Most recently, a loving kitty named Toby made headlines around the world after encountering heartbreak. Luckily, his story started off sadly, it looks like Toby has gotten a happy ending after all!
Toby is a sweet, 7-year-old ginger kitty who spent most of his life living in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Toby, like most cats, was in love with his humans and family, and there was nowhere else he’d rather be. Unfortunately, his family felt a bit differently and opted to give him away, placing Toby in a brand-new home.
The new family loved little Toby— but the poor cat was totally confused. He didn’t understand why his family had abandoned him and knew he had to find his way back.
That’s when Toby embarked on a 12-mile-long trip back to his old home. Sadly, his old owners were not happy to see him.
Toby’s family was frustrated that their cat had found their way back. This time, to make sure he stayed away for good, they dropped him off at a shelter and asked to have him euthanized.
The shelter was surprised by the family’s request. Not seeing a real reason to put down the cat, they asked if the Wake County SPCA would take him— and the SPCA just couldn’t say no. Once they had gotten the ginger kitty, they took to social media to share his story with the world.
“When Toby’s family no longer wanted him, they gave him to another family,” the post read.
“But Toby missed them and walked 12 miles back to his home.”
“When he arrived, he was met with heartbreak. The family he thought had loved him took him to a shelter and asked staff to euthanize him.”
When people read Toby’s story, they were shocked by his family’s cruelty. The old owners’ actions sparked disbelief and anger in animal lovers everywhere— and as more people shared Toby’s heartbreaking tale, the loving kitty ultimately went viral.
Tara Lynn, communications manager at the Wake County SPCA, told PEOPLE, “This has been crazy! He’s gotten so much attention, but it’s certainly very, very cool.”
While Toby was in care, shelter staff realized he was positive for the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). They wondered if his condition was the reason behind his family giving up.
“It’s cool though,” another employee said. “People were interested in him despite his FIV.”
Now, thanks to the Wake County SPCA, Toby has been adopted into the type of home he deserves.
The ginger kitty now lives with his mom Michelle, his new human siblings, and a few kitty siblings, as well. By all accounts, he seems to be settling in, and Tara Lynn told PEOPLE, he “clicked with his new family, as if he’s always been there.”
Hear Toby’s story below!
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