Every now and then, life presents us with unexpected moments that change our paths forever.
For Officer Timothy Rugg of the Harrisonburg Police Department in Virginia, one such moment came in the form of a tiny, scared kitten named Penny-Furthing.
Penny came into his life at a time when he least expected her, which seems to be the case with most people or animals that enter our lives at the “right” time.
On a regular day, three weeks ago, Officer Rugg was on duty when he received a distressing call.
The report was about a kitten that had been heartlessly thrown out of a car window.
Rushing to the scene, he found Penny-Furthing hiding beneath a couch, probably seeking some refuge from the traumatic experience.
Recalling the moment, Rugg shared with “Good Morning America,” “She was super scared but when I picked her up, she just climbed right up to my shoulder, started purring, and just wouldn’t let go.”
It was a connection that neither of them saw coming.
The bond between the officer and the kitten was immediate and profound.
Rugg felt it deep within, “I knew ‘instantly’ that Penny and I were destined to be together forever,” he fondly remembered.
Concerned about Penny-Furthing’s health after such a traumatic event, Rugg decided to take her to the Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA.
The shelter, despite being at full capacity, didn’t turn them away.
They examined the 3-month-old kitten and found she was suffering from pink eye.
With proper care and medication, she began to recover.
Rugg’s attachment grew, “I asked them right away if I could take her home. They mentioned the foster process, and I was all in.”
The universe seemed to be in favor of this newfound bond.
On the very day Rugg decided to foster Penny, it was also his wife’s birthday.
Bringing her home was an unexpected but delightful gift. “That was an interesting surprise for her,” Rugg said with a twinkle in his eye.
Naming their new family member was an adventure in itself.
While “Charlie” was a top contender, “Penny-Furthing” won their hearts, a whimsical nod to “penny farthing” and “fur thing.”
As days turned into weeks, Penny-Furthing’s personality began to shine.
She was inquisitive, often found exploring corners of the house or comfortably resting on Rugg’s shoulder.
The initial three-week foster trial flew by, and the decision was clear.
The Rugg family was ready to make Penny-Furthing a permanent member.
From a once timid and reserved kitten, she blossomed into a spirited and affectionate pet, always eager for a cuddle session or a playful water fight.
The community and the RHSPCA were touched by this heartwarming story.
Huck Nawaz, the executive director of the RHSPCA, expressed his sentiments, “It’s heartbreaking to think of Penny’s ordeal. But thanks to Ofc. Rugg, she found a loving home. This is one ‘failed foster’ story that brings us immense joy.”
For Rugg, Penny-Furthing is more than just a pet; she’s a beacon of hope and resilience.
He passionately advocates for animal adoption and fostering, “It’s a simple process with profound impacts. The beauty of fostering is that it lets you understand your bond with the animal. It’s about making informed choices and giving animals like Penny a second chance at love.”
Watch the beautiful bond Rugg and Penny share in the video below.
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