In a scene straight out of a movie, two dogs and a cat were found roaming the streets together one night in chilly Williamstown, Vermont, according to news.
The unique grouping had clearly not been adequately cared for in quite some time and was brought to the Central Vermont Humane Society to receive treatment and recover.
“Are you one of the many people who loved the movie Homeward Bound (original or remake)?” the shelter wrote in a Facebook post. “Meet our happy little trio who remind us of that story of endurance and commitment to friends.”
At the shelter, the two dogs — River and Rain — were brought to the dog area, and the cat — Reed — was brought to the cat area. River and Rain promptly opened up in their new environment, but Reed was uninterested in engaging with the staff or the other felines.
That all changed, however, when the dogs were taken to Reed’s room for a reunion. For Reed, it was like a switch flipped, and they all greeted each other with “head bonks, muzzle rubs, purrs, and cuddling.”
“Cats are very selective with who they bond with,” Animal Behaviorist Alana Stevenson said. “If a cat is close to anyone, whether it’s a human, a cat or another animal, it’s because they feel safe and like the individual. It is a voluntary choice, not an innate need.”
Knowing how close they were, shelter staff hoped to find them a home where all three animals could stay together. Fortunately, within a month of being rescued, a couple met them and decided to try a foster-to-adopt trial.
This inseparable trio’s journey from the cold streets of Vermont to the warmth of a safe and loving home is a touching reminder of the bonds animals form and the importance of keeping those bonds intact.
