WILLIAMS TWP., Pa. — Learning to trust together.
One of the most amazing things about shelter animals is their resilience. Most have been let down by the humans that were supposed to love and care for them forever. Yet when given the chance, they find a way to love and to trust again. Sometimes, they teach us how to do the same.
That was the case for Kairo and her adopter Madison. Kairo arrived at The Center for Animal Health & Welfare in August 2021. Two years later, she was still there, having spent over half her life as a shelter cat waiting for someone to choose her.
The day before her 2-year anniversary at the shelter, a staff member found Kairo stretched out on the "catio." She laid there as if she had given up, almost as if she had resigned herself to life as a shelter cat. That moment was captured in a photo that would change her life - and Madison’s.
A friend of Madison saw that photo of Kairo on a social media post and thought the two would be a great match. Madison said she fell in love with Kairo before even meeting her, after just reading her story about being in the shelter for way too long. She could tell she was a special girl and deserved a loving home.
Madison’s two beloved elderly cats passed away earlier in 2023 and she wasn't sure if she was ready for another cat. After reading her story and seeing Kairo’s pouty sassy face, she knew she had to come home with her.
Madison met and adopted Kairo soon after that. Kairo quickly settled into her new home, opening up to her new mom, even sleeping under the covers with her.
While learning to love and trust again, Kairo taught Madison to do the same.
“I had a very challenging 2023 and seeing Kairo open up and trust me, despite all the adversity she's faced in her life, has allowed me to open up and trust others again too. Her resilience and strength constantly motivate me to navigate life's challenges with grace,” Madison said.
After opening up her heart to Kairo, Madison decided to add another member to the family. She was looking for a companion for Kairo when she came across a kitten at the shelter named Mustard. She was drawn to his sweet demeanor and his name.
One of Madison’s cats that passed away was named Tony Dijon and he was one of the friendliest orange tabbies to ever exist. When Madison saw Mustard, a little endearing orange tabby kitten, she knew it was meant to be, and a beautiful way to honor her sweet Tony Dijon.
Mustard joined the family in October. While there have been the expected challenges and growing pains, Kairo and Mustard have adapted to living together very well.
“They keep each other on their toes and comfort one another. They may be very different, but they provide balance in our home,” Madison said.
Madison and Kairo’s story is a great reminder that when you open up your heart to a shelter animal, you aren’t just changing their life. You’re changing yours too.