One of the biggest challenges for animal shelters is finding perfect forever homes for all their pets, even the ones that might be considered less adoptable.
It can especially be hard to find homes for older animals, who are frequently passed over by adopters in favor of younger pets, but still need a loving home to spend their twilight years in.
But recently, one senior cat found a perfect match after being adopted from the shelter by a kindred spirit.
In September, a 19-year-old cat named Gus was surrendered to the Humane Society of Catawba County in North Carolina. According to Newsweek, Gus’ former owner was “heartbroken” but could not care for him anymore due to work commitments.
Gus was suddenly in the difficult situation of being the oldest cat in the shelter, and having to find a new home at such an old age — in human years, he would be 133-years-old, according to the shelter.
Thankfully the HSCC is a no-kill shelter, and despite the difficult odds tried to find Gus a new home.
“We took Gus in and proceeded to do a health check and found that for 19 years young, Gus was in exceptional health,” HSCC executive director Jane Bower told Newsweek. “Obviously we would take good care of Gus, but living in a shelter is not ideal, especially at his age.”
Thankfully, it wasn’t long before Gus found a perfect home — with a fellow senior citizen.
A 101-year-old woman named Rose recently lost her cat, and her family visited the shelter hoping to adopt a new companion for her, asking for a senior cat.
Bower said that while they were “cautious because of the age of all parties,” Rose’s family assured them that they would be caring for Gus.
She told Newsweek that the adoption was “match made in heaven,” and that Gus has adjusted well to his new home.
“Congratulations Gus-Gus!” the shelter wrote announcing the good news on Facebook. “Wishing you the best days ahead watching squirrels and sharing your love and purrs!”
Older animals are often passed over by adopters, but they need love as much as any other pet.
“Gus’ age was exceptional but we do regularly see older pets,” Bower told Newsweek. “We still advocate for these animals and work to find them a new home, regardless of their age.”
We’re so glad Gus and Rose have each other — it’s truly a perfect match.
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