While his first home ended in heartbreak, one Wake County cat as a new home and a new family.
It’s the story of Toby the cat and the power of social media.
“He had like 400 (followers) and now he he’s got 5,000,” Tara Lynn with the SPCA of Wake County said.
Toby already has his own Instagram account and has attracted an international following. A long was for a cat that just a few days ago no one wanted. (And Toby has more than 9,500 followers now.)
“People were just so captivated by his image and the few words that explained his story,” Lynn said.
It goes back to February.
Lynn said Toby’s former family didn’t want him anymore and gave him away.
Toby wasn’t having it.
He somehow managed to walk 12 miles back to his old home.
That determination and loyalty didn’t get him very far.
“This family went to the shelter and said ‘will you euthanize him’ versus ‘will you give him another chance’ or ‘find him another home.’ I think that’s what really struck a chord with so many people,” Lynn said.
Fortunately for Toby, the Wake County Animal Shelter asked the SPCA to take him in. Lynn said he has a cold, consistent with him being outside for a prolonged period.
Lynn created a Facebook post, which made the rounds on social media.
She said Howard Stern’s wife shared it on Instagram.
Toby’s new family saw it and decided they needed to adopt the 7 year old cat.
“She has two children and two other cats as I said, she’s kind of a bit overwhelmed with this instant celebrity of her cat.” “She says he acts like he was always meant to be there and has always lived there,” Lynn said.
Toby’s new family is already paying it forward.
They’ve started a special team for the SPCA’s Dog Walk and Woofstock in May.
Their hope is that Toby’s story will inspire others to adopt or donate.
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