Do you believe in love at first sight? I do. That’s how I ended up adopting my cat, Penguin.
I had been looking to adopt a cat for several months, but wasn’t having any luck. I thought I had found one on a local shelter’s website, but when I called about him, that cat had been adopted. I was devastated but not deterred.
"Now a better cat must be meant for you,” my mom told me at the time.
Four months passed by. I was perusing the website of the Humane Society of Westchester in New Rochelle, New York, when I finally found him—the one who would become my cat. He had big, green eyes and unique markings on his chin that made him look like he was wearing a big smile. But what really drew me in to this 8-month-old kitty was that he was looking right up at the camera in a happy and friendly way. I couldn’t wait to meet him.
Unfortunately, my hectic schedule had different plans, and it took a few weeks before I could make it into the shelter to actually see his adorable, furry face in person. Every time I refreshed the shelter’s website, I held my breath, hoping that Penguin’s photo would still be there. Finally, on Dec. 13, 2013, the day had come. Before I left for work that morning, I told my mom that I was going to the shelter later to adopt Penguin.
“Abby, please don’t pick out a cat you only saw in a photo!” Mom pleaded with me.
I promised to be open minded, but my heart had other plans.
At the shelter, I was directed to the Adult Cat Room, where there were about 20 cats sleeping, grooming themselves and having a cozy end to the day. Out of the corner of my eye, there was a black-and-white flash coming straight toward me. It was Penguin, racing at top speed! He stopped right in front of me and started playing with the strings of my windbreaker. I was stunned and instantly charmed. I had been staring at his photo for three weeks, dreaming of the day we would meet. And here was, right in front of me, staring up with those big, green eyes—and he had found me!
As other people came and went into the room, Penguin stayed by my side, as if we were already a pair. I opened the door and called out to the man sitting at the desk, “I’d like to adopt Penguin.”
From that day on, Penguin and I were inseparable. I’m so grateful I happened across that photo. And I’ll be forever lucky that Penguin chose me too.
Read more:
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5 Amazing Ways Pets Have Been Pitching In During the Pandemic
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