A big-hearted tripod cat arrived as a stray, determined to steal every heart until her wish came true.
Delilah (aka Avni)Ellen Richter
Earlier this month, a three-legged stray cat was brought to an animal shelter, her future uncertain. When rescuers at Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions heard about her plight, they rushed to save her.
Though missing a leg and just skin and bones, Delilah the cat was grateful to be indoors, purring and kneading her blanket nonstop. Whenever someone approached her kennel, she rose up on her three paws to greet them.
"She's incredibly affectionate and loving. She loves giving kisses and head butts," Ellen Richter, a foster volunteer, shared.
She was found as a stray, hopping around with three legsEllen Richter
Delilah quickly captivated everyone's heart with her remarkable resilience. Though life had dealt her a tough hand, she never stopped loving or wanting to be loved.
She lost her front leg while braving the outdoors and fending for herself against other animals. "How she survived on the streets, we will never know. The wound was full of debris and healing, so she had been living like this for some time."
Ellen Richter
With the support of Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions, Delilah received the much-needed surgery. Shortly after waking up, she got back to making biscuits, chirping happily, and reaching out to her foster mom, Ellen, for snuggles.
She nudged Ellen for attention, melting into her hand the moment she was petted. She would pause eating to snuggle with her foster mom and insist that Ellen stay close while she ate.
Ellen Richter
Delilah was curious and determined. She managed to push past the panels overnight and roamed the entire room.
She greeted her foster mom by rubbing against her legs, then flopped onto her blanket, flaunting her belly. She donned a recovery suit that protected her scar as she healed, not minding it at all and sporting a different color every day.
Ellen Richter
At the end of each day, Delilah got to take off her suit for a satisfying grooming session, with Ellen supervising to keep her safe. "The suit goes back on, but I can tell she really enjoys that short time."
In just a few days, Delilah gained a pound and was finally filling out.
Ellen Richter
Ellen expanded the space for Delilah and added more yoga mats so she could explore comfortably. "She jumped over my legs in one swoop while I was sitting down. She landed perfectly. She is all about snuggles and cuddles. Head butts are her favorite."
Delilah embodies the spirit of a happy couch potato—she's laid back, mellow, and absolutely adores being cradled like a baby.
Ellen Richter
"Little does she realize her life is about to get so much better."
After her staples were removed, she hopped around with delight, ready for her next chapter: her forever home. Then, the perfect match came along. "They've been following her right from the start and knew she'd be the perfect addition to their family."
Ellen Richter
Delilah went to the adoption center to meet her adopter. Though she was initially nervous because of the noises, she soon found comfort with her new mom and even fell asleep on her lap.
That day, her wish came true as she embarked on a new journey with the family of her dreams.
Ellen Richter
"She will have an older cat to keep her company as well as two older dogs, two adults, and a young human to spoil her. Her new name is Avni."
Avni survived the unthinkable and was rescued by the compassionate volunteers at Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions. "She thrived in the two weeks I fostered her. She'll now live the best life ever, full of love and happiness."
Ellen Richter
Share this story with your friends. More of Ellen's fosters on Instagram@foster_kitten_tails and Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions @homewardboundcats.
Related story: They Thought They Would Adopt a Cat and One of Her Kittens But Walked Out with Sweetest Outcome Possible