world upside down…
Poor Amabella couldn’t understand where her beloved human had gone or why she was left alone in the unfamiliar surroundings of the shelter.
As days passed, she became increasingly despondent, each silent breath in the corner of her kennel filled with longing for her owner.
Despite their best efforts, the shelter staff simply couldn’t cheer Amabella up.
Watching her heart break a little more each day broke theirs, too; they knew they had to do something before she completely gave in to depression.
Susan Leonti, digital marketing specialist at the Humane Society of Broward County, commented on the situation in an interview, saying:
“We noticed that Amabella was starting to shut down and become withdrawn about two weeks after arriving at our shelter. We immediately made signage for visitors to see her story.”
Determined to find a loving home for Amabella, their saddest feline resident, the shelter staff pinned a heartbreaking note to her kennel and shared her story through a video on their official Facebook page.
They hoped to touch the heart of someone who could provide the love and care she deserved.
The note on Amabella’s kennel read:
“I don’t know if I can take anymore. My dad lost his home and I moved into a truck with him. After awhile he thought it would be better for me if I found a new home. I miss him. We slept together under his blanket and I miss his love. Now I’ve been alone in this cage just waiting for someone to choose me. I heard today a volunteer say that ‘I’m shutting down.’ If that means my heart is sad, she’s right. I really need a new best friend and to be loved again. Pick me?”
The Humane Society of Broward County described Amabella in the video description as a wonderful feline who loves children and gets along with dogs, too.
Having only known love, the shelter life was beginning to take a toll on her mental health.
They hoped someone would see the video and provide her with the loving home she deserves, noting that a generous donor had already sponsored her adoption fee.
The Internet immediately fell head over heels for Amabella. Just hours after the video was posted, lovely Amabella got adopted. What a true feline miracle!
Susan Leonti, recounting the whole experience, shared:
“After we posted Amabella’s video, there was an instant outpouring of care and concern for Amabella. We had interested adopters message us about her from around the world. It didn’t take long for Amabella to be adopted. In fact, we posted her video at 5 p.m. on a Thursday evening, and her new family was the first to arrive at our shelter the next morning.”
I’m thrilled that Amabella found happiness after enduring so much hardship. This lovely girl now has the purrfect family to care for her and has even gained a human sister.
Perhaps her first owner was right in thinking that surrendering Amabella was the best thing for her. Now, she has a family who cherishes her as much as he did.
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