A cat from Raleigh, North Carolina became a local celebrity and the face of a campaign for the 2018 Dog Walk charity event after he walked 12 miles to be with his family, only to face rejection – twice! The story then propelled the cat to feline stardom!
The seven-year-old red cat named Toby was rejected by his human family, who had given him up to another home. Toby missed his original home so much he made a dangerous trek to find his family again, covering 12 miles to his old neighborhood.
Despite that impressive display of loyalty, the family decided to take him to the animal shelter, where they asked for him to be euthanized.
He apparently wasn’t getting along with their other cats and had arrived at their home as a stray. But why would they want to euthanize him?
Fortunately, the animal shelter contacted the SPCA of Wake County, who rescued the cat, offering him another chance at life.
The cat’s story made him locally famous, and he became the face of the 2018 Walk & Woofstock.
“If he is willing to walk 12 miles to save his life, will you walk one?” said the ad.
When Toby's family no longer wanted him, they gave him to another family. But Toby missed them, and walked 12 miles back…
Posted by SPCA of Wake County on Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Toby the cat probably isn’t the face one would expect for a dog walk, but it actually is meant to help all the animals at the SPCA.
“Even though it is a dog walk, you’re still helping all of the animals in our care,” said the SPCA spokesperson.
After an adjustment period at the SPCA, Toby became a favorite with volunteers, and soon had a new home lined up.
As it turns out, miles away, famous radio host Howard Stern’s wife, Beth posted about Toby on Instagram, which would lead to finding Toby’s new mom, Michele in North Carolina.
Today, Toby shares a home with two “feline siblings and two human siblings.”
“It took a few weeks of waiting, but he was adopted Friday the 13th in April!”
Toby’s story has officially gone super-viral, appearing in publications like the Huffington Post, People magazine, and even being featured on the Today show. His story has traveled around the globe, reaching New Zealand, Italy, Canada, and South America.
Friends! WOW! Toby's story has been shared around the world! He was discarded by his first family and now truly has a…
Posted by SPCA of Wake County on Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Best of all, all of the positive attention for this kitty has resulted in more donations for the SPCA, so they can continue to rescue and care for other pets like Toby, who certainly deserve a loving home.
See more in the video below:
Featured image: Screenshot via Facebook