A shelter cat reached for a woman who was there to drop off a few things. As it turned out, it was meant to be.
Dobby aka LennyExploitsValleySPCA
Dobby, a striking foster cat with round cheeks and soulful eyes, was known for his incredibly affectionate nature.
Hoping to boost his chances of finding a forever home, he was brought to the Exploits Valley SPCA late last month. "He's the most lovable cat," the SPCA shared. "(His foster mom said) he would be so sad in the shelter without someone to cuddle him constantly."
He was a total "ten out of ten." The only thing he was missing was a family of his own.
ExploitsValleySPCA
The next day, Dobby met a woman at the shelter who hadn't come to adopt, but her visit turned out to be something special.
Sandra had recently said goodbye to Lucy, her beloved cat of 15 years. Heartbroken but wanting to do something meaningful, she stopped by the shelter to donate some of Lucy's things. While there, she found herself wandering into the cat rooms. "It was quite a spontaneous thing," Sandra recalled.
ExploitsValleySPCA
As she stepped into the last room, she noticed a mackerel tabby with enormous eyes and adorably chubby cheeks gazing up at her. "(His) sweetest, expressive little face just seemed to speak to me."
That cat was Dobby. He rubbed his face against the cage, trying to get her attention. "Something told me to pick him up."
ExploitsValleySPCA
The moment he was in her arms, he melted, resting his head on her shoulder as if he'd known her forever.
But it was near closing time, and Sandra had to say goodbye. After leaving the shelter, she couldn't stop thinking about Dobby. "Fast forward 48 hours, and he's in my car, coming for a 'trial' on the weekend."
ExploitsValleySPCA
"I wasn't looking to replace Lucy, but just trying to find a way to fill a little bit of the quiet space she left behind, and this little sweetheart needed a home. I knew I had lots of love left to give him."
From the second Dobby walked through the door, he made himself right at home. "Within 15 minutes, he was lying on the couch like he'd been here forever."
He is quite the biscuit makerExploitsValleySPCA
He explored every inch of his new abode and made biscuits on soft blankets and pillows like a seasoned baker. That night, he followed Sandra to bed and curled up nearby as if it had always been part of his routine.
"I've gotten more head bops than I can count. He's played hard all weekend."
He follows his mom everywhereExploitsValleySPCA
With an abundance of food and an assortment of new toys, Dobby was in heaven. But more than anything, he was completely smitten with Sandra, snuggling up to her every chance he got.
"He loved everyone he met over the weekend. He really is just a little lover. In a nutshell, he's perfect."
Dobby, now Lenny, has found his forever homeExploitsValleySPCA
Now renamed Lenny, he's living the dream, following his mom from room to room and showering her with affection. "This new little one isn't a replacement," Sandra said. "He's a continuation of the love I had for Lucy and Leroy (Sandra's other late cat)."
"That sweet, gentle soul with the big, curious eyes and a soft purr that somehow felt familiar is now home to stay."
ExploitsValleySPCA
Share this story with your friends. More cats like Dobby (aka Lenny) at Exploits Valley SPCA on Facebook and their YouTube Channel @BirdieWorld382.
Related story: Cat Puts His Arms Around Everyone at Animal Shelter Until He Finds a Family of His Own